If you’re looking to travel long-term or simply want to travel more frequently, you’ll likely need to make some important lifestyle changes and additions to your routine. After spending a few years traveling on and off before eventually transitioning to full-time travel, I had to adjust many aspects of my life to make it sustainable. These changes can be big or small, and you can implement them gradually or all at once. Personally, I introduced them step by step as I eased into full-time travel, and now that I’m living on the road, I’m so grateful my past self took the time to make these shifts. Of course, not all of these will apply to everyone—it depends on your current routine and lifestyle. I’m simply sharing the key adjustments I made that might help anyone looking to turn travel into a full-time career or just explore the world more often.
So let’s get right into it!
Contacts and glasses!
Let’s start with a crucial aspect of life—eyesight! I’ve been wearing glasses and contacts for half of my life, relying entirely on disposable daily contacts during my “blind life.” When I was traveling on and off, I stuck to my dailies, packing exactly what I needed along with a few extras. However, when I made the decision to travel full-time, I had to switch to monthly contacts. This meant adjusting from tossing my contacts out each night to keeping the same pair for an entire month—a challenging transition since I was so used to the convenience of disposables. But now, after five months of living out of a backpack, I can’t imagine how much space 10 months’ worth of daily contacts would take up. Although the switch required practice beforehand—getting into the habit of removing them properly and ensuring they stayed clean and comfortable—I’m incredibly grateful I made this pivotal change in my eyesight journey.
Credit and debit cards!
At the beginning of my travel journey, about three years ago, I finally upgraded the types of cards I was using. At the time, I was only 18 and had no idea which cards I needed, what made the most sense, or how to even get started! Now that I’ve figured it out, let me give you a quick rundown of what I use and why I think these cards are so beneficial.
There are two essential cards I rely on. The first is my Charles Schwab debit card, which I use for ATM withdrawals. This card is a game-changer because it allows you to take out money anywhere in the world without international fees. Plus, you can load as much or as little money as you want, so you never have to worry about keeping thousands of dollars on it while using ATMs abroad. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also adds a layer of security in case your card gets lost or stolen.
The second card I use is the Chase Sapphire, which is an excellent credit card for travelers. It offers so many benefits, such as… 5x points on travel expenses, deal with Lyft, and a whole travel portal to book through! Both of these cards make my life so much easier and help me stretch my money further while traveling!
Travel insurance
One of the most important things I did before setting off on my full-time travel journey was purchasing reliable and affordable travel insurance. Travel insurance is a must, and I’ve already used mine so many times. Getting sick or injured is inevitable, and without the right coverage, an unexpected medical bill could set you back financially. I’ve used mine for both health-related and non-health-related issues, and it has saved me every time. I actually have a whole article detailing my experience with travel insurance, so be sure to check that out!
Haircut!
This next one is more of a personal preference, but it has been a game-changer for me. When I first started traveling, I had long hair, and keeping it healthy and clean on the road was a struggle. It constantly got tangled, caught on things, and took forever to wash and dry. Eventually, I chopped it off, and now, with short hair, everything is so much easier. It takes less time to wash and style, and I use way fewer hair products. Plus, for those who keep up with hair dye or highlights, this is not only an expensive habit to maintain while traveling, but it’s also difficult to find reliable places to get touch-ups. Again, this is totally a personal choice, but as you’ll see in the next few sections, the way you look becomes way less important when you’re constantly on the move.
Minimizing Jewelry and Clothes!
If you’re preparing for a long trip and want to avoid overpacking, start by minimizing your wardrobe. Instead of packing 15 different shirts that only match a few outfits, choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched with multiple bottoms. The same goes for jewelry—you’ll likely find new pieces along the way, and small accessories like necklaces and rings are often the first things to get lost in the chaos of travel. I actually wrote an entire article about packing light and traveling with a minimalist mindset, so check that out for more tips!
Medications and supplements!
This one is another personal choice, but I decided to stop taking all my medications and supplements before traveling. I used to be on acne medication and took half a dozen vitamins and supplements as a vegetarian, but I found that I didn’t want to deal with the hassle of packing and restocking them while on the road. So, instead of figuring out how to bring enough with me, I decided to stop taking them altogether. I adjusted my diet and lifestyle as I traveled, and I found that I didn’t need them anymore. Now, I’m not saying you should stop taking necessary medications, but if you rely on a bunch of different supplements and minimal medications, consider whether they’re truly essential or if there’s a more practical way to maintain your health while traveling.
Women’s products!
Now, this one is specifically for women, but switching to a reusable menstrual product was one of the best decisions I made for traveling. Not only is it eco-friendly and cost-effective, but it’s also way more practical. Many public bathrooms around the world don’t have trash cans, toilet paper, or even basic hygiene essentials, making disposable products difficult to manage. Switching to a reusable, long-lasting product has saved me space in my bag, eliminated the stress of constantly restocking, and made my life so much easier while on the road.
Workout/ exercise!
Before leaving for my long-term trip, I also focused on changing my workout habits. Instead of relying on gym equipment, weights, and structured workout classes, I transitioned to workouts I could do anywhere—running, yoga, Pilates, bodyweight exercises, open-water swimming, and HIIT workouts. This shift has made staying active while traveling so much easier because all I need is a yoga mat and running shoes. While it’s possible to find gyms on the road, they’re often expensive or difficult to access. So, if you’re preparing for long-term travel, I’d recommend incorporating workouts that require little to no equipment.
Makeup!
Over the past few years, I slowly stopped wearing makeup while traveling. I realized that I rarely used it but still carried it around, wasting space in my bag. Now, I only bring the essentials—mascara, lip gloss, and blush. If you don’t think you’ll actually use something, don’t pack it. It’ll just take up space, and makeup products can go bad if they sit in your bag for too long.
Books/E-Reader!
One change I was hesitant to make but am now so glad I did was switching from physical books to a Kindle. I’ve always loved reading physical books, so I resisted the idea at first. But once I switched, I never looked back. A Kindle is lightweight, holds thousands of books, and is easy to read in any lighting—whether at night or in bright sunlight. I read quickly, so carrying multiple books while traveling just isn’t realistic. Now, I can take my entire library with me wherever I go.
Doctors!
Before leaving for long-term travel, I also made sure to visit all my doctors. I wanted to update them on my travel plans, check for any underlying health issues, and ensure I had no medical concerns before hitting the road.
Vaccinations!
Lastly, one of the more expensive but absolutely essential things I did was getting my travel vaccinations. I went to a doctor who provided recommendations based on my destinations, and while the shots weren’t cheap, I have zero regrets. Now, I feel much more at ease knowing I’m protected from certain diseases and health risks while traveling.
Some of these changes are personal preferences, but they’ve made a huge difference in my experience as a full-time traveler. Even if you’re only traveling for a few weeks or a month, I consider many of these to be necessities. Having the right travel card, insurance, vaccinations, and a lighter bag can significantly reduce the stress of being on the road. Take the time to evaluate your daily routine and lifestyle habits, and adjust them to fit your destination and the length of your trip—you’ll thank yourself later!
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