Never-Ending Travel: How To Live Your Everyday Life With A Vacation Mindset

One of the most pivotal moments of my 20s -- and of my entire adult life, for that matter -- was when I said “yes” to the chance of picking up my life in Miami and moving to London.

Coming from someone who didn’t dip his toes into the ocean until age 11, only went to summer camp through the 4-H club and has yet to make it to Disney World because his father says, “That’s what rich people do,” you can imagine I was beyond elated at the opportunity.

I knew the move would not only impact my career, but also give me a personal advantage to finally tick many items off my bucket list. With only 48 hours notice, I packed my life up in two suitcases and jumped the pond.

Upon touching down in London, my mentality was (and still is) to cover as much ground as possible -- both in my travels and engagements inside and outside London.

I began planning every week out, fleshing out every holiday plan and bringing a lot of personal dreams and trips to life. In just a few short months, I had ticked Paris, Berlin, Marrakesh, Barcelona and Ibiza off my list. The problem was that the more I traveled, the longer my list became.

Traveling is, when done correctly, the ultimate drug. The more experiences you have, the more addictive it becomes. As your eyes become more open to just how dynamic the world we live in really is, the more you want to know.

While the revelations don’t always immediately resonate, there’s a mentality through traveling that begins to transcend all aspects of our daily lives.

No matter the destination, the lessons are still relevant, even if that destination is currently exploring the place you call home. Here are just a few of the ways you can apply the idea of travel to how you live your daily life.

Make the most of every moment.

The time you have in every experience or moment is precious. Just like every amazing holiday or vacation that seems to fly by, your everyday life is no different.

Too many people choose the solace of their comfort zone, and live waiting for the next someone or something to pass the time. However, you don’t have to be on a holiday to look around the environment you’ve chosen and exist in it.

Just like every trip you book, choose every itinerary you make for yourself wisely, and make the most of it. 

Always have a plan.

While I’m a massive advocate of getting lost in each and every new city I travel to, there should always be a structure and purpose to why you came in the first place.

As stated above, your time is precious and having a plan no matter where you are helps manage your time and interactions to ensure you get the most out of any situation, moment or environment you choose to put yourself in.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Even the most beautiful places also have the seediest of areas. Especially if you are traveling alone, you learn to pay attention to your whereabouts and be cautious of the counsel and direction you seek from those you don’t know.

Why would you not do the same in your everyday life? As with living in the moment and being present, a large part of this mindset is also being cautious of where you are deciding to go.

Pack lightly.

If there’s one positive to being restricted to only one carry-on piece of luggage on EasyJet (and sadly, sometimes Ryainair), it’s learning what you really value in taking along in your journey.

What possessions really matter the most and are most functional to getting you through the conditions of your journey?

All too often we progress through our lives collecting artifacts, trinkets and junk that holds no value, when all the while, we should be collecting experiences. Take note from this and learn to not collect baggage as you advance, so you’re flexible and ready to move on when it's time.

Learn to go it alone.

Some of the best trips I’ve ever taken were those I’ve taken alone. I prefer these solo excursions not just because of the freedom of choosing my own itinerary, but also knowing I will not always have the luxury of doing so forever.

This is no different from your day-to-day routine. The courage to go it alone is a rare, admirable trait, yet it’s something that’s often limited to a bold few who don’t mind to venture alone, rather than stay in the comfort zone of the day-to-day expectations.

Many along the way may deem you crazy; you often learn the most when you are forced to venture ahead on your own. 

Live where you love.

At the end of the day, you should always look forward to going home. It’s a basic human need to find a place that speaks to you.

The place you want to experience and travel most should be where you choose to establish yourself for most of the time, even if you know it’s only temporary.

While travel is an essential and necessary escape, it should also be a reminder of the beauty of what you’ve left behind. You should never stop wandering and being open to new possibilities, and this rule is best applied in the landscape and area you know best.

Top Photo Courtesy: We Heart It