I’m a gypsy soul. The idea of selling off all worldly possessions to travel the world with only a backpack and my family has always seemed like a pipe dream, so when the time came to actually go through with it, it felt all too surreal. I will also admit, it was a little frightening. Sometimes, I still feel I could use a pinch for good measure.
Though my husband, my son and I have only been on the road a short time, we have no shortage of stories. It’s a bit like life on steroids. In the first few weeks, I’ve been incredibly ill, lost my backpack (and thankfully recovered it 2 weeks later), have been lost more times than I can count, been to four countries and a couple states, made new friends, and checked several things off the “bucket list”. And did I mention we’ve only just begun?
Funny thing is, when asked about our “home,” I find myself a bit tongue-tied. Though I do miss routine, friendships, hot baths, and clean clothes at times, there isn’t really any place that I could call home. I currently have no phone number, no address, and no home other than the place I set down my backpack. It feels free and frightening, exciting and strange all at the same time.
The number one question we get about our choice to make the world our home is “Why?” The simple answer is, “Why not?”
Most would consider this trip a once in a lifetime experience, and I have to agree. No matter how long we travel or how many times we do this, each experience will be completely unique. But the question and its answer are far more complex. I get it. I know what routine and security and the “American dream” are. And I suppose that’s part of the answer as well.
We are young (32, 34, & 4) and able-bodied. We are open to new people, places, and things. We are fortunate that we are able to work from the road. But mostly, we are all too familiar with what the average routine American lifestyle has to offer and we are ready and willing to try something unconventional.
What I do know is this: I am voluntarily homeless and accept it. The good, the bad, and yes, the ugly. Travel is exciting and adventuresome. It is beautiful and amazing. It is a dream come true.
