I want to break the stereotype of what the world thinks is a Vagabond. No, we aren't unemployed 20 somethings without a 5 year plan nor future. No, we aren't couch surfers and we don't leech off of people. And no, we aren't scraping by just to make a living.
I can proudly say I have been living a vagabond lifestyle since I got married (2012). The result? A greater understanding of who I am as a person and the kind of life I want to build. It's been an incredibly rewarding self-discovery journey.
Growing up, I loved school but got bored easily so I was naturally on the accelerated path in high school and then in college. I knew one thing for sure. I did NOT want to be locked into a 9-5 routine post academia. I was hellbent on creating a life that I would NEVER want a vacation from. I had and continue to have an enormous passion for people from all walks of life and the beautiful (yet so small) world around us. I never felt that a person's home should be limited to a house --- to me it was a way of life. Traveling is like breathing to me. It's second nature. I used to joke with a friend that I'm on the non-plan plan. Home to me is unrivaled freedom through travel.
I'd love to share several pros of the vagabond life:
Believe it or not, as someone who takes pride in presentation and possessions (true Taurean here!), I travel super lightly and have enjoyed having fewer possessions. I'm no Elle Woods. Less is definitely more, folks. I can't tell you enough how much I love not having mortgage payments, car payments, etc.
I've fallen in love with cities all over the world where walking is the main transportation. Paris is my favorite city to "get lost" in. It's the best way to get to know a city.
Gregory and I have this cool knack of living opulently without breaking the bank. AirBnb (in Europe, not America, another story for another post!), VRBO, and hotels.com have become our best travel companions!
I've met and made the most intriguing, life-long friends across the globe. If you're reading this, you know who you are! Thank you for your impact and the memories :)
Unbelievable travel experiences. Like shit you can't make up. Always a joy sharing these stories to an eager audience :)
I've become more resourceful; my hustle skills have gone through the roof as a globetrotter. There is never a dull moment and it keeps me on my toes.
Don't like the place? Unhappy? Then leave! Being a vagabond means no roots. Ironically, how freeing is that?
Yes, a con of the vagabond lifestyle is the obvious exhaustion and loneliness (though I enjoy my me time) that comes from moving from one place to another but when traveling feeds your soul, it's not so bad. Also, I have lost friends because of my unconventional lifestyle. It's unfortunate but traveling constantly does not mean friendships are put on hold, like most people think can happen when away from home. I take my friendships seriously --- not a fan of convenience friendships. I'm a ride or die kind of lady.
Living life on my own terms through independent travel never felt so good! As most of you know, choosing Paris and NYC as my "homes" while still fulfilling my insatiable travel bug was a huge step for me, despite being noncommittal. Having goals in life are pointless. I truly believe just walking your talk is enough. Achievement just naturally follows. Goals give off a "I'm not good enough" mindset. Once x happens, I will be happy. Nuh uh, it doesn't work like that. Your definition and view of success is always evolving so setting goals is actually limiting.
How about you, fellow globetrotters or even lovers of travel? What are some places on your bucket list? I'd love to know.
Love,
Cherie
