Roads Less Traveled: 12 Months of Lessons, Growth, and Unexpected Encounters

One Year on the Road: What We’ve Learned and Why We’d Do It All Again

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a year since we first hit the road, living out of a van and chasing whatever adventure came our way. Along the way, we’ve faced our fair share of challenges, van breakdowns, getting lost, and navigating foreign cultures on the fly, but every moment has been worth it. We’ve met amazing people, had unforgettable experiences, and learned more about ourselves than we ever expected.

From getting stuck on mountain passes in Italy to nearly being burned alive by the heat of Albania, to exploring the wild beauty of the Peloponnese in Greece, and, most unexpectedly, adopting a dog who became part of our family in Turkey, we've experienced more than we could have ever imagined. After months of exploring and embracing the unknown, we thought it was time to pause and reflect on what we’ve truly learned from this journey. The challenges, the laughs, the new friends, and the moments that changed us, every bit of it has made this year unforgettable. Here’s why we wouldn’t change a thing, and why we believe chasing your dream, even when it’s messy, is always worth it.

Personal Growth & Transformation

One of the most profound things we’ve learned over the past year is just how much we’ve grown, not just individually, but as a couple. The road has thrown its fair share of challenges our way, from van breakdowns to unexpected detours, but it’s also shown us that we can handle anything together. We've learned to trust each other more deeply, communicate better, and lean on one another when things get tough. There’s a sense of solidarity in being on the road with someone 24/7, and it’s made our bond even stronger.

For me personally, this journey has been a lesson in letting go of control. So much of life, especially on the road, is unpredictable, and trying to control everything only leads to frustration. I’ve had to learn to embrace the uncertainty and just let things unfold as they will. It’s about accepting that not everything will go according to plan, and that’s okay. Sometimes, the best experiences come from the moments we never saw coming. This year has taught me the value of patience and adaptability, and that sometimes the best thing you can do is simply let go and trust that things will work out.

We’ve also been broke for the past six months, and while that’s been stressful at times, it’s pushed us to rethink what’s truly important. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that we need more stuff or more money to be happy, but the reality of living simply on the road has shown us that happiness doesn’t come from possessions. We’ve learned to find joy in the little things, like the perfect spot to camp for the night, sharing a meal around the campfire, or the freedom that comes with not being tied down to a 9-to-5. In the end, being broke has reminded us of what we really value: experiences, relationships, and the freedom to live life on our terms.

Challenges vs. Rewards: Why Chasing Your Dream Is Always Worth It

The Challenges
Chasing a dream on the road has never been a smooth journey. From getting stuck on treacherous mountain passes in Italy, to battling the relentless heat of Albania, to navigating foreign roads with no clear directions, the challenges have been numerous. We’ve dealt with breakdowns that seemed to happen at the worst possible moments, and living on a tight budget for months has forced us to get creative. There were times when we didn’t know how we were going to make it to the next place, and that pressure felt overwhelming. The heat, the cold, the endless repairs, and the constant uncertainty about what was coming next, it was a lot to handle. But these experiences have taught us something invaluable: resilience. Each setback pushed us to adapt and find new solutions, and every obstacle became an opportunity to grow.

The Rewards
Despite the hardships, the rewards have been more than worth it. For every challenge we’ve faced, we’ve discovered new strengths within ourselves. But perhaps the most beautiful part of this journey has been the people we’ve met. We’ve crossed paths with travellers who share the same spirit of adventure and wanderlust, building a community of like-minded souls along the way. From strangers who invited us into their homes, to fellow travellers with whom we've shared stories and laughs around campfires, the connections we’ve made are what make this life so special. We've learned that while the road can be unpredictable, the people we meet make it unforgettable.

Sharing memories with these incredible individuals, whether it was partying in Greece, exploring Albania together, or simply sharing meals on a quiet beach in Puglia, has brought a sense of family to this nomadic life. And, of course, adopting our dog in Turkey marked one of the most rewarding moments of all, as we gained a new family member to share this journey with.

The truth is, this adventure has shown us that the best rewards don’t come from having everything go perfectly. They come from the unexpected moments, the lessons learned in hardship, and the incredible people who become part of our story. Every struggle and every new place has led to growth, connection, and memories we wouldn’t trade for anything.

The Importance of Flexibility

When we first hit the road, we thought we had it all figured out. We had a rough idea of where we were going and the things we wanted to see. But the truth is, nothing ever goes according to plan when you're living on the move. We’ve learned that flexibility isn’t just important, it’s essential. The reality of life on the road is that things will break, plans will change, and you’ll end up somewhere you didn’t expect, but often that’s exactly where you need to be.

We’ve had to get used to the idea that plans are only a guideline, not a rule. There were moments when the weather forced us to change course, or when we ran into travel hiccups that made our route impossible. Sometimes we’d wake up in the morning thinking we were headed in one direction, only to end up somewhere completely different by evening, usually with a funny story to tell. The flexibility to pivot in those moments and the willingness to embrace the uncertainty, has become one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

It wasn’t just about dealing with the inevitable travel challenges, either. Flexibility has meant letting go of expectations and being open to new experiences. We’ve learned to say yes to spontaneous adventures, whether it’s an impromptu party with strangers or an unexpected detour that led to a breathtaking view. Some of our best moments have come from deciding not to stick rigidly to a plan, but to follow where the road (or a good recommendation from a fellow traveller) takes us.

Living without a set schedule or a rigid itinerary has allowed us to fully embrace the freedom of the road. It’s been about finding joy in the unknown and trusting that the journey will always bring something unexpected and worthwhile. We’ve come to realize that flexibility isn’t just about adapting to the unexpected, it’s about choosing to live in the moment and seeing where it takes you. And when you let go of that need for control, you open yourself up to experiences that are beyond what you could have ever planned.

Learning Lessons from Travellers and Locals

One of the unexpected gifts of living on the road has been the incredible lessons we’ve picked up from the people we've met along the way. From fellow travellers to locals, every interaction has had its own unique impact, opening our eyes to new perspectives and teaching us things we couldn’t have learned on our own.

The travellers we’ve met have been a constant source of inspiration and camaraderie. It’s amazing how quickly bonds form when you share a love for the open road. From the Dutch couple with their 80s American RV to the unforgettable conversations shared with new friends over campfires, each encounter has shown us that no matter how far you travel, the road can bring people together in the most unexpected ways. Sometimes these moments are fleeting, an evening spent swapping stories or a quick chat over coffee, but the impact they leave behind is long lasting. We’ve learned to embrace spontaneity, trust in the connections we make, and most importantly, that the adventure is as much about the people as it is about the places.

Then there are the locals, who have been equally, if not more, influential in shaping our journey. In each country, we’ve been fortunate to witness a different approach to life, whether it’s the relaxed, community driven vibe of Greece’s Peloponnese region or the hard working, grounded nature of the Albanian people. What stands out most about locals is their generosity. Despite language barriers and cultural differences, they’ve welcomed us into their lives with warmth and kindness, often offering insights and experiences that no guidebook could provide. From learning how to shop for local ingredients in Albania to discovering hidden spots only locals know about, these interactions have made us feel less like outsiders and more like guests invited into someone’s world.

In a way, the locals have taught us something important about humility. It’s easy to approach a new place with preconceived notions, but time and time again, the locals have shown us the value of looking beyond the surface and embracing their way of life without judgment. Their patience and openness have encouraged us to do the same whether it's slowing down to enjoy a meal, taking the time to understand the local customs, or just pausing to appreciate the little things that make each place unique.

Perhaps the most important lesson we’ve learned is that there’s no one right way to travel or live life. Travellers and locals alike have different ways of doing things, but we’ve seen how both approaches can lead to rich, fulfilling experiences. These encounters have encouraged us to let go of rigid expectations and embrace the unexpected. There’s no blueprint for this journey, but if we keep our minds open and our hearts willing to learn, we’re bound to find lessons wherever we go.

Living with Fewer Regrets

As we reflect on our time on the road, one of the most significant changes we’ve experienced is the way we approach life with fewer regrets. Before embarking on this journey, we often found ourselves overthinking, worrying about the choices we might regret, and holding back. But living on the road has shown us that the fear of regret often keeps you from making the decisions that matter most.

We’ve learned that it’s not about avoiding mistakes, it’s about embracing them. Every wrong turn, every breakdown, and every unexpected moment has taught us valuable lessons. Those are the moments that have helped us grow, both as individuals and as a couple. We’ve realized that life isn’t about perfection; it’s about fully experiencing each moment.

In the past, we’d worry about whether we were making the "right" choice, but now, we see that no decision is perfect. The most important thing is to keep moving forward, even if it means stepping into the unknown. Saying yes to new opportunities, even when it feels scary, has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

Ultimately, we’ve learned that living authentically, pursuing your passions, and embracing the unknown leads to a life filled with fewer regrets. You don’t need to wait for everything to align perfectly to begin your adventure. The real magic happens when you take that first step, and from there, the road unfolds in ways you never imagined.

As we continue our journey, we know one thing for sure: we wouldn’t change a thing.