Wanderer's Woes
The Top Questions Travelers and Backpackers Can't Stand.
Are you curious about the pet peeves of backpackers and travelers? Explore the top questions that often annoy and frustrate these adventure seekers, gaining insights into the perspectives and experiences that can make or break interactions with these wanderers of the world.
Thousands of people dream of becoming full-time travelers but have yet to actually take the leap out of their comfort zone to make it a reality. For the ones that do, you are part of a community of other people with the goal of discovering the world. You also are part of a community of people who do not care what others think of you, live life to the fullest, and the ones who will make a difference in the world around you.
Although becoming this type of person and developing this mindset may take some time, there are always specific questions that others ask. People who don’t have this kind of lifestyle are confused, nosey, or jealous, so I've come to realize in my experience.
After six years of living a life of travel, I have come to the realization that most people will never fully understand, continue to be judgemental, and keep their minds closed. People will always ask questions. My goal now is to educate people, encourage them to look at life from a different perspective and encourage others to follow their dreams.
The following are the top 6 questions that I often get asked while on the road and about the life I choose to live.
1. When are you going to get a real job?
Travelers are often fed up with hearing the question, "When are you going to get a real job?" because it undermines the validity of their chosen lifestyle and passions. The assumption that a traditional 9-to-5 job is the only legitimate path to success dismisses the countless skills and qualities travelers learn during their adventures. Traveling requires adaptability, problem-solving, cultural understanding, and a willingness to step outside comfort zones – all qualities that can be highly valuable in various aspects of life.
This is a question I get asked a lot, especially now that I have transitioned to full online work. For myself, I have a very real job. More than one, if you want to be honest. Not only have I built two businesses on my own, but I have also made a career out of things I was already doing in the first place. Now, not only do I have a job I love that allows me to live the lifestyle that I want, but it doesn't even feel like a job at all.
2. Don’t you get homesick or feel selfish from being on the road so often?
Travelers often grow weary of hearing the question, "Don't you get homesick or feel selfish from being on the road for so long?" because it implies that their travel choices are inherently selfish and lacking in emotional depth. While homesickness is a natural emotion, travelers embark on their journeys fully aware of the temporary separation from loved ones and essential events. They prioritize exploration, personal growth, and the enriching experiences gained from travel. Additionally, many find that the shared joy of reuniting with loved ones after their adventures enhance the quality of those relationships. The assumption that long-term travel is a self-centered pursuit undermines the transformative power of travel and the meaningful connections formed on the road.
While all of the above is true, being gone for long periods does come with sacrifices. I have missed countless birthdays, holidays, weddings, and special events over the years. I’ve destroyed relationships, lost contact with friends, and been looked down on by people I previously trusted. Not everyone will understand and accept this lifestyle, but that’s okay. If someone thinks youre being selfish for living the life you dream of, then be selfish and don't think twice about it.
3. Where do I get the money to travel full-time?
This may come as a shock to some of you, but just because someone travels full-time does not mean that they are on a permanent vacation. To be honest, I couldn’t tell you the last time I took a real vacation. I am constantly working, even on the road. If the previous Coronavirus pandemic taught you anything at all, it’s that life can change in the blink of an eye, and everything is temporary. Having more than one stream of income is crucial in today's world.
While financial resources are undoubtedly a factor in travel planning, this question overlooks the myriad of ways people can make long-term travel a reality. Many travelers, like myself, prioritize experiences over material possessions, budget wisely, and embrace a frugal lifestyle to sustain their journeys. Some may work remotely, freelance, or engage in temporary work opportunities while traveling to fund their adventures (I have done all 3). If you want something bad enough, you will make the sacrifices you need and find a way to make the money come together, trust me.
4. Aren’t foreign countries dangerous? Why would you want to go there?
Travelers find the question, "Aren't foreign countries dangerous? Why would you want to go there?" exasperating because it perpetuates a narrow and fear-driven perspective of the world. While it is essential to exercise caution and be aware of safety concerns when traveling, assuming that all foreign countries are dangerous oversimplifies the complexities of global destinations. In reality, most travelers undertake extensive research and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. I am well aware that I can’t travel to every destination in the world as a woman by herself, and I am also well aware of the potential risks that come with traveling to specific destinations. When you travel, you will learn that everyone is wrong about other countries. You will learn that the media only portrays what they want you to see, not necessarily the truth. Every place on earth has its risks and rewards.
5. When are you going to stop and settle down?
Many travelers have chosen a nomadic lifestyle precisely because it aligns with their values, passions, and personal growth aspirations. The question, “When are you going to stop and settle down?” assumes that "settling down" is the only goal, disregarding the fulfillment and happiness that travelers find in their journeys.
The question also undermines the fact that people's priorities and desires can change over time, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to life. It's essential to respect and celebrate diverse paths and a sense of belonging. But who says you can’t have both? Just because you want to have a home base or thrive in a healthy relationship doesn’t mean you have to give up your goal of the adventure. Learn to compromise, but not too much.
6. Isn't pursuing your dreams something that belongs to childhood?
Traveling embodies the spirit of adventure and self-discovery, which is not limited to childhood but can resonate throughout a person's entire life. “Isn’t the pursuit of chasing your dreams something that belongs to childhood?” dismisses the significance of following one's passions and pursuing personal fulfillment at any age. Many people forget about their dreams when they grow up or are conditioned to believe that they are unrealistic or achievable. Travelers recognize that life is too short to be confined to societal norms and expectations, and they courageously chase their dreams, regardless of what they are and regardless of age or judgment.
I don’t think that this lifestyle will ever be fully understood and accepted by the world. I've always been a little different, and I always knew I would end up doing something different than everyone else. I didn’t, however, realize I’d be living the life of my dreams and challenging the status quo every day. It's funny how things end up working out like you could never have expected.