Emilija’s story: “Stop dreaming, try it out, and if you like it, do it!”

Meet Emilija. Just over two years ago, Emilija made a life- changing decision – to part ways with all earthly possessions and acquire a yacht to explore the world.

Tell us your story.

My name is Emilija, born and raised in Vilnius, Lithuania. Twelve years ago, I left my country to live in Thailand with my life partner, who is now the father of our daughter, Adelyna. During these years, we lived in Thailand, Romania, and France. While living in France, I worked in the yachting industry and fell in love with the ocean. So, a little over two years ago, we decided to sell everything we own and buy a boat to travel the world.

What did your life look like before, and why did you decide to change it?

Me and Steve have always loved traveling, but we couldn’t find a place where we could settle and call it home. That’s how we came up with the idea of traveling with the comfort of a “home.” We loved the idea that we could stay in one place as long as we wanted to and, when we wanted to move, we could do it by simply lifting our anchor and sailing away.

What were the biggest lessons you learned on the trip, and what did you understand about yourself?

I guess I learned a lot and continue to learn. Every place we visit is different, and people are different, so you learn to adapt and understand. The Atlantic crossing was a little more mentally challenging than I expected, but at the same time, it is a crazy feeling to be surrounded only by water and to be dependent on Mother Nature for an extended period of time.

Do you feel your life has turned out differently than you previously thought? Have you found yourself different from what you always thought?

It depends on when that “previously” period is. I grew up in a city where nobody was boating in the rivers, so living on a boat and traveling never crossed my mind. After working in this industry, I understood how much I love the water, so living on it was something I could see myself doing.

If you could go back to the beginning, what would you do differently?

I would have definitely done it years ago to begin with. Afterward, I would have definitely stayed more in Europe, as there are so many places that we have not visited. Hopefully, we can do it in the future. Other than that, I am very happy with where we are and how we did things.

If someone is secretly dreaming about the lifestyle you are living now, what would you tell them?

Just do it! Probably not to buy a boat and cross the oceans straight away, but to try it out by renting and see if it’s something that fits their life. I don’t think that this lifestyle is for everyone, but if you don’t try, you will never know.

Is it scary to go on the adventure of a lifetime?

Not really. As I would say to others, don’t jump into the adventure headfirst. Try dipping your toes to see if it’s something you can do. We were the same. From the idea to the realization of it, we spent two years trying different boats, learned to sail, and more. So when the time came to set sail, we were sure of our decision.

What was happening in your head?

It was a very well-thought-out idea, with many considerations, including what boat to take and where to go first once we had it.

What are the most amazing things about living here?

Being able to change your location with your home.

Living the way you do, what was the hardest thing in this whole experience?

Being dependent on the weather and not having an address.

What would you suggest for people dreaming about this lifestyle?

Stop dreaming, try it out, and if you like it, do it!

What are the first steps in preparation?

Realize that you really want it, and once you do, you will find a way to make it.

What are your next steps? Is there any adventure you are planning?

Currently, it’s hurricane season in the Caribbean. Once it passes, we will be heading towards the Bahamas, and from there, let’s see where the wind will take us.

Follow our adventures on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/emilija.mali/