Want to Travel Full Time? Here’s What’s Holding You Back
By Michelle Hartz
If you’re new to Wandering Hartz, welcome! We’re Joel and Michelle, and our mission is to help others, just like you, live more abundantly by embracing a life of travel and adventure abroad.
Not so long ago, we were in your shoes: curious, excited, and yes, a bit overwhelmed.
In 2019, we sold our house and nearly everything we owned to set out on our journey as full-time travelers. It wasn’t easy, but it’s been one of the most rewarding decisions of our lives.
We’re breaking down the eight most common reasons people hesitate to travel full-time.
We’ll share our personal insights, practical solutions, and a few hard-earned lessons. Our hope is that you’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and the tools to turn your travel dreams into reality.
So, what’s really holding you back?
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1. Income and Work: Funding Your Freedom
Let’s be real: you can’t travel full time without a way to pay for it. This is usually the number one concern, and for good reason.
If you’re retired, you’ll need reliable passive income — think social security, pensions, or investment returns. For those not quite at retirement age, remote work is your golden ticket.
We know plenty of fellow travelers working U.S.-based jobs from abroad. Just be prepared for the reality of time zones — working nights or odd hours might become your new normal especially if you’re living in Asia.
Freelancers, entrepreneurs, and business owners often enjoy more flexibility, but self-employment comes with its own challenges, like finding reliable Wi-Fi and juggling clients across continents.
We also know several people who have chosen to keep their homes and rent them out. Either using the income to completely or even partially fund their travels.
Our advice: Before you book your one-way ticket, map out your income streams. Test your remote work setup or business model for a few months before you go all-in. The right preparation makes all the difference between a dream trip and a stressful scramble.
2. Debt & Financial Concerns: Breaking Free from Burdens
Debt is a big, heavy anchor. Student loans, credit card debt, and mortgages — all can weigh on your travel dreams.
Our advice? Get a handle on your debt before you board that plane. Pay it off if possible, or at least set up an automatic payment system to keep things running smoothly while you’re abroad.
For long-term travel, consider saving up enough to cover all fixed expenses for the duration of your journey — plus a little extra for emergencies.
Don’t forget an emergency fund. Experts recommend at least 3-6 months of living expenses tucked away, just in case.
Solution: Make a realistic assessment of your finances, create a repayment plan, and build that rainy-day fund. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential for peace of mind.
3. Budget: Living Large Without Breaking the Bank
You’ve crunched the numbers, but have you created a realistic budget?
Budgeting for full-time travel isn’t about living on ramen noodles or sleeping in hostels (unless that’s your thing). It’s about understanding your true cost of living abroad.
Traveling too quickly, jumping from city to city, will drain your wallet faster than you think.
Transportation, last-minute bookings, and eating out can add up quickly.
Overspending by “living like you’re on vacation” is a common pitfall. Tracking your spending is key.
But be honest with yourself. Are you the type who needs a bit of luxury, or are you content with a modest apartment? Are you eating out every night, or cooking at home?
If you can’t afford the lifestyle you want, it’s better to wait and save than to burn out halfway through.
Health is probably the most common concern we hear from aspiring travelers. The fear of getting sick far from home — or managing a chronic condition without your trusted doctor — can be paralyzing.
Here’s the truth: you will get sick at some point. We catch a cold nearly every time we fly to a new country. But we’ve also discovered something surprising—many countries offer high-quality, affordable healthcare.
For those with chronic conditions, research is key. Can you get your medications abroad? Are there specialists in your chosen destination? In many places, you’ll find medical tourism is big business.
Insurance is non-negotiable. We suggest looking into SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance Essential Plan, which covers unexpected illnesses, hospital stays, surgeries, and even lost luggage or emergency evacuation. For those who want more, their Complete Insurance plan adds routine care, mental health support, and coverage for pre-existing conditions.
⚕ Never travel without being covered with International Travel Medical Insurance! We recommend SafteyWing if under 50 years old and Genki if over 50 years old
Planning ahead is everything — bring copies of prescriptions, know where the nearest hospital is, and never skimp on travel health insurance.
Don’t let health fears keep you home. Often, healthcare abroad is better (and far cheaper) than in the U.S. Plan ahead, get the right insurance, and you’ll be prepared for almost anything.
5. Your Stuff: Letting Go and Gaining Freedom
Remember that quote from “Fight Club”? “The things you own end up owning you.” It’s painfully true. When we decided to travel full time, the biggest hurdle wasn’t money — it was our stuff.
Downsizing was emotional, especially for Joel. But embracing minimalism has been one of the most liberating parts of this journey.
We sold our house and 90% of our possessions. What we gained was so much more valuable: freedom, flexibility, and the ability to focus on experiences rather than things.
If you’re struggling with what to do with your belongings, start small. Sell, donate, or gift items you no longer use. Consider digitizing important documents and photos. If you need a roadmap, we wrote an eBook about our entire downsizing process—grab it and get step-by-step guidance.
Goodbye Stuff, Hello Freedom
Are you dreaming of a life of travel, but weighed down by clutter in your home?
This step-by-step guide will take you through the process of clearing out your home or apartment, making room for a more minimalist and travel-friendly lifestyle.
Say goodbye to the stress and burden of excess possessions, and hello to the freedom of exploring the world.
- Practical tips and strategies
- Learn how to let go of unnecessary items
- Organize your space
- Create a more efficient and travel-ready home.
The less you carry, the easier travel becomes. Lugging around three heavy suitcases? Not fun.
Unless you can afford to keep a house or apartment, don’t pay for a storage unit. Those monthly fees add up — often more than what your stuff is worth.
6. Family and Friends: Balancing Relationships on the Road
Leaving loved ones is tough. You’ll miss birthdays, holidays, and the small everyday moments.
But technology makes staying connected easier than ever. FaceTime, WhatsApp, and social media keep you close, even from thousands of miles away.
Encourage friends or family to join you for part of your trip. It’s a great way to share your adventure.
Budget for at least one or two trips home each year — if that’s important to you.
And here’s a little secret: you’ll build a whole new family on the road. The expat and digital nomad communities are incredibly welcoming — don’t be surprised if you find lifelong friends in the most unexpected places.
7. Pets: The Furry Dilemma
If you’re an animal lover, the thought of leaving your pet behind might feel impossible. Can you travel with your furry friend? Should you wait until their golden years? We’ve seen both approaches.
Traveling with pets is possible, but it comes with challenges — cost, paperwork, and sometimes quarantine.
We’ve met people who postponed travel until their pets passed, while others found creative solutions — pet sitters, family caregivers, or even bringing their furry friends along.
We interviewed a couple who moved to Portugal with two dogs—the process was lengthy, expensive but successful.
Another pair, Warren & Julie, travel full time with their two pups and share plenty of tips on their YouTube Channel.
If you decide to travel with pets, do your homework. Not all destinations are pet-friendly, and flying with animals can be stressful (and expensive). But with the right planning, it’s absolutely doable.
Many people are caretakers for elderly parents, family members, or children. This responsibility can make travel feel out of reach.
If you’re caring for aging parents, consider shorter trips or trips with more flexibility. Some travelers split their year between home and abroad, balancing both worlds.
For those with children, involve them in planning and decision-making. Younger children often adapt quickly, while older kids may need more time and support.
Assess your responsibilities honestly, explore flexible travel options, and connect with other traveling families for support and inspiration.
Conclusion: Your Abundant Life Awaits
So, which of these obstacles is standing between you and your dream of full-time travel? Maybe it’s finances, health, pets, or just the thought of letting go of your stuff. Trust us, you’re not alone—almost everyone faces these hurdles.
The key takeaway is this: countless people have overcome these challenges and built incredible lives abroad. The difference between dreaming and doing is often just one step — and a little guidance.
You don’t have to do this alone. That’s exactly why we created our membership Nomadic Abundance to give you the support, resources, and real-world advice you need to make your own transition smoother, whether you’re working remotely, starting a new chapter in retirement, or simply craving more adventure.
Are you ready to embrace full-time or part-time travel, or is retirement just around the corner?
Join the tribe, and let’s kickstart your slow travel journey!
At Nomadic Abundance, we’re here to help you tackle the overwhelm of planning your new life abroad. Our membership offers the resources and guidance you need to make your transition to slow travel as seamless as possible.
Find out more information go to nomadicabundance.com or in video form on YouTube.
Thank you for supporting the site, Happy Wandering!
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In 2019, my husband and I sold our Nashville home, and almost everything else, to pursue a life filled with adventure and meaningful experiences.
Now, “home” is wherever we land, whether that’s for a few weeks or several months. Through our YouTube channel and this platform, we share not just our journey but also practical tips for anyone considering a similar leap. We’re committed to helping fellow remote workers, early retirees, and aspiring expats carve out their own abundant and adventurous lives abroad.
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