6 Challenges of Nomadic Living

🎒 The Realities of Full-Time Travel: 6 Challenges I'm Navigating

Hey There Nomad!

Four months ago, I took the plunge into full-time nomadism after years of semi-nomadic living. It's been an incredible journey so far, but also far more challenging than I ever anticipated.

Here are some realities of nomadic life, and the strategies I'm developing to address them.

1. Managing Personal Organization

Remember the comfort of knowing exactly where everything is in your home? That's gone now. I find myself constantly rummaging through bags, trying to locate items. Just the other day, I spent 20 minutes searching for my travel adapter, only to realize I'd left it plugged into the wall at my last hotel.

Strategies I'm implementing: I'm working on developing a consistent packing system using packing cubes and organizers. I'm also experimenting with keeping a digital inventory of my possessions and trying to embrace a more minimalist lifestyle.

2. Maintaining Long-Distance Relationships

I made the best friends of my life while living in Phuket, Thailand. Now, they're all a long way away. I miss our Wednesday morning coffees and impromptu beach days. While it's amazing to have friends worldwide, there's an ache that comes with the distance.

What I'm trying: I'm making an effort to schedule regular video calls with close friends. I’m also exploring digital nomad communities in each new location and making a point of visiting friends wherever they are in the world.

3. Balancing Work and Travel

It's a constant challenge to balance exploring new places, maintain work productivity, and take care of myself. One week, I'm get caught up in the excitement of a new city that I barely open my laptop. The next, I overcompensate by working long hours and missing out on experiences.

Approaches I'm considering: I'm experimenting with setting non-negotiable work hours, even on travel days, or front loading, so working 2-3 super long days each week and then having the rest of the week to explore. I’ll update in a few weeks what seems to be working best.

4. Maintaining Health and Fitness

This is a biggie! In just four months, I've put back on the 10kg I spent 18 months losing before I left. Some places I stay have no cooking facilities, while others are fully equipped. But even with a kitchen, the temptation of new cuisines and dining out is strong.

Ideas I'm working on: I've bought myself some resistance bands and found some great home exercise videos on YouTube. Learning simple, healthy recipes that can be made with minimal equipment is another goal I'm working towards. I fear this is going to be one of my biggest challenges!

5. Managing Finances

Costs can quickly spiral out of control, especially if you prefer a more comfortable style of travel like I do. 😉 Rental cars, train travel, eating out, all starts to add up pretty quickly if you’re not minding your money.

Financial strategies in progress: I'm currently testing out different budgeting apps to track expenses across various currencies. Also setting a weekly budget and sticking to it is key!

6. An Upside - Building a Social Network

Something super positive I’ve found; perpetual travel is a great conversation starter. Your lifestyle is inherently interesting to others – both fellow travelers and locals are often curious about your experiences. I've had fascinating conversations with people from all walks of life, simply because my nomadic lifestyle piqued their interest.

As a result I have some more FB friends, have connected with people from all over the world on IG and look forward to meeting more fab folks on my journey!

Onwards!

As I navigate these challenges, I'm finding that full-time travel is continuously pushing me out of my comfort zone. Things that I may have taken completely in my stride in my 20’s now take a bit more out of me. Constantly changing accommodation, lugging bags around, and sorting out new routines in each place is all a bit more challenging than it may have been three decades ago.

However, it's also revitalising how I look at life. This nomadic lifestyle is making me realise I don't want to grow old just yet. I want to keep my body young and healthy enough to see more of the world. It's a bit of a wake-up call to be honest, pushing me to stay active and curious. Every new place I visit reminds me there's so much more to experience, and I'm determined to keep at it.

Your Journey

If you're considering taking the leap into nomadic life, I encourage you to go for it – but be prepared for a journey of constant adaptation. Expect challenges and prepare for them, but also be ready to adjust your strategies as you go.

The real value of travel lies not just in the destinations, but in the personal growth that comes from navigating the complexities of a nomadic lifestyle.

And if you’re curious about the nomadic lifestyle but not sure how to get started? This article should help;

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🗺️ Nomad Tip of the Week

 🚙 Budget Friendly Car Rentals

Car rentals can quickly drain your travel budget if you're not careful. The costs of daily rates, insurance, and fuel can add up faster than you might expect.

However, with some savvy planning, you can significantly reduce these expenses. Here are a couple of budget-friendly options we've found:

Kayak: Comparison Shopping for European Rentals

We just scored a great deal through Kayak for a 10-day rental from Toulouse to Nice for just £470. That's less than £50 per day for the freedom to explore the stunning French countryside and coast!

Kayak is a metasearch engine that compares prices across numerous car rental companies. Here's why it's worth checking out:

• Wide range of options: Kayak aggregates offers from major rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise, as well as lesser-known local providers. This comprehensive approach often uncovers hidden deals and gives you a broader selection of vehicles to choose from.

• User-friendly filters: Easily narrow down options based on transmission type, mileage limits, or specific car models.

• Potential for significant savings: By comparing multiple companies at once, you're more likely to find competitive rates.

Turo: Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing for Longer Rentals

When we first arrived in the UK, we rented a great car for the first two months at an excellent rate from Turo a peer-to-peer car sharing platform where local car owners rent out their vehicles.

Here’s why Turo is worth looking at;

• Variety of options: From economical daily drivers to luxury vehicles, you can find a car that suits your needs and budget.

• Potential for longer-term rentals: Ideal for extended stays or relocations, as we experienced.

• Often more cost-effective: Especially for longer rental periods, Turo can offer significant savings compared to traditional rental companies.

Imoova: Ultra-Budget Option for Australian Road Trips

We're planning an exciting Melbourne to Brisbane road trip in November, and we've found an incredibly budget-friendly option through Imoova.

Imoova specializes in vehicle relocations. Rental companies often need to move their fleet between locations, and instead of paying someone to drive them, they offer travelers like us the chance to do it for next to nothing.

While you'll need to be flexible with your travel dates and destinations, the savings are astronomical. Plus, you get the added bonus of a ready-made road trip itinerary!

Here's what makes it special:

• Rentals as low as 1 Dollar per day

• Available in Australia, Europe, US, Canada and more

• Ideal if your dates and destinations are adaptable

Practical Tips:

1. Always read the fine print, regardless of the booking platform.

2. Understand the insurance coverage included and consider if you need additional protection.

3. Check for mileage restrictions, especially on budget deals.

4. Factor in fuel costs when budgeting for your road trip.

5. Consider joining loyalty programs for additional perks and potential upgrades.

6. For longer stays, explore peer-to-peer options like Turo for potential savings.

By using these strategies and remaining flexible, you can enjoy the freedom of a rental car without overspending.

I hope it helps! 😊

✈️ The Working Traveller News

 🇫🇷 Bonjour!

A short update today as we flitted back to the UK for a week to see family before starting our journey East. (UK-France-Qatar-Phuket-Australia) 😳

As you read this I’ll be en route to Toulouse, where we’ll be driving on to Narbonne to visit friends, followed by Perpignan to see more friends, and then via Montpelier to St Tropez to see more friends!

Remember challenge No 4 above? I fear (and am excited) that a lot of cheese, bread and wine will be on offer! Thankfully one of my friends is an athlete and has a few big hikes planned! 😎

Updates to follow…

🧭 Travel Trivia

Which city has the largest population in the world?

This bustling metropolis is a global financial hub and is known for its skyline, culture, and busy streets. It is home to more people than any other city in the world, making it a true megacity. 

Can you name this city?

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That’s All Folks!

That’s it from me this week. I hope it’s been useful!

Make sure to come and join the group to connect with me and meet fellow nomads.

Have a fabulous week, live your best life and as always get out there and make it happen!

Jo 😊 

Affiliate Disclaimer; Please assume some of the links in this email are affiliate links. Clicking on an affiliate link doesn’t cost you anything, but might generate enough for me to buy a cold one at the end of a long travel day! 😎 I only recommend products, services, businesses or people I've personally used or connected with, and believe can add value to your business & life. If you choose to purchase from any of my links, thanks so much for your support! 😊