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Full-Time Travel: 5 Essential Things to Know Before You Hit the Road
- A Broad Perspective
- May 3, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
The decision to embark on the life-changing journey to explore and travel the world full-time is a big one...
While we can list thousands of reasons why you should do so, we feel that it's important to also highlight the lesser-talked-about and more challenging aspects of this lifestyle choice, to help you be better equipped.
These are our 5 top things to remember before you travel full-time... If you have any other suggestions, please drop them in the comments below!
1. Full-Time Travel IS a Job
So much goes into planning travels, especially if you are operating on a budget.
So much research goes into finding adequate accommodations, places to stay, how to use the transportation systems, what neighborhood is ideal for you to stay in, and whether it meets your monthly budget.
Travel by air or train requires using different systems in different languages. Visa costs and length of stay.
Finding excursions and affordable food and restaurant costs. Changing costs of living are dependent upon the country.
Learning about the cultural customs of the country you are visiting. And… then we do it all again the next month!
2. The Relationships & Connections You Lose May Surprise You (However, There Are More to Gain!)
Many people will not understand your need or choice to travel the world. You may be surprised by the people you lose as you travel, but remember people can’t help but operate from a self-perspective.
If they couldn’t imagine it or think it’s risky or selfish, that is about them, not you. People will miss you and what you bring to their lives.
People may say that they will keep in touch, but you may see the video calls become further apart. Time zone differences, busy schedules, and the like can impact things.
When you do return home after years or months of travel, you may feel that you no longer fit in, or better yet, that you no longer want to.
3. Make Sure You Can Fund Your Travels NOW
Social media will lead you to believe that it’s as simple as selling your belongings and hitting the road!
With a few steps of setting up a blog, filming a YouTube video, and creating a drop shipping company, you can fund your travels.
While these are great options and possibilities, like most things, it takes time and dedication towards things for them to grow and prosper.
We suggest that you have a solid financial plan that is stable before considering full-time travel… While we fully believe in leaping first and that the universe must respond, we still think practicality is a good complement to this!
4. Can You Let Go of Your Creature Comforts?
This one, we think most people assume they can do no problem and then get surprised by the ebbs and flows of how this comes into play when traveling full-time.
Living out of one suitcase (full seasonal wardrobes) is quite the challenge.
Especially if you plan to film videos and take many photos … You’ll be wearing much of the same clothing throughout (unless you plan to shop and change often, which is a possibility, but also another expense to keep in mind).
It’s really difficult to get things shipped or delivered when you are moving frequently.
Many countries' postal systems are not up to par, so it can be very difficult to receive care packages or even online shopping.
Snacks and foods you love from home will be missed.
Trust us when we say Doritos DO NOT taste the same throughout the world, nor do most of the major fast food chains that you were hoping to have a bite at for a small taste of home.
5. Can You Be Alone or Full-Time Together With Your Travel Person?
Spending a lot of time alone or with another person while traveling can easily lead to depression and anxiety, both from loneliness and co-dependency.
When traveling solo, you need to remember that you may not speak the language, so communication and friendships can become very difficult.
If you fall ill, you won’t have a support system with you.
When traveling with a partner, you spend 24/7 together during high-stress times, and it’s not always easy to remain amicable when you are exhausted from travel or trying to overcome an obstacle or language barrier.
It’s important to be very mindful of your mental health. Adequate sleep, diet, exercise, and listening to your body are very important.
These points are not meant to discourage you from traveling. We believe it is of high importance and value to see as much of the world as possible in whatever way possible!
However, like most things in life, there are good and bad sides to everything. Be Bold. Be Brave. Do the thing… (with wisdom)
Have you been considering leaving it all behind to travel full-time?
Let us know in the comments!
FAQ: Full-Time Travel—What You Should Know Before Going All In
Do I need to save a lot of money before starting full-time travel?
Having savings helps, but you don’t need to be rich.
Many full-time travelers start with a modest cushion and fund their journey through remote work, freelancing, house sitting, teaching English, or seasonal jobs. Planning and flexibility are key.
Is it lonely being on the road all the time?
It can be at times, but you’ll also meet people constantly, especially if you stay in hostels, join tours, or connect with online travel communities.
The key is balancing solo time with social time and finding places where you feel a sense of belonging.
How do you deal with healthcare and travel insurance?
Long-term travelers usually buy global health or travel insurance like SafetyWing or World Nomads. Some countries also offer short-term local insurance for digital nomads or expats.
It’s important to research coverage by region, especially for high-risk destinations or activities.
What’s the biggest challenge of full-time travel?
It’s not always picture-perfect. The biggest challenges are visa logistics, burnout, income stream maintenance, and finding stable Wi-Fi.
You’ll also need to let go of routines and be open to frequent change.
How do you pick where to go next?
It depends on your budget, visa access, weather preferences, and personal interests.
Many travelers follow a mix of slow travel (spending weeks/months in one place) and spontaneous side trips. Flexibility is one of full-time travel’s biggest perks.
Solid advice to get the journey started! Location independence and alternative living starts here...