“The greatest risk is not pursuing what truly fulfills you, betting that freedom can be bought later.” ~ Randy Komisoar
My New Year’s resolution remains consistent: Travel More!
This year, I'm dedicating all of 2018 to exploring. Life's too precious to miss out on experiences that energize us, and nothing invigorates me like travel!
This isn’t my first extended adventure, but I'm approaching it with a fresh perspective.
Previously, I’d work hard, save, and then quit my job to travel for months. My funds would eventually dwindle, prompting me to return home and repeat the cycle. Each journey contributed to my career, leading to opportunities that allowed me to travel for work.
In May, I decided to eliminate anything that didn’t align with my travel and career ambitions, which I detailed here. I made the leap to freelance full-time, a choice I hadn't made since 2008 when the economy faltered. (More on that experience here.) Although I had enough work to support this decision, fear held me back, a lingering effect of the 2008 crisis.
After my eight-month journey through South America in the summer of 2015, my savings were depleted due to unexpected expenses during the trip.
This time, I'm in a better financial position. My savings account has never been healthier, thanks to countless 12-14 hour workdays over the last two and a half years. Currently, I have $49,450.37, which is more than enough to comfortably live for two or three years in Asia. This figure accounts for significant expenses, including a trip to Iceland, Kilimanjaro, Key West, and several road trips over the past two years, along with necessary car maintenance. Managing my finances has always come naturally to me.
This year marks a change in my pattern.
This time, I'm stepping into the digital nomad lifestyle, where travel becomes my full-time profession. Over the last three years, I've cultivated a diverse array of freelance clients to support me during my travels. My freelance work primarily involves writing and photography for various publications, alongside corporate photography. During summer, I lead photography trips for high school students and have recently transitioned to teaching online for a Texas university, allowing me to stay location-independent. My aim is to earn enough to sustain my lifestyle without dipping into my savings.
Alfred the Gnome is all set for South America!
Now, let’s discuss my travel plans for 2018:
I began the year visiting family in South Carolina. As I type this from Austin, I’m finalizing some freelance work.
On Friday, I’ll catch a one-way flight to Buenos Aires, a city that captured my heart in 2015. My primary objective is to escape the winter chill; nothing frustrates me more than cold weather and hunger. (My friends can confirm this.) I thrive in flip-flop weather.
I’ve rented an apartment with a close friend for a month. My goal is to settle in and start working on my first e-Book, which aims to address the question, “How do you afford to travel so frequently?” I'll share my financial strategies that enable me to save half my income, remain debt-free, and travel continuously. If you're interested in this project and want to contribute, fill out these four brief questions to share your thoughts on what topics you'd like covered!
After Argentina, I’ll head to Chile to discover areas I missed in 2015, including Easter Island (imagine the gnome photo opportunities!). Next, I’ll fly to Colombia for The Lost City Trek and reunite with friends in Cartagena. I plan to travel leisurely while working along the way.
In May, I’ll return to the U.S. for an exciting hiking trip with friends (details forthcoming). This summer, I’ll ride camels across the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. I’ll be back in Texas for a month in September for a freelance project. When the weather cools down, I’ll venture to Southeast Asia for the winter, refusing to return to the U.S. until at least March when it’s warm enough for flip-flops.
The blog will shift slightly as I embrace full-time travel (finally!). I’ll document my expenses and maintain a journal of life on the road, while still providing travel guides and expert interviews. Click here to share what you’d like to see more of this year!
I hope my journey encourages you to book your next adventure. Life is fleeting. Pursue your passions.
