As our escape plans solidified, many people told us we were living their dream. We love the support – and we want you to join us in our meandering! But we also want to recognize that chucking it all is not for everyone. This post addresses some of the decisions we’ve had to make to live this life. Our hope is that we can help you to think through your options, whatever you decide. We’ll expand on each of these in future posts, but here are the steps we took in making our decision, in order.
Do You Actually Enjoy Travel?
Many people think that they will travel once they’re retired. But if you don’t travel now, it may be a sign that you like the idea of travel but not the reality. For us, travel has always been a priority, the more the better!
What Are Your Obligations?
If you have school-aged children or parents needing care, or a dog, this may not be the right time for you. (We don’t advise chucking it all with people.) But if now isn’t your time, think about how you might work to reducing your obligations.
Do You Really Like Your Potential Travel Companion(s)?
You will rely upon one another almost exclusively, so you’d better get along. This is even more important if you are solo: you will make friends, but not necessarily when you want them. Test this out before you commit, ideally over at least a week with minimal interaction with others and with your devices.
How is Your Health?
If you are in the middle of complex treatments for an ongoing medical issue, use this time to plan your escape. But don’t use the generic ‘getting older’ as an excuse: health care in most places is better and cheaper than it is in the U.S.
How Attached are You to Stuff?
If you are like most people of a certain age, you have accumulated vast quantities of things in one or more homes. (Which you also own.) Not chucking it all doesn’t mean you can’t roam the world, but it will be more expensive.
What Do You Do for Fun?
Again, it’s never been easier to take it with you – but only if ‘it’ is a certain kind of thing: electronic books or a sketchbook work better than a tuba or a woodworking studio. Most of what we like is, or can become, portable.
How Important is Routine to You?
Travel is disruptive. But don’t assume that if you have lists and like knowing where your next meal is coming from, you’re stuck where you are: there are lots of ways to make life on the road seem normal. See our post on settling in, and stay tuned for more.
Do You Know the Language(s)?
Well, of course you don’t! That’s part of the fun. We beg you not to be frightened by this. You may will do and say stupid things, but nobody back home will ever know. And you’ll have much better stories than they do. A little effort goes a long way, and you can accomplish a lot with Duolingo and a smile.
Can You Afford Chucking It All?
Although this will probably be the first thing you think of, we’ve put it last because it is more affordable than most people think. And the real answer is: it depends how badly you want it. Consult with financial professionals, be honest with yourself, and make a plan. With some planning and belt-tightening, we bet you can afford to travel the world in some form or another if it is really a priority.
We’re working on additional posts on all of these topics. If you are considering a meandering life, let us know what else you’re wondering about!
