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Living on the road can be one of the most fulfilling ways to experience the world. But for all it offers, there are some realities that burst the fantasy bubble. From living with minimal available utilities to learning about vehicle maintenance, here are some of the most common examples.
Freedom and Flexibility
Navigating long-term travel can be an almighty adventure and offers a vast degree of freedom and flexibility. On a solo road trip as a digital nomad or as a family, there’s no real limit to where you can go and what you can see. This is one of the greatest attractions of this kind of lifestyle. Pulling up at a long-term RV park also allows you to make the most of the utilities available that you otherwise may not have, such as a washing machine, in stunning locations under the stars!
Essential Living Only
Depending on your vehicle, such as a bus, RV, or van, you may have a lot of space or tolerate pretty cramped conditions. Van living can be pretty rough unless you have the fortitude for essential living. However, even a kitted-out RV still doesn’t offer the same degree of comfort as a house. Some of the things that can wear you down include limited hygiene options, the bathroom situation, and meal preparation. However, planning your journey makes it easier.
Living on the Road Can be Lonely
If you are experiencing the nomad lifestyle alone, it can be pretty isolating and lonely. One study concluded that between 24% and 40% of digital nomads experience loneliness. There are many tips for road trip survival that you can consider when hitting the road. However, take time to consider if you can handle being alone for long periods of time. Of course, you can call loved ones, and this is vital for your own safety. But it really isn’t the same for an extended period.
Specialist Vehicle Knowledge
When on the road, your vehicle is your home, and you need to know how to maintain it. Maintenance anxiety is a very real issue among people who venture out a little underprepared. If you travel in a van, then you must learn as much as you can about the make and model. At the very least, you must know how to change a tire! However, it is likely you will experience a wide range of issues because you are constantly moving and wearing down the vehicle’s parts.
Possible Financial Strain
You can’t really set off with a few hundred bucks and live a fantasy lifestyle! Of course, you can complete digital nomad work, such as writing, but you would need to do this pretty much full-time while on the road. You can make a living while traveling, but be aware that even though you aren’t paying rent for a home, there are still costs. Fuel is the obvious one. However, you will need to pay to stay at a campsite, RV park, or motel, and convenience food is expensive.
Summary
There is a lot of freedom and flexibility when living on the road. However, it can be lonely, with many digital nomads experiencing this. There is also a large financial cost when traveling. Motels, RV parks and even food costs can add up pretty quickly, so ensure you can afford it.
