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I think you hit the nail on the head – it’s all about balance. That balance is going to be different for everyone, and will change with time and different life experiences.
I know that this trip will eventually come to an end, for one reason or another, but does that mean my travel days are done? I doubt I’ll ever stop traveling completely, but do realize I’ll eventually slow it down.

I suppose I should elaborate on what I meant by “Travel means many things to many people.” For me, I like long-term travel. The ability to completely separate myself from life back home and become immersed in another culture is an amazing experience. From a financial perspective, it’s more economical to travel for a longer period as a good chunk of your travel costs are eaten up just getting to and from your destination. I could go on, but I should get back to the point. For many other people, travel is going to Disney World with the family, visiting family away from home or taking a road trip into the mountains or to the beach. Given the time, money and opportunity, I don’t know anyone who would chose not traveling over travel.

While I realize that long-term travel is not for everyone, I am of the opinion it is something everyone SHOULD do. This isn’t me looking down upon those who don’t, but promoting the benefits of such an activity. Many countries, such as Australia and the UK, have a history of sending young people out on long-term trips and I wish more people from my country (the United States) would do the same. Travel has a way of opening your mind to what the world is like that no other experience can match and I simply wish more people had the opportunity to do it.

You are absolutely right that there’s nothing wrong with people who are happy with where they’re at. I have friends back home who are satisfied with work and starting families and that’s wonderful! I occasionally find myself wishing I were in their shoes, but then the grass is always greener on the other side, right? I’m glad you found a way to relate to the reasons and wish you luck on paying down the loans and saving money for a trip of your own. Let me know if you ever need any help in planning the trip.

I also completely agree with Katie. In terms of travel lifestyle, for me it’s a lifelong passion but came in a large wave for about 4 consecutive years. Now, I’m more interested in building something long lasting based off that passion and those experiences.

As with anything in life, you’ll be most successful with a balance. For each traveler, they have to find that balance.

First, I have to disagree with your initial premise – that everyone wishes they could travel more. I really don’t think that’s true. I personally love to travel, but I know a lot of people who don’t. They have absolutely no desire to. It’s not that they want to, but feel they can’t afford to or don’t have the time to – they really just don’t want to.

Second, you may have seen the recent debate over another blog post that some felt looked down upon those who do not pursue long-term travel. I feel like this post is bordering on that same attitude. It’s great that you have found a lifestyle you love and enjoy. I personally hope to embark on a long-term trip once I save up enough money and pay down my student loans. But the idea that everyone should experience long-term travel or that “only” travelling for a week or two here or there is not sufficient to break away assumes that everyone wants or needs to break away.

Again, I am one who is dying to pick up and travel and I definitely do feel the need to break away for bit. But I have a lot of friends and family who don’t want to – never have, never will. They are very happy and satisfied with their current lives and job – and there’s nothing wrong with that. I think the idea that everyone needs a break from their career or needs to re-evaluate and set new riorities is somewhat flawed – just because you or I or someone else feels the need to do so doesn’t mean everyone does. There is nothing wrong with people who are happy where they’re at – and I feel that posts like these seem to imply there is.

Again, I personally do relate to a lot of the reasons you list in favor of long-term travel. But I am not comfortable with the tone that assumes it is something that everyone needs to do.

I’d say I’m the same way – I prefer to be busy, but I can usually find many different things to occupy my time. Travel is one of those activities I consider myself lucky to be able to do.

-T