Is Long-Term traveling right for me?

Traveling, exploring the world, and considering it your "normal life." For many, it's a dream. We've been fortunate to lead this life for 2 1/2 years, but is it really as fantastic as one imagines? We'll enlighten you and present both the advantages and disadvantages of this life of travel.

Jo and Georg sit in front of the open sliding door with a table and chair, enjoying a meal. Behind them, a clothesline is stretched.

Considerations for Long-Term Travel: Is It Right for Me?

No, we will not provide you with the answer to whether you should travel or not! Because this decision is entirely up to you and depends on many different factors.

Jo is seated at the rear of the Quest. Behind her, you can see the drawers.

We have been traveling for 2 1/2 years, and like everyone else, we are slowly realizing that traveling alone can be very exhausting. That’s precisely why we want to highlight the pros and cons of a life of travel, giving you a bit more insight into whether such a lifestyle is right for you.

Pros of Traveling

Cultural Enrichment: Long-term travel means engaging with many different cultures firsthand. Of course, this also requires always embracing something new, which brings us to the second point!
Personal Development: Constant change and new challenges contribute to personal growth. For instance, delving into photography or having time for a new or old hobby. The ability to adapt quickly and openness to new experiences are valuable skills fostered by traveling.
Flexibility and Freedom: The freedom to choose your path and respond flexibly to changes is a significant advantage of the travel lifestyle. You can spontaneously set new destinations and adjust your plans (though this can also be a counterpoint).
Proximity to Nature: Travel often brings you close to nature and breathtaking landscapes. We love being in nature and prefer to seek out places in natural surroundings, even venturing into national parks without our van. This aspect is what we love most about our lives.

Cons of Traveling

Social Detachment: Let’s not pretend; we also experience homesickness. Not for our old home, but naturally for our families and friends. Even with new acquaintances during travels, one misses the familiarity of old social connections. Depending on your location, returning to Germany can take longer and comes with its own costs. Suddenly traveling back from Australia or South America to Germany isn’t exactly inexpensive and takes longer than, for example, traveling from France to Germany.
Travel Fatigue: It may sound strange to think about travel fatigue before even embarking on a journey, but we are currently strongly feeling a longing for stability and routine. Constantly adapting to new environments, new people, and the need to adjust can be exhausting.
Financial Pressure: Let’s be honest; we all need money, whether living at home in an apartment or traveling. After all, we need fuel and food. Long-term travel requires financial resources. Fortunately, we planned this adventure well and started with our savings. However, we now have a wildcard named Georg. Georg works remotely, ensuring a steady flow of money into our travel fund. This doesn’t mean Jo isn’t hardworking, but so far, her work hasn’t generated income.

Georg is standing at our kitchen box, brewing coffee. In front of him, Momo sits and watches.

In conclusion, the decision for long-term travel is a highly individual choice. It requires honest self-reflection regarding your needs, goals, and tolerance for the mentioned challenges. While the positive aspects of travel can be life-changing, it’s essential to consider possible compromises. Remember, it’s okay to say no to something.