Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you travel so much?

I travel because it helps me to put things into perspective. I find that placing myself into unfamiliar territory challenges everything I believe in and have been taught, allowing me to either confirm or change current views, thoughts, opinions, etc.

Also, at some point I would like to build a house somewhere tropical and always on the lookout for different styles and architecture as well as a warm environments (geographically and culturally).


How do you pay for your travels?

Short Version: I worked my ass off to get through college taking jobs from bank teller to commercial roofer, then went into corporate finance for 10 years, never married or had children, and then one day sold my house and everything I owned, invested the proceeds into interest and dividend paying investments which is what I use to pay for travels.


Do you travel alone?

Sometimes when I get to a new place I start out alone but always end up meeting other people who are headed the same route. Traveling alone is great because it forces you to meet new people.


Has anything bad happened to you during your trip?

There have been many close calls as well as accidents, diseases, etc. Please see my (Bad Travel Experiences) blog for more info and some pics.


What do you bring with you?

I bring enough clothes for about 10 days, which is probably too much because it's easy and cheap to do laundry along the way. Other items include my iPod with portable speakers, camera, laptop, plug adapters, headlamp, travel clock, books, luggage locks, towel, Nalgene bottle, and compass. The key to traveling light is to have as many dual purpose things as possible.


How long are you planning to travel?

Originally I thought I was going to be gone for 2 years and then it was 3. I'm coming up on 3 years now and still have a lot to see so I'm guessing 5 years total???


What is your favorite place so far?

I'm not good with this question because I haven't seen much and even the places I have there was still so much more but at this point I'm going to have to go with India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Bolivia, Colombia, and of course Costa Rica.


Don't you miss your family and friends back home?

Of course. I try to make it back every once in a while and spend some time in between major trips like South America and Europe and then again between Europe and SE Asia. Also I use Skype to call people and take advantage of web cam option so mom can see that I'm still alive.


How do you decide when and where you're going next?

After moving around so much I've become pretty good at sizing up a place to get a feel for how much time to spend. I talk with people along the way to get some ideas of what to do and then if I like a place I'll spend a few extra days, weeks, or even months hanging out. The one exception is the that I'm not a big fan of cold weather so I try to plan WITH the seasons and yes I'm looking for an endless summer.