Why Buying a 'Bolt-Hole' home is a Mistake for World Travelers

Are you an early retiree with an explorer’s spirit, ready to sell everything and embrace a decade of adventure? If so, you might be tempted by the idea of owning a charming house in Spain—a sun-drenched base camp to return to between journeys. We’ve been there. Two years ago, we bought our own slice of Spanish paradise, convinced it would be the perfect anchor for our nomadic lifestyle. But as we prepare to let it go, we want to share why, for those truly committed to long-term travel, buying a house—even in a dream location—can be more of a shackle than a sanctuary.

The Allure of a Home Base

When we first bought our house in southern Spain, it seemed like the ideal solution. The area was beautiful, the cost of ownership was astonishingly low, and the community offered everything we could want: a pool, friendly neighbors, and easy access to restaurants and bars. We imagined it as our “base camp”—a place to recharge, regroup, and plan our next adventure.

On paper, it made perfect sense. In reality, it complicated our lives in ways we hadn’t anticipated.

The Hidden Costs of Ownership

Let’s be clear: the financial cost of owning our Spanish home was minimal. But the mental cost? That’s where the real price was paid.

Every time we set off on a new journey, a part of our minds stayed behind, worrying about the house. Would it be safe? What if someone broke in? What about the stories we saw on Facebook about squatters in the region? Even with the best security measures, the anxiety lingered. Instead of being fully present in Kuala Lumpur, Chiang Mai, or San Miguel de Allende, we were sometimes distracted by concerns thousands of miles away.

And then there’s the bureaucracy. Owning property in a foreign country means dealing with local regulations, taxes, and paperwork—often in a language you’re still learning. We found ourselves spending precious time and energy on non-resident tax forms and municipal requirements, when we’d rather be planning our next train journey or exploring a new city.

The Paradox of Choice

One of the biggest challenges we faced was psychological. The house was so comfortable, so inviting, that we felt torn. Half of us wanted to stay and enjoy the pool, the sunshine, the easy lifestyle. The other half was itching to get back on the road, to chase the next adventure.

This constant push and pull left us feeling unsettled. When we were at home, we dreamed of travel. When we were traveling, we felt guilty for not using the house. It was as if we were always missing out on something, never fully satisfied with where we were.

There’s a saying we’ve lived by since we first dreamed of traveling the world: You can have anything you want, but you can’t have everything. Owning a house and being a full-time traveler are, for most people, mutually exclusive. The more you try to do both, the more you dilute the experience of each.

The Myth of Needing a Place to Slow Down

One of the reasons we justified buying the house was the idea that we’d need a place to slow down and relax. But in practice, we found that slow travel itself offers all the rest and comfort we need. We spent six months in Chiang Mai, three months in Kuala Lumpur, two months in San Miguel de Allende—each time renting a comfortable apartment, settling into a routine, and enjoying the local culture at our own pace.

You don’t need to own a house to slow down. The world is full of welcoming places where you can pause, reflect, and recharge—without the burden of ownership.

The Freedom of Letting Go

If you’re reading this and dreaming of selling everything to travel the world, don’t let fear hold you back. The idea of giving up a permanent home can be daunting, especially if you’ve spent decades building a life around stability and security. But if the call to adventure is burning within you, trust that you’re the right person for this journey.

We bought our house partly because it seemed like a fun diversion—a chance to be on a TV show, to learn about Spanish real estate, to say “yes” to a new experience. But looking back, we realize it was a detour from our true path. The happiest moments of our travels have been when we were fully committed to the road, unencumbered by distant responsibilities.

Lessons Learned: Advice for Aspiring Nomads

If you’re considering buying a house as a “just in case” safety net, ask yourself why. Is it truly about needing a place to rest, or is it about fear of the unknown? Remember, every property comes with strings attached—maintenance, taxes, security, and the ever-present pull to return.

Instead, embrace the freedom that comes from letting go. The world is your home. With each new city, you’ll find places to slow down, communities to join, and memories to make. The only “base camp” you need is the one you carry within you.

Practical Takeaways

- Don’t fear selling your house. The leap is big, but the rewards are bigger. The world is full of opportunities to rest, recharge, and belong—without the weight of ownership.

- Expect some anxiety, but don’t let it rule you. Worrying about a distant property can sap your energy and distract from the joys of travel.

- Slow travel is possible without a permanent base. Rent apartments, stay longer in places you love, and create temporary “homes” wherever you go.

- Bureaucracy is a hidden burden. Dealing with foreign property laws and taxes can be draining and time-consuming.

- You can have anything, but not everything. Choose the life that excites you most, and commit to it fully.

Final Thoughts

If you have the travel bug, don’t look at us and think, “They couldn’t stick it out—they bought a house.” We’ve learned from our mistake, and we’re sharing this so you don’t have to repeat it. If your dream is to travel full-time, to sell everything, to hit the road and never look back—just go for it.

The world is waiting. Don’t let a set of keys hold you back.

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Ready to embrace the freedom of full-time travel? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!