Why We're Leaving the USA & Embracing Minimalist Travel

1. We’ll spend more time with kids and grandkids

There will always be a place in my heart for the USA but it is time to leave. My daughter is a professional ballerina living in Germany, my son lives in Costa Rica with his family, and my youngest moved on to college.

In a blink, I’m an empty nester. My kids live all over the world in different countries.

Over the past few years, it's been tough to build bonds with my children and grandchildren since they live all over the world. A week of vacation once a year doesn’t do it. These relationships are the most important things to me and I want to be present, and be a presence, in their lives.

To do this, we need to live nomadically around the world.

2. We’ll work remotely

We are very lucky because both my husband and I work remotely so we can live nomadically and still make a living. Living minimally over 15 years has allowed us the flexibility and freedom to live any kind of lifestyle we choose.

3. We’ll have no possessions

But moving around often requires us to be incredibly light and mobile. So, we got rid of everything we own, including every piece of furniture, except for what would fit into a couple of suitcases. This turned out to be far more difficult than we ever could imagine.

We have no destination in mind so we didn’t pack in boxes. And since we are leaving the United States for good, we did not keep a storage unit.

4. We’ll pack light

Our minimalist travel packing list is sparse. We carefully chose everything we’d need to live and work, allowing us one carry-on each and sharing one larger suitcase. And so begins the revolving doors of Airbnbs and temporary housing around the world.

Living nomadically requires extreme adaptability on our part. That’s because no temporary living situation will be perfect although each has some unique and positive aspects.

5. We’ll stick to our routines

Regardless of temporary housing, I try to stick to my routine. That means finding a spot to practice yoga and outside in nature is always my favorite place.

Whatever the space is, we make it fit our needs to work and live as comfortably as possible. It’s a good thing my husband and I love one another because our space is a bit tight.

6. We’ll embrace the romance

There is something so romantic to embark on the unknown and to have these experiences and challenges with each other. It’s a real bonding experience to rely on each other to navigate this uncharted life we are starting.

7. We’ll be open to learning

I know I’ll learn through all these experiences, good and bad. The world is so big and it’s filled with various cultures, people, and history. I’m humbled by how little I know about the world I live in. I’m beginning this adventure, thirsty to learn from all the people I will encounter along the way.

Minimalist travel

I begin this minimalist traveling journey hoping to become a more compassionate, educated, and tolerant woman along the way. Do you think you could embark on a life of minimalist traveling? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.