As I watch the calendar roll over, alerting me that it’s been exactly one year since Josh and I hit the road full-time, I can hardly believe it’s already been that long. One full year of adventures, new experiences and Australian travel! As they say, time is a thief, however, in the span of 12 months, I have learnt so much and I can confidently say I’m not the same person who walked into the van last July. I know that sounds cliche and a little corny, but it’s true. Time may be a thief but when it’s spent travelling you receive nothing but gifts.
In the midst of my reminiscing I realised some truths that come with full-time travel that could be valuable to my fellow nomads, especially those who are brand new to full-time touring. It can be a little daunting jumping feet first into life on the road, so here’s a little taste that’ll hopefully leave you more prepared.
woman standing in field overlooking a waterhole
You Will get Decision Fatigue and FOMO - Take Time to Slow Down
Life in a van or a 4WD setup differs in many obvious ways to your traditional home. An obvious example is one is on wheels and one is not, but there are some aspects of vanlife you won’t truly consider until you’re living it. One of these unexpected challenges that I’ve been faced with is decision fatigue.
Decision fatigue refers to the mental exhaustion that comes from having to make constant decisions, day in and day out. Sure, this happens at home too, but usually in a much simpler way, and you always have the option to switch off and essentially decide not to decide for a while. In full-time travel life, though, your brain is always on because it has to be.
“Where will we camp tonight?”
“Is there availability at the campsite?”
“Do we need fuel along the way?”
“Which route should we take?”
“What does the big picture look like on the map?”
“How do we fix something if it breaks?”
“There are no grocery shops for another 1000km, do we have enough food to last?”
The list goes on… Whilst I can appreciate this sounds like a first world problem, it’s something that I’ve had to work to manage since hitting the road full-time.
One of the best ways to combat decision fatigue is by building ‘rest days’ into your travels. Days where you do absolutely nothing. This means no sightseeing, no driving, and importantly, no planning. We’ve learned to slow down, to spend longer in places and to give ourselves permission to just exist as people not tourists. It’s easy to fall into the trap of FOMO (fear of missing out), feeling like you need to tick off every tourist spot, drive every track, and squeeze every last drop out of each location.
Remind yourself, as we do, that everyone’s adventure is different and you need to travel in the way that works best for you!
man and woman standing under a tree with purple flowers
You Will Feel Guilty for Being Away
A big one for me is missing the people I love back home. Oftentimes it feels like I have had to sacrifice watching my friends hit milestones, get married and have babies so that I can live my best life on the road. With this comes a lot of guilt; my grandparents are getting older, I’m watching my friends' children grow up via Instagram and birthdays are a “wish I was there” text. This harsh truth comes with a bigger realisation: that those who love you want the best for you.
Although I sometimes feel guilty for being away, I’ve come to realise how lucky I am to have connections that withstand both distance and time. Whenever I visit home, it feels like I’ve only just seen everyone yesterday.
One way I’ve found a happy medium is by returning home for the big events, like Christmas’ or weddings, as well as keeping in regular contact via phone, social media and FaceTime. I’m yet to find a magic solution to ease the pain of missing those back home but one Band-Aid is the knowledge that the people who matter most will still be there, cheering me on from afar, no matter where I am.
woman posing in front of a sign in the outback
Travelling Doesn’t Have to Send you Broke
I used to watch travel YouTubers and social media vloggers and wonder how they were supporting themselves and importantly, whether they were surviving on a two-minute noodle diet. But after a year on the road, I’ve come to learn that there are so many ways to travel, and one thing I know for certain is that this lifestyle doesn’t have to send you broke.
There are countless ways to save a buck on the road: seeking out cheaper fuel and stocking up when you find a bargain, shopping in bulk at stores like ALDI, free camping, and most importantly, slowing down your travel pace.
Full-time travel can feel daunting at first, especially when it seems like you need the biggest, best, and flashiest setup with all the bells and whistles. I can assure you, you’ll learn very quickly that simplicity is key and that you never really needed all the things you once hoarded or held onto to be happy. On the road, things are simply that: just things. It’s the experiences, the memories, and the adventures that make you smile that become your true treasures. And of course, your health - that’s the greatest wealth of all.
Budget wisely, purchase sensibly and always have an emergency fund to cushion you if you hit a financial bump. You’ll soon realise, just as I did, that there are many levels to travelling and you absolutely can live ‘the good life’ without sending yourself broke.
man and woman in a mine shaft with high vis gear on
You’re Never Really ‘Done’ Seeing a Place
If you’ve read any of my yarns, you’ll know I’m an advocate for experiencing places more than once. One of the best ways to do this, and guarantee a different adventure every time, is to travel during different seasons such as peak season, shoulder season and off-season.
The Northern Territory is a great example of this. It changes dramatically after the wet season compared to the end of the dry. The landscapes, the colours and the temperature all shift with the seasons, meaning no two visits ever feel the same.
Another truth you’ll come to realise on the road is that you’re never truly ‘done’ seeing a place. There’s always an excuse to go back, a reason to miss it, and even once you’ve completed your lap (however long that ends up taking), you’ll probably still feel the itch to keep exploring.
Accept that you’ll likely never see it all but I’d encourage you to find comfort and beauty in that too. Australia is vast, breathtaking and has something for everyone. It’s impossible not to fall in love with this country, and the best part is, there’s always more waiting to be discovered.
woman standing in front of a 4x4 in front of a sign in outback
You’ll Meet a New Version of Yourself
Okay, I left this to last on purpose. I know you’re probably rolling your eyes. Ever the corny line lover, I know, but it’s true! Not only will you discover just how independent you really are, but you’ll also find yourself stepping out of your comfort zone in the pursuit of adventure. You’ll learn new skills, both behind the wheel and beyond, and you’ll become far more present. The 9-5 rat race of waking, working, eating, and sleeping fades away and in its place you’ll start to uncover not just who you are, but what makes you truly happy at your core.
Lessons learnt from travel are things that can’t be taught in a classroom, they must be felt with the heart. These lessons you learn on the road are richer and more life-changing than anything you could find in a book.
For me, hitting the road full-time has helped me discover who I am when I’m stripped of the job title, the social circle and the hometown that once shaped my identity. I used to think the road forged a person but now I believe the road simply reveals who you really are.
woman pointing at rocks
We humans are very cyclical, we love hitting milestones and celebrating them in the form of anniversaries. One year on the road feels like a huge achievement and I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned while being away. They’ve shaped me in ways I never expected.
Anywhere you can legally go in Australia
For as long as you like
