We've hit over 90 new locations each year, which in the nomadic world means we're "fastmads". Get it? Nomads who travel fast!
How we became "fastmads"
We travel fast, but not always by choice; it's work-related. Max and I both work in the entertainment industry. I'm a producer and talent manager, and he's an actor and magician. Since 2011, we have been touring a magic show I produce and he stars in. Other projects require me to be on-location, such as spending a month in Scotland for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and ten weeks in Hawaii shooting a film.
Max's acting career also impacts our schedule, as show business always casts roles very late. I'm grateful when we have lead time to make travel arrangements, however, many times, we don't have that luxury. Embracing last-minute decisions is a big part of what being a fastmad is all about.
At times I long to slow down and stay somewhere for a longer period of time. And sometimes those opportunities present themselves and we take full advantage. However, in the back of my mind, I always know that fast travel (aka work opportunities) will call and when it does, I'm ready.
The Pros & Cons of Fast Travel
Pros:
Flexibility to change plans.
Variety keeps things exciting and new.
Maximizing your experiences in limited timeframes.
Cons:
Burnout
Stress of always planning and executing logistics
Less time to build meaningful relationships
How to "Fastmad" with joy
I won't sugarcoat this: there is stress and risk of burnout for those of us coordinating an endless loop of travel logistics. Travel itself can be draining, especially when dealing with delays/cancellations, weather conditions, and juggling time zones.
What if I told you that it was possible to thrive as a fastmad? Here are ways I've found that help me combat the stress and feel joy around my travels:
Finding the small positives
You can find something good even in a small town with only Walmart and chain restaurants. I recently ate at a Chili's with a kind server who provided excellent service. She was dedicated to doing a great job and excited to tell us about her hometown. I always remember people over things.
Practice in your everyday life looking for the small positives.
Know what you need to feel re-energized
Like getting a good night's sleep before a big day, I have found that focusing on fulfilling activities during my downtime gives me the fuel I need before extensive fast travel periods. Of course, that time should include rest, but it's also about using it to do things that give you energy. I take a long walk, listen to an inspiring podcast, and/or call a friend. And if I don't have enough time for that, I have a power playlist on my phone with songs that always lift my spirits and give me a jolt of energy. A go-to song for me is "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston.
Find your go-to happy playlist!
Select your travel routes around important routines
I avoid early morning flights and red-eyes to get enough sleep and maintain my morning routine. This means that when I look at flights, I cut down the options, which prevents overwhelming decision fatigue. I also avoid long travel days when possible, so as a frequent flyer on Delta, we have found hotels near their hubs (Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and Detroit) that help break up travel so we minimize lengthy layovers.
Figure out what routines are most important to you and work your travel around them as much as possible.
Return to places you have already been
Returning to a familiar location or hotel gives me a sense of relief and security. For example, work brings me back to our former NYC home. At first, I used the opportunity to stay in different parts of the city (I lived there, but there is still so much to see!), but now I've got my favorite hotels and neighborhoods because not every fast trip needs to be about exploration.
Another reason I commit to selecting hotel brands is that no matter what city you're in, you can count on a brand that has similar room layouts and amenities. I actively seek to know what to expect during the chaos of travel!
Think about places that hold personal meaning or are familiar to you.
Seize opportunities and chance encounters
Though fast travel doesn't always allow a lot of time to build meaningful relationships, you never know who you will meet in passing.
Comments