There has never been a time like this to become a world citizen and sustain yourself. A laptop, a photo or video camera and internet access is all it takes, besides of course an open and adventurous mindset.

 

An acquaintance of mine took his wife and 3 children on a year long travel around the world and just returned a couple of weeks ago. His intention was to make his children aware of a world outside the conveniences and comforts of the US. He wanted them to know that too many things here are taken for granted. He also wanted them to experience the disparities of the human race. He showed them South America, Australia and New Zealand, parts of Europe and even though he did not venture into the real “despair” zones of our planet, his kids now have a much better understanding of the intricacies, dangers and pleasures of a world that stretches beyond the US borders.

I have traveled the world many different ways over the past 40 years; from the Volkswagen bus that took me from Amsterdam to Kathmandu, Nepal and public transportation bus deliveries from the small town I grew up in Holland to the Ivory Coast marketplaces in Africa. I hitchhiked from Damascus to Tangiers and I sailed around the world time and a half. I flew into more countries than I can remember. Thousands of pictures and a million imprints in my brain were the result. The pictures I gave back to the world when hurricane Hugo hit St.Croix in 1989, but the memories are still very much alive and are constantly pulling me away from a sedentary lifestyle.

The same treats that it takes to live a full and satisfying life but only if you have some financial means to fall back on.

I smile when I read stories in Int’l Living and Escape from America, making you believe that out there you can live a champagne lifestyle on a beer budget.

It’s easier and cheaper to maintain an inexpensive home base, somewhere in the vicinity of your home country, preferably rented, so you won’t have to deal with taxes, insurance and maintenance…..and then travel to your heart’s desire.

My tips for an enjoyable travel lifestyle are the following:

I will post many more tips relating to visiting certain areas of the world, including special discounts, travel deals etc. so check back frequently.