Learning Spanish – or becoming fluent in any language – takes a lot of hard work. But for me, there’s nothing more rewarding than being able to converse with and understand people in their own language, in their own country. It takes travel to an entirely new level.
Life as a full-time traveler
Life as a full-time traveler is a bit of everything. It's complex, ever-changing, exciting, and even nerve-wracking at times. In this series you'll find a variety of posts that follow my personal journey of life as a full-time traveler since 2007, through 55+ countries.
Come along with me! Discover why slow travel makes my heart sing, watch me pack and tell you about my best packing tips, learn from my travel blogging mistakes, and even dissect my year-over-year income and expense breakdowns.
But remember, life isn't always pretty - on the road or off it. And sometimes, life's challenges are even harder while traveling. I mince no words and give you the real scoop on topics like finding love on the road, having my passport stolen, surviving near-fatal accidents, natural disasters, and (much) more.
Here it is for better (and) worse: Life as a Full-Time Traveler!
Redefining My Travels in 2019 (Where I Went)
Here’s a summary of where I went in 2019; how my travels have changed and been redefined over the years….and how they may continue to change in future.
The Ultimate Packing List for Full-Time Travel and Long-Term Travel
Looking for the ultimate packing list for full-time travel? Here’s exactly what I pack to travel the world as a digital nomad – down to every last item. This interactive packing list widget is sure to give you lots of ideas for your next trip.
The 10 Commandments For All Travelers
Here are the 10 commandments for all travelers; some fun rules to live by when you travel that ensure you – and others around you – will have a great time.
How to Create a Long Term Travel Budget: Financially Sustainable Travel
I’ve been asked repeatedly to provide long-term travel budget templates. Here’s a framework, with info on what financially sustainable travel REALLY means.
2018: 6 Countries, 32k Miles, And Some BIG Changes
Here’s a summary of where I went in 2018; although none of the 6 countries were new to me, the places I visited and experiences I had TOTALLY were! Enjoy.
THE IRONY OF EXPAT LIFE: Pros and Cons
After years of living in expat communities around the world, in this article I make some observations about expat life, including ironies, pros, and cons. Expat life is not necessarily what you would think it is!
My (Epic?) Search for a Home Base
It’s time for a new chapter. Problem is, the page I’m writing on seems to be a moving target. Either way, the ultimate goal is to find a home base. Here’s where, and why.
12 Truths About Travel…and Life
In this article, I share 12 truths about travel, one truth learned for each year of my full-time travel career thus far. 12 years of pictures included!
10 Countries and 29,254 Miles: This was 2017!
2017 was a year of new experiences and surprises. I visited 10 countries (seven of which were in Asia and almost all new to me). I started off in Ecuador “doing shaman things”, and ended up house-sitting in Japan, chilling in Bali, going crazy in India, and 10 countries later, finishing up in Thailand.
A Day-In-The-Life of House-Sitting in Tokyo (VLOG Ep. 20)
Feed your inner voyeur and watch this funny video blow-by-blow of a day in the life of me house-sitting in Tokyo. Also, a huge summary of my 7 weeks in Tokyo Japan.
Why I Could Never Live in Japan
I’ve had a “crisis of dislike” with Japan – which has quite taken me by surprise. But it has amounted to these reasons why I could never live in Japan.
My Sordid Attempts at Finding Love on the Road
Much as I hate to admit, finding love on the road isn’t easy. Here’s a summary of the relationships I’ve had in the last 10 years, and why they didn’t last.
Business Crisis for The Professional Hobo! (Vlog Ep. 9)
Business Crisis Central at The Professional Hobo! Guess what? Screwing the pooch for the last 3 years has hurt me. Here’s why, and what I’m doing about it:
The #1 Misconception About House-Sitters and Lifestyle Travelers
After two offensive conversations with well-meaning people, I realized there is a BIG misconception about house-sitters and lifestyle travelers. Here it is:
5 Countries and 30,000 Miles: This Was 2016!
2016 started off in one way, turned left, got flipped upside down, then messed up in the blender. Here’s how it all came out in the end:
Travel Packing: How (and What) to Pack for Full-Time Travel (Video)
In this vlog, I show you what I pack for full-time travel – and how I pack it. Learn travel packing tips and techniques, and watch me cram it all in my bag!
Hobo Update: Relearning Travel’s Inherent Lessons
Even though I’ve been traveling almost 10 years, my departure from Peru required that I relearn some of travel’s inherent lessons. Here’s what I’m doing.
Apprenticeship Update: BIG Changes for The Professional Hobo
At long last, here is an apprenticeship update about my work with a shaman in Peru. Unfortunately, it’s not pretty. Big changes coming my way….
Coffee Drinking Rituals Around the World
Who knew that the simple brew of coffee could be enjoyed in so many different ways around the world? Read on to find out how to drink coffee like an expert!
Lifestyle Inflation: Why Earning More Money Sucks (the Life Outta You)
Lifestyle Inflation at work: A curious thing happened when I was “living the life” in Toronto. Having crossed over into the six-figure income bracket, I didn’t seem to actually be taking home any more money or enjoying a substantially higher quality of life than when I earned half as much. Here are some musings as […]
6 Countries and 35,000 Miles: This was 2015!
Though I didn’t travel as much or as long as in previous years, I covered good ground in 2015, seeing 6 countries spanning 35,000 miles! Here’s the summary.
How the Travel State of Mind Creates Opportunities
The travel state of mind is a way and means of traveling and experiencing the world. And you can even experience this without leaving home! Here’s how.
Pros and Cons of Traveling Solo, as a Couple, or a Family
Here are some pros and cons to solo/couple/family travel, along with resources full of testimonials from professional solo, couple, and family travelers.
How (and Why) to Visit Your Hometown Without Going Crazy
When you travel long-term, visiting your hometown isn’t always easy. Here’s how – and why – to visit your hometown and make it a success for all.
I Did It! 6 Little Victories of Travel
Here are 6 little victories of travel that make you feel good about your journey, yourself, and life in general.
Financially Sustainable Travel: My 2014 Income
Every year, I publish my annual cost of full-time travel as well as my income. Here’s my 2014 income, where it came from, and what’s on tap for 2015.
Financially Sustainable Travel: My Cost of Full-Time Travel in 2014
What does it cost to travel full-time? That answer varies, as it has for me over the years. Here’s my cost of full-time travel in 2014.
Colombia, Colorado, Costa Rica: The “C” Trip
I’m currently in the throes of what I’ve dubbed The “C” Trip, to Colombia, Colorado, and Costa Rica. Here’s how this trip came to pass:
7 Countries and 34,000 Miles: This Was 2014!
In 2014 I traveled through/lived in 7 countries, and traversed over 34,000 miles. Here’s a summary of what I did, and where.
The Day I Had My Purse Stolen, and Lessons Learned
In Cusco, my purse was stolen, with everything in it. Here’s what happened, what I gained from being prepared, and what mistakes I made along the way.
Eight Years of Full-Time Travel: Life is a Journey. Live It.
After eight years of full-time travel, I’ve realized that life is a journey, and the journey is the destination. Click through for some big news too!
How Travel Rewards You For Being Impulsive
Here are eight ways you can be impulsive on the road (as well as at home for that matter) to expand your horizons and get the most out of travel (and life):
How I Gave US Airways $1700 for Nothing, Not Even Flights
Traveling with frequent flyer miles isn’t always easy. Here’s a sordid story of dealing with US Airways, with some rules for navigating frequent flyer miles.
Cutting Your Losses: Why I’m Losing in Order to Win
This is a tale of an ugly insurance claim and its detrimental effects – and why I’m now losing in order to win this case. Also, some awesome travel content.
Financially Sustainable Travel: My 2013 Income
Financially sustainable travel is a delicate balancing act between managing income and expenses on the road. Here is an explanation of my 2013 income.
Financially Sustainable Travel: My Cost of Full-Time Travel in 2013
Here’s my full uncensored cost of full-time travel in 2013 – an expensive and rough year for me; testament to life happening we’re while busy making plans.
How Tourists Cripple Local Economies
It’s done with the best intentions, but can have the most catastrophic outcomes. Here’s how tourists cripple local economies, and how to avoid it happening.
The Selfishness of Travel
Here’s an email conversation I had with a reader, who basically asked to move in with me on the road. It made me realize travel is selfish.
A Digital Detox in the Peruvian Andes
I just did a 5-day digital detox in the Peruvian Andes. Although there was no better setting for it, it wasn’t the easiest thing I’ve ever done.
The Day I Was Dumped Via Instant Message
Here’s the story of how I was dumped via instant message, what this instant message culture means in the grander scheme of things, and what’s next for me.
A Tale (and Pics) of Serendipity in Gulfport, Florida
Here’s a tale of how I happened upon Gulfport Florida through serendipity, and fell in love on arrival. Enjoy these varied pictures of this colourful place.
Paying for Alone Time on the Road
This post outlines some of the sacrifices travelers make when getting free accommodation, and why it’s worth occasionally paying for alone time on the road.
12 Countries and 29,000 miles: This was 2013!
In 2013, I managed to hit up 12 different countries, covering 28,904 miles (46,517 kilometers). Here is 2013, in a nutshell:
The #1 Reason Why I Love Slow Travel
In the last month of being in Panama, I realized why I love slow travel so much. It’s a unique travel benefit; and one that’s very rewarding.
The Saga of My $10,000 Passport
In just one week, $10,000 passed through my hands. And it all boils down to a stolen passport, four days before I was to travel…a saga indeed.
Using Serendipity in Travel and Business
Here are 2 examples of how serendipity has provided opportunities in travel and business, because I was calm and patient in the face of challenge.
Why “Settle Down” is a Bad Word….or Not
I was recently advised to “return home” and settle down to an “ordinary” life. I’m not so sure it’s that easy.
Travel Rocks! Highlights from 6 Years of Full-Time Travel
I may have had some mis-adventures, but the good outweighs the bad; here are the highlights of my last 6 years of full-time travel.
Brace Yourself: Travel Isn’t All Roses and Lollipops
Brace yourself: Here’s all the crappy stuff that has happened to me in my 7 years of full-time travel. It ain’t pretty, but it usually ends well.
What is a “Holiday” for a Full-Time Traveler?
If you’re always on the go, living a travel lifestyle that many would equate with “holiday” life – but you’re also always working – what’s a holiday?
Crash! Bam! How My Life Changed in a Second
Last month, my life changed in – quite literally – the blink of an eye. Here’s what happened:
Financially Sustainable Travel: My Cost of Full-Time Travel in 2012
Behold a detailed breakdown of my cost of full-time travel in 2012. It’s considerably higher than previous years. Here’s why:
Financially Sustainable Travel: My 2012 Income
Despite my best efforts(!), my 2012 income was almost double my 2011 income. Here’s what I earned, how I did it, and why it’s all a bit fickle.
2012: 8 Countries and 20,000 Miles in 4 Minutes [Video]
Here’s a video recap of my 2012 full-time travel adventures, covering 8 countries and 20,000 miles.
2012: 8 Countries and 20,000 Miles
In 2012, my full-time travels took me to 8 countries spanning 20,000 miles. Here’s a quick recap of the highlights!
Time for a Change: The Professional Hobo Switches Gears
After redesigning my life 6 years ago to adopt a full-time travel lifestyle, it’s time to redesign my life again. Just a wee bit anyway. Here’s the scoop!
The Art of Communication, Relationships, and the Trappings of Nomadic Living
Communication and relationships are changing. But there’s a fine line between engaging the world, and forsaking it for the world in our laptops.
How NOT Going to University or Buying a House Saved my Life
I am lucky enough to not have a university degree or a house. Here’s why I think it’s the best thing that could ever have happened to me.
How We View World Geography Based on Our Origin
Distance and geography take on a different meaning, depending on where you’re from. As a Canadian in Europe this has been quite a learning experience.
Traveling Without Moving, in Switzerland
I’ve been in Switzerland for a month now, and I’m not sure if I should be proud (or guilty) of how much (or how little) I’ve done so far. What do you think?
Time Slows Down While Traveling
The faster you travel, the slower time goes. Here’s why.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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 of four years, it shouldn’t have been that difficult. Then again, maybe my very freedom inspired this paralysis; the […]
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), a tapestry of experiences is woven together, incorporating the colours […]
Travel Fatigue, and Slowing Down the Pace of Travel
Travel Fatigue…..it’s a bitch. 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 fundamentally tired; feeling like I hadn’t gotten a truly good night of sleep in months. On reflection, I realized this was true; too […]
City Life vs Country Life: An Unbiased Analysis
Can’t decide if you’re a city person or a country person? Here’s an unbiased analysis of the pros and cons of city live vs country life, after having lived extensively in both. Enjoy!
The Journey Through Life’s Changes
Part of the fun of living at a hostel is in meeting all sorts of people with a variety of backgrounds and stories to tell. And it’s amazing to discover how many people are out there who are going through (or have gone through) similar changes in life as Kelly & I did. -names have […]
