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The Exciting and Challenging Life of Traveling as a Poker Player
One of the most exciting aspects of playing live poker for a living is the opportunity to travel to different destinations around the world. Whether it be as a tournament grinder making a journey to the next circuit stop or as a cash game player seeking the best action, traveling can be a routine occurrence within the schedule of a live poker player. Let’s talk about life on the road playing poker!
Exploring New Places and Creating Lasting Memories
Seeing new things and exploring new places can provide unforgettable experiences and create some great memories, particularly if you are on the road with friends. As someone who has undertaken plenty of solo poker trips as well as many with friends, I am of the opinion that traveling with a friend will provide the best opportunity to explore the new place you are in and encourage you to make the most of your time there.
It can be easier to make concrete plans to do things together during your hours off the felt, whilst I’ve often found that when traveling solo, it is easier to fall into ‘grind only’ mode, which can lead to the risk of missing out on some great opportunities and new experiences. Of course, wanting to log a lot of hours is not a bad thing, but having some activities planned outside of the poker room can be mentally beneficial in terms of achieving a level of balance and mitigating the risk of burning out, particularly on longer trips.
Achieving Bucket List Goals Through Poker Travel
Traveling for poker can help enable you to accomplish bucket list goals. I was lucky enough to fulfill one of mine last year when I attended the 2023 Ryder Cup, held at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club located just outside Rome in Italy. Experiencing this with a good friend of mine for whom it was also a bucket list goal was special and a reminder of the opportunities that poker travel can provide, as we spontaneously booked the tickets at the end of a poker trip in Europe.
It can be fun to play poker with new faces and meet new people from different cultures, both on and off the felt. From a poker perspective, having to adapt to a new player pool and environment can be an enjoyable challenge. It can also be a refreshing change if you are used to seeing the same faces in the same place for an extended period. From a wider angle, the chance to immerse yourself in other cultures (even if for a short time) can provide valuable life experience and help you develop a broader worldview.
Enjoying Local Food and Authentic Dining Experiences
Trying new food is another way to enjoy different countries and cultures, and it's something I usually try to make the most of when on the road. While there is nothing wrong with googling places to eat, I have found it worthwhile to also ask locals for recommendations, as they can point you toward restaurants or bars that may not be well-known to tourists but often provide a more authentic experience.
Understanding the Financial Costs of Poker Travel
The other side of the coin is that traveling for poker can be very expensive. Overall expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars/Ubers, food at casinos, etc., eat into your win rate. It is important to account for all expenses that will be incurred beforehand and decide whether the trip is worth it from a financial standpoint.
Managing Loneliness and Staying Connected
In addition to expenses, loneliness can become a challenge. At times, playing poker can be quite a lonely endeavor when traveling on your own, particularly if you are playing long and arduous hours and spending minimal time with people away from the table. Being away from partners and loved ones for extended stretches can also be a difficult task.
The risk of burning out is often higher when traveling for poker than when playing at home. This can stem from an obligation to grind unhealthily long hours to make the trip ‘worth it’ or from struggling to sleep well in new surroundings. Jet lag can also pose a real problem, especially when crossing multiple time zones. Arriving a few days before a tournament start date can help ensure your body has properly adjusted and your mind is sharp.
These challenges do not apply to everyone, and the level of enjoyment that can be had from traveling for poker will depend on a multitude of personal factors. What works well on the road for one person may not work well for another. That said, if you enjoy poker and traveling, combining the two can be a dream come true!
Want to Travel and Play Poker?
If the idea of combining poker and travel excites you but you're not ready to make the leap as a professional player — you can still enjoy the thrill of poker on your journeys. Real money online poker offers the freedom to play from anywhere, letting you sharpen your skills, and potentially build your bankroll all while exploring new places. So whether you're relaxing on a beach, winding down after a day of sightseeing, or waiting for your next flight, you can stay in the game.
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