There is absolutely no way that you can experience the world on a flatscreen. Sorry.
I've been in every state conus, Canada, Mexico, etc by car and bike. 45 of those states by bike. No airplanes required. All it takes is the willingness to get off your behind, and get moving.
There is no way to describe biking across Beartooth pass, crossing the Arizona desert by night, riding to Key West, Devils Tower, the Grand Canyon, etc. Yes, you won't see Europe, Asia, etc without an airplane, but there's an awful lot to see here in North America.
Seriously, get to it. No one is guaranteed tomorrow.
cuznjohn, I'm not picking on you specifically, just adding an opinion. I have friends who say the same thing. I have one friend who has never been more than 100 miles from where he was raised. Sad. Just sad. I keep telling him about the wonderful things to experience in this world, and all he tells me is "that's too far" or "it takes too much time". But, he can manage to get 2 weeks to go to the same flipping beach every year since I've known him. He has to know every grain of sand by name by now.
Okay, tirade over. Again cuznjohn, not directed at you, this thread just hit a sore nerve with me.
rant/
Jim