5 Things I Hate About Full-Time Travel
Traveling is a luxury. It’s a privilege. Most of the Earth’s population is incapable of traveling in the way that I am. I am thankful every day for the experiences I’ve had as a full-time traveler for the past six years, good or bad. I’m grateful for the life I’ve been given and that I have the opportunity to even consider traveling out of my hometown, let alone exploring the globe!
Being hunkered down in my hometown in New York (since March!) due to COVID, I’ve had a lot—and I mean a lot—of time to reflect and appreciate what I’ve done. I certainly miss the freedom, the constant new experiences, languages, people, views, food— all that! But, I don’t miss every aspect of full-time travel. Here are just five things I truly do not miss about my nomadic lifestyle.
1.) Visas
Since I tend to stay in each place I visit for weeks to months (and even years!), I always have to be wary of the visa situation. How long can I stay with or without a visa? If I need a visa, do I need to get it before I arrive or on arrival? How long does the visa last? How do I extend the visa? And on and on and on. That, and visas are not free nor cheap (typically)!
2.) On-the-go all the time
Because of visa reasons and also just wanting to go to somewhere new all the time, I’m constantly on the move. It gets exhausting to unpack and repack on the regular. That, and I travel light: just two backpacks and a purse! So, I have to be extra vigilant in keeping my belongings to a low.
Since being home, I’ve loved being able to unpack all of my things and leave them there— for months on end! And even purchasing extra things!
3.) Money conversion
I am seriously loving being able to just “talk dollars” and we’re all on the same page. I never have to do extra math (which is not my strong suit, let me tell you) or guess to which denomination people are referring in casual conversations. Granted, some conversions are easier than others, like Euros to US dollars. But, Vietnamese dong, for example, is (currently) 23,100 to 1 US dollar. That is just far too much mathematics on the daily for my liking!
4.) Language barrier
This one is a bit self-explanatory and obvious. I love being able to talk to nearly anyone and everyone fluently in my own language and they understand! And can assist me when I need assistance! Granted, I enjoy learning new languages and even just phrases in other languages. However, it can get exhausting when I need help, but can’t get it because the people who are helping me don’t speak English and I don’t speak their language (which, by the way, is my fault, as I’m in their country and should be adhering to their language and customs!).
I’ve been loving that I can openly, freely, and easily talk to gas station attendants, doctors, friends’ family members, shop owners— everyone!
5.) Fleeting Connections
One huge advantage of traveling is the meeting of new people from places near and far. Due to my traveling, I have friends all over the world whom I adore and that is a special treat that I’m truly thankful for. However, one issue with that is that most people I meet when traveling will be gone the next day, so it can be extremely difficult to make a genuine and withstanding connection with someone. That alone can get exhausting— and lonely.
Since being home, I’ve been reconnecting with my family and friends, which has been a truly special. That, and I’ve even made new friends, with whom I’ve actually been able to spend time. How lucky am I!?
Just two of the many lovely humans I’ve met abroad and myself!
I genuinely can’t wait to return to traveling when this pandemic (hopefully) settles down. I cannot wait to explore and return to my version of “real life” because I do truly love traveling full-time, but for now, I’m enjoying not missing these top 5 least-favorite aspects of the traveling life!