This post is really about all the “how” questions.
But the most important one is this:
How do we actually prepare for an adventure like this?
As we started planning our transition into long-term travel, we quickly realized that the easiest way to begin was by focusing on the “big rocks” — the decisions and tasks that will ultimately make this journey possible.
Sure, there’s something romantic about embracing the full vagabond spirit: packing up, heading out, and letting life unfold however it will. And maybe someday we’ll lean into that level of freedom.
But for now, we’re not quite that carefree.
We still appreciate the security of a steady income and the ability to enjoy a few creature comforts along the way — like air conditioning and the occasional fancy coffee. Because of that, our full-time jobs are the first major obstacles to figure out.
What Are the “Big Rocks”?
When preparing for something as life-changing as extended travel, the big rocks are the things that truly move the needle.
They’re the decisions that make everything else possible.
For us, those include:
- Navigating work logistics
- Selling our house
- Selling our vehicles
- Upgrading our pickup truck for travel
- Deciding what to sell, store, or give away
Some of these changes were already on the horizon for us, even before we started planning this trip. That alone makes the process feel a little less overwhelming.
Still, they’re the big pieces that have to be solved first.
Why Remote Work Makes This Easier (But Not Simple)
We’re fortunate in one major way: we both already work remotely from home.
For many people dreaming about traveling full-time, finding location-independent work is the hardest part of the equation.
However, our situation still has a wrinkle.
My employer requires that I live in the same state, which makes moving from state to state throughout the year a little more complicated than the typical remote work setup.
It’s not impossible — but it does mean we have to think creatively and plan carefully.
The “Small Pebbles” of Travel Preparation
Once the big rocks are identified, the small pebbles start to fill in around them.
These are the tasks that still need attention, but don’t carry quite the same weight.
Some of our smaller preparation steps include:
- Setting up a reliable mailing service
- Verifying that our insurance will cover us while traveling
- Planning school curriculum for the kids
- Creating family lists of places we want to see along the way
- Deciding how (or if) we want to document the journey beyond this blog (Any recommendations on this one would be greatly appreciated!)
These tasks may be smaller, but together they help make the adventure feel real.
The Things We Haven’t Thought Of Yet
If there’s one thing we’re certain about, it’s this:
There are plenty of things we haven’t even considered yet.
Some lessons will only show up as we get closer to departure day. Others will probably appear somewhere in the middle of the journey itself.
And honestly, that’s part of the excitement.
Follow Along as We Prepare for the Adventure
As we continue preparing for this next chapter, we’ll share what we learn — the things that worked, the things we wish we had done differently, and the things that turned out to matter most.
If you want to follow along as we get closer to departure day, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the next post.
Because one thing is certain.
This is going to be a wild ride.
Adventure awaits.
Until the next one…
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