Comments on: 4 Lessons Learned From The Vagabond Life http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/22/4-lessons-learned-from-the-vagabond-life/ Online travel magazine dedicated to exploring travel in the 21st century. Offering travel news, compelling interviews, online travel tools, and more. Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:38:49 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Byron Gaudette http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/22/4-lessons-learned-from-the-vagabond-life/comment-page-1/#comment-58952 Byron Gaudette Sun, 30 Mar 2008 07:19:15 +0000 http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/22/4-lessons-learned-from-the-vagabond-life/#comment-58952 Awesome post, I can totally relate to you. I especially like when you said, "long-term travel is not about constantly seeking the extraordinary, but coming to terms with the ordinary itself. It’s about learning to appreciate the simpler moments that everyday life offers." =D Awesome post, I can totally relate to you. I especially like when you said, “long-term travel is not about constantly seeking the extraordinary, but coming to terms with the ordinary itself. It’s about learning to appreciate the simpler moments that everyday life offers.” =D

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]]> By: Terry http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/22/4-lessons-learned-from-the-vagabond-life/comment-page-1/#comment-56464 Terry Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:47:39 +0000 http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/22/4-lessons-learned-from-the-vagabond-life/#comment-56464 I thoroughly agree. Every bit of it. I work a 9-to-5 job right now (after numerous trips abroad to study and volunteer), and although I can't say I hate it (which is pretty much what I said about my three previous jobs since graduating college less than two years ago), I don't love it. I know this isn't what I want for my life. Gotta get back to traveling as soon as I can, but the game plan is also quite important. I was thinking about what I could add to the discussion to really...ya know...increase the value. And I must say keeping in touch with the people we meet abroad after returning "home" is crucial to prove to ourselves that what happened abroad wasn't just some exotic dream but something grounded in concrete reality. I thoroughly agree. Every bit of it.

I work a 9-to-5 job right now (after numerous trips abroad to study and volunteer), and although I can’t say I hate it (which is pretty much what I said about my three previous jobs since graduating college less than two years ago), I don’t love it. I know this isn’t what I want for my life. Gotta get back to traveling as soon as I can, but the game plan is also quite important.

I was thinking about what I could add to the discussion to really…ya know…increase the value. And I must say keeping in touch with the people we meet abroad after returning “home” is crucial to prove to ourselves that what happened abroad wasn’t just some exotic dream but something grounded in concrete reality.

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]]> By: Daniel http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/22/4-lessons-learned-from-the-vagabond-life/comment-page-1/#comment-56098 Daniel Sun, 02 Mar 2008 07:10:26 +0000 http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/22/4-lessons-learned-from-the-vagabond-life/#comment-56098 Thank you truly for writing this, because just like many others I am one who is unsure of what I want to do with my life. Even though I am only in high school I know that I want to travel to get away for a little while, for I need some time by myself to get to know myself. Thank you truly for writing this, because just like many others I am one who is unsure of what I want to do with my life. Even though I am only in high school I know that I want to travel to get away for a little while, for I need some time by myself to get to know myself.

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]]> By: Turner http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/22/4-lessons-learned-from-the-vagabond-life/comment-page-1/#comment-55713 Turner Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:20:04 +0000 http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/22/4-lessons-learned-from-the-vagabond-life/#comment-55713 Anna, this was written at the perfect time for me to read it; thank you for reminding me. Anna, this was written at the perfect time for me to read it; thank you for reminding me.

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]]> By: Guylaine http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/22/4-lessons-learned-from-the-vagabond-life/comment-page-1/#comment-55363 Guylaine Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:35:36 +0000 http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/22/4-lessons-learned-from-the-vagabond-life/#comment-55363 Thought-provoking piece. What life lessons have you learned through travel? The first time I travelled on my own I learned a very important lesson: TRAVEL/EXPLORATION is what I want to do with my life! I'm not like normal people; I don't really care about careers, houses, cars, so I shouldn't spend all my time and energy pursuing those things. If I really cared, then yes I should pursue them. But I just don't. In between trips, unfortunately, I tend to get distracted, and start thinking maybe I should spend money on a bigger apartment, a better computer, nicer furniture etc. Creature comforts. But I resist those temptations by getting away at least once a year and each time I'm reminded: YES, this is what is really worth while -- learning about other fascinating parts of the world, exploring new places, discovering art, nature, and the wonders of other cultures. How do I know it's right for me? Because I'll be staying in a tiny stripped-down dorm or dodgy hostel thinking: I'm incredibly happy!! DESPITE my minimalist surroundings. Sure, I'd appreciate the "comforts of home" but these other joys are WAY more important. Thought-provoking piece.

What life lessons have you learned through travel?
The first time I travelled on my own I learned a very important lesson: TRAVEL/EXPLORATION is what I want to do with my life! I’m not like normal people; I don’t really care about careers, houses, cars, so I shouldn’t spend all my time and energy pursuing those things. If I really cared, then yes I should pursue them. But I just don’t.
In between trips, unfortunately, I tend to get distracted, and start thinking maybe I should spend money on a bigger apartment, a better computer, nicer furniture etc. Creature comforts. But I resist those temptations by getting away at least once a year and each time I’m reminded: YES, this is what is really worth while — learning about other fascinating parts of the world, exploring new places, discovering art, nature, and the wonders of other cultures. How do I know it’s right for me? Because I’ll be staying in a tiny stripped-down dorm or dodgy hostel thinking: I’m incredibly happy!! DESPITE my minimalist surroundings. Sure, I’d appreciate the “comforts of home” but these other joys are WAY more important.

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]]> By: Anna Brones http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/22/4-lessons-learned-from-the-vagabond-life/comment-page-1/#comment-55356 Anna Brones Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:10:45 +0000 http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/22/4-lessons-learned-from-the-vagabond-life/#comment-55356 Thanks for all your comments. Sometimes we do all need a reminder that what we are doing is ok! And I am glad that Renee sent a link to her mother... parents need reminding as well. Thanks for all your comments. Sometimes we do all need a reminder that what we are doing is ok! And I am glad that Renee sent a link to her mother… parents need reminding as well.

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]]> By: Audrey http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/22/4-lessons-learned-from-the-vagabond-life/comment-page-1/#comment-55284 Audrey Tue, 26 Feb 2008 07:23:39 +0000 http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/22/4-lessons-learned-from-the-vagabond-life/#comment-55284 After being asked for the umpteenth time, "What are you going to do when you're done?" this post was a nice reminder that travel for the sake of travel and learning is more than OK and just enjoy the present. Thank you, Anna. After being asked for the umpteenth time, “What are you going to do when you’re done?” this post was a nice reminder that travel for the sake of travel and learning is more than OK and just enjoy the present. Thank you, Anna.

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]]> By: Renee http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/22/4-lessons-learned-from-the-vagabond-life/comment-page-1/#comment-55225 Renee Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:55:22 +0000 http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/22/4-lessons-learned-from-the-vagabond-life/#comment-55225 Thank you, Anna--This post was just what I needed to confirm my sanity. (I also sent a link to my mother, so that she could see that I am not the only kid about to graduate with a degree in journalism who doesn’t know what she’s doing in life.) I have been reading travel writer’s stories since high school, and it seems that some of us were just born to live the vagabond life… for a while, at least! Thank you, Anna–This post was just what I needed to confirm my sanity. (I also sent a link to my mother, so that she could see that I am not the only kid about to graduate with a degree in journalism who doesn’t know what she’s doing in life.) I have been reading travel writer’s stories since high school, and it seems that some of us were just born to live the vagabond life… for a while, at least!

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]]> By: Valerie http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/22/4-lessons-learned-from-the-vagabond-life/comment-page-1/#comment-55145 Valerie Mon, 25 Feb 2008 02:42:47 +0000 http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/22/4-lessons-learned-from-the-vagabond-life/#comment-55145 This post pretty much sums up the situation I have been in since I graduated college. Like you, I had no solid plans as to what I wanted to do, aside from travel, and that's what I did for a year. When I came back, all I could think about was traveling again. And now, a few years later, I still don't have a career (aside from freelance writing) but continue to travel when I have the funds. I don't regret any of the traveling I've done because I've learned so much that I would never have learned at home. The most important lesson is that life doesn't unfold the same way for everyone, which I've learned through the people I've met through my travels. I've also learned to appreciate my home for what it is, rather than wish it were something else. This post pretty much sums up the situation I have been in since I graduated college. Like you, I had no solid plans as to what I wanted to do, aside from travel, and that’s what I did for a year. When I came back, all I could think about was traveling again. And now, a few years later, I still don’t have a career (aside from freelance writing) but continue to travel when I have the funds. I don’t regret any of the traveling I’ve done because I’ve learned so much that I would never have learned at home. The most important lesson is that life doesn’t unfold the same way for everyone, which I’ve learned through the people I’ve met through my travels. I’ve also learned to appreciate my home for what it is, rather than wish it were something else.

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]]> By: Jeff http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/22/4-lessons-learned-from-the-vagabond-life/comment-page-1/#comment-55087 Jeff Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:38:54 +0000 http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/22/4-lessons-learned-from-the-vagabond-life/#comment-55087 Travel taught me that there is a different way to live, no need to spend decades managing a career, working towards some materialistic reward, when all I need is really right here in the present. Or, as you very nicely said, "coming to terms with the ordinary itself." Travel taught me that there is a different way to live, no need to spend decades managing a career, working towards some materialistic reward, when all I need is really right here in the present. Or, as you very nicely said, “coming to terms with the ordinary itself.”

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