Is travelling full-time merely hedonism?

While doom-scrolling on a Wednesday night, I encountered a TikTok that annoyed me.

It annoyed me because it questioned my life choices and provoked reflection.

The girl said, ‘When you travel full-time and realise it is just hedonism, and as humans, we need purpose, challenge, mundane tasks, and connection to feel whole.’

For those who don’t know, hedonism is the pursuit of pleasure and sensual self-indulgence. (I had to look it up)

As someone who travels full-time, I was defensive.

I thought not everyone travels to tan on the beach and drink an Aperol Spritz at 3 p.m. daily.

Travel can be about cultural and educational enrichment or personal growth and reflection.

Although this often involves a level of adventure and excitement.

And isn’t adventure and excitement a form of pleasure-seeking?

The TikToker could have a point.

But ultimately, aren’t we all seeking a life of pleasure, whether we travel or not?

Most of our daily activities — from eating takeout food and watching TV to scrolling through social media and indulging in weekend cocktails with friends — are driven by a pursuit of pleasure.

What about people working a 9-to-5 job five days a week?

It might not sound like pleasure, but the effort is often driven by the desire to afford pleasures.

Whether I view full-time travel as merely hedonism depends on my beliefs about what constitutes an optimal human experience and if this lifestyle aligns with my values and goals.

If, for me, purpose, personal growth, learning, and meaningful connections are crucial to a fulfilling life…

Then can full-time travel be a profound and enriching pursuit rather than just a quest for pleasure?

1. Purpose

Full-time travel often serves a deeper purpose beyond exploring new cities.

Some people are driven by personal growth, embracing the challenges and opportunities of life on the run. Spiritual seekers use travel to strengthen their beliefs, while thrill seekers pursue new adventures.

New environments can inspire creative individuals' work, while those devoted to social impact may become involved in humanitarian efforts or community projects.

For some, their purpose in travelling is simply for the freedom and flexibility of the nomad lifestyle.

Not everyone who travels full-time is trotting the globe aimlessly.

While a greater purpose exists, there is significant value in fleeing the nest.

2. Personal Growth and Learning

As I highlighted, personal growth and learning are key motivators for many travellers. Even if these aren’t your primary reasons for travelling, you will experience their benefits indirectly.

To name a few:

• Life on the road will enhance your administrative skills, including organisation, time management, and efficiency.
• Immersing yourself in different cultures will broaden your understanding of diverse ways of life.
• Spending time alone will enable greater independence and self-reliance.
• Stepping back from friends and family allows you to see a better picture of your authentic self, devoid of influence and distraction.

The list could go on.

I’m currently learning a lot about Mezcal and street tacos in Mexico. Learning every night…

3. Relationships and Connection

Now, this is where life on the move can fail to provide fulfilment.

My roamer lifestyle has often left me feeling isolated and withdrawn from society.

Extended periods without friends or family can leave a deep sense of disconnection. While Facetime and messages are helpful, they aren’t enough to satisfy the human desire for genuine connection.

If you are willing to step out of your comfort zone and make meaningful connections with strangers, you can break free from the bubble of isolation.

But if you aren’t willing to be social, this isolation will feel like a heavy boulder you carry in your backpack.

For this reason, I agree with the TikToker.

We need human connection and relationships; full-time travel often doesn’t provide these.

The debate over whether full-time travel is merely hedonism or something deeper ultimately depends on your personal values regarding what constitutes an optimal existence.

However, dismissing it as a hedonistic pursuit overlooks the fact that travel can offer much more than instant gratification and external pleasure.

In reality, full-time travel can foster personal growth, learning, and enriching life experiences beyond mere indulgence.

Yet, thousands of people liked the TikTokers video, clearly resonating with the message.

And I felt compelled to write an 800-word blog justifying my own path.

I am not denying that her message holds weight.

But while travel alone won’t guarantee fulfilment, it isn’t solely about pleasure-seeking either.