Why I Travel the Way I Do (And What I’ve Learned the Hard Way)

I’ve been traveling long enough to know that my early trips were… optimistic at best. I overpacked, underestimated distances, romanticized “slow travel” without understanding the logistics, and learned—often the expensive way—that good intentions don’t replace good planning.

Over the years, travel has gone from something I consumed to something I participate in. I’ve lived out of two bags for long stretches, tested gear across dozens of trips, and paid close attention to how my choices affect my budget, my body, and the places I visit. What follows isn’t theory—it’s what’s actually worked for me, plus what didn’t.

What Long-Term Travel Taught Me (That Instagram Didn’t)

For about seven years, I didn’t really have a home base. Everything I owned had to fit into two bags (roughly 18 kg / 40 lbs total—any more and airlines start punishing you financially). That constraint alone taught me more about priorities than any packing list ever could.

I learned quickly that:

• Every extra kilogram matters when you’re carrying your bag up three flights of stairs.
• “Sustainable” travel only works if it’s also practical.
• Slow travel sounds romantic until you realize a bus ride can take 11 hours to cover 280 km.

I left pieces of myself in places I stayed longer than planned—and occasionally left behind things I definitely shouldn’t have (including a rain jacket I still miss). Those mistakes shaped how I travel now.

How I Think About Travel Today

In my experience, travel done thoughtfully can:

• Support local economies instead of bypassing them
• Reduce environmental impact (without requiring perfection)
• Create deeper connections than checklist-style sightseeing ever did

That said, I’m realistic. Flying happens. Comfort matters. Budgets exist. I focus on making better choices where I can—not on chasing an impossible ideal.

Slow Travel: What Works, What Doesn’t

Slow travel completely changed how I experience places—but only once I stopped forcing it. Staying put for 2–4 weeks instead of hopping every few days:

• Reduced my transport costs by about 30–40% per month
• Lowered my daily budget (monthly rentals are almost always cheaper)
• Gave me time to understand local rhythms instead of rushing through highlights

For example, during an overland journey through East Africa, I averaged about $28–35 USD per day by staying longer in each location. When I rushed, that number jumped closer to $50 due to last-minute transport and accommodation.

Be aware: slow travel isn’t ideal if you’re short on time or thrive on constant movement. This worked for me—but if you’re more spontaneous, a hybrid approach might make more sense.

Gear, Bags, and the Reality of Living Out of Them

I’m meticulous about luggage because I’ve tested it across dozens of trips in different climates. My current setup has been refined over travel in more than 25 countries, from humid coastlines to high-altitude mountain towns.

Here’s what I’ve found:

• A backpack between 40–45 liters is the sweet spot for long-term travel
• Total packed weight under 9 kg (20 lbs) avoids most airline fees
• Durability matters more than clever features (I learned this after a zipper failed mid-trip)

I test gear the way I travel—walking long distances, taking buses, stuffing bags into overhead racks. If something survives six months on the road, I trust it.

Food, Ethics, and Daily Trade-Offs

Eating consciously while traveling isn’t always easy, especially in remote areas. I’m flexible, curious, and honest about limitations.

In practice, this means:

• Eating local, seasonal food whenever possible
• Asking questions instead of making assumptions
• Accepting that perfect alignment isn’t always realistic

During a month in Ladakh, for instance, my food choices were shaped as much by altitude and availability as by preference. Context matters more than labels.

What I Know—and What I Don’t

I don’t claim to have all the answers. What I share here is based on what I’ve tested personally, across years of trial and error. Your budget, comfort level, and priorities might be completely different.

If luxury is your priority, some of my choices won’t appeal. If you’re traveling for two weeks instead of two months, adapt accordingly. The goal isn’t to copy my approach—it’s to make informed decisions.

Final Takeaways

If there’s one thing I wish I’d understood earlier, it’s this: thoughtful travel isn’t about doing more—it’s about choosing better.

• Plan just enough to avoid preventable mistakes
• Leave room for the unexpected (some of my best days were unplanned)
• Question advice—including mine—and adjust it to your reality

This is what’s worked for me so far. I’m still learning—and honestly, that’s half the reason I keep going.