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Ask HN: Those who quit their jobs to travel the world, how did it go?

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Re: Ask HN: Those who quit their jobs to travel the world, how did it go?

#201

Post by greggman3 »

I think in large part it will depend on you.

For me, while I'm glad I went, I'm shy around strangers so it was extremely lonely. If I did it backpacking and staying in hostels I'm sure I'd have met people in the hostels but in my mid-40s, hostels are no longer in my comfort zone.

Further, it was not remotely the same as taking a vacation. On vacation if you're into shopping you can shop. But, traveling the world means you can't really shop because you have to carry everything you own. That might be a good thing but, at least in my experience, shopping is some not insignificant part of vacations for many people and removing that as an activity lowered some of the enjoyment.

Another issue for me was always having to think about where to be next. In other words I'd arrive at some new place and immediately need to book the next place or else I'm homeless in a week or 2 when this place runs out.

Yet another was basically seeing the same things over and over. Every city in Europe has yet another church, another contemporary art museum with the same 15 artists as the last one, etc... Of course most cities have their unique charm and I'm glad I went to every one of them but, ... I did get tired of certain things as they came one after another (churches and museums).

Another other issue is you're unlikely to have friends (or rather I didn't). Your friends are back at the place you used to live and they have their own lives and you're no longer part of that life as much as you might wish you were. Maybe it's better to say you won't have hangout buddies, at least not if you're doing it alone.

After 3 years I got an apartment again and have been in it for 4.5 years. I still take 3-4 vacations/trips a year though (well except not in the last 12 covid months).

I saw some social scientist claimed it's best to take more short vacations than longer ones because after N days where N was less than 7 or so you get used to it. No idea if their research replicates.

Something I'd suggest is looking up meetups and/or hackathons or certain types of other events where you might make new friends. I made a bunch of friends in Berlin by attending "Talk & Play", a game dev event. I've been back 2 more times since then to see the friends I made their. Of course it might be hard to find an English speaking meetup. You can check out Internations.org (not sure if they are good or bad but went to one meetup which was good)

Re: Ask HN: Those who quit their jobs to travel the world, how did it go?

#202

Post by graeme »

anonytrary wrote: post #103
dejv wrote: post #29

I traveled for five years or so. I was having great time, but I've probably overdid it for year or two. What worked well for me was quiting mixing backpacker circus with less known destination. It was fun to sleep at hostels, party with fellow travelers and have fun, but it gets old after while. I split my trips into 3 to 6 months chunks after which I just come back to one of my bases, recharge for a bit and then wen…

> Now, almost, 10 years later it just feel like it never happen, memories are fading fast as I went with settled life. Dang. As a nerd in his late 20s thinking the same, you make it sound pretty bleak, tbh. I guess it's just time for me to settle down, then go explore the world with my partner because that's what matters EOD.

Memories of anything fade. Doesn’t mean it doesn’t have an effect.

I went to a spanish speaking country for eight months, learned Spanish, now still speak Spanish. And also came to know the country well. Still have friends from that time.

That’s absolutely transformative. The further you get from it the less it is relevant to your daily life, but it definitely has an impact.

But it also is no miracle. If you’re an (unhappy?) nerd at home you’ll be the same person abroad. As others mentioned “wherever you go, there you are” is just about the truest line there is relating to travel.

Re: Ask HN: Those who quit their jobs to travel the world, how did it go?

#203

Post by greggman3 »

DanielleMolloy wrote: post #183
gwd wrote: post #178

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> A bit obvious, maybe, but I've met many people who insisted on only eating Western food[...] At that point, why even bother traveling? Whenever I have a guide (either professional or a local friend), this is often strangely a lot of work. Particularly the tour companies I've gone with in China insist on trying to get me a Western breakfast. If I wanted pancakes and sausage I would have just stayed at home and cooke…

They are probably used to closed-minded arrogant Westeners whining aloud about not getting their cornflakes. Unfortunately. I also don't get people who won't at least try local customs like eating cooked fish on rice with green tea in the morning, but there are plenty of them. These people usually don't do well in really different countries and complain and whine and compare to home all the time instead of curious ob…

It's not just Americans. Plenty of Korean's can't live without Korean food every meal. Plenty of Japanese can't live without Japanese food every meal. I know Italian friends who say their parents couldn't live without Italian food every meal. I know the first 2 culture sell tour packages where you'll be served Korean or Japanese food for every meal while on your tour abroad

Re: Ask HN: Those who quit their jobs to travel the world, how did it go?

#205

Post by 11thEarlOfMar »

I've been thinking about doing this for a while. I appreciate the advise to stay longer, as in months to years. I had been thinking 2-3 weeks, but will reconsider.

My approach was to stay in AirBnbs, in a private room and with hosts that purport to be outgoing. The premise being that they could act as a conduit to local social behaviors and activities.

Re: Ask HN: Those who quit their jobs to travel the world, how did it go?

#206

Post by RegnisGnaw »

DanielleMolloy wrote: post #183
gwd wrote: post #178

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> A bit obvious, maybe, but I've met many people who insisted on only eating Western food[...] At that point, why even bother traveling? Whenever I have a guide (either professional or a local friend), this is often strangely a lot of work. Particularly the tour companies I've gone with in China insist on trying to get me a Western breakfast. If I wanted pancakes and sausage I would have just stayed at home and cooke…

They are probably used to closed-minded arrogant Westeners whining aloud about not getting their cornflakes. Unfortunately. I also don't get people who won't at least try local customs like eating cooked fish on rice with green tea in the morning, but there are plenty of them. These people usually don't do well in really different countries and complain and whine and compare to home all the time instead of curious ob…

It’s not just Americans. My parents used to travel with a mini rice cooker, small bag of rice, and canned Chinese food when they travel. They have lived in Canada since 1990.

They stopped doing that after the Boston Marathon bombing cause of the airport security.

One of the highlights of their trip to France in 2002 was in Nice. Their hotel was near a Chinese Grocery and was able to get BBQ Pork and Soy Chicken.

Five years ago they went for a two week tour of Australia from China (after visiting relatives in China). Every meal on that tour was in a Chinese restaurant.

Re: Ask HN: Those who quit their jobs to travel the world, how did it go?

#207

Post by coolandsmartrr »

That's an interesting question. I had an interim term between jobs, and travelled around a few countries in Central Europe. It's interesting how many places are somehow connected, whether through train, bus, or cars. You get some sense how geography influenced economic and cultural diffusion, thereby affecting city development.

My main takeaway is that even when you change places, you can't change yourself. I finally acknowledged the issues in my life, and began to address them.

My primary interest shifted from the locations to the location's history. Basically, I wanted to learn how a state formed and left its border and society to this day.

With the pandemic nowadays, I live and work in a small room, but have no urge to go faraway outside. There is much knowledge to grasp to help me understand the human condition.

(I hope to reflect further in my travels and extract more novel insights. That will take time writing, but gotta do it soon before I forget.)

Re: Ask HN: Those who quit their jobs to travel the world, how did it go?

#208

Post by enimodas »

keiferski wrote: post #85
noname123 wrote: post #71

Earlier quoted context omitted.

So far in some of the comments. I've gotten the same answer, "it changed my life!"; "I heard some new stories from the countries I stayed and it changed my perspective!"; "and I'm different from people back home now!"; and a subtle swipe that OP is dismissive and maybe "small-minded"; and I love it and appreciate your guys feedback! Allow me to share my experience of being immersed in American culture for 25 years as…

I have lived abroad for about 7 years now. It has dramatically changed how I think about the world, what my values are, and what I want in my own future. It is miles beyond "I heard some new stories from the countries I stayed and it changed my perspective!"

The OP asked for concrete examples and not vague sweeping statements and here you are doing exactly this. As someone with the same sentiment and question as the OP I'm disappointed.

Re: Ask HN: Those who quit their jobs to travel the world, how did it go?

#210

Post by chrisdhal »

Grustaf wrote: post #131
keiferski wrote: post #12

Absolutely worth it, however I'd offer a few short tips: 1. Try to stay in one place for a few months, minimum. If you can stay a year or two, do that. Jumping from city to city every week seems exciting at first, but it quickly makes everywhere feel the same. 2. To quote Lao Tzu, when your work is done, forget it. If you work remotely, actively disconnect at the end of the day. It's too easy to be constantly plugged…

I agree with your points, just want to add: The best way to connect with the culture and people is to get a local job, or studying at a local university or at least taking courses. EDIT: Basically become an immigrant, even if it's only for a couple of months. Ideally don't plan your return, make your journeys open ended!

In some countries, such as Costa Rica, you cannot work legally (note: "legally") as a non-resident. They take it pretty seriously there.
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