The Dark Side of Sacrifice: The Truth About My Life As a Travel Blogger

Horseback Riding in Gobi Desert, Mongolia

I was talking to a friend about the not so pretty side of quitting a life of consistency to travel full-time. It has its amazing awards and benefits and certainly has its inconveniences.

While I encourage any and everyone to follow their passions and pursue what they love, I would like you to consider all angles and perspectives before you take the “big leap.”

I love what I do and how I am doing it, but it is not always as glamorous as it seems on Instagram and Facebook. Puh-leeze do not be deceived.

This is the truth about my life as a Travel Blogger.

Health.

If you know me personally, you know that I am a holistic, hippie at heart. Most of the products I use or consume, I try to keep as wholesome, organic, and natural as possible. While I rarely get sick, if I do come down with something (cold, stomach ache, etc.amazing), I typically treat it myself through a massive concoction of fruits, veggies, teas, herbs, exercise, and rest.

Recently, I got a minor infection that would have taken longer to treat on my own versus taking an antibiotic. I opted for the antibiotic for faster treatment because I was traveling within the next few days. After HOURS of waiting at a walk-in clinic, to be seen for 20 minutes, just to get my prescription – I was finally out of what felt like solitary confinement and a whopping $110.

When I was in Corporate America, I worked for the world’s #1 healthcare brand. I had fantastic health insurance. Hell – there were clinics in all of the offices! Not feeling so well that day? Simple – go down to the office clinic, get your vitals checked, have the prescription sent to your preferred pharmacy and you are ready to go. And now that I think about it, I paid maybe $20/mo for A+++ health insurance. Now, I no longer have the luxury of having a Primary Care Physician or even the Office Clinic. Until I get health insurance, (don’t get me started on my opinion of ObamaCare), I must rely on walk-in clinics and long waits.

The truth about my life as a Travel Blogger.

Sri Panwa Resort Phuket Thailand Luxury Hotel Blogger

Hustling.

I LOVE writing on RachelTravels.com! Unfortunately, I do not currently generate enough income blogging to sustain a lifestyle I am accustomed to living. So I have to hustle. I have had to pick up a part-time job (thank you JESUS it is remote), take on freelancing, consulting, and paid blogging gigs. It is not easy adjusting to an inconsistent and ever-changing income–when I am used to a bi-weekly Bank of America direct deposit alert.

The truth about my life as a Travel Blogger.

Dating & Relationships.

This one is a doozy.

Plain and straightforward, it is challenging to grow, build, and nurture a romantic relationship with so much travel. The same can be said for friendships. When I was traveling in SE Asia, so many of my friends wanted to catch up on day-to-day events and stories. Sadly, I could not. It was so difficult with slow, choppy Internet and 8-12 hour time differences.

I have dated guys who think my travel lifestyle is super cool and cute at first and want to be my “Pen Pal,” until they realize it is a damn haze, takes lots of work, and even more patience. Like the age-old story – they fall off. This has happened more times than I care to discuss – but I get it. The ‘ish takes work.

Obviously, this will not be my life forever, but it can put a strain on things. Luckily, I have amazing and supportive family and friends who understand this about my life and work with me on communicating consistently with them. It takes work, but anything worth having does, right?!

The Dark Side of Sacrifice: The Truth About My Life As a Travel Blogger

Stability.

I am damn near homeless (not really.. but sometimes it feels like it lol).

There is no real place to call my own. Every few weeks, I am bopping around and staying somewhere else. Whether it is Orlando, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, or DC, I am constantly on the go. Initially, it was so much fun hopping around and spending time with family and friends all over, but it gets exhausting. You know that feeling of coming home after a long day at work, taking a nice bubble bath and getting in YOUR bed?! Yea. I do not have that luxury anymore.

Sure I can stay at my parents’ house in my old room, but when you have lived on your own for years, it can be tough going back. My parents’ are lovely folks and my best friends so its cool hanging with them and I can’t forget my dog-brother Frank, but I miss my cozy little apartment in Philadelphia sometimes.

I am always driving home the point not to compare yourself with others. While the decision I made to quit my job and travel have been fantastic, there are some aspects that most of you do not see. Before considering any drastic changes to your life like this one, again, consider all perspectives. If you are a sickly person, what will you do about maintaining your health? If you are in a longtime committed relationship, are you willing to fight to keep it together? Do you have a home base? Are you okay with not having stability?

Ask yourself these questions before the Big Jump!

Journey on!