Living a Nomadic Lifestyle
A nomadic lifestyle may seem like heaven to some of us, but it can also be unrewarding and bitter. Just like everything else in life, being a nomad has some wonderful advantages and a few substantial disadvantages. In this article, we will discuss some of the main characteristics of the nomadic life. But first, we start with a short discussion of the current status and trends of the nomadic lifestyle.
The single major factor which affects nomads is technology which has two related impacts. On the one hand, the rapid pace of technological advance is decreasing the number of ancient nomadic people, since it produces more reasons to settle down. On the other hand, the internet allows people to work remotely and become Digital Nomads, a way of life which allows anyone to work online while enjoying the flexibility to constantly change locations.
Here are some of the major characteristics of a nomadic lifestyle.
- A nomad constantly changes locations, switching from one place to another. Most nomads have some kind of place that they can call home, which is usually where their family or childhood friends are located, but they wouldn’t spend more than a few months a year there. Nor would they settle down in a new home. For nomads “Change is home”. Not many people can stick to this lifestyle on the long term, since most of us need a little stability and a private comfort zone. Nomads have no real home they can feel comfortable in, and spend most of their time in someone’s else accommodation (i.e. a hostel, short rental, a friend’s place, or couchsurfing).
- The nomadic lifestyle is more important than anything else, including career, relationship, or assets. A nomad will avoid any attachment which forces her/him to be tied to a specific location. Once you have decided that your nomadic lifestyle is first priority, you will have to sacrifice to make sure it stays sustainable. Many nomads find the Buddhist religion as a good fit, since it focuses on non-attachment and letting go of everything you have. A nomad lets go and clicks an imaginary “reset button” as they move between locations.
- Avoiding attachments- A nomad breaks away from her/his attachments before taking the nomadic path, and stays away from attachments while living as a nomad. What is an attachment? Anything that keeps you away from realizing a nomadic life. It is anything you have (or actually, think that you have) and can’t give up on. The perfect job that is impossible to get once you quit it, the dog you love so much and can’t be left behind, the amazing girlfriend/boyfriend that will not agree to become a nomad. A quick interesting insight- if you have those, and feel happy, keep them. But if they are not perfect and don’t really make you happy, say goodbye to all your fake attachments and either find better ones, or choose the nomadic path instead.
- Nomads usually become quite smart, easy going and interesting people. The reason for that is clear, they are exposed to many lifestyles, cultures and constantly changing situations. This constant process of change is your teacher. If you are ready for it, it will make you a better person.
- Nomads don’t take life very seriously. Think about it. If you keep losing everything you had (friends, home) every time you change a location, then the basic understanding dawns on you: “everything is temporary and nothing is yours”. After you understand that, you can’t really take life too seriously, there is nothing to defend.
- Nomads travel light and have a minimalist mindset. It means that they consume experiences instead of accumulating Stuff. Life is short, and the only thing we are guaranteed not to lose is great moments experienced. Those of us who keep on over consuming and increasing their possessions will find it very frustrating to carry on their backs while constantly changing locations.
- Nomads usually travel slow. Even for the rare few who can live life without having a home, it is important to create emotional stability by staying longer in each location (usually 1-3 months) in order to establish routines and make meaningful friendships.
- Nomads are respectful, smiley and above all curious. If this is not the case, why would you choose a path of a constant change? Being positive also helps to mitigate one of the greatest disadvantages of the nomadic life, which is loneliness. We are all social animals, which means that without company, we wither and disconnect from ourselves. Since nomads have to keep on rebuilding their social circle wherever they go, being happy and positive is crucial. Regardless, one of my favorite nomadic quotes is “If you are lonely when you are alone, you are in bad company”. Nomads spend a lot of their time alone, and should enjoy it as well.
- Digital Nomads are trying to deal with the issue of lack of social life by choosing global locations that are Digital nomad hubs. This greatly increase the chance of meeting like-minded people.
- Nomad think and adjust fast. As a nomad constantly changing locations, everything is always new. You have to put effort in finding what you need, and probably can’t speak the native language. It means that you must learn to trust your intuition and make quick decisions.
There are many different types of nomadic lifestyles and each of us better customize their own. For example, with time, I have developed a set of nomadic routines and rules which I follow and adjust. Now it’s time for you to decide if the nomadic life is a beneficial experiment to you, and if so, just make it happen.
Interested to hear more about the Nomadic Lifestyle? Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter:
I love the article and I myself have only tasted the nomadic lifestyle for a little bit. I’ve only moved around my state in Montana over the last few years, but I’m ready to keep moving. My family is worried that I’m making a wrong decision. They bought me a car when I graduated a few years ago and they use it as a leash almost. I’m fed up with it. I’m a proficient hiker and camper. I have hiked for weeks on end through the backwoods of Montana. I just need to know, is it worth it to just drop everything and start now because I feel like I’m ready, however my head has never stopped having that nagging feeling like I’m disappointing everyone.
Hi Shelby,
My family was also worried when I started. I have to admit, I took their worries into concern, since I know they have my best interest in their minds, and try to deal with what they are worried about. The first thing was lack of family, which I find irrational, since I can start a family late. Their second worry was my career, they didn’t understand how I will make a living and not be in a situation that when I get back to normal life, I will have nothing. I dealt with that by trying to build sustainable businesses, and I think I am on the right track. The conclusion is, try to figure out if some of their concerns are justified, and try dealing with those. From experience, I can tell you that at least 50% of the things that concern your loved ones are true, and you have to find a way of dealing with that.
It’s your life to build. Try choosing a stable and sustainable path that makes you happy. I keep on repeating a mantra which I believe in: If you go nomadic because you are running away (or fed up), it will probably be a disappointing experience. Try going nomadic from a position of power and improvement of what you have.
Just like any decision in life, this one is yours to take, and I hope you make the best one.
good luck!
Hiya,
I’m a 53 year young Rasta Shaman, I raised my Sun and he recently graduated this summer. All his life, I wanted to unschool and travel, with our dog; he didn’t!
We are originally from Santa Cruz, CA and relocated to Northern Minnesota In 2002. I own a tiny home, but am developing a virtual presence such that I could do consulting for guidance and readings and have the dogs too!
Like the gentleman from Africa, I”m tired of the rat race!
I have in the last 2 years taken at least 3 long road trips including with my Sun and his friend, who is now 17. Sleeping in our SUV, with the dogs, stopping across the country. We visited the Hempfestival in Seattle! Highly recommended~
I think at 53, we have become very flexible, and are even better are adapting to new situations, friends, at least some of us?
Then again, I wasn’t raised in the Midwest, many my age here seem far less flexible in terms of their thinking?
I would like to nomad in an RV or Bus and have a home base somewhere would be ideal! Boat would work too.
Love the thread!
Shaman
Hi Shaman,
sounds like a fun trip, congrats!
for the RV culture, try the youtube movie “American Nomads”, much of the movie is dedicated to this topic.
I think that it is a perfect age to go nomad, after you are more mature, balanced, and know what you want of life.
Good luck!
Hello,
As of lately, I have been interested in adopting the nomad lifestyle. In a sense, I am already a nomad, traveling around the country at least once a month for a couple days to a week. I’m 22 yrs old, a college graduate, with two jobs, my own place, and my own car. Even with all of this, I am still able to travel, and every time it is time for me to return back “home” I always think..there has to be away I can just travel and get up and go whenever I please. So my only concerns are about money. Being that one of the jobs I have now is as a waitress, I figured it is always easy to find a serving job to make quick tip money to survive in any city. But I don’t want to have to suffice to just that! My ultimate goal is to be a filmmaker so I figured I could document my journey but I know that will take a while before that produces substantial revenue. What do you think? And I am also worried about my car..I have a Jeep Wrangler that I absolutely love!!! So I would want to take it with me but I know in some places or for some travels this wouldnt be fitting. All in all, what are your suggestions?
Hi Mo,
sounds like you have your two feet on the ground, which is something I like in potential nomads 🙂
As for money, the only thing I came up with is working online. why? 1)Legally, when you travel to other countries you cant work there 2)it allows you to go to low cost countries while working for clients in developed countries.
A car, just like any other attachment, has a good side to it, and a negative side to it. My opinion is worthless here since the benefits and prices paid on this attachments are personal, you know what’s best.
Film making sounds like a long term project, so I encourage you to also have something as a cash flow operation, while growing and working on your film making project.
All the best,
E
Hey there! Jer the Bear (wicked name, right? jk) here. I totally dig the article and the life you live. I’ve recently been talking to a couple friends of mine and we are all of a like mind in regards to picking up and traveling. I just have a couple of questions for you.
First of all, in your experience, do you feel that traveling alone or with a group (whether it be two or even ten) is better? I know it is probably a personal preference thing but I just wanted to see where you weighed in on it.
My second question is as follows. I read a few of the previous comments and responses, you’ve been on the road for three years now? Is that right? That’s awesome, btw! I was wondering if you had any extra information for me, websites that dive deeper into the lifestyle or just things you’ve picked up along the way?
I’m looking forward to this coming stage in my life, to learn in ways that would be impossible while in the box I live in now and to experiencing life to its fullest potential, both ups and downs. I’m really grateful that I stumbled upon this page.
Safe Travels,
Jer
Hi Jer,
Good to hear from you.
You got it right about traveling alone or together. It is personal preference.
If its backpacking lifestyle without work involve, I would probably say that if you have cool people to travel with, by all means, do it with them.
A usual nomadic lifestyle however, involves work most of the day (usually online, or any other work). That means that you are actually building your own life and routine wherever you are. That actually means that you are alone, or many other digital nomad do, travel as a couple, not many options in between.
As for the information presented here, it is my creation after 4 years of traveling and confronting situations.. However there are definitely some blogs I follow and inspired by, check them out at the top menu (nomad blogs).
All the best and feel free to shoot additional questions.
Eli
been on the road for 25 years. use carpentry for income & some family help in tight spots but that is over with. this is the advice: you must learn meditation to be happy. to be in aloneness is fun as apposed to lonliness which sucks. lonliness will be amplified on the road but aloneness is totally exciting, all is new, a celebration ,a temple. the internet has made nomadics a riot of laughs, never isolated. spirituality is the key here find a system that works for you. with an rv, camper or truck its all sweetness & light. you can find a routine of places you visit yearly with ‘for real’ people that accept you.’ever let your fancy roam happiness never is at home’. learn to eat cheap by going vegan or veggie style because health is number one, you can not afford to be sick. boats tents vans shacks caves all add to the fun. never a boss to tell you anything, no hurry just keep ahead of the food so its no stress & enjoy!
Carpentry sounds like a super cool of making a nomadic living without being stuck in front of a laptop, nice going! Nice reflection about aloneness and loneliness. All the best in your journey.
phew….!! this is soo wonderfully awesome….to the extent that, me , who never thought of moving away from ‘home’..had sudden thoughts of diving into Nomadic lifestyle…..sounds very very different !
Thanks
Daniel,
That’s one awesome feedback.
Glad you have awaken, and also glad it was just a sudden thought that will not keep you away from home.
Take care!
Thanks for the info
you are most welcome
Thank you for this, I was looking for a solution to work and travel at the same time where my current situation is suitable for this where at the moment I am not bound by attachments and currently building my skills and portfolio to be able to freelance web design/development online. Thanks again great read! 🙂
Thanks Gavin!
Not many are so lucky to be in a pure non attachment situation that allows them to change their lives.
All the best!
Hi im having trouble with fear the fear of uncertainty being killed or robbed or assaulted is north america on a scale of 1-100 a good place to nomad?i would love to be a nomad my family is from el-salvador and we have moved 5 times i believe since i was a youngling but now that im older i want to go my own way which brings me back to fear ;_;
42 years ago I toured the USA and I loved it. I found I did not have enough money to be nomadic and returned to California and worked hard and long hours. I was forced to retire at 62 due to a brain disorder. I am 63 at this time and I am a full time caretaker for Bickel Camp in a remote spot of the Mojave Desert. I find I am still around too many people. I am the only person living in this remote area and my closest neighbor is eight miles away yet since this is a historic camp there are many visitors on the week ends. I wish to have more time alone and wish to camp at various remote spots in the BLM wilderness. I am now planning to resign from being the full time caretaker in two months. I am going to purchase a “Runaway” travel trailer which is eight feet long, four feet high and four feet wide. This will keep my life simple and I will be able to live in the remote areas I desire. I seek to have solitude for meditating which brings me serenity which brings me happiness. I know most people would find this a strange desire but it is right for me. I have an income and do not need to be anywhere for any reason. I am a Taoist and think this lifestyle will enable me to find the peace and quiet I long for. I have very few possessions and very few desires as I believe desires and possessions bring unhappiness. When I had the most possessions I was most unhappy.
I enjoyed reading this site and appreciate your sharing your thoughts. Thank you.
See I’m 19, and been thinking about this quite a bit… but the thing is I don’t where to start, and I am afraid to just go alone but I wanna do this… any advice?
My husband and I kind of fell into this lifestyle, however I do see some differences from the article. After my husband retired at 42, and not knowing what to do, we decided to take a vacation…this 3 month vacation wound up being 1.5 outside of the USA; with that you see life in a different perspective. Our online business took off and we decided to come back to the United States once we landed we started hopping from place to place not really staying in one specific place. Now, we get to travel and see parts of the country we have never seen. We’re especially enjoying the National Parks.
I do agree with the socializing part, it’s great to have my husband and we are our social but at times I do miss having friends…
Sarah,
That’s a great change you have done with your husband, congratulations.
You helped me realize that the infrastructure to freedom is the ability to be location free, and that’s why online businesses are so great.
As for the social part, I recently discovered that working in coworking spaces wherever i go helps a lot.
All the best,
Eli
You mentioned starting the nomadic lifestyle whilst depressed or trying to escape / run away might not be the best way to embark on this journey, but I feel like it is the only way I can find happiness, which I haven’t felt through my current sedentary university student life in way too long and it’s absolutely driving my insane. Any recommendations on how to begin my journey would be greatly appreciated and thanks for everything, this page has been quite an interesting read.
Maxime,
Nice hearing from you.
I just think running away to a nomadic life is not a good idea. I do think that it might be the most amazing lifestyle out there, but I rather switch to it from a position of “I am ok now, but can surely be happier as a Nomad” than “I am miserable now, let’s run away”. I hope you come from the same place, since this lifestyle requires a lot of stamina, emotional strength, and some special characteristics as well. How to start? easy. No big declarations, take a nice trip to another country for a few months, and see how it goes..