Finding rhythm, routine, and genuine connection in a nomadic lifestyle 🌍✨

 

A note on long-term travel, routines, and learning what “home” means when constantly moving.

Over the years, I’ve been asked the same question more times than I can count:

“What’s it like to live on the move?”

So here’s my honest answer—especially for those dreaming of going nomadic or somewhere between airports, Airbnbs, and yet another checkout time.

The First Year or Two?

Magical.

Every place is a new adventure.

Every week brings something fresh and exciting.

Now, I never did the whole backpacker thing (just didn’t appeal to me), but there’s that initial phase—getting to know your surroundings, finding your favourite places, and meeting new people almost daily. It’s energising and full of life.

But after a while, the high begins to mellow out. You start to crave something more profound.

Acquaintances no longer feel like enough. Quick connections lose their sparkle. You want something that sticks, something with roots.

And that’s where the real journey begins—not just the one that moves through countries, but the one that moves inward.

You Start to Learn What Matters

You begin to understand what fuels and drains you, and what kind of life genuinely suits you.

You’re no longer just a traveller collecting passport stamps—you’re building a lifestyle. A rhythm. A version of life that’s genuinely yours.

For many of us, this means slowing down and staying in one place for a few months.

Finding your go-to coffee shop.

Joining a gym or a co-working space.

Learning people’s names—not just locations on Google Maps.

It’s about building mini-communities, creating a soft landing wherever you go, and nurturing a sense of belonging that makes any place feel a little more like “home.”

Routines = My Secret to Freedom

If you know me, you’ll know I love structure.

Give me a morning routine, a regular workout, and an adored workspace, and I’ll thrive.

It’s that daily rhythm that keeps me grounded and gives me energy.

When life constantly shifts on the outside, routines anchor me on the inside. They help me show up for myself, my work, my goals—and enjoy this lifestyle’s freedom.

About This Last Trip…

Let’s say: I fell in love with the idea.

The planning (I love this part 😂) the dreamy city-hopping fantasy, the Pinterest vibes?

And honestly? Parts of it were beautiful.

Spending time with people I love made it so worth it.

•A few days with my sister – full of connection and laughter.

•Faro – good chats, yummy food and a beautiful catch-up with a friend.

•London – seeing my bestie? Always a highlight.

Those moments were everything.

And then… There was Paris.

Or rather, wasn’t.

The plan didn’t quite align. The Eurostar timings were awkward, and I would’ve been stuck waiting around in London all day. After such a lovely trip, I realised I wanted to return to my rhythm. To rest. To ground. To be home.

I even remembered thinking during a solo trip to Barcelona a few years ago:

“This might be my last city break alone… unless there’s a good reason—like an event or a competition.”

Looks like that inner voice was spot on.

Ultimately, I’m so grateful for those beautiful few days spent with people filling my cup. I am just as thankful for the peace of coming home and slipping back into a routine that truly supports me.

Nature Over Cities (Every Time)

Lately, I’ve had to remind myself (again) that nature is where I feel most alive.

In my mind, I love the idea of discovering a new city.

But in reality?

Give me waves over street noise, space over hustle, and nature.

I love being near the ocean, hearing birds, and watching sunrises from quiet places. That’s where I recharge.

My Version of ‘Home’

Over time, I’ve come to redefine “home” not as one fixed place, but as a gentle rotation of locations that support the life I want to live—places that feel aligned, grounding, and creatively energising:

•Oxford, UK

•Phuket (the Soi), Thailand

•Canggu, Bali

•Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Each of these spots offers something different—but together, they hold all the elements I value: sun, training, connection, healthy food, and just the right amount of chaos to keep things interesting.

I also love visiting the nearby islands from these home bases—they inspire the beach-lover in me without pulling me too far from my rhythm and routines.

That said, I’ve started to imagine that one day, I may narrow this down to just two core locations—a simpler rotation and a little more rootedness. Let’s see.

I don’t want less freedom; I’m finding more clarity in what feels nourishing and sustainable in the long term.

Solo city trips? Unless there’s a good reason—or I’m going with people I love—they don’t nourish me as they once did.

And honestly? That’s okay.

In the End…

Home isn’t a place. It’s a feeling.

It’s rhythm, familiarity, connection.

It’s knowing where your favourite coffee is, having a gym you love, and waking up with a sense of belonging—even if it’s only for a season.

This lifestyle has taught me so much—not just about the world but myself.

While it’s ever-evolving, I feel deeply grateful to know what feels like home right now.

Thanks for reading, much love R

x