Traveling is a dream for some people. They want to travel the world, and there are a few who get paid for the pleasure. This might be your goal; getting to travel from country to country for months at a time, experiencing different cultures and bettering yourself with each new encounter. However, this dream does come with some problems, and these problems might make your dream turn into a nightmare without a proper understanding.
The issues you might face as a long-term traveler can stem from different areas of your life. You might begin to experience health concerns or money troubles, for example. These two issues, as well as cultural differences and feeling lonely, will be discussed in this post to enable you to understand the problems a long-term traveler could face.
Health Concerns
Traveling long-term can impact your health in a number of ways, particularly if you are a frequent flyer. Flying can affect your body, causing dehydration, reduced energy, and skin issues. Some people will find that their nose, skin, and throat will fee dry on a flight, and this is due to the lower humidity levels when flying at a high altitude. Pair this will lower air pressure at high altitudes and you could begin feeling draining or short of breath.
Similarly, you might pick up germs from other people when in close proximity. Although it was once believed that this was due to recirculated air in the cabin, most commercial airlines now have filtering systems to remove bacteria, fungi, and viruses. If someone coughs, sneezes, or even breathes nearby, you could pick up whatever bug they are carrying.
And the health concerns are not limited to the flight. You might travel to countries that have illnesses your body is not resistant to, which could result in your catching a disease or virus. This might be through contaminated food or water, respiratory illnesses, or other factors, like the environment and weather.
No matter the health issue, though, it is essential to purchase the correct international medical insurance policy for your needs. No one wants to imagine falling ill in a foreign country, but it is a possibility that you should be prepared for. As a long-term traveler, you will want to ensure the length of coverage will meet your requirements and allow you to receive treatment in whatever country you visit.
Financial Challenges
While some people will tell you that “you can always get more money, but you won’t always be able to travel freely,” it is important to remember that traveling does require funding. No one travels for free, and understanding how to manage your money as you go is essential. This can help you avoid running out of cash in an unfamiliar location or overspending on items when you can get them cheaper elsewhere.
Before you even begin traveling, you should have thought about your money. You should have looked into the price of accommodation, activities, flights, food, and other methods of transportation. This will help you identify areas where you can find less costly alternatives and set a budget for your travels. To ensure you stick with this budget, it is encouraged to download a budgeting app or use a spreadsheet to track your spending.
As there can be fluctuations in currency during your travels, there is a possibility that your planning will need to be modified. In some cases, it could be beneficial to find a source of income, like a freelancer role or remote work. If you choose the former, this can help you socialize and integrate into the culture.
Cultural Differences
Traveling long-term can allow you to grow through an increased appreciation and understanding of different cultures, and this is often what people imagine they’ll experience. However, this can also lead to culture shock, which will see you feel anxiety, disorientation, and even stress. There are numerous factors that can contribute to culture shock, including customs and food, language barriers, and unfamiliar surroundings.
In some countries, misunderstanding a culture can make it difficult to settle into life, and you might not want to socialize in case you make a mistake. For example, Saudi Arabia does not allow local or foreign women to show skin. This means that traveling women should wear long clothes, including sleeves and trousers, and ideally cover their hair. If you find yourself struggling with this type of custom and more, then you might find yourself isolated further.
Feelings of Loneliness
Long-term travelers could be away from “home,” or their country of origin, for months or years at a time. This will take its toll at times. In fact, some people believe that traveling so often has caused their perceptions of home to warp and become confusing. This might then affect the feelings of belonging you once had, meaning you no longer feel like you belong anywhere, which can have an impact on your mental health, too.
This can be a very lonely lifestyle for some. You might find that you experience homesickness at these times, no matter how long you’ve been traveling. If this is the case, it is important to embrace these feelings and take the time to reflect on your travels. Reflection will help you learn more about yourself and spot areas for improvement. It might even give you the push you need to get out and meet new people.
By reading this post, you will have a better understanding of the four issues you could experience as a long-term traveler. This information can be used to prepare yourself and find methods of coping with health concerns, financial challenges, cultural differences, and feelings of loneliness.
