Even though I’m not traveling full time, but rather taking longer trips when I can, I resonated so much with what you said: comfortable can become boring so fast. The majority of people around me are in search of comfort, building huge houses and trying to accumulate, but seeing other people give up on these and start traveling is amazing. Great job!
Thank you for sharing! We are getting ready to take this leap and both are in our late 40’s. We are calling it a midlife gap year. Society was not set up to live a life in this way without judgement. It’s been interesting telling others and hearing their reactions. Thankfully, we both are set in this adventure no matter what anyone might think.
This is an interesting read Jeremie. And I can relate to your comments about not missing people. Even though people do think I'm an extrovert - and I can be - I do love my own company.
I’m 4 months into a similar trip and yesterday I had a meltdown. Because you’re right in that ‘you take yourself wherever you go’. I’m at that point where I’m far enough away from everything that was ‘wrong’ with my life to now see what is left. And it’s not easy tackling that, or even knowing where to start!
Thank you - appreciate that! I think I had a bit of a breakthrough this morning (much better than breaking down!) and so I've started putting it into words. I need to sit on it for a few days though before I publish but sometimes you just have to break things before you can rebuild fully.
Thank you for sharing, it deeply resonated with me that you can’t escape grief with travel. Grief isn’t something you overcome. It’s something you learn how to live with.
And for me, travel and creation became the way I learned how to live alongside it.
I agree with you… I don’t think we can fully “get over it” or “move on” from. It just gets easier as time goes on… it hurts less… but it’s still very present.
Something I've learned to embrace during traveling, which you hit on, is the never-ending cycle of planning and figuring out. It's something I enjoy, but it can get a little overwhelming. What's the currency here? How do I buy a train ticket? Where am I staying on Tuesday? I lost my charger cord, where do I get a new one? Haven't found a great hack to avoid all of this, so I see it as part fo the adventure.
Like you, this is something I somehow enjoy a bit… so it’s not as annoying as it could be.
“I've learned to embrace” > This is the key here, learning to embrace things we might not enjoy at first glance. It’s what makes the experience more enjoyable on the long run.
Excellent summary of your past four years and its great that you shared the reality of what travel can and cannot do. I've been living full-time in Bali for 8 years so I can relate for sure. We tend to grow in unexpected ways and that's part of the real beauty of putting yourself out in the world. Enjoy the settled life!
Loved this read. I can resonate with many of your points, as I currently travel full time in my bus in the United States. I feel the same sort of freedom from this lifestyle. I can imagine that the decision fatigue and mental weight of constant planning is challenging. That’s my biggest mental hurdle at times within my daily life so - respect - that sounds truly next level. I’d love to eventually branch out into traveling more countries. Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing your reflections.
Hi Maddie! Wow traveling in the US in a bus sounds so cool as well to be fair 🤩
What motivated you to embrace this lifestyle?
About the decision fatigue and mental weight… as it is for sure real, I’d say that I’d rather worry about that than about “regular life” problems I had in my past life to be honest.
Lots of things, but mostly the freedom and flexibility to follow the flow of my intuition and where I felt called to travel. Yes! I agree, I’d definitely take the decision fatigue over the ‘regular life’ issues any day.
As a nomad for nine years, someone used to and comfortable with it just being me and my husband -- but not anti-social! -- your journey very much resembles mind. And you're in Bangkok, probably my favorite city in the world!
Great summary of your past 4 years. I'm coming up on 4 years of full-time travel myself. I can relate to much of what you say. I'm an introvert so I've always felt quite comfortable on my own and can handle being by myself. That became even clearer once I started traveling this way. I am perfectly suited for this type of lifestyle. But it's a constant learning ptocess. Looking back I've grown so much in so many ways, and it's been wonderful to experience that change. I totally understand about India. Amazing place but the chaos and lack of personal space grated on me after awhile, too. Best of everything in your next chapter!
Awesome to read about someone else who is trying to define freedom. I've travelled a ton and it's still my definition of freedom. Great point on it being a mindset, I haven't thought of that. Definitely something I need to try and shift my thinking to.
This is (strangely) something that I’ve thought about a lot… I noticed when talking to people that many say “I want more freedom”… but then they cannot articulate what would that look like, what they mean by having more freedom. “More time to do what I want”… yes, which is what?
Having clarity around what freedom means to us is what can lead to the first step.
Love this! My partner and I have been travelling and nomadic for 8 years and I definitely agree with all you have said here. While our journey is still not quite finished, we have committed to being in one place in Canada this summer for six months. It may be the start of some sort of home base.
We will see what unfolds.
Your stories of India remind me of how we felt in Egypt. It’s because of that crazy experience that we are hesitant to visit India.
We were so annoyed we left before even seeing the pyramids. Haha.
In 2023 I came back to some very weak and frail parents. I vowed I would stick around mostly until they felt better. Thankfully they are at that point now. But last year we committed to working at a farm nearby so I could be close to them. After this summer we will see what happens. We really want to head south again in the fall.
Aging parents or missing family events are one of the most difficult parts of choosing this lifestyle. We had to deal with such situations as well, and it’s a mind f*ck…
Living your own life and being where you want vs being where you don’t want to be but close to people you love. Tough one.
Hi Jill! Oh that’s interesting. What motivated this change, the 6 months “stability”, if you don’t mind me asking?
Thank you for sharing about Egypt. I have heard some stories as well, especially from women. It’s still a place on my bucket list… I want to at least see the Pyramids!
Fantastic reflection! I did a slow version of this in my late 20s, living in a few different countries for a year or two at a time teaching, and travelling to nearby spots too. Absolutely changed my entire outlook on life and my career/direction, everything, and got me to know myself a whole lot better too. Some things good, some bad! But to do it was the best decision of my life.
“Absolutely changed my entire outlook on life and my career/direction” > This is the thing. I don’t know anyone who didn’t experience a form of that transformation. That by itself is worth all the hassle!
Oh goodness, so many! To scratch the surface - I moved to Japan to teach English having never taught anything before but just wanted a way to live abroad - found I absolutely love teaching and in various ways it's been a huge part of my career ever since. Living abroad also got me into travel writing, blogging and podcasting, all of which have shaped the work I do and the friends I have and ... everything!!
Even though I’m not traveling full time, but rather taking longer trips when I can, I resonated so much with what you said: comfortable can become boring so fast. The majority of people around me are in search of comfort, building huge houses and trying to accumulate, but seeing other people give up on these and start traveling is amazing. Great job!
Thank you Razvan. We are totally aligned on that.
And now that I’m not traveling much, I need to (re)learn how to find joy in a comfortable “boring” life, which is much harder than expected.
Thank you for sharing! We are getting ready to take this leap and both are in our late 40’s. We are calling it a midlife gap year. Society was not set up to live a life in this way without judgement. It’s been interesting telling others and hearing their reactions. Thankfully, we both are set in this adventure no matter what anyone might think.
That’s so awesome, I’m super excited for you!!
What is your rough plan if you don’t mind me asking?
It’s funny, I had dinner last night with a couple in their late 40s as well… they also took a “gap year”… it’s been nearly 3 years now 🤣
Starting in Albania as the main hub to travel the Balkans. So many emotions right now! And I’m hoping that year can stretch into a lifetime!
Oh fun! I love the Balkans (apart from Albania - but that's just me haha).
Montenegro, Serbia and Bosnia were wonderful!
This is an interesting read Jeremie. And I can relate to your comments about not missing people. Even though people do think I'm an extrovert - and I can be - I do love my own company.
I think even extroverts need alone time to recharge. We all do.
I’m 4 months into a similar trip and yesterday I had a meltdown. Because you’re right in that ‘you take yourself wherever you go’. I’m at that point where I’m far enough away from everything that was ‘wrong’ with my life to now see what is left. And it’s not easy tackling that, or even knowing where to start!
Hi Jules. I’m sorry you had a meltdown… but I guess it’s what your body and mind needed.
Knowing where to start if far from easy for sure.
Happy to chat if you want someone to listen 🙏
Thank you - appreciate that! I think I had a bit of a breakthrough this morning (much better than breaking down!) and so I've started putting it into words. I need to sit on it for a few days though before I publish but sometimes you just have to break things before you can rebuild fully.
For sure/ Breaking things down to their simplest form can help massively. It offers new perspectives on things. Just like zooming out often helps.
I'm glad you're feeling better ❤️
Thank you for sharing, it deeply resonated with me that you can’t escape grief with travel. Grief isn’t something you overcome. It’s something you learn how to live with.
And for me, travel and creation became the way I learned how to live alongside it.
I agree with you… I don’t think we can fully “get over it” or “move on” from. It just gets easier as time goes on… it hurts less… but it’s still very present.
Something I've learned to embrace during traveling, which you hit on, is the never-ending cycle of planning and figuring out. It's something I enjoy, but it can get a little overwhelming. What's the currency here? How do I buy a train ticket? Where am I staying on Tuesday? I lost my charger cord, where do I get a new one? Haven't found a great hack to avoid all of this, so I see it as part fo the adventure.
It is completely part of the deal yes.
Like you, this is something I somehow enjoy a bit… so it’s not as annoying as it could be.
“I've learned to embrace” > This is the key here, learning to embrace things we might not enjoy at first glance. It’s what makes the experience more enjoyable on the long run.
Excellent summary of your past four years and its great that you shared the reality of what travel can and cannot do. I've been living full-time in Bali for 8 years so I can relate for sure. We tend to grow in unexpected ways and that's part of the real beauty of putting yourself out in the world. Enjoy the settled life!
“We tend to grow in unexpected ways and that's part of the real beauty of putting yourself out in the world.” > You've said it perfectly here!
Wow 8 years in Bali! What made you pick this island?
I went for a one month visit and fell in love with the Balinese vibe as well as the entrepreneurial spirit too. Still love it overall
Nice! My wife Rosie loves it there, I do less haha.
But one of my favorite places to work is there though, La Brisa. Followed by a pizza from La Baracca… perfect day!
Its not for everyone for sure, as infrastructure problems are very real. But chilling out at La Brisa ain't so shabby lol
Safe travels!
Loved this read. I can resonate with many of your points, as I currently travel full time in my bus in the United States. I feel the same sort of freedom from this lifestyle. I can imagine that the decision fatigue and mental weight of constant planning is challenging. That’s my biggest mental hurdle at times within my daily life so - respect - that sounds truly next level. I’d love to eventually branch out into traveling more countries. Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing your reflections.
Hi Maddie! Wow traveling in the US in a bus sounds so cool as well to be fair 🤩
What motivated you to embrace this lifestyle?
About the decision fatigue and mental weight… as it is for sure real, I’d say that I’d rather worry about that than about “regular life” problems I had in my past life to be honest.
Lots of things, but mostly the freedom and flexibility to follow the flow of my intuition and where I felt called to travel. Yes! I agree, I’d definitely take the decision fatigue over the ‘regular life’ issues any day.
This is an honest and spectacular piece. We’re currently in a year trip around the world (with two kids) and this is all so true. Thanks for writing.
How is it going so far?
What an experience it must be for your kiddos to see the world this way! 🤩
Let me know if you stop by Bangkok!
As a nomad for nine years, someone used to and comfortable with it just being me and my husband -- but not anti-social! -- your journey very much resembles mind. And you're in Bangkok, probably my favorite city in the world!
I remember you post Michael where you shared about that, and I could relate to your experience as well.
Please let me know if you ever stop by, would love to meet 🙏
A great reflection. Thank you.
Thank you for reading 😊
Great summary of your past 4 years. I'm coming up on 4 years of full-time travel myself. I can relate to much of what you say. I'm an introvert so I've always felt quite comfortable on my own and can handle being by myself. That became even clearer once I started traveling this way. I am perfectly suited for this type of lifestyle. But it's a constant learning ptocess. Looking back I've grown so much in so many ways, and it's been wonderful to experience that change. I totally understand about India. Amazing place but the chaos and lack of personal space grated on me after awhile, too. Best of everything in your next chapter!
Thank you for sharing this Jim. It’s nice to see similar people commenting and getting how I feel… because I do feel like a weirdo something 😅
Traveling is a real growth hack. And it’s never too late to embrace it!
This piece was excellent - love your writing style and your honest approach.
Thank you so much for reading it and taking the time to comment 🤗
Awesome to read about someone else who is trying to define freedom. I've travelled a ton and it's still my definition of freedom. Great point on it being a mindset, I haven't thought of that. Definitely something I need to try and shift my thinking to.
Thank you Michelle.
This is (strangely) something that I’ve thought about a lot… I noticed when talking to people that many say “I want more freedom”… but then they cannot articulate what would that look like, what they mean by having more freedom. “More time to do what I want”… yes, which is what?
Having clarity around what freedom means to us is what can lead to the first step.
Great question for me to start with...thanks!
Haha, have fun with it 😁
Love this! My partner and I have been travelling and nomadic for 8 years and I definitely agree with all you have said here. While our journey is still not quite finished, we have committed to being in one place in Canada this summer for six months. It may be the start of some sort of home base.
We will see what unfolds.
Your stories of India remind me of how we felt in Egypt. It’s because of that crazy experience that we are hesitant to visit India.
Great insights, thanks for sharing them.
We were so annoyed we left before even seeing the pyramids. Haha.
In 2023 I came back to some very weak and frail parents. I vowed I would stick around mostly until they felt better. Thankfully they are at that point now. But last year we committed to working at a farm nearby so I could be close to them. After this summer we will see what happens. We really want to head south again in the fall.
🙏
Aging parents or missing family events are one of the most difficult parts of choosing this lifestyle. We had to deal with such situations as well, and it’s a mind f*ck…
Living your own life and being where you want vs being where you don’t want to be but close to people you love. Tough one.
Hi Jill! Oh that’s interesting. What motivated this change, the 6 months “stability”, if you don’t mind me asking?
Thank you for sharing about Egypt. I have heard some stories as well, especially from women. It’s still a place on my bucket list… I want to at least see the Pyramids!
Fantastic reflection! I did a slow version of this in my late 20s, living in a few different countries for a year or two at a time teaching, and travelling to nearby spots too. Absolutely changed my entire outlook on life and my career/direction, everything, and got me to know myself a whole lot better too. Some things good, some bad! But to do it was the best decision of my life.
Thanks for sharing Amanda.
“Absolutely changed my entire outlook on life and my career/direction” > This is the thing. I don’t know anyone who didn’t experience a form of that transformation. That by itself is worth all the hassle!
Do you have any highlights to share?
Oh goodness, so many! To scratch the surface - I moved to Japan to teach English having never taught anything before but just wanted a way to live abroad - found I absolutely love teaching and in various ways it's been a huge part of my career ever since. Living abroad also got me into travel writing, blogging and podcasting, all of which have shaped the work I do and the friends I have and ... everything!!
That’s so awesome!
Japan is the number 1 country on the list to visit this year for us!