People describe my lifestyle in many ways. I’ve been called a digital nomad, a location independent travel writer, perpetual traveler… even an extreme telecommuter. Whatever you call it, living a nomadic life with no permanent base is emerging as a new trend around the globe. Recognizing this growing movement, Travel and Escape TV, Canada’s Travel channel, decided to document nine travel bloggers (including me) who gave up their homes to wander the world, and the reasons that drove us to make this choice.
The project was released a couple of days ago and the interviews are truly fascinating. If you’ve ever considered chucking it all to travel, or if you’re just curious about the life I lead, check out their video series they call “The New Nomads.”
If you enjoyed my story, I’d appreciate it if you’d share it around to your friends and through your social circles. T+E is offering a prize of $1,000 for the video that has the most views between now and noon on March 29, 2013. Travel writing doesn’t earn me much money, so I’m always just barely scraping by and that extra grand would sure come in handy!
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Hi Barbara, It was nice to hear your voice on the video. I like your story, so many people can identify with getting caught up in a corporate job – and forgetting to live. Thanks for the inspiration and Good luck with the contest.
Thanks so much Mary – interesting comment about hearing my voice. I imagine it humanizes me a bit more.
Love it. I like to look at the nomad lifestyle as going rather than leaving. I will be happy to share the video and hope you win!
Thank you so much Rob! Lots of people have accused me of running away but I agree with you. I’m running toward something, not away.
I enjoyed that – good to be able to see you in a video – and a very well put together video at that – and to hear your point of view.
About a home, I like to have a table to work at, but beyond that I just like to be able to turn the key and go off on an adventure.
If I have any pressing feeling that I need a permanent base, it is because I like to have somewhere to put a souvenir I might get on my travels. But it is not a strong feeling – I think a secure lock-up would be fine.
My mother is alive, but both of Tamara’s parents are now dead, GRTS, and Tamara tells me I will not know how she feels in the world until I am like her (as she describes it) – an orphan.
Personally, I think we are built to be nomads – maybe all of us. It seems healthier.
I don’t know about everyone else, David, but I know I was built to be a nomad. I can see myself slowing down my travels in the future, but I cannot conceive of staying in one place. Good to know there are others who feel as I do.
Good luck…I’ll share this!
Great video! Do you ever miss having a home base?
Hi Dana: Thanks for the kind words. I don’t really miss having a home base because I’m pretty lucky to be able to come back to the Chicagoland area and stay with my father whenever I need a break from traveling.
What a great idea from T + E! And a $1000 to boot! Just viewed your video — best of luck!
Thanks Raymond – fingers crossed.
Great video Barbara! I’ve liked it on YouTube and shared your post on Twitter. Good luck! Your story is inspiring.
Hi Laurel: Thanks SO much for sharing my video. Fingers crossed I win the $1,000 prize. I could sure use the money! Hope you are having fun, wherever you are these days.
I am so excited that you are on this program and that it even exists. I am also trying to fnd a way to fund my travels and become nomadic as well. I have stared a business as a home based travel agent and I love it, but I am naturally a photographer for over thirty years and am working on becoming a travel writer as well. It all goes together for me.
This new lifestyle is definitely contagious.
Congrats to all you have accomplished in this nomadic lifestyle.
Thank you Tonya! You’ve hit on the most important issue – how to make a living while traveling. But it sounds like you’ve figured out a way. Best of luck to you in your quest.
You look great in the video! It is fantastic that you are now doing what you have always wanted to do. Thanks for encouraging people to discover the world. Lots of luck in this contest and in your future travels! Hope to see you back somewhere in Catalonia soon 🙂
Hi Roser! Thanks for saying so, but I think I look awful. I was drawn and wrinkled after many hours on planes. But it is what it is. Everyone ages. I just don’t like to see myself these days. Take care and hope the wedding planning is coming along!