“I want everything AND I don’t know what I want.”
I’ve been ‘back’ more than eight years now from my ‘round the world trip and for awhile, I still didn’t know exactly what I was doing. Sometimes I think that traveling has forever made it harder for me to be comfy in everyday life. I still travel of course, but I really do not want to travel that long again because I did feel some “travel burnout.” But traveling for a week here and there, isn’t the same either. I have said that now I want to go away to one place for a month at a time, but lately I’ve not even been doing that either, as my personal life and work life has gotten in the way of that (and mostly my cat, which I love and hate to leave).
I seem to be going to a lot of places, but it’s all somewhat quick and sporadic. It’s a choice I’ve made, but my heart and soul doesn’t always jive with it.
The reason for my uneasiness? Real, everyday life will never compare to the exhilaration of full-time travel. That doesn’t mean I am not enjoying my home life now, I am. I am not a perpetual vagabond. I like having a home, a garden, my sweet, adorable cat, and wonderful boyfriend and best friend, and planting some roots for all of that. But then there’s that “grass is always greener” syndrome and the fact that I will probably just never feel “right.” I blame my travels. I will NEVER EVER regret them and they changed my life in so many ways big and small, but now they are this incomparable barometer by which I subconsciously compare everything.
Here are some reasons life can suck after travel:
- Traveling is not boring.
Traveling solo long term gave me extreme highs and lows. There was more adrenaline pumping through my body as I took risks, and just constantly put myself in new situations. It made the mundane everyday life even more blah. You are challenging yourself. You are so out of your comfort zone…and as they say, that’s where the magic happens. So true.
- Traveling = New People.
Travel introduced me to so many interesting, vibrant people. So now, when I meet new people, I subconsciously hold them up to that ideal and they often disappoint as they blabber on about traffic, weather, and mundane BS.
- Traveling means constantly learning.
When you are traveling and immersing in new cultures, you are learning new things every single day: new languages, dealing with new currency, new signs, new transport. It can be exhausting, but for me, it’s thrilling to be using much more of my brain and always be alert.
- Travel can actually mean fewer decisions.
This seems counterintuitive, but besides figuring out where to stay and how to get there, life is simpler. I didn’t have to think about what to wear every day when I only had a few outfit choices anyway. I didn’t worry about my hair or makeup. I didn’t have to go to Target and be bombarded by a million products in my face. I went to the local, small store for toothpaste and had 2 choices. I loved that!
- Traveling is Cheap!
Yes, I’ve said it before, and I will continue to. Traveling longer term is cheaper than you think. When traveling long term, it’s not a vacation, it’s life. I had no bills back “home;” no rent, no cell phone bill, no utilities. I paid only for my daily life on the road. So that meant lodging and food and transport. And when traveling slowly and long term and often in cheaper countries, that meant I was always spending less to “live” than I would have if I was back home in the U.S. I didn’t have much of an income, but lived off of savings and did eventually start to work so I could just break even…and sort of live off the grid. It was totally freeing!
My Midwest: The 606 and Bloomingdale Trail
After living in New York for 30 years I moved to a small city in Mexico. I also experience an uneasiness similar to the one you described. I terribly miss tasting new foods and meeting new people from different cultures, and constantly learning new things every day.
So true Rick but I feel fortunate for the experiences I have been able to have thus far. We’ve lived a lot more than others get to.
Hope you are well!
I understand what you’re saying about what travel does to one. Kinda of in the same scenario but haven’t taken a trip around the world but just been traveling. Recently went back to work and have the urge to pick up n go.
It’s addictive!
Two things stand out – you say traveling is cheap…I thought it wasn’t. Also, you say Travel can actually mean fewer decisions…well, I was of the opinion that traveling meant more decisions.
Nice line of thinking.
Hi Rekha…thanks for chiming in. For me, traveling was cheaper. But you can travel in so many ways — luxury or budget (couchsurfing, staying with friends, cooking at home, etc).
Well said!
I was just writing about our Four Seasons experience (a year late) and came here to make sure I had your link right, so it was a pleasant surprise to find something that speaks to me on such a deep level.
I’m gonna go share it right now 🙂
Thanks Chris! This ‘feeling’ is definitely something I know all of us long term travelers know and feel. It’s that neat link that bonds us together, I think.
Having recently settled back down in Seattle (and signing a year lease!) after being fairly nomadic the last 5 years, I can relate to all those thoughts. I’m beyond itching for my next trip to Iceland in October.
When you talk to people, there are two main obstacles to more people traveling. Money, and fear of the unknown (which boils down to friends/people to hang out/travel with). The cost issue is one that constantly frustrates me…because, as you said, traveling is actually cheaper than “living” in the US. I truthfully believe lack of travel is more due to the social aspect of having trusted information / friends to spend time with while traveling much more so than actual lack of dollars to travel.
Thanks Drew! Yep…it often just comes down to that fear of getting out of your comfort zone. Good for you for getting out there!
To get rid of the “Grass is always greener” syndrome, try mindful meditation. People actually do mindful meditation when they are traveling and they don’t even realize it. That’s probably why you are still feeling scattered and reminiscent of those days.
When we travel to a new place, all our senses are alert because we are in a new place and we automatically shift to living in the here and now, which is the result of mindful meditation. Where as when we are at home or in familiar surroundings, we tend to switch off because nothing is new, therefore living in the past or the future, of which the latter never comes.
Yes! I love this. I actually just read a book about meditation and agree with you about traveling making you be more present. I love what you say here.
Ditto!
Good read.
I read blogs of people who have been on the road for like 5 years nonstop. Crazy. Pros and cons for sure. I think that, like you said, we may get burned out – in certain regards. But still, very rewarding in others. Definitely a delicate balance that is different from person to person.
When I hit the road, I think it will be the 6 months on, 6 months off approach. But, that’s not chiseled in stone, yet.
Amazing post!!! My opinion is that you need some kind of balance in everything and that works for me i am living in latin america and i travel for 2 or 3 months!!1
Thanks Izy! Balance is key. And is different for everyone.