Bohemian Balancing Act
One of the challenges of being bohemian traveler is finding balance between satisfying my wandering cravings and feeling settled in my everyday life.
This time last year I was working 9-5 in a city I loved and yet I often found myself day dreaming about where I wanted to travel to next. Since I was no longer enchanted with my life, there was really nothing holding me back. I pushed fear aside and started Bohemian Trails, hoping that if nothing else, it would serve as an outlet for all the travel musings I was having on a regular basis.
Whether I succeeded or failed, I planned on traveling as much as possible in the next year. Since I was still 24, I hopped right back on my parent’s insurance policy where I will stay until November 1, 2012. I had saved up a good deal of money by this point and I was eager to get on the road and start my journey, wherever it led me.
Life certainly has it’s own sense of humor though, which I discovered in a beautiful way. Weeks before I planned on traveling for a few months I met my now boyfriend and before I knew it we were an official couple. The timing was certainly less than ideal. I had already given up my downtown apartment and was heading back to Virginia to save money for the trip I had yet to plan and he was off to Chile for a few months to set up an office for his company.
Since I had no set travel plans other than to travel I did what I thought I would never in a million years do. I took up his offer to visit him in Chile (mere weeks after dating), bought my ticket and flew there a month later. At the time I thought it was perfectly natural and I felt no fear, hesitation or trepidation that this could potentially end badly.
Looking back on it now, I can’t believe that I acted so fearless and brave. I tend to over-think things almost to a fault and often boasted about how much I love being single and independent but here I was boarding a plane like a love-sick teenager. In all honesty, our relationship was still very new and spending a month traveling with your significant other is not always easy. It worked out for us and our relationship deepened to a level I’m still trying to comprehend.
As happy as I am, I’m struggling with how much to travel this year. One one hand, I want to travel as much as possible because I’ve worked relentlessly the past year to get to the point where I’m being offered press trips. I don’t want to look back and wish that I had traveled more. There is so much global art and culture out there to explore.
At the same time, I’m in a completely different situation than I was last year. It’s hard for me to openly write this but I don’t like being away too long from my boyfriend and friends. I love traveling and I don’t ever plan on cutting it out of my life, but I also like having a place to come back to and New York City has become this for me.
I look at other travel bloggers and I don’t know how some of them do it. I admire these travelers so much because they are able to put their life on hold and travel around the world. I’m not sure this is the travel style that best suits me and I don’t want to force myself into an around the world trip if I’m not ready. The important thing that I try to remember is that it’s not how or where you travel to that matters but rather the life lessons you learn along the way.
I prefer to travel to new places and combining adventure with local life. There is nothing more alluring to me than living in Paris for a month and living a normal life. To me, a bohemian traveler is one who feels the urge to pick up and move somewhere else whenever the wind calls their name.
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20 Comments
Ah, balance. Finding it in your life is key. Knowing you need it is just as important
And that Yoda esque statement aside, this was a great post! Thanks for sharing – I hope 2012 brings you the balance you desire 
Laurence recently posted..Chase the Sun this Winter
haha I love the Yoda esque statement Laurence. It’s great to know that others are also searching for balance. I hope 2012 brings more of it my way
Megan recently posted..Bohemian Balancing Act
It is interesting how when we work our typical lives away, and come home to the same song and dance, we yearn for something more in travel. Yet when we are away for awhile, we can not wait to get home to normalcy. I think lots of us fight that battle everyday. Thanks for sharing your vulnerability with us.
I feel the same way. When I’m traveling sometimes I feel lonely and miss my normal life back home and yet when I’m home I quickly start dreaming of my next trip. Glad to know that others feel the same. Thanks so much for the nice comment
Megan recently posted..Bohemian Balancing Act
Great post – I love the honesty, it’s the only way to write, so never doubt something true you put down on paper.
As for your dilemma, I wish I could help, but I’m right there with you.
Thanks Will – I’m trying to make my posts a bit more honest so I appreciate the feedback. You are a wanderer too haha so I’m sure you have the same dilemma when it comes to balance
Megan recently posted..Bohemian Balancing Act
I can relate definitely. My now wife moved to be with my in Germany(I’m an American here though) last summer. She then pursued her dream for long term travel and left for a few months. Now we both realize how much we want to be together. This balance you talk of is next on our list too. That ability to have a home and a life and the money flow to support the warm bed and comfy couch; but without snipping travel out of the picture. We are now based in Europe so it helps to be in the middle of so many cool travel destinations. Weekend trips can definitely help dull the gnawing urge to go off somewhere.
As for “sage” advice. I am looking for a job that lets me be at home but that I can also take elsewhere for short periods (a month). I like having a home base, but definitely want to keep seeing new things.
Andrew recently posted..Indie Travel Challenge – Week 2 : Indie Traveler
Sounds like you are doing pretty well at the balancing act Andrew! Europe is definitely a great location because you as you mentioned, it’s easier to do weekend trips, etc. I’m happy to hear that you and your wife are still together and happy!
Megan recently posted..Bohemian Balancing Act
I am also working all of this out in my life! The good life vs career fulfillment vs long-term relationships vs saving money. Good luck!
Abby recently posted..Winter in Vegas: Pass the Meringue
Thanks Abby! You too!
Megan recently posted..Bohemian Balancing Act
Megan I totally feel you about the whole balancing a “normal” life and our love for travels. Im in a serious relationship as well and though we travel together at times, unlike me, my bf can’t always take off tooo much time from work. Before we got serious 3 years ago (I will actually be in Australia next week for our 3rd year anniversary) I told him up front and straight up how I am in love with traveling and that nothing or nobody could ever stop me. We now live together with two beautiful dogs and I still travel every two to three months. Unfortunately it has gotten harder and harder every single time, especially for me. I’m at my happiest when I’m on the road, but also just as ecstatic and happy when we’re cuddled up on the couch with our dogs watching a movie on a chilly night. You’re not alone with this whole “finding balance” situation; I am totally with you on this one. But hang in there, it all always works out for the best, especially for you
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Thanks so much for you encouragement Antoinette! Glad to hear that things with your boyfriend have been going well and that I’m not alone in my search for balance
My boyfriend works in travel also so it’s great having someone who loves traveling just as much as I do but it does get hard when we travel at different times.
Megan recently posted..Bohemian Balancing Act
I think a bohemian traveler can also be someone with a carefree and open mindset, who finds adventure in their own backyard. There’s so much to see and do in NYC– you don’t have to be traveling constantly around the world to find excitement
Leslie (Downtown Traveler) recently posted..Is it safe to visit Egypt after the revolution? Q+A with travel blogger Giulia Cimarosti
I completely agree Leslie! NYC is the perfect example of a city where you will never discover it all – which makes it perfect for us travelers
Megan recently posted..Why New York City is My Therapist
I’ve been on the road for 15 months. It is hard! It is harder now than it was in the beginning because I am beginning to crave stability. I know that I will want to find the balance you talk about soon.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..One for the Bucket List: Trekking on a Glacier
Wow – 15 months is quite an accomplishment! I’ve never traveled that long but sometimes I wish that I did. Maybe that’s why I find myself craving more balance. I’m sure when you are ready and feel like slowing down, you will
Megan recently posted..Why New York City is My Therapist
It can be hard to find that balance, and as you’re experiencing, life likes to throw us curve balls just for fun. I hope you find some peace in that balance, and in the end all that matters is you’re happy with where the wind takes you…
The World of Deej recently posted..New York City in a Day – Our Perfect Whirlwind Tour
Wow – such true words
I’m working on finding the balance and I am happy, so at least I have that!
Megan recently posted..How to Spot A Bohemian Traveler
Everyone has their own balance equation. For us, it involves having a home base. The key to our happiness is finding a partner who has the same core values (don’t ignore this- that’s the mistake of first marriages). Friends & lovers have a reason or a season- your core values are forever. Be true to yourself and good luck! Whatever you decide to do it will be the right decision at the right time.
Mary @ Green Global Travel recently posted..THE PERUVIAN AMAZON- Day 1 Photo Gallery
Great feedback Mary! It’s interesting…in many ways I am the same way. I prefer to have a homebase and am so lucky that my boyfriend loves to travel as much as I do
Megan recently posted..Boho Guide to Galveston Island