Adventurers are living in a time when satiating our deepest sense of wanderlust is no longer a luxury reserved for the rich and famous. With frequent flier programs, “travel hacks” and cheap accommodations marketed specifically toward explorers of the world, we are increasingly able to book vacations in the most exotic locations without having to break the bank. And let me tell you, it’s a great feeling to book an adventure of a lifetime on a dime!

Yet, while I traipsed through the wild jungles and gritty city streets of Thailand, pleased with my penny-pinching plans and ready to see the best of the “land of smiles,” there were moments filled with incredible wonder and splendor followed by an intense feeling of guilt and privilege (a strange and new emotion for me).