How do we define a life of success? Subjective as it is, the quest for personal glory as manifested by an abundance of resources, social capital and time remains as pertinent to us as it did to the ancient Greeks. Our personal agency is seen to be a primary driver of results, relying much on vision, persistence and will. And there on the path to ascendancy is personal growth, whereof a great part consists in deciding where to go and taking the necessary measures to get there. The destination often is less important than the motion between loci, for on the journey we grow into stronger, wiser beings. This is certainly the case for many people throughout history who have discovered in the process of covering untold distances new perspectives and aspects of themselves which could not have been known had they remained as objects at rest. There is a long tradition of using travel as an educational and spiritual experience, be it grand tours of exotic places or pilgrimage to remote countries. While in centuries past the activity was typically restricted to well-resourced individuals, the mechanisms of modern travel today enable millions to cross the globe at any time. We are therefore uniquely placed to shuttle our physical selves about, exploring the unique flavours of each land. The conveniences of travel and remote work have so cooperated as to allow a distinct subset of society to permanently adopt a nomadic lifestyle, supported by work that can be performed online.

Today’s younger generations (those born after 1990) are marked by a kind of restlessness less obvious in their parents. They are observed as being more impatient, demanding and risk-taking. The reasons are complex, but the main contributing factors are the efficiencies delivered by technology, the ubiquity of the internet, and economies brought by broadened transport links. Our youth and young professionals are increasingly turning towards the mobility afforded by remote work, fast communications and cheap travel to explore the world whilst working in their 20s and 30s, rather than resigning themselves to a fixed locale and postponing travel till retirement. Indeed, some are even able to effectively retire while engaged in this lifestyle, such is the abundance of earning opportunities online.

The question then is, why not explore the possibilities of travel? One’s best years are only here once, and at home remain the staid options of suburban life and salaried work—if the dream does not materialise in sun-soaked havens overseas, there is always a path of return. Meanwhile, a younger person may find him or herself readier to bond with other nomads, and perhaps a little braver in facing the challenges. They may be less inured to a settled lifestyle and relish the shifting scenery entailed by itinerancy. There is less to sacrifice when less has been accrued, allowing for contentment with basic things. What the travelling experience provides is an accretion of memories over physical possessions, of connexions over fixed assets, and street knowledge over academic theory. It enables a person to understand themself better by being tested in various situations and interacting with foreign people or cultures.

A balanced view of the matter certainly calls for consideration of the obverse. At home are the friends, networks, habits and conveniences nurtured over many years, the stability and security of structure, the wealth of local knowledge and finely polished preferences which make for a life of comfort and acceptability. The ease of finding work should not be easily dismissed, nor the relative safety accorded by developed countries e.g. reliable transport, healthcare, effective law enforcement and so forth. And the absence of these prove rather a threat in certain regions of the world, where violence and disease lurk unseen. Not having familiar company about is a common complaint for nomads, as they are constantly moving and meeting new faces—this leads to loneliness and homesickness, which can only be cured with effortful attempts to integrate with the local expat community. Unfamiliarity with local customs can also reinforce a sense of isolation, and research on how best to interact with locals is prudent on all occasions.

Having surveyed the costs, benefits and threats of such a course, the opportunities need mentioning. Granting that a job is found that pays in Western currency, a favourable conversion rate could enable the laptop-bearing traveller to make substantial savings while living at a level of comfort hardly feasible in the income-paying country. Activities that are wincingly expensive such as sea sports, dining out or even regular spa treatments can be engaged in with passing reference to cost. Does it not allow for a fuller, more varied existence? And the people met along the course of these adventures may generate lasting friendships as contacts who contribute to future chapters of a nomad’s journey.

Though this serves but as a simple mental exercise as to whether or not to adopt a traveller’s lifestyle early in life, I am not convinced it is a vexed question. Each person at any moment has the freedom to decide what best suits their values, desires and goals. With some mental clarity, a decision can be reached and regrets avoided through action. The deepest regrets tend to be those of inaction (paradoxically also a choice, of not embracing one’s potential). The table below recapitulates the points made in every dimension. Let us examine our lives, reader, and be satisfied that we are acting in our own best interests.

Benefits	Costs
– Enjoy paradisal scenery and activities which enrich one’s existence – Daily conveniences attained at a fraction of the cost – Make memories and connections that are enduring and valuable – A precious use of youth and vitality – Personal growth in facing challenges and ensuring own sustenance	– Loss of stability, structured routine and accrued local knowledge – Distance from friends, family and networks leading to potential isolation – Lack of financial and physical safety in foreign lands – Cultural differences in travel destinations may be cause for stress – Opportunity cost of being abroad felt in missing significant events back home
Threats	Opportunities
Elevated chance of harm from unexpected events and accidents, without support network close by – Threat to personal safety in unknown regions travelled, including from disease – Possibility of exhaustion and depression from constant travel – Diminished job security affecting financial decisions and wellbeing	Favourable currency exchange rates allowing substantial savings – Possible meeting and making of enduring friendships – Freedom to set own schedule, and scale personal development – Discovery of new ideas, locales or pastimes to invest more into