I still remember the day I stood in my nearly empty apartment, staring at the last few boxes. My car was sold. My furniture was gone. All I had left was a backpack, a one-way ticket to Thailand, and a knot of fear and excitement in my stomach.
People called me crazy. My family thought I was making a mistake. But something inside me screamed, “If not now, when?”
So I did it. I sold everything—my possessions, my security, my old life—to travel the world.
Now, years later, I’m often asked: “Was it worth it?”
The answer isn’t simple. It’s a mix of freedom, loneliness, adventure, regret, and transformation. If you’ve ever dreamed of doing the same, this is my unfiltered story—the highs, the lows, and the hard truths.
1. Why I Decided to Sell Everything
The Breaking Point
I had a “good life” by society’s standards—a stable job, a nice apartment, a car. But every morning, I woke up with a sinking feeling. I was living on autopilot.
- The 9-5 Grind Was Killing Me – I spent 40+ hours a week in a cubicle, counting down to weekends that flew by too fast.
- I Felt Trapped by My Own Stuff – The more I owned, the more I felt tied down.
- A Health Scare Changed My Perspective – A close friend’s cancer diagnosis made me realize life is too short for “someday” dreams.
The Final Push
After reading *”The 4-Hour Workweek”* by Tim Ferriss and watching endless travel vlogs, I realized: I didn’t need to wait for retirement to live the life I wanted.
So, I set a deadline: Six months to sell, save, and go.
2. The Emotional Process of Letting Go
Selling My Belongings Was Harder Than Expected
I thought decluttering would feel freeing. Instead, it was emotionally exhausting.
- Sentimental Items Hurt the Most – My books, childhood photos, and gifts from loved ones.
- The Reality of Downsizing – I went from a 2-bedroom apartment to a 40L backpack.
- Dealing with Judgment – “You’re throwing your life away!” was a common reaction.
The Moment I Felt True Freedom
The day I handed over my car keys, I panicked—then felt an incredible lightness. No more car payments, no more maintenance. Just… freedom.
3. How I Made Money on the Road
My Income Streams
I didn’t have a trust fund. I hustled. Here’s how I funded my travels:
A. Freelance Writing & Remote Work
- Started as a freelance blogger (Upwork, Fiverr).
- Later landed remote gigs in marketing.
B. Teaching English Online
- Companies like VIPKid paid $18-25/hour.
C. Passive Income
- Built a blog (like this one!) with affiliate marketing.
- Sold digital products (travel guides, eBooks).
Pro Tip: Always have at least 3 months of savings before leaving.
4. The Reality of Long-Term Travel (It’s Not All Instagram Sunsets)
The Ugly Truths No One Talks About
- Loneliness Hits Hard – Making friends is easy, but deep connections take time.
- Travel Burnout is Real – After 8 months, I was tired of packing/unpacking.
- Not Every Place Feels Like Paradise – Some cities are dirty, noisy, or just… underwhelming.
But Then, There Were the Magic Moments
- Watching sunrise over Angkor Wat.
- Learning to scuba dive in the Philippines.
- A stranger in Morocco inviting me for tea like family.
These moments made every struggle worth it.
5. The Biggest Challenges I Faced
A. Visa Headaches
- Overstaying fines, border runs, denied entries.
B. Health Scares
- Food poisoning in India (never drinking tap water again).
C. Financial Anxiety
- Some months, I barely scraped by.
6. The Unexpected Benefits I Never Saw Coming
A. I Became More Confident
Navigating foreign countries alone taught me I’m capable of more than I thought.
B. My Definition of “Rich” Changed
I used to think wealth meant a big salary. Now? Freedom is my currency.
C. I Developed a Minimalist Mindset
I realized I don’t need stuff to be happy.
7. Was It Worth It? My Honest Reflection
Yes—but not in the way I expected.
I thought travel would “fix” my life. Instead, it showed me what truly mattered:
- Experiences > Possessions
- Relationships > Status
- Freedom > Security
Would I do it again? Absolutely.
8. Should YOU Do It? (Key Questions to Ask Yourself)
Before selling everything, ask:
✅ Can I handle uncertainty?
✅ Do I have a way to make money?
✅ Am I running toward something or away from something?
9. How to Make It Work If You Take the Leap
Step 1: Start Downsizing NOW
- Sell non-essentials on Facebook Marketplace.
Step 2: Build Remote Income
- Learn a skill (writing, coding, teaching).
Step 3: Choose Your First Destination Wisely
- Start somewhere cheap & easy (Thailand, Mexico, Portugal).
Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?
Selling everything to travel was the scariest and best decision I ever made. It wasn’t always glamorous, but it changed me in ways I never imagined.
Thanks for joining me on this journey!
I’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to share them in the comments below!
Abdelilah Hamma
Follow me on Instagram for more travel inspiration!
jun 3, 2025