LESSONS LEARNT WHILE BEING ON THE ROAD

Travel light!

Carry only the things that you really need! Buy quality things when it comes to essential items. Buy locally! Don't be afraid to get thrifted items that can be easily replaced. When packing, keep in mind that you need to be able to easily lift your suitcase.

Embrace change!

It’s not the location that makes you happy, it’s you! Wherever you will travel, there will be you. Sooner you understand that it’s you who has to embrace change, more fun the journey will be.

Go small!

Never buy anything that you don’t intend to keep or that won’t fit in your suitcase. Don’t go in a shopping spree as tempting as it may be!

Enjoy the present!

Take one day at the time. What is the point of worrying about things that are beyond your control? Focus on what you can do today and enjoy living in the present. Being more anchored into your present will enable you to cultivate your gratitude.

Have no expectations!

When you do something, do it with all of your heart without thinking you might get something in return. It is such a wonderful feeling to see that you can bring a smile upon someone’s face or that you contributed to one’s happiness. By having no expectations you are open to anything.

Go for minimalist living!

A minimal lifestyle makes things a lot more easier not only for nomads. Less you own, happier you are. Less materialistic things to worry about. Less money to spend on things that don’t make you happy. More time to do something that you really enjoy, like travelling, exploring a new hobby or playing with your children.

Any roof over your head is a blessing!

When you sleep, all you need is a bed, a pillow and a blanket. Anything extra is fancy. Exploring various types of accommodation throughout the world will help you realize that you don’t need to stay at Marriott each time you travel.

Treasure people, not things!

After being on the road for a while you discover that you can easily live without the multitude of gadgets and belongings you had surrounded yourself at home. Being exposed to different cultures and seeing how others live is a big eye opener. It makes you see how blessed you are. All of the sudden, your burden seems significantly smaller than what others are going through. You learn to distinguish what is really valuable to you and what can easily be replaced, dismissed or ignored.

Be openminded!

Being exposed to a constantly changing situation not only keeps your brain busy trying to come up with a plan, it can actually make you smarter. Meeting people from different backgrounds, immersing yourself in new cultures, learning new languages and forging new friendships with other like-minded travellers, opens your horizons. It changes you, it turns you into a more empathetic, compassionate person.

Live simple!

No item is more valuable than your life. Flashing or carrying around some expensive equipment may lead to some uncomfortable/ unexpected dangerous situations. You may want to leave home your newest model of Canon with extra two lenses if you travel alone and opt for a less flashy camera. In case that’s what you do for living, you may want to pay attention to where you chose to stay and always keep an eye on your backpack. Poverty can lead people to some extreme acts.

Take your time to explore!

When you stay more than two weeks in a new location, you discover the hidden gems. You learn where to buy your groceries for cheap, where to dine without feeling like you have been robbed, what are the safe areas in the city and where you can meet others like you. Spending more time in one location enables you to immerse yourself in the language and culture of the host country and bond with others, make new connections. You will end up having friends all over the world. You may even end up getting a better deal for a rental property or stay with one of your new friends during your following visit.

Give it a try!

You may not be able to do it throughout your whole life, although some people do, but you could give it a try at least for a few months or an year. I guarantee you that if you made it as a nomad for one whole year, you will want to continue for at least a few more years. Thus, give it a try before saying no! Holding preconceived notions of things won't lead you anywhere!

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