Remote Year: What I'd Do Differently If I Did It Again
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I finished Remote Year, a year of traveling to 13 countries with 75 people, just 2 months ago. That's left me lots of time to reflect, including what I would do differently if I did it all again.
Let me just say, traveling the world for an entire year, to 13 different countries is unreal - don't get me wrong. In reality, if I could go back and change anything, I don't think I would because it would change the lessons I learned about myself, others and the world. However, there are some things that could have enhanced my experience, or that could perhaps enhance yours if you are about to embark on the epic journey.
Have more money saved up
Traveling to 13 countries is incredible but one thing I learned is, in order to experience a country it means you need to go out and do things - try local food, experience local culture etc. and that usually comes with a price tag. As hard as you can try - it really does have a price tag. So in order to really experience a country, you need to have the money set aside in order to do so (or make enough money every month to be able to afford it).
Also, in terms of connecting with your Remote Year group, the best way to really get to know people are in smaller group settings. This includes random side trips, which frequently happen at least once a month. Had I set aside more money up front, I think it would have given me the opportunity to connect with more people in my group because I would be able to partake in those side trips more often.
Come home at least once (and here's why...)
For the first 4 months of Remote Year, I didn't quite feel myself and I couldn't put my finger on why that was. I mean managing a group dynamic of 75 is no easy task. And with the fast-paced lifestyle, you are often in "survival mode" operating second by second, not having a chance to even think a week in advance.
However, during a solo side trip to Bali, it gave me a chance to remove myself from the group and regroup. By doing that I felt more myself than I had in the previous 4 months. It's easy to get caught up in a "Remote Year bubble" and forget about the whole entire world operating alongside you. Bali gave me a chance to reconnect and reflect, which helped me feel more myself.
I do however think that if I had the opportunity to go home, it would have an even greater positive impact in terms of helping me feel 100% myself. Not only would the comfort of a home environment snap me back to feeling myself, I feel like you can't help but be yourself when you are surrounded by my family and friends. I imagine that snap back to reality mixed with rejoining the group would have me feeling the most myself.
Be more present (stress less, enjoy more)
You don't get more fast-paced of a lifestyle than on Remote Year. Hopping to a new country every month is really not that much time when you are working full time. It essentially leaves evenings and weekend to explore every inch of a country, participate in Remote Year events and activities, manage friendships on the group and at home, as well as find time for yourself and your personal projects.
It can be so easy to get caught up in "flying by the seat of your pants" that you oftentimes forget to stop and take in what is happening around you. If I could do it all again, I would spend more time being present - pausing and taking in everything around me. I think as travellers we can often get caught up in the stress or fast-paced speed of trying to do everything that we forget to do what we came forget - to enjoy ourselves.
Document and share my experience more
Most people don't carry a camera around on a day-to-day basis capturing the environment around them. That's sort of the same as Remote Year. Because you're living like such a local and comfortable and familiar in your "new home" environment, it seems odd to carry a camera around 24/7 - for a whole 365 days, trying to capture everything.
It's easy to forget that you're actually on the most epic journey that most people would kill for. However, it becomes your normal and you soon forget that you're living this unique life that people are fascinated by. Now that I'm done, I love following other Remote's journey's - especially on Snapchat! It's so cool to see live videos. It makes you feel like you're there, getting this exclusive sneak peek into Remote Year.
So, that being said, I wish I not only captured more of my journey, I wish I shared more of it as well. I guess I thought I had to create the most epic video to post on YouTube when it reality you can just post anything and it's still cool to see.
Give less fucks
I'm pretty much a people pleaser and avoid conflict at all cost. I'm a "floater" type of person, in that I often don't group up with a particular group of people in an effort to make people feel included. However, I think there is a balance between giving no fucks and just "doing you", and letting what other people think get to your head. The moment you stop caring what other people think is a great and free moment. (still working on it ;) )
Put more effort in Remote Year friendships
I'm a really odd person in that I feel like if people want to get to know me, they'll reach out. On Remote Year, I learned that's a two-way street and it takes an effort from both people. I just "did me" up until about month 4. After all, I came on Remote Year to travel, not to make 75 friends. On top of that, I was trying to work full-time, while starting a business at the same time. That meant I had essentially zero free time. However, I realized how amazing those 75 people were and how important community becomes when living a digital nomad lifestyle. It would have been great to get those first 3 months back, and jumpstart those friendships a bit sooner. This also includes opening up more and sooner. I've learned there is a difference between being able to talk to anyone and being able to get to know someone. Don't underestimate the value in really getting to know the people on Remote Year - they're incredible.
If you could go back to a past vacation, what would you do differently?
Leave it in the comments below!
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