I Lived in 12 Countries in 12 Months: Here’s What I Wish I Knew Before I Started

Twelve countries, twelve months, one very tired me. When I embarked on my year-long adventure of living in a different country each month, I thought I was prepared. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t. Here’s the unfiltered truth about what it’s really like to hopscotch across the globe for a year. 

1. Packing Light is an Art Form (That I Failed Miserably At)

I started my journey with a suitcase so big it could have its zip code. By month three, I was ready to set it on fire.

Lugging that monstrosity up five flights of stairs in a quaint (read: elevator-less) Parisian apartment building was my wake-up call. I realized I didn’t need four pairs of jeans or that “just in case” cocktail dress.

The real essentials are a good pair of walking shoes, versatile clothing that can be dressed up or down, and a portable charger. Everything else is just dead weight.

Pro tip: Buy toiletries at your destination. Not only does it save space, but it’s also a fun way to try local products. 

2. Wi-Fi is the New Oxygen

As a digital nomad, I quickly learned that “good Wi-Fi” is a relative term. What’s considered fast in one country might make you want to throw your laptop out the window in another.

I became a connoisseur of coffee shops, not for their lattes, but for their internet speeds. I could tell you the Wi-Fi password of every café in Zagreb before I could navigate the city without Google Maps.

Invest in a portable Wi-Fi device. It’s a lifesaver when your Airbnb’s “high-speed internet” turns out to be a hamster running on a wheel.

And always, always have a backup plan. I once had to take an important client call from a McDonald’s because it was the only place with reliable Wi-Fi. 

3. The Art of Budgeting (Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Spreadsheets)

I started my trip with a vague idea of my budget. By month two, I was intimately acquainted with every currency exchange rate and could calculate the cost of a meal in five different currencies in my head.

The trick is to factor in the hidden costs. Sure, that apartment in Budapest is cheap, but did you account for the “tourist tax” that some cities charge? Or the fact that you’ll be eating out more often because your cute Airbnb kitchen is actually a hot plate and a prayer?

Set up separate budgets for each country. The amount you’ll spend in Switzerland is vastly different from what you’ll need in Vietnam. 

And always, always have an emergency fund. You never know when you’ll need to book a last-minute flight or replace a stolen passport.

Pro tip: Use a travel credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Your future self will thank you when you’re not crying over your bank statement.

4. The Loneliness Factor: Making Friends on Fast-Forward

One month is just long enough to start feeling at home and just short enough to make saying goodbye really suck. 

I became an expert at small talk and could share my life story in the time it takes to order a coffee. But meaningful connections? Those were harder to come by.

Join local groups and attend events. Whether it’s a language exchange meetup or a cooking class, it’s a great way to meet people. I learned how to make pierogies in Poland and picked up some colorful Spanish phrases in Colombia – all while making friends.

But also embrace solitude. Some of my most memorable moments were solo adventures. There’s something liberating about wandering through a new city, getting lost, and finding your way back – both literally and metaphorically.

5. The Productivity Paradox: Working When the World Is Your Playground

Balancing work and travel is like trying to eat spaghetti with chopsticks – technically possible but messy and frustrating.

I learned the hard way that “I’ll just work from the beach” is a fantasy. Sand and laptops don’t mix, and the sun’s glare makes it impossible to see your screen. Not to mention the constant temptation to close the laptop and go for a swim.

Establish a routine, even if you’re changing locations every month. Whether you work in the mornings and explore in the afternoons or vice versa, having a schedule helps maintain productivity.

And sometimes, you just have to say no to that amazing day trip or night out because you have a deadline. It’s not always fun, but it’s necessary if you want to sustain this lifestyle long-term.

6. The Health Hustle: Staying Fit While Eating Your Way Around the World

I started my journey, promising myself I’d stay fit. By month three, I had gained 10 pounds, and my only exercise was lifting forkfuls of pasta in Italy.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of “I’m only here for a month, I have to try everything!” But your body (and wallet) will thank you for some moderation.

Find ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine. I started taking walking tours in every new city—it’s a great way to explore and get some steps in. 

I tried yoga in Bali and hiking in Australia. Each place offered new ways to stay active.

Don’t forget mental health, too. Constant travel can be stressful and overwhelming. I started a daily meditation practice, even if it was just for five minutes. It helped me stay grounded amidst the chaos of constant change.

7. The Language Barrier: From Mime Artist to Multilingual (Sort Of)

I embarked on this journey, knowing how to say “hello” and “thank you” in about five languages. I ended up being able to order coffee and ask for the bathroom in at least ten.

Google Translate became my best friend, but it’s not infallible. I once asked for directions to the beach in Lisboa and ended up at a fish market. Close enough, I guess?

Learning a few key phrases in each language goes a long way. Not only is it practical, but locals appreciate the effort. Even if you butcher the pronunciation, the attempt usually earns you a smile.

But also embrace the awkwardness. Some of my funniest memories involve elaborate charades trying to communicate. Who knew mimicking a washing machine could be so hilarious?

The Realities of a Year-Long Adventure

Living in twelve countries over twelve months sounded like a dream come true, but the reality was far more complex than I ever imagined. The romanticized version of the digital nomad life overlooks the practical difficulties and emotional toll it can take.