A Bad Day in the Life of a Professional Hobo
No life is perfect. Here are some of the things that can (and do, and did) go wrong as a full-time traveler – and how we can learn from having a bad day.
A Week-In-The-Life of Anne McKinnell: Photographing North America by RV
Anne sold everything a year ago to travel around North America by RV photographing her journey. Please enjoy this week-in-the-life of Anne in Arizona!
Dealing With Poverty on the Road
In this post I ask some tough questions: What is poverty, who exactly is impoverished, does poverty=sadness, and how can we help without insulting people?
A Week-In-The-Life of Jari: Helping Turtles in Costa Rica
Here’s a week-in-the-life of Jari Cox – a 19 year old Aussie globetrotter extraordinaire – as she volunteers with turtles in Costa Rica.
Turtles Grunting, and Why Turtle Volunteering isn’t for Me
Who knew turtles sighed and grunted? If I were laying eggs, I’d probably do the same. But I’m not volunteering with turtles any time soon. Here’s why.
Rum, Driving, and Healing: The Journey to Sulphur Springs [with Video]
The Journey to Sulphur Springs requires time, local knowledge, a hardy vehicle, and lots of rum-based lubrication. Check out this post and video on Sulphur Springs!
A Week-In-The-Life of Adam and Darcie of Trekity
Here’s a week-in-the-life of travel writers Adam and Darcie on their lifestyle-based trip from Guatemala to the tip of South America.
How Responsible is a Leap of Faith?
A leap of faith is a scary thing. But is there a right way and wrong way to do it? Here we look at some key ingredients to making a leap of faith – responsibly.
A Week-In-The-Life of Sis McCray in England
Here’s a week-in-the-life of Sis. McCray in 1999 when she “retired” to be of service around the world. This is the start of her professional globetrotting career.
What is Liming? Grenada’s Unofficial National Pastime [with Video]
Grenada’s unofficial national pastime is Liming. I cracked the code on liming, and made a 2-minute documentary about it. (No fruit was damaged in the process).
A Week-In-The-Life of Inge: Volunteering in Costa Rica
In 2008 Inge moved from Germany to NYC, but she goes to Latin America as much as she can. Here’s a week-in-the-life of Inge as she volunteers in a Costa Rican Zoo.
Easter Sunday on the Beach in Grenada
Here’s a small photo essay and video of widely celebrated Easter Sunday on the beach in Grenada; with kite-flying, people-watching, and even foam parties!
A Week-In-The-Life of Bella in South America
Please enjoy this week-in-the-life of globetrotter Bella (a Swedish journalist), as she starts a trip in Rio De Janiero, working her way up to Los Angeles.
Financially Sustainable Travel Part 2: Income and Expense Choices
After outlining my exact 2011 income, I explain why I choose not to make more money, and how I still manage to live the “high life” on a part-time income!
Financially Sustainable Travel Part 1: My 2011 Income
I travel full-time in a financially sustainable way. I’ve showed you how to live on $17k/year or less on the road; now here’s a look at how I earn that money.
A Week-In-The-Life of Tom: Active Backpacker
Here’s a week-in-the-life of Tom of Active Backpacker; an Australian living the expat life in The Netherlands.
The Best and Cheapest Doctor I Ever Visited Was in the USA
Much to my surprise, the best and cheapest doctor I ever visited was in the USA. Read this article to see my costs to visit doctors around the world.
30A: Culture Shock on Florida’s Gulf Coast
Even on a little “holiday” from being The Professional Hobo, I gained a new perspective on a corner of the world I previously thought I knew all about.
A Week-In-The-Life of John: Travel Rinse Repeat
Please enjoy this week-in-the-life of John of Travel Rinse Repeat, as he combines business and pleasure across the United States with his unique lifestyle.
A Week-In-The-Life of Elaine: Runaway Brit
Here’s a week-in-the-life of Elaine (a Runaway Brit) as she takes a boat from Columbia to Panama City as part of her lifestyle of traveling and teaching abroad.
2 Months of Sailing the Caribbean [Plus Video]
In the last 6 weeks, I’ve lived and sailed on five boats in three countries. I’ve also discovered a whole new way of financially sustainable travel. (video incl)
Getting my Feet Wet on a Sailboat in St Martin
Arriving in St Martin was my introduction to living on a sailboat. Here’s what life in St Martin – and on a sailboat – is like!
A Week-In-The-Life of Ed: RexyEdventures
Here’s a week-in-the-life of Ed Rex, about to embark on an RTW solo trip, who wants to show the world that deaf people can travel the world solo too.
How I Became the Professional Hobo (Part II: The Logistics)
After deciding to leave everything to chase my lifelong dream of travel, I had to walk the talk. Here are the nuts&bolts of how I Became The Professional Hobo.
How I Became The Professional Hobo (Part I: The Dream, The Decision)
Here I bare all: what prompted me to make the life-changing decision to sell everything to travel full-time. Enjoy Part I: about how it all started.
A Week-In-The-Life of Pia and Paul in Israel
Here’s a week-in-the-life of Pia and her son Paul (of Are We There Yet) as they take a tour through Israel.
The Most Dangerous Beach in the World
Sunset beach in St Martin is most dangerous beach in the world. I wasn’t sure I’d survive the experience, but I did – and brought you video proof.
My Cost of Full-Time Travel in 2011
Want to know how much it costs to travel full-time? Read this post to find out exactly how much money I spent in 2011, traversing 13 countries and 73,000kms.
A Week-In-The-Life of Jade and James: Our Oyster
Jade and James are a Canadian/English couple that met while Couchsurfing. Here’s a week-in-the-life of Jade and James (of OurOyster.com) in New Zealand!
Driving in Grenada
Pot holes. Steep drops. Goats. Buses. Wheelbarrows. Gargantuan speed bumps. It’s all part of the fun of driving in Grenada. See for yourself in this video!
Three Months in Grenada
From getting sick, to getting social, to getting bitten, to getting in touch with the moon and tides, living in Grenada for three months has been an adventure.
A Week-In-The-Life of Dorothy: Volunteering in the Cook Islands
Dorothy Conlon is an octogenarian globe-trotter who combines travel with volunteer/service. Here’s a week-in-the-life of Dorothy volunteering in the Cook Islands.
Wildlife in Grenada – For Better or Worse
From lobsters to centipedes and possible occult omens, here’s a random cross-section of wildlife in Grenada I’ve had to deal with – for better or worse.
Happy Holidays! This Was 2011
2011 was a busy year for The Professional Hobo, spanning 13 countries and over 73,000kms. Here’s a summary, including my annual holiday video card.
Hiking in Grenada: A Private Paradise [Video]
Come along with me as I explore a private paradise by walking to a secluded adjacent bay and out to a rocky point near where I live in Grenada.
A Week-In-The-Life of Nancy and Shawn Power
Please enjoy this week-in-the-life of Nancy and Shawn as they finish the emotional process of selling everything and launch into their new lives of travel.
Learning to be Alone in Grenada
After being dealt a few blows on arrival to Grenada, I spent some time recuperating, and learning to be alone on this beautiful island. A nice place to learn.
Travel to Grenada: An Introduction
Here’s a random accumulation of interesting things I learned in Grenada that paint an introductory picture – a backdrop if you will – for my upcoming series.
A-Week-In-The-Life of Wade Shepard: Vagabond Journey
Wade Shepard has been traveling the world perpetually for over 12 years. Please enjoy this week-in-the-life of Wade and his family in Colombia.
Random Saigon: Little Stools, Big Wires, and Lots of Smiles
Here are some random observations I made in Saigon – things almost as random as the place itself, but that lend an explanation to this city with so many edges.
Back of the Bike in Saigon
Join me as I hop on the back of a bike in Saigon for a day on a culinary tour; experiencing, traffic, street food, culture, shopping, and more.
A Week-In-The-Life of Andrea & John: Inspiring Travellers
John and Andrea are nomadic thirty-somethings travelling the world on a one year-sabbatical. Here’s a week-in-the-life in England, Austria, and Slovenia.
Vietnam Food Culture: Coffee, Street Food, and Hygiene
In Vietnam, I learned a new way to drink coffee, explored the street food scene, and got a new take on hygiene standards – all over the world.
How to Cross the Street in Saigon – and other Bike-Centric Observations
Bike culture in Saigon, Vietnam is prevalent in many ways. Just try to cross the street and you’ll understand! Here are some fun pictures and a video to prove it.
A Week-In-The-Life of Alisha: Small World Pursuits
Alisha has been volunteering around the world since April 2011. Here’s a week-in-the-life of Alisha of Small World Pursuits, on a volunteer project in Ecuador.
The Ultimate Train Challenge Finale: China, Vietnam [Video]
With some of the most dramatic and beautiful footage yet, please enjoy Part 3 of the Ultimate Train Challenge video trilogy.
Being Thankful in Grenada
As soon as I arrive in Grenada I’m hit with a gut-wrenching double-whammy. Coming out the other side in one piece is something to be thankful for.
A Week-In-The-Life of Migration Mark (Migrationology) – in Bangkok
Please enjoy this week-in-the-life of Migration Mark of Central Africa as he scours the streets of Bangkok for gastronomic delights.
The Ultimate Trans-Manchurian [Video]
Imagine a week solid on a train from Moscow to Beijing, in small quarters with no showers and two people you’ve just met. Welcome to the Trans-Manchurian train!
The Ultimate Train Challenge through Europe [Video]
In the first 17 days of the Ultimate Train Challenge, I covered 6 European countries and passed through 4 more. Here’s a video of my European UTC adventures!
29 Trains in 30 Days: The Ultimate Train Challenge Finishes
During September, I took 29 trains from Lisbon, Portugal to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh), Vietnam. Here are some highlights from this 25,000km journey!
13 Random Experiences on Asian Trains
3 of our 6 nights from Beijing to Saigon are on trains, so I have time to see Asian travel culture, make friends, and bide time. Here are some random experiences.
A Week-in-the-Life of a Family of Seven: Discover Share Inspire
Rachel Denning of Discover Share Inspire writes around the world as she travels with her husband and five children. They are currently driving from Alaska to Argentina in a veggie powered truck. Please enjoy this week-the-life of this huge family as they travel in Utah and California. This post was … Read More
Guilin: River Culture and New Tourism
Guilin is a beautiful city with a thriving river culture, from morning meditations to touristy Li River cruises. Oh yeah – and rice noodles. Yum!
Beijing – Then and Now
Visiting Beijing and the Great Wall of China is an amazing “full circle” experience for me; China was my 1st overseas trip – 18 years ago. Here’s my experience.
A Week on the Trans-Manchurian Railway
The Trans-Manchurian is 8,986km (5,623 miles), and involves 145 hours and 37 minutes of straight train travel. Give or take. Here is my account of the trip.
A Week-In-The-Life of Andrew: Road Roving
Here’s a week-in-the-life of Andrew of Road Roaving, as he roves around Australia as an outback motorcycle tour guide (seeking the open road and debauchery on his days off).
Flat in Moscow
Despite the roller-coaster of Ukraine leaving me higher than lower, I roll into Moscow (literally “roll”) feeling pretty flat, and with a huge task-list.
The Very-Fast Train is 1 Hour Late (and Other Ukrainian Paradoxical Experiences)
Ukraine is a paradoxical roller coaster that takes me on a three-day ride I won’t soon forget. Come along!
Naked in Prague at Night
I’m disoriented, unprepared, confused, slightly drunk, slightly scared, and without a purse to clutch on to for security. I feel totally naked. This is my Prague at Night.
Zurich Switzerland: Rural Urbanity
What little I saw of Switzerland and Zurich is all those cliches: quaint, charming, etc. What surprised me most was how refreshingly rural life in Zurich can be.
A Week-In-The-Life of Mr. HalfFull & Ms. HalfEmpty in the South Pacific
Please enjoy this week-in-the-life of HalfFull and HalfEmpty in the South Pacific, as part of a 10 week trip to 8 countries. Whew!
Staying off the Tourist Trail (or Not) in Barcelona
I try to discover the “real” Barcelona, devoid of tourists and tourist traps.It’s a naive mission that proves harder than it looks, but reveals some interesting insights.
Tapas, Mountains, Flamenco, and Siestas: This is Granada!
Tapas, Mountains, Flamenco, and Siestas. It’s a tough life in Granada!
Leaving Lisbon
Ah, the food, the people, the ambiance, the life. In Leaving Lisbon on September 1st to commence the Ultimate Train Challenge, I have already vowed to return. (It’s just a matter of when).
Northern Swedish Delicacies (Including Surströmming)
From wild berries to Surströmming (reputed to be the worst smelling food in the world), there’s a lot of interesting foods to try in Sweden!
A Week-In-The-Life of Jasmine – Jasmine Wanders
Here’s a week-in-the-life of Jasmine from Jasmine Wanders, as she wanders through Columbia!
Kultur Festival – Aliens Invade Stockholm!
Arriving in Stockholm Sweden, I am surrounded by aliens of the pink persuasion. Then again, maybe I’m the alien.
No Baggage Challenge Wrap-Up: Lessons Learned
In wrapping up my No Baggage Challenge experiences, here are a few of the things I’ve learned along the way.
Sleeping on Trains, Sleeping in Beds
Find out where we’re sleeping – and how – during the Ultimate Train Challenge!
A Week-In-The-Life of Nicole: Woman Seeks World
Here’s a week-in-the-life of Nicole of Woman Seeks World as she takes the train through India. Hmm….trains….
Ultimate Train Challenge: Planning the European Leg
I’m planning how I’ll travel from Lisbon to Moscow by train, with the help of Eurail. But I’m also departing from my usual ways….read on for more!
Ultimate Train Challenge: Planning for the Trans-Siberian Railway
Amidst the huge effort of planning for the Ultimate Train Challenge lies a section of our trip that includes the world’s longest railway: the Trans-Siberian. Here’s how we’re planning it!
A Week-In-The-Life of Mariano in Mongolia and China
Here’s a week-in-the-life of Mariano as he finishes the Trans-Siberian from Mongolia to Beijing, then works his way to Hong Kong.
Announcing: The Ultimate Train Challenge!
Here’s the next big step in my full-time travels; an adventure of epic proportions – the Ultimate Train Challenge. Check it out!
A Moment in Time on a Toronto Subway
Amidst a sea of people buried in their iPhones and MP3 players, I see something on a Toronto subway that warms my heart and reminds me of the city I left five years ago.
Florida with No Baggage
Read this funny post and watch the accompanying video to watch me go down in No Baggage Challenge flames.
A Week-In-The-Life of Daniel: The Conversationalist, in Cape Town
Daniel Baylis makes the best of getting mugged in Cape Town, South Africa with this excellent week-in-the-life piece!
Toronto Pride Parade: A Photo Essay
Here are some impressions and colourful shots of the Toronto Pride Parade, attracting over a million people on a hot sunny Sunday afternoon.
A Week-In-The-Life of Todd and Lauren: Globetroopers
Todd & Lauren and left their jobs, not to travel, but to build a business. Since they were building a travel business, it was a great opportunity to test-drive the ‘digital nomad’ lifestyle. So after developing and launching Globetroopers, they left their home in Sydney, Australia, for a life of … Read More
Preparing for the No Baggage Challenge
I’m leaving behind what little travel gear I own to take on the No Baggage Challenge! Find out what I’m doing and why, and check out this video of me “packing”.
A Week-In-The-Life of Paul Kilfoil in South America
Here’s a week-in-the-life of Paul Kilfoil from South Africa, traveling with his wife and son through South America.
Destiny is a Direction
What if Destiny is a direction, not a fixed place? And what is Passion isn’t stationary? These questions and more are explored in this post.
Romance on the Road
I’m hanging it all out with this inside scoop about how romance on the road works for a single female traveler.
A Week-In-The-Life of Scott: Quirky Travel Guy
Scott Shetler (Quirky Travel Guy) began traveling in 2009 after leaving his 9 to 5 office job. His first adventure was a road trip across 17,000 miles through 46 states in his van, when he was pretty much known as “the guy who sleeps in his van.” For now, he … Read More
Travel, Work-Life Balance, Time Management, and the Paradoxes Within
This poignant articles looks at how we prioritize our lives, and the root of time management and work-life issues.
A Week-In-The-Life of Turner: Once a Traveler
Please enjoy this week-in-the-life about Turner’s teaching life in small-town South Korea.
A Week-In-The-Life of Leif: The Runaway Guide
When Leif (creator of The Runaway Guide) was 16, he ran away from home and explored much of Europe and the Middle East without a penny to his name. He’s most recently undertaken intense budget excursions to India, Eastern Europe, Nepal, Thailand and Japan. While living and studying at the … Read More
The Paralysis of Choice
The recent exercise of booking my flights back to Canada from New Zealand was a harrowing one. It took forever to actually decide on a plan of action and execute it. And for a full-time traveler, it shouldn’t have been that difficult. Then again, maybe my very freedom inspired this … Read More
A Week-in-the-Life of Jeannie: Nomadic Chick
The Nomadic Chick is born: While planning a full escape from her corporate-tour-of-duty, Jeannie Mark’s job suddenly quit her. In June 2010, she set off to explore the world, find stories and grow exponentially. She recently spent three months volunteering at a small village in India with Child Haven, a … Read More
Singing, Performing, Traveling, and Chasing Passion
Chasing Passion: This is the story of how a little girl who sang into her pillow growing up is learning to sing to the world. (Or maybe just a bigger pillow). Both of my parents are musicians. Growing up, we lived in a two-bedroom apartment with two pianos; often one … Read More
Driving Creek Railway: A Different Kind of Train
With 16,000kms of Australia’s rail lines under my (slightly maniacal) rail-enthusiastic belt, I recently conquered the formidable train infrastructure on New Zealand’s Coromandel peninsula: all 2.6kms of it. It’s Called Driving Creek Railway. But this 2.6km train journey has a story all its own; one of art, conservation, and engineering. … Read More
A Week-In-The-Life of Vesna, Mike, and the Whole Family
Three years ago, Vesna and Mike started assessing their lives – including the hours they weren’t spending on their passions – and determining what truly matters. After a trip to visit family in Europe and living minimally for three weeks, they came home to a mortgage and a load of … Read More
The Last Four Years of Full-Time Travel
Four years of full-time travel: can you believe it?! This post was originally published in 2011. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. I ended up traveling full-time for 12 years. Just as time passes more and more quickly as we age, so too I’m finding … Read More
A Week-In-The-Life of Sean: The Aspiring Nomad
Sean King grew up in Hartley, Australia, and while it was (and still is) a beautiful place, it’s an isolated town on a giant isolated Island. It left him yearning for something a little different. So a few months ago he bought a backpack, picked a starting point, and started … Read More
Motion Sickness on the Road
I am currently recovering from Motion Sickness on the road. This is a very real, very difficult condition to deal with, and something to be aware of, especially if you’re traveling solo. In this fantastic world of full-time travel (four years and counting for me, at the time of writing), … Read More
A Week-in-the-Life of Erin & Simon: Never Ending Voyage
Erin & Simon of Never Ending Voyage sold everything they owned and left the UK in March 2010 to travel the world forever. They recently spent two months renting an apartment in Medellin, Colombia, getting lots of their location independent work done. Please enjoy this week-in-the-life of Erin and Simon, … Read More
Travel Fatigue, and Slowing Down the Pace of Travel
Travel Fatigue…..it’s a bitch. This post was originally published in 2011. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. About a month ago, I realized something wasn’t right. I couldn’t quite define what was going on, but I had an unsettled feeling in my gut. I was … Read More
A Week-In-The-Life of Dalene & Pete: Hecktic Travels
After Dalene and Pete suffered a number of personal tragedies in 2007, they realized that life was way too short to be stuck in unfulfilling careers and in a too-large house filled with *stuff*. Hecktic Travels was born when they quit their jobs, sold everything, and have been traveling since … Read More
My Cost of Full-Time Travel in 2010 (less than you may think)
Here’s my cost of full-time travel in 2010 visiting 9 countries…you might be surprised by it… In 2010, I set foot in nine different countries and had dozens of varied experiences. (Click here for a video and summary of my 2010 travel adventures). Since I claim to travel in a … Read More