The Break Before the Adventure: My Nomadic Transition

Last Updated on August 30, 2024 by Candice Landau

Transitions in life often sneak up on us, and when they do, they usually don’t come with clear dividing lines. Fifty years ago, major life shifts might have involved moving out of your parents’ house or getting married. But today, many of us experience transitions more fluidly—there’s no singular moment when one chapter ends and another begins. For me, this transition came as I shifted from in-situ living to a nomadic lifestyle.

Ironically, I hadn’t planned for my nomadic life to start with a two-week break, but that’s how things unfolded. This break gave me the space I didn’t even know I needed—space to reset and reflect on what was ahead. It became more than just a pause; it became a moment of recalibration before the real adventure began.

The beautiful Dunnottar Castle in East Scotland. One of the most spectacular sights.

How my unplanned break came about

Earlier this year, I booked a trip to dive Scapa Flow, a historic site in Scotland’s Orkney Islands. I requested time off work, secured an Airbnb in Stromness, booked flights, and paid for my spot on a dive boat. Meanwhile, Stephen and I were deep in the process of transitioning to nomadic living. We extended our rental lease by a few months, rented a storage unit in Orlando, and made plans to pack up our lives. The timing seemed perfect.

But three weeks before my departure, I found out that the dive boat I was supposed to be on had run aground while doing a shallow seagrass survey. I scrambled to find alternatives, and thanks to my Airbnb hostess, who is also a dive boat operator, I did. However, with so little time left, things didn’t pan out. Although I couldn’t get a refund on my flights, my hostess was kind enough to adjust my lodging dates at no extra cost. So, rather than embarking on a dive trip, I shifted gears and planned “The Great Scotland Road Trip”—Stephen in tow.

If you know me, you know that I don’t love booking vacations that don’t include diving, even if it’s just for a day or two. However, this open space has proven to be immensely valuable. If you’re thinking about going nomad, I highly recommend planning a transition period like this—a break before the adventure.

Stopping by the completely deserted Achavanich standing stones.

Why the break is essential for transitioning to nomadic life

1. Space to recover

Packing up an entire household—furniture, books, and all the other possessions that make up your life—is exhausting. Add to that the stress of finding movers, coordinating the move, cleaning the rental property, and juggling a full-time job, and it becomes clear why a recovery period is essential. Could I have gone straight back to work? Sure. But I would have been exhausted, inefficient, and mentally drained. This break gave me the time I needed to reset, ensuring that when I return to work, I’ll be ready to tackle it head-on.

2. Space to relax

This is different from recovery. Relaxation takes time—time to work out the knots, let go of the stress, and feel yourself unwind. For me, it took six days into this break to feel the tension in my shoulders finally release. My back hurts less, my anxiety has decreased, and I’m beginning to feel rested in a way I haven’t in a long time.

3. Space to recalibrate

Nomadic life isn’t just about moving from one place to another; it’s an opportunity to reassess what you really want out of life. Freed from the routines of stationary living, you have the space to explore new possibilities. Do you want a different pace? A new career path? Perhaps a hobby or a community you hadn’t realized you were missing? This break gave me the space to reflect on what I want this next chapter to be and to embrace the uncertainty with excitement.

4. Space to plan

This break also offered the chance to look ahead and plan for the coming months. We’re set for September in Asheville, North Carolina but beyond that, the future is wide open. One goal is to explore more budget-friendly accommodation options—like house-sitting or short term rentals—because platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, while convenient, aren’t sustainable long-term, especially when traveling with a pet.

A Highland Cow (or “coo” as we called them) relaxing near Kilchurn Castle.

Final thoughts

This break has allowed me to transition into nomadic life with a clear mind and a renewed sense of purpose. It wasn’t what I had originally planned, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed. If you’re about to embark on a big life transition, whether it’s going nomad or something else, I highly recommend giving yourself a pause—a moment to breathe, reflect, and recharge—before the real adventure begins.