It’s Never A Perfect Time To Travel

It has been a few years now since I quit my job to travel.

Owning no more than a handful of belongings, I have been travelling the world. Yet I never shared here what’s the motivation behind this nomadic lifestyle.

So let’s discuss it today…

We’re caught up in the clutter of day-to-day existence, of buying this and selling that, that taking some time out only to realise that there is a big world outside our small horizons, has become really difficult.

We are not just forgetting about that free world out there, but we are also moving farther away from it, suffocating our lives around the tiny corners of our homes, and our workplace.

We have all heard of real-life accounts of happy travellers and blissful nomads, leaving us in complete awe. And within us all, there is a part that wants us to do the same.

The good thing is, it really isn’t a fantasy anymore. More people are living the life of a full-time traveller today. To get a taste of the road, eternally, is easier than most of us think.

For me, becoming an influencer and an Indian travel blogger was the way. For you, it can be something else.

When I quit my job and started travelling, in 2015, I had no idea that one day I will be making money from travel travelling. At that time, I was half confused and half scared. But as time passed by, and I gained more experience, I realised that it wasn’t so tough to survive this lifestyle after all.

Budget Travelling

If you are wondering how all these digital nomads and travel influencers became what they are today, let me tell you that they all started with budget travelling.

The concept of backpacking developed with the hippie trail in the ’60s and ’70s.

Today it’s an established form of budget travelling with travellers all around the globe living out of a backpack. I started as one too.

During my first year of blogging, when I had no source of income, I relied on budget travelling in India and that’s how I survived.

But as my blog started making money and I started getting sponsored travel, I changed my style from budget backpacking to flashpacking.

Similarly, if you’re looking for a perfect time to travel, you will never be able to travel. Because you will never have enough money. Because your family will always freak out. Because you will wait for someone to join you!

Because You Will Never Have Enough Money

Before I started travelling, I always thought that full-time travel was only possible after retirement, and even then I’d have to retire rich because travelling requires a lot of money. However as I explored India and a few other countries around the world, I learned how to travel smart. Now I know that I do not need to be rich to travel.

Even if you’re struggling to save money to travel or if you think you’re too poor to afford travelling, if you’re sitting at a computer reading this right now, with a passport lying in your closet, you have the ability to make it happen financially… because if I can do it, so can you.

Just change your mindset, and the rest will follow. And to start with, just be prepared to stay in hostels, eat and travel like locals (perhaps cook a few meals too) hitchhike and bargain.

Because Your Family Will Always Freak Out

For younger people, the toughest part of traveling solo is the pushback from their parents. But face it, whether you’re a kid to someone or a father, your family is always going to freak out, so find a way to convince them. Because if you don’t convince them now, you’re going to regret it later.

It’s your life, not theirs. Letting other people make monumental decisions for you is a great way to go down the path of regrets. Make them believe that travelling isn’t dangerous and that you’ll be fine. There’s a well-drawn trail of backpackers out there, and if other people can travel why can’t you?

Because You Will Wait Forever For Someone To Join You

I know solo travelling isn’t the people’s first choice. I remember the first time I decided to travel on my own, I had no intention of doing it. I was desperately looking for a partner – calling, texting everyone I knew – hoping someone would tag along. But I had no luck.

My first solo trip was not out of choice, and neither were many another following that. But I was firm about the idea of travelling, and I didn’t want others to hold me back. And now when people ask me about my travel life and all those solo journeys, I laugh that I ever had that fear.

It doesn’t matter if you’re shy, someone will probably start a conversation with you, especially if you’re going to be staying in backpackers’ hostels. Once you get out there, you’ll see what I mean. It’s all about just taking that first step.

Because You Will Always Be Asked To Settle Down

A common question I get from people back home is “What plans do I’ve for life” or  “How about settling down.” Don’t I want to find that ‘special one’ and start a family? And my question back to them remains: “Why do they think that travelling and having a family is still not possible together?”

Of course, if I started a family I’ll have to make choices and find a sustainable lifestyle, but that can be done while travelling too — given I know how the online industry works, and how one can make money out of it.

So tell me, why NOW is not the perfect time to travel?

I hope you found this article motivating enough. If you didn’t here’s a list of my top 70 favorite travel quotes for more travel inspiration.

Most of my travel inspiration articles are inspired by the writings of Pico Iyer. His words have motivated me to do what I am doing right now!