The Ugly Truth of Full Time Travel: What You Need To Know 😬

[@NoraDunn]

‼ FREE CHECKLIST of 10 Things You Need to do Before You Travel Long-Term: bit.ly/3iTqIbu COLIVING COWORKING PROGRAMS I HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH 💻 Hacker Paradise - zurl.to/cMNQ ➡ Get $200 off your first trip with code PROHOBO200 🏠 Outsite Coliving spaces around the world. Get $50 off your first trip with this link: app.outsite.co/c/WFQxNt9WH NOMAD INSURANCE 🚑 The most nomad-friendly insurance I've found (and what I use when I travel on an open-ended ticket) is Safety Wing: safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/?referenceID=theprofessionalhobo&campaign=youtube&Ambassador 👀 Here's a detailed article I wrote about it: www.theprofessionalhobo.com/best-travel-medical-insurance/ *** Hold the Phone!! *** I recently discovered Genki insurance, which doesn't have lost luggage and trip cancellation insurance, but comparatively it covers even more. My current insurance of choice. genki.world/?with=theprofessionalhobo

[@abigailgerlach5443]

I used to be on the road 49 weeks a year, changing towns every three or four days. One day, I caught bronchitis. I came out of a grocery store with plenty of benedryl. I couldn't remember what town I was in. I couldn't remember what my car looked like. I couldn't remember why I was where I was. It was at that point I decided it was time to go home. Now I travel less often, but travel when I want to travel.

[@NoraDunn]

I've had those moments of total disorientation. For me that was a cue to slow down my pace of travel substantially.

[@cltinturkey]

I've learned that you must plan for rest days on your travels, especially if you're hiking or doing significant physical activity for long periods. The body needs to rest and recharge, so I try to plan a light day or rest day roughly every 7-10 days.

[@NoraDunn]

@@cltinturkey GREAT tip! I couldn't agree more.

[@WillN2Go1]

What a cathartic moment. Wow. I knew a guy who kept freaking out when he'd wake up in a hotel and everything looked strange. He started putting index cards next to the alarm clock with the name of the city he was in.

[@NoraDunn]

@@WillN2Go1 Wow!

[@DagnyTaggart-jc4wf]

Boy, did I need to hear this. I am leaving the US in March 2025 abroad the QM2 to Southampton. Probably the first time anyone boarded that luxury ocean liner with only a backpack (I'll pass on the formal nights). From there...who knows! I have no bucket list, no "must sees"...intrigued by Portugal, Albania, Montenegro, Corfu, Malta... No schedule, no limits...well, except for the Schengen Zone. Not big on making reservations for anything...I plan to not plan...just get on the next train pulling out. I will start in an area by staying in hotels so no pressure on prebooking an airbnb. After this video I will probably try to go very slowly! The fact that I am a 77 year-old solo female probably means very, VERY slowly! Love your energy and your enthusiasm...

[@NoraDunn]

What a fantastic new chapter in your life! Happy trails!

[@nomadjim]

Excellent video. You've gained a new subscriber. I've been in this lifestyle (but as a retired person, not a digital nomad) for 9 months now and totally agree with all of your nomad lifestyle challenges. As I travel I'm learning what works for me with respect to dealing with these challenges. There's not one right way; what works for me may not work for the next person. And I think your overall recommendation to slow things down is the real secret to making this type of lifestyle sustainable. Getting out of the "vacation" mindset and into the "regular living" mindset is an important first hurdle to clear. Selling my house and car and donating almost everything else so I can travel the world is one of the best decisions I've ever made. I absolutely love being a nomad! Glad I found your channel!

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks for sharing and for your support, Jim! Nice to meet you!

[@njoynature123]

I want the secret sauce of planning itineraries. Wishing AAA was more helpful. Does anyone use a travel agent?

[@jeffgiammalvo3267]

Outstanding video. Great to hear another perspective. Thank you

[@NoraDunn]

Much appreciated!

[@jonathanjones5282]

I'm 55 now been traveling a long time, and decided to head home with my wife ,I'm tired and need familiar surroundings 😊

[@NoraDunn]

I totally get that! I now have a home base that I return to (albeit rarely), but it's nice to have a familiar haunt and familiar environment to decompress a bit.

[@OurTwoCentsTravel]

Thanks for the informative video, Nora. Wow, you're really close to 100k subscribers! 99.6k right now. Good luck surpassing 100k soon!

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks! I'm super close! 120 to go! It will happen in the next day or two I think :-)

[@vixwolf2037]

Im not the same particular type of Nomad but pretty much every element of the nomad lifestyle also applies to any full-time RV-er; which is why, though it is an option most people quit because they dont understand the true value of "going slower" to truly enjoy the culture and experience of the adventure otherwise the sheer stress ends up crumbling them in. As someone who has now been living RV-ing full time for 3.5 solid years boondocking (full solar all our own power plus other full time chores because there are no hook-ups the way we camp) it is not for Everyone but it can be for Anyone so long as you go at a pace that you can handle. That is the true key to getting the most out of it and truly enjoying it lovingly rather than tearing your hair out.

[@NoraDunn]

Thank you so much for sharing these similarities! I hear you. And you're absolutely right - it's all about setting the right pace for you.

[@33Jenesis]

Some ppl never will master trip planning. They hand it to travel agents or cruise ships to hammer out details. I always do my own research, planning, and execution. It is exhausting but if anything went wrong I can’t blame anyone lol. Travel day is indeed exhausting. I can never relax during travel day. As I get older I need more time to unwind after I reach the destination. I didn’t travel during Covid. I just came back from one month away from home (car trip, cruise, destination stay). I caught bronchitis at tail end of cruise and still cough right now. It’s a sign that my body is suffering from mental and physical stress. Your video makes me think about how I would do it going forward. I can’t be away too long because I take care of my mother but it is healthy to be apart for a month at a time to keep us from murder or suicide. It is more costly traveling for a month but it is better than not doing it. As a senior, mind and body will deteriorate thus more restrictive to many types of traveling. Most of my 75+ neighbors (in the retirement park) don’t travel unless it is for funeral. We all think we have loads of time after retirement but we don’t because of aging.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks for weighing in! You seem to be approaching travel very consciously and intentionally - great job!

[@xdrive300011]

Dear Nora, I lived in don mills in Toronto for a couple of years. Now I am in California. You said three stressors in life: death, divorce, and moving. As a minimalist, moving is not too much a stress for me. I agree with u that travel planning is very, stressful task and I tend to procrastinate on that.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks for sharing! I'm glad I'm not alone on the travel planning thing!

[@losttravelingbackpacker3757]

I like your world map necklace, cute I’m smiling.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks! I like it too :-)

[@josephinecronin1195]

Excellent vid. The “you still have to work out how to find a plumber” is my main advice from my experience.

[@NoraDunn]

Ha - thanks!

[@reneehill2034]

Nora, you "forgot" to mention the relationships (albeit friendship, family, and/or romantic) and how travel would affect them. I am on a long term trip right now with my boyfriend back in Germany, my four daughters scattered around the United States, and my father hours away. I moved to go to school in an area I have never lived in a way I have never lived since being a kid (I am renting a room and sharing a kitchen with an amazing Chinese family that only the kids speak English) not knowing anyone initially. So keeping my relationships healthy and strong is something that I actively do daily with at least one person via phone call or text. I have the various apps and 2 phones that keep me in touch with all my relationships in at least 2 countries. Travel is amazing and, even though I am not yet YET, a digital nomad, my many travels feel the same as what you covered. I also part-time #vanlife and love that too.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks for sharing, Renee! You're absolutely right - relationships are a sticky situation, and managing them over distance is a challenge.

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

There is a lady doing coliving in South America with her cat - Mila and Melissa Vlogs - they are so cool 💜

[@NoraDunn]

Nice!

[@DaveG-qd6ug]

I finally have a home base for the first time (Florida). It makes travel easier knowing I have a place to return to. And I have never stayed in a co-living space, thanks for mentioned that !

[@NoraDunn]

You're welcome David! The home base can make a difference.

[@laura_and_shanman]

Great video!!! I'd LOVE to hear more about the change of your relationships with your family and friends and how you handle that. Thanks for all the information!!

[@NoraDunn]

Great suggestion, Laura. I'm on it!

[@shannon2180]

OMG Nora, I've been traveling the SE of the US for 3+ years, housesitting and renting VRBO's in between (I will NOT use AirBnB anymore after way too many not great, and several *really bad* experiences, including with the company itself!), but I digress... I feel like this video was channeled *straight* from my brain and conversations I've had with friends along the way about moving & traveling, how exhausting, time and energy consuming, etc. it can be!!! And EXACTLY the realizations about what it requires, and costs (and benefits) me, and, conclusions I've ALSO come to about slowing down, more time in one place, etc. I feel SO VALIDATED by this video - and not that I really NEEDED that per se, but, it sure is nice to hear from someone else too! I have traveled internationally (15 countries) many times, for up to 6 to 12 weeks solo, but, thus far, only on holiday, not yet trying to just live and work as a digital nomad, though I'm seriously considering it for 2024... but that's a WHOLE NEW LEVEL of "figuring out how to live" - in foreign country - that I haven't done for more than a decade! Frankly figuring out the TECH challenges/considerations is a BIG anxiety provoking issue for me... if you have things to suggest about that topic, I'd be all ears and most grateful. I've only traveled overseas ONCE in the era of "use your devices for EVERYTHING"... most of my trips were pre-cell phones (and no reason to drag my laptop along). I did everything with travel books, phone cards, internet cafes that were pay by the 1/2 hour, and, walking EVERYWHERE (which I couldn't do anymore at my age - I'm not that old but not in my 20's anymore anymore either. I can't do tramp around town to my lodging with a big back pack PLUS computer, etc... I did take some buses but not always convenient or available. Uber wasn't a thing but also scares me as a solo female traveler abroad... I supposed it's sorta funny I feel MORE intimidated to travel now even though we have more information at our finger tips, less reliant on the good will of locals to figure it out, etc.but.... it's true! I just don't know how to travel abroad in the digital age! I'm not a luddite but... I'm not techy even in my home country (US) either!

[@shannon2180]

I just saw your blog post about alternatives to ABnB - thank you! This also happened to me!!! You wrote, "And let’s face it: AirBnB is just not fantastic. You don’t know if the area is going to be good. You don’t know if the host is going to cancel on you (as happened to a friend of mine - twice in short succession, leaving him at the mercy of last-minute peak season prices at his destination). And you just don’t know if it’s going to work out, until you get there…at which point it’s pretty much too late to change tack." I've also had MUCH WORSE things happen with terrible "hosts" and ABnB won't have your back, folks...google it... they have zero real "customer service"/support... it's just games & circles..terrible when something DOES happen... and it will..

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks, Shannon, for sharing your situation and experiences! I'm soooooooo glad that you feel validated and that you've not been alone in your challenges. I will say one thing about Uber - I feel infinitely safer as a solo female traveler using Uber than any taxi. The drivers are vetted, and they have a public profile with user-ratings that they don't want to mess up, so they are generally on their best behaviour. You have a map at your fingertips so you can see where they're taking you. And they are paid to take you to your destination and only your destination (no circles around the city to drive up the fare because you don't know any better), and Uber tracks everything. Language and cultural barriers are a non-issue.

[@Salouaibaline]

So agree with you. It's been 4 years for me and I can relate with everything you are saying. cheers to you.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks Saloua! (BTW I'm going to Morocco this November) :-)

[@Salouaibaline]

@@NoraDunn nice 👍🏽 keep me posted, I added you on Instagram and maybe we’ll get to do a vlog together 😍

[@cltinturkey]

Important topic. I'd like to learn more about dealing with friends and family issues when you travel. You mentioned missing key family events. Please also address family health issues. I always worry about my elderly mother when I'm away, although I do have siblings.

[@NoraDunn]

You're lucky you have siblings. I must admit with aging parents, the stress of the possibility of getting an emergency call and having to drop everything and immediately travel to their side weighs on me. My consolation is that they both have a strong network of friends and chosen family who can help out in a variety of ways in my absence.

[@LostGenerations]

This was an eye opening video! Really good stuff to know!

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks! Glad it was eye-opening!

[@HelenandTimTravel]

Great info! We are 4 ish months into our full time journey and started off slow traveling for the first half and mixed it up with fast traveling and feeling quite exhausted. Trying to find that balance!

[@NoraDunn]

Striking the balance is a never-ending quest - ha ha! I'll be seeing you two at Camp Indie, yes?

[@shannon2180]

Totally get it! I find I can handle a couple weeks or so of fast(er) traveling IF and only IF I have longer periods in one place before and after!

[@NoraDunn]

@@shannon2180 That's the trick! Fast travel is fine, as long as it is buffered. :-)

[@amywantz2427]

I am so fascinated with this idea. Your videos are a great no BS look at this lifestyle. I live in Atlanta,GA and the rents are astronomical! Average rent for a small 1 bedroom is $1800. Buying a “starter house” is about $300k. I work from home and can live anywhere. I would love to see how the Remote Year works out.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks Amy! I'm currently on a Hacker Paradise trip and I'm loving it. The more trips you go on, the less is costs, which is a good incentive to do it regularly (though I think it would be too exhausting to do it all the time). www.hackerparadise.org/?The+Professional+Hobo&Partner&Multi

[@Mlrossi1962]

Nora, this is a great video. I am about 1.5 years away from retiring at which point I will begin my travel journey with my best friend and you hit on so many of the topics that we have been discussing and frankly I have been struggling with how to navigate. I would love to hear more on these topics. Atm we are struggling with weather we each should sell our homes (we are in opposite sides if the country), or downsize and what should we keep and how much we should we get rid of. It’s overwhelming. A video on this topic would be helpful since you have done the gambit and probably learned a lot.

[@NoraDunn]

How exciting! And in fact, I already made a video about how I sold everything! Let me know if it helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5mchqGYmbN5rdksi=FGk-QGAow0Zj-bxQ

[@oppmand]

Thank you for your good advice. Much appreciated. :)

[@NoraDunn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

I'm selling my house in Québec on the St. Lawrence River to go full nomad (with a large cat, without a vehicle) next summer. I already spend 4-6 months in the year in Vancouver anyway (in AirBnBs), I have a PO BOX and storage locker there with clothes, litterbox, cat stuff, a typewriter, cat caddy, comfort items etc etc. I'm renting an office starting in March 2015 in my current (soon to be old) neighborhood which will serve as office/KZbin studio/street address and Quebec PO BOX/year-round bike storage/coworking space with shared kitchen, lobby, rooftop terrace and conference rooms I can use for book launches, zine + postcard making workshops etc and as a storage locker while we're away. Everything I own needs to fit in this 9x14 office nicely (and in an aesthetically pleasing way, since this is a co-working space, not an actual storage unit. They have a "open curtaion when you're away" policy (my guess is to forbid people to try to live there? since it's 24 hour access and has kitchen and showers LOL. I can't wait. It's going to be an exciting adventure. We'll get short term rentals (4, 6, 8 months depending on budget and plans) when we're back in town. So yeah, I'm doing it a bit different with the cat, office, no car and 2 addresses on 2 Coasts LOL,. Haven't seen anyone go about it quite like me yet. Check us out if you want to see Vancouver, Montreal, Quebec (and a few T.O vlogs - we need to go back) and the sexiest cat on KZbin! ❤Just discovered your channel via a mention from Project Untethered and I'm binging 💜

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

OH and the office has the view on the river and is pet friendly!!!

[@NoraDunn]

Awesome! What an amazing adventure! I love the way you've intentionally created your life to be exactly what you need. :-)

[@sct4040]

I love to travel, but always relief to come home.

[@Hannah-rl3ng]

+1😊

[@rozyarno4022]

New member here! Thanks for all the amazing advise and tips. Great videos!

[@NoraDunn]

Thank you for watching and subscribing, Rozy!

[@larapfeffer2845]

I was just curious Nora, even though we’re going to have a homebase in the USA once we head out on the road, it’ll be more about partial retirement (we dislike winter also, so 8 months away from Wisconsin USA / snowbirds)so we won’t have the intense work schedule hopefully. Unless we’re spending hours and hours producing our fantastic KZbin channel!

[@NoraDunn]

That's fantastic! You'll have a passion project to have fun with and to give your travels a theme, but you can control how much or little you work so you can enjoy all the travel adventures you want!

[@phildendron4702]

I am a Female traveller/ tourist so I can relate. I also learned a lot from you. Thank you so much. I have a farm and a house in the tropical Philippines where I stay for 8 months.. October to June..did short trips to nearby Asian countries like Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. I have a house in New York USA. I work 3 months in Long Island NY during the Summer. After the summer, I take cruises… Adriatic, Mediterranean, Polynesian with a group of people. Last fall I flew from NY to Vancouver…visited Victoria for a few days then back to Vancouver to board my Cruise ship ..sailed for 10 day to Hawaii … stayed a couple of days in Hawaii..then visited Japan for a couple of days..then flew to the Philippines. What I like about this is I saw a lot of places and by the time I get to my home I have no more jet lag. Nora, If you ever want to visit the Philippines, you can stay in my place for free. Its in the province and its safe here.

[@NoraDunn]

Thank you for commenting and sharing your travel lifestyle! It sounds amazing. And thanks for the invite! I am eager to visit the Philippines. :-0

[@phildendron4702]

@@NoraDunn just let me know the dates if you have the chance to come… I am in the Philippines October to end of May. Depending on your interests, I may be able to take you around.

[@teresakestran3637]

Loved this video! I’d love to hear more about the good, bad and ugly of being a traveling nomad. I’m also a new subscriber.😊

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks Teresa! Glad you enjoyed it. I'll look at creating more similar content!

[@travel.w.p]

Hey Nora ! Montreal here 🙂 ! I just started travelling 3 years ago (at 40) 😅 . Been spending 3/4 months at a time and love slow travel. Last time I had travelled was mostly 15 years ago. Thanks for all your good tips and found you while reading a Nate and Kate article on your blog

[@NoraDunn]

Hey Montreal! ;-) I'm so glad you found my site and then my channel! Woohoo! 3/4 months at a place is a great pace. Happy travels!

[@jenniferbeaton4262]

I think that I am addicted to your channel. I hope that doesn't make me a stalker! My husband and I talk about the digital nomad life. Years ago, we left Ontario to live in Arizona...we thought that we were so exotic! lol We loved, loved, loved it. However, are we too old? What do you do about health care? What kind of employment/employer allows digital nomads? So many questions! Love your channel Nora. Thank you!

[@NoraDunn]

Hi Jennifer! Thanks for being addicted to my channel! Stalk away. ;-) Definitely sign up for my checklist (linked to in the description), because that will also put you on my email list, which gives you access to the answers to many of your questions. But short answers: * no, you're not too old * I use travel medical insurance (alternative international medical insurance) * SO many employers allow their employees to work remotely from abroad!

[@ya-hsunlan502]

So real and brutal truth. True Canadian way.

[@mukkins555]

excellent- all i have been experiencing over the last 2.5 years, Portugal 14 mos, italy 8 months, Greece/Crete, Malta with Many travel 1-7 night road/train/bus trips

[@NoraDunn]

Sounds like an amazing lifestyle travel adventure so far! I assume the good still outweighs the challenges for you?

[@marilouremo1076]

In 2003 I traveled to bond with my siblings, I enjoyed it but I got feeling sick so I called a nearby known clinical provider in the city,got a doctor on call, got prescribed with an antbiotic medication I bought and I felt comfortable ,which cost less than 5 dollars. I was glad to get an accessible visit from a doctor in a city that I had been in.

[@NoraDunn]

It's amazing how the cost of medical care abroad can be so very low!

[@pattyinsoflo5431]

Very enjoyable to watch. I would love to live your lifestyle but Im afraid my age and health would prevent that but it sure is nice to dream :)

[@NoraDunn]

I'm sorry you feel that kind of travel is behind you. Armchair travel is totally a thing though! :-)

[@kayakerjer]

Useful insights, thanks! As a 62 year old retiree with multiple serious health issues, I agree that slowing down is helpful. Attitude matters. I divide the inevitable problems that come my way into two categories: solvable with a credit card, or a hospital. Only the latter really matter. My general approach has been to follow my curiosity, listen to others on a similar journey (including on KZbin), prototype what I’m trying to do on a smaller scale, then iterate based on what went well and poorly. Lots of lessons learned in 7 years of travel after ending my career. My biggest unsolved problem is that I want to travel 4-6 months a year, my wife prefers 1-2, and traveling solo with health issues, dining alone, and having no social connections abroad quickly gets lonely. My next experiment will likely be a stay in Spain hoping to meet new friends by taking a Spanish language course in a community with many English speaking expats. I’d be interested in any tips you might have for solo retirees (not younger still-working digital nomads) trying to establish social connections abroad. Easy, I’m sure for a bubbly personality like yours. Thanks!

[@NoraDunn]

What a great system for testing out new travel ideas! Your Spain program reminded me of another thing I did in Spain, volunteering to help Spaniards learn conversational English! IN 2 weeks of volunteering with them, I met enough people from all over Europe to stay with / meet up with for the next five months!! More info: www.theprofessionalhobo.com/volunteering-at-vaughan-town-in-spain-a-cultural-experience/

[@kayakerjer]

Good suggestion, thanks! I have friend who has been doing this each year in Spain, Italy or Germany. He loves it. I’ve not looked at it seriously due to my health issues, but now I will.

[@NoraDunn]

@@kayakerjer I hope you love it! I did.

[@HabaneroTi]

Although I've never done it I imagine that what some call "hub and spoke" travel, moving from place to place every now and then but staying put in each place for a while and using it as a hub to venture out to various nearby places (the "spokes"), makes a lot of sense, compared to more linear travel. I've only done the latter and it can be exhausting, especially if you're foolishly trying to squeeze in more sights than is realistic and wise AND carrying too much luggage with you (ask me how I know 😆). Maybe some day, when I feel up to extended travel again. As for the amount of work that goes into planning and prepping for a trip, 100% agreed. Unless one has an unlimited budget and lots of time, there's just so much to look into in terms of where to stay, how to get there and what to do when you're there, that fits your budget, the time you have, and your interests, preferences and personality. I've probably spent more time planning certain trips than the trips themselves actually took! 🤣 Last thing, something I've learned over the years (but have yet to fully live up to). It's important to respect the challenge. By which I mean, whatever challenges you face along the way, whether expected or not, respect them and don't try to deny or push through them (unless you really have no choice), or else you'll pay for it down the line. E.g. if you're going to be traveling for a full day or two, don't jump right into things on your first full day at your destination, or you're going to crash and be miserable. If you're going to spend some time in an expensive city, budget enough for it so you won't miss out on what it has to offer and have to live on fast food and in fleabag hotels. If weather throws a wrench in your plans, don't be foolish and risk getting sick if you'd hoped to be outside all day. And so on. Make the most of it but don't try to put 10 ounces of water in a 5 ounce cup. Won't work. Yep, ask me how I know. 😉 Ok now I'll shut up.

[@NoraDunn]

I like the idea of respecting the challenge! Thanks. Also, the hub & spoke approach is a good one. I did variations of that for quite a few of my full-time travel years when I was proverbially homeless. I created temporary bases for further exploration of the region (and a bit more grounding with a place to return to).

[@HabaneroTi]

@@NoraDunn I've never been disciplined enough to force myself to slow down enough consistently, because of this FOMO thing I can't seem to conquer, but now and then I manage to do it and it's so obvious that it's the right way to go. I'm not big on slogans but I like your "slow travel" approach. Speaking of which, I skimmed through some of your earlier videos and web site, and, OMG, you've done more traveling than most people do in several lifetimes! But at the same time you took the time to really settle in and explore places properly and not do this checklist style touristy thing. Bravo, and many, many more years of happy travels!

[@NoraDunn]

@@HabaneroTi Thank you so much - for taking the time to check out my content, and also for your kind words and observations! You made my day 🥰

[@HabaneroTi]

@@NoraDunn 😊

[@CAPTex92]

Good video. I like your direct style.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks!

[@KayeReshaw]

Love your videos. It that necklace of the world? So pretty. You always have great ibfo even though I am not a nomad.

[@NoraDunn]

It IS a world map necklace! You can get something similar here: amzn.to/3ZWaMJJ Thanks for your kind words!

[@1215cheshire]

We just returned from Portugal and Madeira. I will share my favorite restaurants Mecería: Bella5 snack bar. (Highly recommend the Espada) Lisbon: Grelha do Carmo (also the Espada) Porto: Franganito Ribeira (octopus)

[@NoraDunn]

I'm going back Madeira this summer! Love that place. Will check out Mecería!

[@losttravelingbackpacker3757]

It’s kind of funny, but I’m sometimes the only white boy that has a small rice pot in my backpack reason being is, it’s just nice homely sometimes to cook in your hotel room and you could cook a variety of things in your rice pot and that makes traveling a lot more easy and a movie. Just cook at home and watch a movie hotel room

[@NoraDunn]

Interesting!

[@Mr.DJones]

Hysterical. :) I've been moving all my life, just don't know why. I hope Vietnam works out. Thanks again. One vlogger heard the Vietnamese government is working on a retirement visa. :)

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks David! Happy (ongoing) travels!

[@Erowid_Spark]

Great video!

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks!

[@aqua8833]

Thanks for this informative video

[@NoraDunn]

You're welcome!

[@mandarinfox1813]

@@NoraDunn you know, one thing I ran in to when I traveled all the time was hostility from people who felt I shouldn’t be traveling! “Stay home, you can watch new places on TV!”

[@NoraDunn]

@@mandarinfox1813 Wow - really? Where did you encounter this hostility?

[@wickedfaraway]

11:34 You mention how relationships change with family and friends. I’d love to hear more of your thoughts on this. My wife and I have been full-time nomads for just over a year and we’ve noticed changes in relationships with our friends and family back home. We’ve found some ways to cope but it’s not easy or simple. What do you think?

[@NoraDunn]

There's a lot to unpack here! I guess it's different for everybody, but essentially it boils down to people at home "moving on" in a way, but also not moving on in the same ways that we as travelers do. It's a double-edged sword; I often use visits with my family/friends as barometers to see how I've changed and grown as a result of my travels - this is good! But sometimes it means I've become more open-minded or started to think in new and different ways, and it pains me to not be able to relate in the same way to those I've known all my life.

[@wickedfaraway]

That’s an interesting thought. I hadn’t considered looking at the changes as a barometer. Could be an opportunity to come to terms with these changes and differences. It’s difficult to put into words. I knew this could/would happen before we left but I’m struggling with it a bit more than I anticipated. I’m not dwelling on it but it is in my mind. Thank you for being so forthcoming and understanding. Your videos and blog are helpful. Particularly in the emotional aspects of this amazing lifestyle!

[@NoraDunn]

@@wickedfaraway Thank you so much! This is a unique and amazing journey we're on! Enjoy the ride :-)

[@faithhope310]

I would like to know more, all what you talking about is true, for me is the bed and sheets and bathroom , and the safety place in the Airbnb or whatever accommodation, I travel for fun, but the flights and airport is so stressful, and scary, But I still love to travel, I am 72 years old, I become more careful . But thanks for your advice ❤❤❤❤

[@NoraDunn]

Thank you so much!

[@BillandJennTraveling]

Love your videos and yes we would love to know about the truth of a digital nomad. I love your approach to slow travel and being black and white about it and to the point! My wife and I are planning a 7-month journey beginning April 12th via a cruise to Rome 16 days, and then taking a train to Monopoly staying a week then to Corfu for a week then to Albania three different cities 2 to 3 weeks each then traveling up north and west to non Schengen areas. We still have our home base in Idaho and friends of ours are going to watch our place for 7 months . They are down on their luck and we are not charging them rent, it will make us feel so much more secure that we have someone in the house and watching it. Do you have any advice we want to start our KZbin channel but feel that we can't do anything until we start our trip do you have any advice on what videos that we could do in the meantime? Thank you very much for all your informative videos they are priceless❤❤

[@NoraDunn]

That sounds fantastic! I'm excited for your upcoming trip! Great that you have house-sitters as well - best of all worlds. As for KZbin, if you wish to make a living from it, it's a ton of work - a full-time job to be honest, with a huge investment of time up front before you earn anything. My advice is to start now, creating videos about your process of planning your travel lifestyle - this will help you learn the craft, find your style, and create a system so that once you're on the road you'll be a well-oiled machine!

[@BillandJennTraveling]

@NoraDunn thank you Nora for getting back to me, greatly appreciated! I will take what you said to heart! That's what I've been hearing that it is a lot of work and that it takes a while to be noticed on KZbin I think generally a year. We traveled a bit in the states to get a feel of traveling. The first 3 weeks was fast travel hated it! Even when we went to Europe for our two-week vacation or 3-week vacation it was always a challenge and I got actually we got very burned out traveling every other day. So we did a 5 week trip this summer and really enjoyed ourselves traveling slow of course. I am very impressed at a young age you traveled the world very impressive! By the way I'm checking into dual citizenship US and Canada because my mother was born in Montreal. Not sure how that works but I'm looking into it exclamation mark hope you're going to have an amazing day! And thanks for getting back to me!❤️

[@NoraDunn]

@@BillandJennTraveling Good luck in your future travels! Enjoy!

[@biblicalgodisonlytruegod]

Yes!

[@Neocharm]

I like that necklace. So appropriate. For the first time i will fly to the USA in 6 months and from that date on i will start traveling a lot more. I will learn a lot from your videos, i'm sure. Thanks

[@NoraDunn]

Thank you so much!

[@JA-tw8pv]

Just curious when I saw the title of the video. Going for 5 weeks to A'dam but have already done the travelling Nomad thing in 92, 94, and 97-98. Only to Europe/ Japan. Like your videos!

[@NoraDunn]

Thank you for watching, and happy travels!

[@dlrmadison]

Would love to know the rest of the truths. Certainly appreciate your insights. Our mid-twenties granddaughter is considering this life style. Longest I can reference is 3 months, that is nothing!

[@NoraDunn]

3 months is FAR from nothing! Good for you. And I'm sure your granddaughter will have an amazing time on the road. I'll work on more videos about the realities of this lifestyle, since it seems to be popular.

[@faithhope310]

I love you , because you are so honest,I am America citizen, but For ever 🇨🇴 Colombian, you where so close to to my beautiful 🇨🇴 Colombia, Why you don’t visit Colombian , They are a lots of Americans retired in Colombia, I hope you sometime in your life visit Colombia 🇨🇴

[@JayandSarah]

There are 2 nomad lifestyles. There is the ... digital nomad... travelling and working to live a life... and then the travelling nomad who doesn't work. THe latter is much easier. I cant imagine how hard it would be to keep moving on, while still trying to earn money. Kudo's to those who do that.

[@NoraDunn]

Ha! Yep - life in general is much easier when you don't work! lol

[@JayandSarah]

true that!!!! @@NoraDunn

[@MakingLemonadeCreations]

My husband is planning on retiring in 2 years at 62. We plan to sell everything and travel. I have a small business I work in full time remotely from my home. We have just started the planning process and thinking through how we are going to make this work. We have 2 years to downsize our stuff, get the investments moved around to maximize income, figure out where we want to go. So many details and glad we have 2 years to work them out (best laid plans...).

[@NoraDunn]

It's FABULOUS that you have this time to prepare! Especially when it comes to downsizing.

[@phylisngigi9641]

I have a 6year old baby. My dream is always to travel the world... Where do i begin but first i want to learn how to drive... then after that? 😭😭

[@NoraDunn]

Hang in there! Where there's a will, there's a way :-)

[@MiaHessMusic]

Have you any advice for the senior traveler? I'm almost 69 and can't wait to travel! How do you film and vlog your travels?

[@NoraDunn]

Hey Mia! I film everything on my iPhone. Senior travel advice would be twofold: 1) Take your time. Go slow. Don't try to see and do too much; the act of travel and learning to live in foreign environments is more exhausting than anybody estimates 2) Consider house-sitting! I met up with a senior couple a few years ago who said they were disappointed at how expensive AirBnBs were, and that they missed their pets. I suggested house-sitting, and now they stay for free around the world and are asked over and over to return to their fav sits! More info on that here: www.theprofessionalhobo.com/travel-tips-resources/get-free-accommodation-around-world/

[@MiaHessMusic]

@@NoraDunn thank you so much! You are so helpful!! You have a great channel!

[@NoraDunn]

@@MiaHessMusic Thank you Mia! I appreciate the kind words. This channel is a labour of love! :-)

[@Trixtys]

Hi Nora, I am actually not really on the planning stages yet but I am a teenager and I am just doing my research as it is my dream to travel full time. What age would you reccomend to start travelling full time? I want to go to university first but after that I'm not sure if I should wait a little while and see or just pack up and go.

[@NoraDunn]

Hey George! Tough to say when the right time is to start. It depends on whether your career aspirations would allow you to work remotely or not. I suspect things will become clearer for you in University. Thanks for commenting!

[@RMFtheclumsy]

My mom was traveling a lot before she had me, in those good old days when luggage did not have wheels. She likes to talk about it a lot. So when I had my school days' trips she always meddled in saying she's experienced and knows better, so I... yes, I've always ended up with oversized overweight bags full of untouched junk, humiliated and stressed. So I've never traveled since and can't even imagine myself doing that (rather in nightmares). Why I'm saying it here? Dunno, maybe I'm crazy

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks for sharing! :-)

[@lovelovepopmusic1979]

I hope you chase that dream and enjoy the adventure.💓

[@teresakestran3637]

@RMFtheclumsy It sounds like Nora’s videos are the perfect solution for undoing those habits of overpacking. You can do it… then the world will be your playground…

[@chrishutchens5167]

Hi I’m Chris I live in Florida and I love to find out , how make this life . This it my dream since I was 24 years old I’m 50

[@NoraDunn]

Hi Chris! There are lots of ways to live and travel around the world. Perhaps my website will help you get started? www.theprofessionalhobo.com

[@1215cheshire]

How do you handle your ground transportation in Madeira when you stay for more than a few weeks ? We rented a car but we were only there a week.

[@NoraDunn]

I was in central Funchal so I walked most places, or took public transportation or Bolt when I had to. Also, there is a large digital nomad infrastructure there, so it wasn't long before I met people who had cars if I wanted to go on a hike or something further out.

[@njoynature123]

Have you kept record of where you stayed exactly. Is it possible to contact owners directly for best rates?

[@NoraDunn]

No I never kept such a record.

[@korntron]

How do you stay in Australia for 18 months, New Zealand for 9, when those countries limit visits to 3-6 months out a year? I’m generalizing a bit but this definitely applies to the EU, Japan, etc. And what do you say to customs when asked about your 9 month itinerary such that they don’t think you plan on staying indefinitely? Thanks for answering everyone’s questions. Great vids!

[@cbjones2212]

I don't have info about NZ but if you complete a minimum of 88 days of certain types of work in Australia (on a 12 month working visa) you can apply for a second 12 month working visa. There's a way to apply for a third as well but I'm not sure of that criteria.

[@NoraDunn]

Great question. It depends on the country and the visa. For Australia I initially applied for an extended visa because I was volunteering, and then because I got caught in the bushfires they gave me a new extended visa. For New Zealand I came and went once (thus renewing my 3 month visa) and another time I extended from within the country with a special application. In other countries like Grenada and Peru and Ecuador I either extended from within or left to travel somewhere for a bit and returned on a fresh visa.

[@marcellef8302]

Hi Nora, thanks for the video. What do you do about foreign languages? Do you use a translating app? Are you multi-lingual? Happy Travels!

[@NoraDunn]

I use Google translate a lot, and I use a language program like DuoLingo to learn phrases. I always start off memorizing basic pleasantries (hello, thank you, please, etc), and while I'm there, I add to my repertoire through conversations with locals and google translate research.

[@marcellef8302]

@@NoraDunn Great 👍

[@mountbeckworth1]

Can I gently suggest the zoom in/zoom out every few seconds is kind of distracting. I had to really concentrate to listen to what you were saying; great ideas but the new approach to filming got in the way.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@aqua8833]

​@@NoraDunn: The zoom in/out is just fine. It adds to to effect you are going for.

[@cbjones2212]

@@NoraDunn Ha~ I didn't even notice it

[@davidgrenis638]

I'M A PERSON WHO BELIEVES IN LIVING ON AND SAILING A CATAMARAN 😊 DAVID ADAM GRENIS CURRENTLY IN HOUSTON TEXAS

[@NoraDunn]

Nice!

[@garydownes1594]

Where have you traveled in the U.S.?

[@NoraDunn]

All over! Not everywhere (by any stretch), but a lot of places.

[@carrollmedeirosmd2242]

Is your necklace a map of the world? If so wheee did u get it?

[@carrollmedeirosmd2242]

Found it. Etsy

[@NoraDunn]

Nice! I got mine here: www.amazon.com/shop/theprofessionalhobo/list/2H88L1AJASF08?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsftheprofessionalhobo_YB311KYBCCCGXC74NQ24

[@rozyarno4022]

What about visas if your a slomad but not working?

[@NoraDunn]

If you're not working, then there should be no problem with using tourist visas. If you want to stay for longer, then your options will depend on your passport and the country you're visiting. In some places you can leave and come back on a fresh visa; in others you can extend your visa from inside the country; in others you can apply for special longer visas by demonstrating sufficient passive income/investments to allow you to stay longer.

[@Saphireaway]

Can someone in their 60s or 70s+ speak on this topic? I'm constantly wondering what it's like to sacrifice investing in a career and family life in order to spend long term time abroad????? What happens if you spend your 20's traveling, gaining experiences, and exploring the world INSTEAD OF building a great career and setting yourself up for a steady, reliable lifestyle? I just don't see how you can do both. What happens when you're older & don't have the energy and desire anymore to globe-trot.... and now you also don't have much life savings or a retirement fund? I'm in my 20's. I'd have to quit a great job with a steady future, drop grad school, and spend all my savings in order to travel full time for a couple months. Sooooo... once you get back home, THEN WHAT??? You're broke with no job lined up and have to start back over for a little while?

[@NoraDunn]

I'm go glad you brought this up! I don't believe it has to be all or nothing. I sold everything at 30, and while the business I sold would have been very lucrative in the ensuing decades, I also did okay with my remote career. In fact I'm hoping to retire in 10 years at 57! That's also because I had healthy savings and retirement investments when I started traveling, and I continued to invest over the years. Everybody's situation is different. It's important to weigh your options and make the right choice for you - now and in your future. Good for you for covering your bases!

[@alexandramccarthy4648]

Do digital nomads ever take vacation??

[@NoraDunn]

Ooh - now there's a loaded question. When your life looks a lot like a vacation, what IS a vacation as a digital nomad? Increasingly more retreats and offerings are now being created for digital nomads to help them properly unplug, since it can be difficult for some people. Personally, I don't tend to take traditional vacations any more, but with a flexible schedule, I take days off as and when I wish/my schedule permits.

[@alexandramccarthy4648]

@@NoraDunn you mentioned couple of times that as you land somewhere you don't have a choice but to keep working even if you need rest or take time to recover from trip. Coming to a new place and having to hit the ground running every single time sounds kind of stressful.

[@NoraDunn]

@@alexandramccarthy4648 That's a great point, so I'll qualify my statements. I DO build in time to recover from my trips from a work perspective. But that time is often eaten up by the energy & time I expend learning the ropes of the new place, so it's a bit of a tradeoff. This is why slow travel is helpful; it allows more time for everything.

[@arnoldkinsler6236]

Nora, aside from You Tube, how do you earn a living?

[@NoraDunn]

I'm a writer. I have this website: www.theprofessionalhobo.com

[@Bigsky1886]

😂

[@1beyond]

After you have booked everything and you don’t feel well.

[@NoraDunn]

I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. Is this a question? Or where you are currently at in your journey?

[@aqua8833]

​@@NoraDunn: I thing she is pointing out a problem.

[@1beyond]

@@NoraDunn Hi I am a retired airline employee . Which has not much to do with my question. But say you are a last minute illness. Things are non refundable. What do you do so you don’t get other people sick on the plane? Colds and things like that. I have been traveling since I was 6. I enjoy your columns. airline

[@NoraDunn]

@@1beyond First off if I felt a little ill but not seriously so, I would wear a mask to prevent spreading it (this has been common practice in Asia for decades). But if I were seriously sick that I needed to cancel, hopefully I have refundable/changeable airfare, or travel insurance with "cancel for any reason" to get a full refund.

[@ExtraordinaryLiving]

The bottomline: Full time travel is *not for ANNAL people!* 😉

[@NoraDunn]

😂

[@EdwardLor-h2y]

Your zooming in and out is very annoying and distracting… not watching this anymore.

[@NoraDunn]

I'm sorry you feel that way. Thanks for the feedback.

[@Bigsky1886]

I know that this is a crutch but I am so grateful for a decent search engine on my smartphone 😂

[@NoraDunn]

Ha ha!

[@drianAlba]

just another inauthentic YT clickbait vid with affillinks below...pathetic really...

[@NoraDunn]

I didn't realize affiliate links came at a cost of authenticity, especially if they're products/services one personally uses and recommends. But if you could possibly watch a video like this one full of personal stories and experiences from decades as a full-time traveler, and call it inauthentic, then you are obviously never pleased. I am sorry, you must be a very unhappy person.