Here is my 2018 travel expenses report, with summaries and a monthly breakdown of expenses that not only include the cost of full-time travel, but LIFE.
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!
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.
Last-Minute Gifts/Courses for Aspiring Digital Nomads
These courses for aspiring digital nomads don’t take up much room under the tree, but will be the most valued gift you could give the traveler in your life. Reviewed here: Superstar Blogging School, DIY Website Workshop, Complete Guide to Error Fares, and Paid to Blog.
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:
My 2016 Full-Time Travel Expenses
For the 7th year in a row, I’m publishing my full-time travel expenses! Here’s an uncensored breakdown of every penny I spent in 2016, traveling full-time.
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 (Vlog Ep. 3)
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!
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 Solo/Couple/Family Travel
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.
Working on the Road: The Unconventional Guide to Full-Time Freedom
If you want to live and work abroad, check out Working on the Road: The Unconventional Guide to Full-Time Freedom, at special intro prices!
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.
How to Become Fluent in Spanish (and Other Languages)
I’m determined to become fluent in Spanish, and I’m close. Here’s how I’m doing it, with some useful tools and resources.
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.
The Ultimate Packing List for Full-Time Travel
UPDATED OCTOBER 2016! Want the ultimate packing list? Here’s exactly what I pack for my full-time travels – down to the last item.
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.
