You Don’t Need a Lot to start Travelling — Just Go!
Many people believe you need a lot of money, expensive gear or the perfect plan before you can start travelling. In reality, adventure often begins much simpler. Whether it’s a short road trip, an overland journey or exploring a new country, you don’t need a lot to start travelling - sometimes the most important step is simply deciding to go.
We have been travelling for quite a long time and have used many different ways to do it. From hiking trips to spontaneous journeys in classic cars, motorhomes, and even boats.
Every type of travel has its own advantages and disadvantages, and everyone has a different approach to comfort and practicality.
These days we are constantly bombarded by advertisements, influencers, and YouTubers promoting the best gear. According to them, you can’t even leave the house without big off-road tyres, a winch, the lightest sleeping bag, portable showers, and all sorts of expensive equipment. For beginners this can feel overwhelming. We have met many people who keep postponing their trips and dream expeditions because they are still waiting to buy that last piece of gear or finish upgrading their car. If we could give you just one piece of advice, it would be this:
Don’t wait. Work with what you already have and adjust your plans to it.
Don’t have a lightweight tent and an ultralight sleeping bag? That’s fine. Plan your hike for more days and walk a little slower as you are carrying heavier backpack.
Don’t have a fridge in your car? Pack dry food, bring a simple cool box, or shop more often along the way.
When we started, our setup was very simple. We put a 5 cm mattress from our motorhome on the folded back seats of our car. Our “kitchen” and pantry fit into one plastic box, and we cooked on a small, cheap gas stove. Sometimes we even cooled our wine in a river.When we walked the Camino de Santiago, we didn’t buy a brand-new ultralight tent or expensive sleeping bags. We packed what we already had - a 4.5 kg tent and regular sleeping bags.
Yes, we could have saved a bit of weight by buying new gear. But there will always be something lighter, better, or more advanced. Instead of waiting, buying, and upgrading endlessly, start with what you want to do and adapt your pace to your possibilities.
Spend your money on experiences and memories, not only on equipment. There will always be time later to buy or build things that make your travels more comfortable or more efficient.
But in the beginning, the most important thing is simple:You want to go and see something - so just go.
Don’t create unnecessary conditions and obstacles that stop you from doing it.
Because at the end of the day, around the campfire, everyone is looking at the same sunset - no matter how they got there.
