Image credit: Shutterstock

Roam like the gnome

At the ignorant and irresponsible age of 19, I roamed my way through Mexico with a small band of recalcitrants. For four months we studied the language and culture, explored beaches, stood atop pyramids, and got robbed. I remember it as one of the most exceptional times of my life. Ten years later I roamed through Europe for a month with an adventurous friend and no agenda. The people we met and the experiences we captured will live with us forever.

These events were so remarkable, they literally shaped who I am today.

We didn’t think of ourselves as roaming nomads at that time, in fact it felt like an exotic folly, a childish caper. If I had known then that roaming nomadism would one day emerge as a popular movement, I might have paid more attention.

Recently retired, I reflect on those times and their profound and enduring impact. With my newly acquired free time and a small stash of mad money, why wouldn’t I do it again?

What is a roaming nomad?

Various styles of “extended travel” are becoming popular lifestyle choices for people of all ages. The idea of roaming the world completely unfettered and untethered is captivating, and those with money and free time, such as retirees, are a perfect fit.

Roaming nomad, slow traveling, immersion touring. These are all different slices of the same pie. They describe people who take their time traveling, spending weeks or months in a single place getting to know the people, their culture, the land, food, and language. They’re participants, not observers. They live where they are until they move on and live somewhere else. For some, their only home is the road.  

These nomadic wanderers are radically different from the casual tourist who flits around a resort for a few days of hot tubs and daiquiris and then dashes back to work with a t-shirt and a sunburn.

no·mad (nōˌmad) – one with no permanent home. A perpetual wanderer.

The defining characteristic of a true devotee is the lack of a central base. They own no home and put down roots wherever they are, for as long as they wish. They carry their worldly belongings in a suitcase and a backpack and collect experiences and friendships as their personal treasures.

Most however, are not purists. They keep their homes with recliners, cutlery, and old family photos. They appreciate the familiarity, catch up with friends and family, share stories, and rest between excursions.

Then they’re off again. Some escape on airplanes, others on cruise ships, sailboats, RVs, or cars. Some roam their own country or continent, while others explore the world. Some are rich, some are poor. They’re all adventurers, addicted to the new and different.

Extended travel opens your eyes to the unbound wonders of the world. You’re an active participant in experiences that are beyond anything you’ll find in your backyard.

Regardless of motivation, method, or ability, roaming nomads receive the most precious gifts one can have: Empathy and compassion. You can’t live in a foreign land for months without truly understanding people and their culture. When one understands that people who live, love, dress, worship, and eat differently are the same as you inside, you’ve hit the cultural jackpot.

If everyone had the opportunity to know others so deeply, there would be no wars.

Is it right for you?

We’ve all been on exotic vacations, wishing we could stay forever. Full-time traveling, however, is a world of difference. It can be romantic and glamorous, sure, but much of the time it will be frustrating and dull. It takes a hardy spirit and an open mind. You’ll need to go in with eyes wide open, a good plan, and be ready for hard work and emotional challenges. Consider the pros and cons carefully.

Your house: Will you sell your house and go full-nomad, or will you keep it and use it as a reliable base? Selling it eliminates significant costs (mortgage, utilities, upkeep), and you can bank the equity for a future home. Keeping it gives you a comfortable landing zone and an emotional tether in case of emergencies or second thoughts.

Family and Friends: Extended periods on the other side of the planet means you’ll miss birthdays, graduations, and holidays. You’ll announce discoveries and triumphs through Zoom. Cocktail parties and backyard barbeques will be reserved for the times when you’re in town. New friends will pop up like daisies, though. You’ll build a network of friends around the world and meet like-minded nomads everywhere you drop anchor.

Language: Not everyone knows English and it’s unrealistic to expect it. Part of your responsibility as an ambassador is to blend into the local culture, represent your country well, and make at least a modest effort to learn common phrases.

Safety and security: Crime is everywhere, and you’ll want to be alert to the heightened risks of travel. Thankfully most of the crimes you’ll hear about when traveling are petty thefts, but the loss of a phone or passport can be devastating when you’re abroad. Be careful and do your homework. Split your cash and keep it hidden. Use a fanny pack, chest bag, or money belt instead of a purse. Don’t wear expensive jewelry, rings, or watches. Dress like the locals and blend in as best you can.

Emotional: Ask yourself how well you cope with frustrating people and situations. Travel oozes with them. New experiences and uncooperative bureaucrats can trigger a powerful emotional reaction, and without a relaxed demeanor you may be tearing your hair out until you’re bald.

Expand and exercise your mind: As we age, our cognitive processes slow. Science says puzzles, languages, math, new experiences, and navigating uncertainties will keep our minds sharp. The life of a roaming nomad is like a 24/7 college course for your brain. You’ll be energized and keenly aware through the day and utterly spent when you hit the bed (or the bamboo mat).

Health & Medical: There’s nothing more important than your health. Don’t travel if you’re not up to it, but when you do you’ll feel younger and more energetic. Be aware though, that medications can be hard to come by, and clinics and hospitals may not be what you expect. Bring plenty of medications in their original prescription containers and be sure to have medical insurance with an evacuation policy for emergencies.

Working: If you can work from remote, you can be a “digital nomad” (one who earns money entirely from online work). Most of the larger cities will have wi-fi connections, which is all you need. If you want to take a local job in a country you’re visiting (such as teaching English, hotel work, traveling nurse, software development, Au Pairs, bartender or waiter), be sure to check if a visa or work permit is required.

Boredom and Burnout: Just like when you’re home, there will be times when you’re bored. Grocery shopping, laundry, haggling with the landlord, watching a monsoon for days on end. Living out of a suitcase for months is hard. Homesickness can set in. You need to be the type of person who’s comfortable being alone or with your spouse for extended periods.

Money: Be honest with yourself about what you can afford. Do your research, create a budget, and stick to it. It’s not a vacation, but you’ll want to have enough money to enjoy the local attractions as a tourist would. In your favor though, many countries you’ll be visiting are dramatically cheaper than the USA. If you’re tight on funds, go where it costs less, and consider house sitting or home swapping.

You need an open palate and an open mind

Anonymous wanderer

Final Warning: Homebodies, introverts, and the intolerant need not apply. You need an open mind and an affinity for the unexpected. Have you ever eaten a scorpion or a shark? Are you okay with people invading your personal space? What about incessant noise and pungent smells? If you can roll with the punches, you’ll be a superstar nomad.

Roaming is easy – here’s how to get started

1. Begin your first trek with a simple agenda. Consider a 30- to 60-day trip. Stay in just two or three places that you’re comfortable with. You can scale it up to longer trips and more destinations later.
2. Be sure to plan carefully and completely, especially for the first trip. Map out your itinerary and activities to minimize frustrations and boredom.
3. Understand and prepare for the entry and exit requirements for the countries you’ll be visiting. Some may require extra vaccinations, visas, or financial resources.
4. Pack light. Carting around a battalion of suitcases gets old and limits your mobility.
5. Be safe and smart. Watch your money and everyone around you. Buy insurance. Leave detailed information with close friends or relatives, and be sure to check in with them often.
6. Enjoy yourself! Build deep friendships and collect extraordinary experiences that will live with you for the rest of your life.

The remedy for wanderlust

Ahh, the romance of world travel, the elusive dream of roaming from one adventure to another. You read about it, you dream about it, you watch it on TV.

Isn’t it time you tried it?

Not all those who wander are lost

J.R.R Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

Starting out as a casual roaming nomad is easy, inexpensive, and inspiring. You’ve planned vacations before and with an extra dollop of effort, you can plan your first nomadic trek.

When you do, you’ll discover a world of extremes. You’ll love it and hate it. You’ll be ecstatic and bored. You’ll experience the rush of freedom and the crush of frustration. And when your itinerary returns you home, you’ll have endless tales of exotic lands to entertain and entice your less-adventurous friends.

You may not want to sell your house yet, but maybe you should get it appraised. Just in case.