A nomad is an individual who moves around from place to place with no real “stationary home”. Some nomads travel on foot while others travel in vehicles. Other nomads stay in Airbnb’s or hostels and use planes as their mode of transportation. Some nomads have a “home base” they can return to, usually a friend’s or family member’s house. However, many do not and may wake up in a different location every day.
Why Does One Choose to Live Nomadically?
There are several ways to answer this question since nomads enter the nomadic lifestyle for many different reasons.
Freedom
This is one of the obvious answers to the question. Having the freedom to go wherever and whenever you want is a very satisfying feeling. Being chained down to one specific location, working the same job, and paying high prices for rent or a mortgage can really restrict a person.
It may not bother certain people as much because some like stability and security but for freedom-seekers, this is one of the main reasons for stepping into the nomadic world.
To Save Money
A person can save a lot of money without having to pay rent, mortgages, utility bills, car bills, or whatever other bills that are associated with the non-nomadic lifestyle. For example, let’s say you live nomadically in a car. The only bills you would have would be car insurance, gas, food, and your phone bill if you have a phone. Now, this is living pretty minimally, though. If you work a full-time remote job, just think about how much money you could save.
Forced Into It
Let’s face it, some people are forced into the nomad lifestyle. Sometimes life gets hard and things change dramatically which can force a person into living nomadic. Unfortunately, some people are put into a situation like this but they just aren’t given any other options.
Self-Improvement
Some of us venture out on this nomadic journey to fulfill a healing process. A person can go through some rough times in life and it can get to a point where they just need to get away. Spending time by yourself can be a great way to create a better version of yourself.
Being around people all the time can take the focus away but having that time to start new hobbies, exercise, explore, reflect, read, learn, and just focus on oneself can really make a huge difference in self-improvement.
Happiness
Many philosophers point out that the meaning of life is happiness and I agree with this statement. What is the point of living an unhappy life? There is a difference between living and existing. I have talked to lots of nomads over the years and I have found that 95% of them are living a happier, fulfilling life now that they chose to live nomadically. You only live once so make the best of it.
Social Media
Social media has obviously glamourized nomad life and I’m sure it has influenced many people to jump into the lifestyle. Terms like van life, bus life, Skoolie life, and nomad life have recently caught a lot of attention on a number of different social media platforms.
The Advantages of Living Nomadically
Living as a nomad can be very gratifying. The advantages can be different depending on who you are talking to but here are a few to start off with:
- Fewer Bills
- Smaller Bills
- More freedom
- Self-Improvement
- Exploration
- Travel
- Meeting new people
- Every day is different
- Reconnecting with nature
- Stress and anxiety relief
- Escaping the 9-5
- Builds character
- Unforgettable experiences
The Disadvantages of Living like a Nomad
Living nomadic isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. It can get stressful at times and negative experiences can happen. I’m not going to get into the fine details so here are a few disadvantages:
- Loneliness
- Vehicle break-downs
- Running out of money
- No stable job
- Constantly stocking up on supplies
- No showers (smaller rigs)
- No toilet (smaller rigs)
- No internet (in some remote locations)
- Uncertainty
- Missing friends/family
- Issues getting snail mail and packages
Characteristics of a Nomadic Lifestyle
- Living nomadically is more important than anything else such as a career, a relationship, or assets. Most nomads that get hooked on this lifestyle consider the lifestyle as top priority meaning that a nomad will avoid any attachment that forces him or her to be tied down to a specific location. This may not be accurate for all nomads but most of them will agree that living nomadic and staying nomadic is a top priority as they like traveling and adventure.
- Most nomads grow to become interesting, easy-going, smart, open-minded, and free-spirited human beings. Nomads meet lots of people which exposes them to different lifestyles, cultures, and changing situations. The teacher in this situation is the constant process of change and it can really change a person.
- Nomads tend to travel at a slower pace to create emotional stability. Many of us tend to follow the weather meaning that we stay in specific locations for weeks or months at a time where the weather is favorable. Staying at locations for longer periods helps establish routines and create meaningful relationships with others.
- Nomads generally adjust pretty quickly to adjust to situations and are fast-thinkers. The constant change of locations and situations makes you rely more on intuition and quick decision-making.
- Traveling light is the way of the nomad. Most nomads are minimalists meaning that experiences take precedence over material items. Life is short and most nomads truly believe that life experiences are the most important aspect of living a fulfilling life.
- Living life as a nomad, you start to realize that everything is temporary and nothing is yours, so nomads don’t usually take life too seriously.
- Most nomads are curious, happy, and pretty respectful. Nomads have to be happy and positive to rebuild their social circle, since they’re always on the move and meeting new people. Nomads tend to spend a fair amount of time alone as well, so to buildnew relationships, one must be in a positive mindset.
Just outside Canyonlands National Park.
