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I travelled full time for two years and a bit (with a short break to visit family). During that time, my perceptions changed, my opinions evolved, and I unknowingly became a different person – at least that’s how it feels internally. Some of these lessons I learned during short-term trips but they were proven to be true after my full time travel adventure. Dive into my thoughts to see what it’s been like to travel full time and get a few helpful travel tips along the way.
You are in a new place and there are no expectations from you (as long as you’re respecting the place you’re visiting). Other than that, you basically get to do what you want, when you want. You could even be a different person just for the fun of it. Travel gives you the freedom to forget responsibilities and just enjoy life. For me, freedom is happiness. I need to travel because I want to feel free and I want to experiencing life and all it has to offer. Plus travelling solo comes with even more freedom – it’s awesome.
Everyday that I was travelling, or just out and about, I found myself having these mental jolts of excitement or intrigue. It’s like I felt my brain obtaining new information and it 100% brought a sense of joy to my life. People say that happiness is the key to a long healthy life and I believe that – it’s important do the things you love and learn something new every day. Continuous growth will bring happiness.
I’m always asked the same question, “how did you do it?” and in most cases, it means financially. Most people think it’s extremely expensive to travel full time but it’s not depending on where you go and how you live. You can spend thousands a month in popular Europe or North American destinations and live the same life for a third or even a quarter of the price in Thailand and Vietnam. Before I made travel my life, I lived in Toronto for 10 years and it was expensive! When it comes to average costs, I spent the same amount or less travelling each month – and travelling made me 1000x happier. It just takes some planning and the want to do it.
If you’re running away from your problems, don’t think they won’t be there when you get back. I’ll admit it, I totally ran away from my problems. There was a lot going on in my personal life that I didn’t want to deal with or couldn’t wrap my head around – so I left. It was easier to deal with it at the time but it was just a short term solution that only delayed my response/process/pain/acceptance and my responsibilities. When I finally came home it was all there waiting for me. As I write this, I am in the middle of dealing with all of it at once. On one hand, I feel my mind is in a better place and I’m able to do what I need to do to move forward. But on the other hand, running away from all of it was not the best reaction.
When you’re constantly learning and seeing new cultures and ways of life it completely changes your perspective. My life choices, my favourites, and my thoughts have continuously changed based on my travel experiences. It’s pretty cool to know that my mind will continue to grow and evolve thanks to experiences. Travel has changed my whole mind set and opened me up almost completely. Honestly it has made me a more sincere, thoughtful, and understanding individual and for that I am grateful.
No matter where you are you can be targeted by someone who wants something. Maybe they’re working for a charity, maybe they’re homeless, or maybe they’re trying to scam you… these scenarios are everywhere. When I was younger, I didn’t have have the courage to say no or ignore because I felt it was impolite. Now, I have no problem saying no and walking away without hesitation. Because after I don’t know how many times I’ve been asked to buy something, sign something, or listen to someone, it is a huge waste of time (not trying to sound harsh). And to be honest, some of them were probably trying to scam me. Saying no is empowering, and you never have to say yes, ever. That being said, be polite when saying no, no isn’t rude but it could be depending on tone.
The more I have seen the more I’ve learned and the more engaged I’ve been in the world. Truthfully, all of that has made me realize how much life has to offer and how much joy, excitement and opportunity there is out there. It makes me happy and excited to know that I could see it and experience it. Without a doubt it has made me realize that life is precious and you have to find the things that make you happy. There is a lot out there to be thankful for even when life gets you down.
As a mid-range budget traveller I have spent a lot of time looking for the best options that won’t break the bank. However I have time and time again compromised on my comfort or “hoped for the best” when deep down I knew something was off. The thing is, my gut was always right and I didn’t bother to listen because I was saving money. Always listen to your gut! Read reviews, look at real photos, and don’t worry about a couple of dollars. In the end, you’ll be glad to be somewhere comfortable and safe. I was/am happy every time I spend the extra amount knowing I’ll be taken care of and get a good nights rest. I know I don’t have to say this but travelling or not… sleep should always be a priority.
There were times where I wasn’t talking to friends or family for weeks and it ended up getting to me, even if I didn’t know it. Loneliness started to creep in and I didn’t feel very happy because I didn’t have any connection to anyone. One of the things I thought would always be totally me is my innate ability to be alone with my thoughts – turns out I was wrong. That way of living could potentially drive you mad. Moving forward I make sure to keep in touch just to say hi and keep my sanity. Also this goes for all the time, travelling or not, I now understand the importance of human relationships (Yes, I do sound robotic).
There’s a lot of reflecting if you’re alone – speaking of sitting with my thoughts, I’ve done some deep reflecting while travelling. It is partially because I’m alone, and also because of the learning and seeing new things. It just makes you think about the world and your own life. Like how you live and the things you want and don’t want. There seems to be a lot of time for reflecting while you’re free of responsibilities.
I used to love going to airports – that feeling of anticipation for the next trip was exhilarating. I still feel that but I feel it before and after the whole airport experience. I’ve taken approximately 60 flights in my life and it is less and less exciting the more I do it. Also I seem to be more fearful of flying because I feel like the more I do, the more risk of something bad happening. However, I won’t be flying for a few months so maybe I’ll be excited again when I finally fly again.
On my first few euro trips I visited multiple countries within a few weeks… who doesn’t though right? Countries are super close and you want to take advantage of that. The fact that you can experience new cultures and completely different places in a short time is very appealing. As I travel more I have the urge to get to know each place thoroughly and enjoy my time without rushing. Which is why I prefer to stay in each city for at least a month. I want to feel like a local, wander around, hit up the cafes and markets and see the sights at my leisure. That’s the life (for me at least).
it’s always good to go without any expectations. In my experiences, I’ve enjoyed the places I didn’t think anything of compared to the ones I was overly excited for. There was one place I found to be disappointing and I just didn’t love it. For some reason I built it up in my head before I left and so it really sucked when I didn’t enjoy my time. However it’s okay because there was absolutely no way I was going to love everywhere – that’s pretty unrealistic. If that happens to you just know that it’s a learning experience. The fact that you could experience it at all is actually pretty cool – because not everyone will.
Most places are over glamorized. By that I mean some places are made out to be kind of unrealistic with the over-editing and lack of information about the in-person experience. If you know what I mean (?). There have been many times that I’ve visited a beautiful lake or point of interest that just wasn’t as pretty as it was made it out to be. On the other hand, some places really are that pretty. It’s not really a big deal but it has come across my mind a lot. And honestly, the pictures might get you there but it’s the experiences that make you love it- so does it really matter?
I usually travel solo so safety is a priority. I know it is even if you’re not travelling solo, but I definitely feel more on-guard when alone. Whether it means not listening to music, being visually alert, or positioning myself to avoid surprises from my blind spots. It sounds crazy but when I’m alone in an unknown country, it’s a priority. What I’ve found is that those precautions have stayed with me even in places I’m comfortable in, or have once called home. Probably because 1. Anything can happen anywhere and 2. I live a pretty solo life so being on-guard makes me feel more adept at taking care of myself. I think if you want to feel stronger as an individual you should travel solo at least once in your lifetime. It’s truly empowering.
PSA: you can find what you need abroad so don’t pack everything. With each journey, I try to bring less and less because it’s easier and less tiring. Honestly, all I want is for someone to carry all my stuff for me because no matter how capable I might be, it’s annoying. Especially in the heat! I think many of us overpack and in most cases, whatever is forgotten can be found in another country. Also, I’ve become a minimalist in my life in general and it really feels like a breath of fresh air.
Some headlines really capture the viewer by using buzz words like “worst”, “terror”, “distress” and so on. There were a couple times during my travels that I was asked if I was okay because of situations abroad. For example, one time there was a protest in Athens, it was controlled, non-violent, and lasted for less than hour. But a friend of mine saw it on the news and thought it was an uproar in the middle of the city. In another similar yet valid instance, last year Russia invaded Ukraine just a few weeks after my arrival in Georgia. Friends and family were telling me to come home, which I found odd just based on the fact that every time I walked around the city, life was calm. I didn’t feel unsafe. I get why, and something could’ve happened, but I never felt fear and I was there for almost 6 months. Note that I am well aware that things are bad in the Ukraine, all I’m saying is that it wasn’t in Georgia.
You shouldn’t full time travel unless you have plenty of extra funds for emergencies. I spent all of my money on travel which is why I say this. At the beginning it was great but near the end I was forced to be frugal and the worry started to set in. I had no job and I blew everything on seeing the world (I don’t regret it). However, it did eventually get stressful and travel shouldn’t be stressful. Or at least, you shouldn’t contribute to any stress knowingly. That’s why it’s important to have savings – you never know what’s going to happen and I wouldn’t recommend risking it all.
People are just living their lives in a different country. This is one thing that’s so obvious but each time I go somewhere I’m always kind of hit in the face with it as I sit and people-watch. I’m always thinking “how are we all so similar and so different at the same time”. Everywhere around the world people are working, studying, taking care of their family, going out, indulging in hobbies, living life, while I sit there and watch the world go by – reflecting. It’s cool and humbling at the same time.
You need to make an effort if you want to learn, indulge, and enjoy a place fully. You need to put yourself out there and get a little uncomfortable too. It’s actually really easy not put yourself out there, which is why I’m saying this. Take advantage of the destination and really get to know it – you’ll be glad you did.
To constantly be on the move, lugging things around, trying to see everything in a short time is absolutely exhausting. There’s also a lot of planning and research required and it can be frustrating if you’re doing it yourself. And then there’s the complications, mishaps, accidents, unfamiliarity and loneliness that might also make things feel uneasy. That’s why I say it’s not the dream – or the dream that might be planted in your mind based on others “living their best life”. Don’t get me wrong, they probably are – but it’s not ALL that.
There’s no reason to be scared, people are friendly everywhere depending on what you’re giving off. A smile goes a long way and to be honest I’m surprised time and time again by the friendliness of strangers. If you’re nervous or worried about anything, someone is willing to help. Someone also might not be willing too but that’s just one person. There are legitimate reasons to be scared for sure, which is why precautions should be taken seriously.
Letting your tastebuds indulge is a great way to get know a new culture. Just by trying new foods, recipes, or ways to cook familiar ingredients, your mind is opened up to a whole new world! My own cooking has evolved and continues to grow the more I taste my way around the world. It’s awesome and you get to learn the ways of others and teach others about all the unique things you’re learning too. Also, everyone has to eat so it really is the best and most efficient way to learn a new culture.
There are positives and negatives for everything – travel included. However, I absolutely would not want to live my life any other way. As I sit here, currently in one place, working a 9-5 office job during the week – I’m reminded of life on the road. I yearn for it. For me travel is everything, it’s what I want to do for the rest of my life. I just want to eat good food, check out new views, and learn about this cool place called Earth.
If you made it to the end, thanks for reading my thoughts! What I learned after full-travel is that all I want to do is full-time travel. So if you’re looking to learn more like I am, sign up to my newsletter for travel inspiration, tips and the recommends around the world!
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2 Responses
I LOVED reading this! Good for you girl! You are brave, smart, beautiful and so much more! Congratulations on your world travels and cheers to many more safe, healthy adventures! Your a real inspiration! 🙂
Aw thanks Taunya! That means the world. I’m glad you enjoyed the article 🙂