Decision-making can be tricky, especially when factors such as freedom, flexibility, and finances are involved. One question that often pops in the minds of long-term travellers or digital nomads is “should I keep my car or let it go?” In essence, whether you ditch your car or keep it while embarking on your travelling adventures largely depends on your travel plans, your needs, and your financial situation.
Option 1: Hit the Road with Your Car
Keeping your car when you decide to travel long term can be a handy choice, and a practical one at that. Here’s why:
- Flexibility: Nothing quite emulates the convenience of driving to your destination. Having your vehicle means stopping whenever you want, traversing off-beat paths, and taking impulsive detours without the rigid timetables of public transportation.
- Comfort: The familiarity and cosy confines of your motor provide a homely comfort, especially during long road journeys. This also goes beyond the physicality of the car itself; it provides mental comfort knowing that you have a constant in your travels.
- Save on Transportation Costs: Owning a car can lower your expenses in the long run, especially if you’re constantly on the move. This is particularly relevant in areas where public transport options are sparse or expensive.
However, alongside these comforting factors, understand that significant costs come with keeping and maintaining a car. Fuel, insurance, MOT, and maintenance are some expenses that can build up, especially in the long term.
Option 2: Sell Your Car for a More Nomadic Life
On the flip side of the coin, we have the option to sell your car. There are three major justifications for such a choice:
- Reducing Expenses: Selling your car might even make economic sense if you’re travelling long term. When you hold onto a car, you need to account for the costs of insurance, upkeep, storage, etc. If you’re not using your vehicle extensively, these costs can pinch your pocket. On selling it, you can invest that money into your travels instead.
- Eco-friendly Approach: Travelling on public transport or pooled rides can reduce your carbon footprint significantly in comparison to private vehicles.
- Local Experiences: Travelling by local modes of transportation also offers you a chance to interact more with the local crowd, thereby enhancing your travel experience.
Consideration Factors: To Keep or To Sell?
So the vital question remains, should you keep your car or sell it? Here are a few factors to take into account before making that decision:
- Frequency of Use: If your travels involve constantly driving from place to place, keeping your car seems a sensible option. If you’re staying in one location for a prolonged period, the car could become an expensive nuisance.
- Destination-Specific: If your journey involves extensive travel in countries where public transport is reliable and efficient, owning a car can become more of a burden than a benefit.
- Financial Status: Lastly, your financial condition plays a significant role. If you can afford the maintenance costs, insurance premium, and petrol expenses, keeping a car won’t be that problematic.
Conclusion: The Nomadic Life – Car or No Car?
At the end of the day, the decision to keep or ditch your car for long-term travelling is an entirely personal one – based on your needs, lifestyle, and travel choices. Whichever option you pick, always remember that the fundamental purpose of your travels is to enrich your life experiences and create memories that remain etched in your heart. So keep the practicality in mind, while heartily embracing the unknown adventures along the way.
