Some day in the future, we will all be able to look back at 2020 and say, “So, what the actual f*ck was that??”. This year has been nothing short of a dumpster fire, and I don’t speak for myself when I say this has been the weirdest year of my life. Since we are stuck indoors, with no sign of what the future holds, it’s no shock that a lot of our mental states are more fragile than the granola bar at the bottom of my purse.
So what’s a world traveler to do when we can’t travel anymore? Despite all odds, I am actually doing quite well. I feel sad when thinking about the state of the world, but overall I actually had a great year. I credit my inner peace, to the lessons I learned from long term travel. Those invaluable learnings inherently prepared me for this shitshow we call 2020, and have kept my spirits afloat in these times. Here are 7 lessons from long term travel that helped me survive 2020.
Lessons from Long Term Travel
1. Be Adaptable
![lessons from long term travel: adapt even to cold weather](https://yourtravelflamingo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/DSC01140-792x1024.jpg)
As a long term traveler, nothing in your life is constant. Change is always around the corner, and just a train ride away.
We live to adapt. Every new place means a new environment, people, culture, food, city to navigate – everything. As travelers, we have evolved to adapt to new situations very fast.
This year threw a huge curveball into our lives, but I see it as just another new way of life that I had to adapt to, and learn to thrive in.
2. Have No Expectations
![lessons from long term travel: keep expectations low](https://yourtravelflamingo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/DSC01399-792x1024.jpg)
A huge lesson from long term travel, is to always keep your expectations low.
Travel has taught me that in life, there will be moments that will blow you away beyond belief. Like seeing Mount Fuji over the lake for the first time, or when a whale shark appears beside you on your dive.
But there will also be moments of boredom, sadness, frustration, and hardship. Like all the delayed flights, or when the weather ruins your hike.
These might not be ideal, but they’re all part of the experience. Long term travel means learning to allow life to flow the way it will, and accepting what you’re given.
Having no expectations allows me to be accepting of the low times, such as this year.
3. Nothing Lasts Forever
![lessons from long term travel: nothing lasts forever even cherry blossoms](https://yourtravelflamingo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/DSC00927-3-792x1024.jpg)
Nothing in a long term travelers life is permanent. We are very aware of just how fleeting most things are.
The places, the friendships, the romances, and the feelings we experiences, are always only temporary.
We know everything has an expiration date, and nothing lasts forever. Even if this pandemic seems to drag on for half an eternity, I know it’s just another uncomfortable period of time that will be over someday. Like a realllllyy long bus ride with no wifi or AC.
4. People are Kind
![two penguins napping on each other in south africa](https://yourtravelflamingo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/DSC03007-792x1024.jpg)
Lots of things fade in your memory when you’ve traveled for so long, but I’ll never forget the people I’ve met or the kindness I was shown. People are the most important part of my trip, and life in general.
This proved to be extremely true when I was was stuck in South Africa alone during lockdown. I was scared, and had no one, but the strangers around me became my support.
Although we couldn’t come near each other, the people in my community in Camps Bay, were very caring, and we quickly became friends through our windows.
When I was repatriated home from South Africa to the USA, I was homeless. I came home amidst chaos, but my community back home still took care of me and welcomed me home like I’d never left.
Seriously, if I only have one thing to be proud of in this life, it’s the amazing friendships I have made. I will always be grateful for the relationships I’ve developed in my life.
5. Embrace Uncertainty
![a girl in Howth ireland with a view of the lighthouse and cliffs](https://yourtravelflamingo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/DSC03162-792x1024.jpg)
Living a nomadic life, means leaning into uncertainty and embracing it. We don’t travel to live a predictable life!
For many people, the pandemic has totally disrupted their daily lives. I can see why this upheaval of their routine has brought about mounted anxiety.
But for a long term traveler, it’s truly just another new situation to navigate, in our long stream of new situations.
This year I had plans to travel all of Africa. I envisioned a year of exotic safaris, dancing to African music under the stars, and maybe finishing the year in Asia.
Instead, I got stuck in Cape Town during lockdown, paid $3000 to be repatriated home, reunited with my boyfriend in Europe, and the biggest shock of all, moved to Switzerland. This was an unexpected way for the year to unfold.
But you know what? I love the unexpected. Plans are overrated anyways.
6. Boredom Doesn’t Exist
![Lessons from long term travel: there is always something to do](https://yourtravelflamingo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/DSC07052-2-792x1024.jpg)
When on the road, especially as a solo traveler, we alone are in charge of planning our day. We have no one to rely on to keep us entertained but ourselves.
As a traveler, you always find something to do. You know how to use your time with intention, in any circumstance.
Back in lockdown and I can’t go out and take photos? I’ll take photography courses and edit my travel pictures instead.
We can’t travel freely anymore? I will start a travel blog and blab about travel nonstop anyways.
It’s like that phrase, “Only boring people get bored”.
7. Live in the Moment
![lessons from long term travel: live in the moment](https://yourtravelflamingo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/DSC03270-792x1024.jpg)
Living a nomadic life, means immersing yourself in the moment. I’ve maintained this mentality, even off the road.
I’m not thinking so much about what I missed out on, if COVID didn’t exist. I’m just existing, and making the most of what’s in front of me.
Sure, we can’t travel anymore, and I’m not spontaneously jetting off to new places whenever I want. But learning to live a life in one place, is a novel experience for me.
I am sure not all travelers feel this way, and most really miss the freedom of travel. But, I have learned to find joy in my new domesticated lifestyle. I go to the gym, have time to write, and pursue other hobbies, such as cooking.
Happiness is an inside job, and your circumstances don’t dictate it.
These are the biggest lessons I’ve learned from long term travel, that have helped me cope with this pandemic. Think of COVID as a huge storm that hit during your tropical vacation. It may have ruined your beach day, and those to come, but eventually, the sun will come out again.
How are you holding up in this shitstorm of a year? Let me know below!
Exciting and deep thoughts on traveling in times of a pandemic. Inspirational post. I like the idea of think of COVID as a huge storm that hit during your tropical vacation. It’s great!
This year has been a dumpster fire, lol! I love your sense of adventure and positivity surrounding the lessons you’ve learned and how you applied them to this year. As someone who spent more of 2019 traveling than home, I can absolutely relate to this article. For me, it’s been a year of being kind to myself, practising more self-care than usual, and traveling locally around my city of Vancouver. That has kept me sane 😉
This is a BRILLIANT post and I agree with it completely. If more people did long-term solo travel, the world would be a better place because they would be forced to develop all the qualities you talked about. THANK YOU for this incredibly insightful post!