Reddit Reddit reviews Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel

We found 64 Reddit comments about Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.

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64 Reddit comments about Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel:

u/Gentle-Mang · 21 pointsr/TheRedPill

I've stated before that I think that TRP goes beyond just seduction.

It's about living in a world that is not what we've been told it should be. This applies to women, relationships, college, careers, accumulation of wealth, travel, Life in general.

Women and relationships - We all know, it's pretty much all we talk about here.

College - The baby boomers told you to go to college if you didn't want to be flipping burgers... Then you went to college, got out, and there are no jobs. Then the baby boomers tell you that you're an entitled brat for refusing to flip burgers. The funny thing is that the people who told you to go to college didn't actually go to college, they started out flipping burgers, but they did it without the burden of debt.

Careers - If you spend the best years of your life sitting at a desk (and you don't make any women co-workers feel at all uncomfortable in any way), maybe one day you may be able to save up enough money to buy a red convertible sports car when you're bald, fat and middle aged, to compensate you for your unfulfilling life. After that you can save up and maybe afford a few years of lower-middle class leisure lifestyle while your body falls apart and you wait for death. Does that sound like a good deal?

Travel - Extended long-term world travel is the domain of the rich and all you can afford is short stints of two week vacations to to all-inclusive resorts before you have to trudge back to your cubical to resume the life you were trying to escape from.

Life in general - Go to work, be miserable, come home, buy something to make yourself feel better, get into debt, have to work harder, become more miserable, repeat. You have to do this because the only thing that can bring you a temporary sensation of satisfaction is some kind of material item. A newer, better item. If you lose an item you lose a part of yourself, because you are the things that you own.

-

I never went to college and I have zero debt. I don't have a 'career' per-se, but I do have marketable skills in web development and design, self taught. I work from time to time to get money which I then use to fund my travels (I'll be in Spain next week). Girls are occasional but enjoyable guests in my life. I own no material possessions other than a bag of clothes and this laptop. I practice meditation and try to incorporate awareness of the present moment into my life rather than dwelling on the past or the future.

If you're interested in learning about how long-term travel is well within your reach I'd highly recommend Vagabonding by Rolf Potts.

In terms of life/spiritual philosophy I recommend authors such as Eckhart Tolle and Alan Watts

u/cm1745 · 15 pointsr/AskReddit

Check out this book by Rolf Potts.

Its called Vagabonding and is all about cheap long-term travel around the world.

It was an inspiration for me, and I truly recommend you check it out if you're interested in traveling outside your comfort zone.

It's a quick read but is also filled with many helpful links and real-world examples of what to expect and how to make the most of travelling.

u/thejayharp · 14 pointsr/AdviceAnimals

Vagabonding by Rolf Potts is a pretty good guide on how to make long-term travel possible on a small budget.

Edit: First chapter is available here: http://www.vagabonding.net/excerpt/

u/Up2Eleven · 11 pointsr/IAmA

Some tips for those considering a trip there:

Always take taxis rather than tuktuks whenever possible, and make sure they use the meter. If they give you a hard time, walk on to another. It won't take long to find one who will comply.

When in the more populous, touristy places, avoid eye contact with anyone you don't intend to spend money with. The tuktuk drivers, touts, etc will flock to you if you look at them or respond in any way. It feels rude, but ignore them completely.

Read these 2 books: Vagabonding by Rolf Potts and The World Awaits by Paul Otteson.

Spend a lot of time on travelfish.org and the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Forum before you go. Lots of great advice and information there.

Learn a little of the language. Even "thank you" will do wonders.

u/[deleted] · 9 pointsr/minimalism

If you are hoping for a piece of paper at the end of all that learning (which you may not feel you need, but can be handy to have, especially if you're putting in the work for classes), moving every semester is going to hell when it comes to transferring credits. I would also question if you could just show up at a place, take 1 semester of classes, and get a diploma with everything else as transfer credits.

You can live pretty cheap in college, even with a place. I knew a guy who would work at a pizza place for a month, then live off that cash for the next 6 months. Then he'd go back for another month and make more pizzas. All he did was with his days was train to fight.

As for the saving $500 on rent... get some roommates. The most expensive place I lived in college was $380 and that place was considered high end. I had 4 roommates though. The cheapest place I lived I paid $145/month and it wasn't a bad place either. Obviously, it depends on where you live, but roommates make all the difference.

You can only crash at your friends place for so long before they start getting pissed that you're just free loading. They will kick you out or ask you to start paying to rent out the couch. I stayed on someone's couch for a couple weeks after I graduated... it wasn't planned, it just kind of happened. After a while I felt like if I stayed any longer I should really start contributing. I'm sure the car thing would get old quick... especially if/when a cop knocks on your window. He will assume you were drunk and passed out in your car. I don't think telling him you're homeless will play that much better.

College is one of those rare times you might be able to pull this off, but my cautious self would do a trial run for a month before actually giving up the apartment. You can also rent places month to month (if you live in a bad area you can probably even go week to week) and not be tied down while still having a place to shower, shit, and sleep.

I ended up at some ladies apartment last year and it was like a large closet. An air mattress took up 80% of the room and there was a shared kitchen and bathroom for the floor. I'm sure it was cheap as hell and there is no way they were requiring a long lease term on that. It wasn't a place you'd nest, but it's enough of a place to keep your everyday life from becoming a struggle.

Personally, I would find much more stress it not knowing where I was going to sleep night to night and everything else than I would having to worry about a month to month lease.

I think it would be an interesting experience, but I don't think you'll truly know what it's like to be homeless if you still have a job and are banking money. You always have an easy out if need be. Also be careful with your friends. You run the risk of ostracizing yourself.

If you want to live out of 2 bags without a home, don't tie yourself down to university... travel. Maybe live normally, but cheaply and minimally during university. Once you finish, take that money you saved by living that way and travel with your 2 bags (or one). You'll get much more out of the experience. Read the book Vagabonding; it may inspire you.

Just my 2 cents.

u/my_dude__ · 9 pointsr/minimalist

r/digitalnomad

You've earned the gift every lurker on that sub, myself included, dreams of. Sure, you may still need to work, but you can work from anywhere with a half decent internet connection. Travel, experience the world in a way most people aren't fortunate enough to be able to. Hop on Airbnb, type in a destination you've always wanted to go to, and set your dates for the entire month of May. You've hit the jackpot, congratulations. Vagabonding is a great book on the topic. Rolf Potts' other book, Marco Polo Didn't Go There is also a phenomenal read.

r/onebag if you want to get extra obnoxious (in a good way!) about how little you own.

r/vandwellers if you want to travel the US in a van.

u/Iskandar11 · 8 pointsr/AskReddit
u/pgaf · 7 pointsr/travel

Read this book: Vagabonding by Rolf Potts

u/Corican · 7 pointsr/backpacking

I HIGHLY recommend this book.

u/salvadors · 6 pointsr/wanderlust

Ralph Potts' "Vagabonding" is pretty good:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0812992180

u/evacsm · 5 pointsr/IAmA

Here is a book on vagabonding. Pretty much how to long term travel in very much a way this guy did. Its an inspiring read.

u/Mickeymackey · 5 pointsr/technology

This isn't new though, it's a common tip in many travel books, Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts is one And that's from 2002, theres a website that it talks about on it that does the same thing. I forget what it's called, I got it for my sister last year.

Edit: ridiculous late night mistakes, book title and link

u/StinkyFangers · 4 pointsr/solotravel

I'm glad you enjoyed my comment. I definitely agree with you about this sub. There seems to be something inherently inspirational about traveling and I think that it has to do with the fact that, often, the decision to drop everything and travel is such a personal one and often comes from some type of larger perspective about what life means.

Have fun on your travels!

If you're looking for a great traveling book - Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel was the best that I found.

https://www.amazon.com/Vagabonding-Uncommon-Guide-Long-Term-Travel/dp/0812992180

Really shows you that it's all about a person's the perspective and life priorities. If you want to make a life of traveling, it really isn't that difficult - no matter how much money you make.

u/lustre12 · 3 pointsr/reddit.com

As a traveller/tourist, I've always tried to stay AWAY from tourist areas, haha. I have friends who go to the Bahamas, for example, and won't leave their resort/casino. My personal best experiences have been in the local communities; you tend to stand-out more (obviously), but people are more curiouse than malicious towards you.

Of course, though, do your homework! Go to traveller's forums, read books, do your research.
May I also recommend this book Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel

u/mossyskeleton · 3 pointsr/tangentiallyspeaking

In the spirit of Chris Ryan I'll recommend the book Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel, if you're in the mood for non-fiction.

u/BlessBless · 3 pointsr/IWantOut

Will start by throwing a few into the ring:

The Beach by Alex Garland - While its plot is certainly limited with regard to imitability, it offers a very interesting perspective on the types of people you meet in the more interesting places you'll travel.

Vagabonding by Rolf Potts - A quintessential nonfiction guide for anyone who's considering traveling long term. It's preachy in places, but it'll fire you up to get moving.

Off the Rails in Phnom Penh by Amit Gilboa - You'll see this one being sold by street children in Phnom Penh often, but it's not too hard to find a copy anywhere else. A really great, enjoyable view of expat life in Phnom Penh.

Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac - On the Road is, of course, the standard American road novel, and Jack's most famous, but the Dharma Bums offers a really unique perspective on travel - that of a spiritual nature.

The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner - Another highly enjoyable read by an author who travels to the world's most purported "happy" countries. Great take on the subject area.

u/_mvmnt_ · 3 pointsr/minimalism

Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman, Yvon Chouinard's book that's kind of about building the business that is the Patagonia we know today, but is a lot more about his philosophies and ideologies and how we can all be better and do better for our planet.

Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel. A fairly short book that's not some abstract ideas or a story about traveling the world (that's Marco Polo Didn't Go There, which is also fantastic), but an actual how to book on doing it. It helped me, and has helped people I've given the book to, understand that extensive travel isn't just for the ultra wealthy, it is easy to do and achievable for everyone if you make travel your priority.

u/palehorset · 3 pointsr/travel
u/order66survivor · 3 pointsr/self

I don't think a two week vacation is going to cut it. If that's the case, read this and start thinking about it.

Also, your SO and family probably do not want you to be miserable. People can tell and life is way too short to pretend to be happy.

u/unorthodox-solutions · 3 pointsr/asktrp

Go vagabonding. You, a backpack, a bit of cash, no plans.

You'll have enough stories for a lifetime, and you'll live the fantasy of women who obsess over cute, glossy, travel pics on social media (~99%).

u/Canlurker · 2 pointsr/travel

Get this book http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0812992180. I wish I would have read this book before I went to Thailand.

u/ibleedblu7 · 2 pointsr/AskReddit

My list:




u/WhoresIsland · 2 pointsr/electronic_cigarette

Absolutely! Check it out if you haven't. I got mine for like 8 bucks on Amazon!

u/Gingor · 2 pointsr/AskMen

Look for Vagabonding in Google, there's a fair amount of stuff on the subject.

This is a book on the topic I've only heard good things about.

The basics are: Get the very best backpack you can (try it on first), carefully think about what you really need in terms of clothing (consider the climate you want to be in), at least learn a bit of the language of where you want to be and then look for some hobo-tips on how to avoid most stab-wounds (also, try to look like a tourist instead of a hobo).

Dumpster-diving can also help greatly as it means less money is needed for food.

u/Soss · 2 pointsr/AskReddit

Read Vagabonding

Great resource for the whole 'drop my current life to start a new one' mentality, even though it involves mainly travelling the world, not setting up shop somewhere.

u/macjoven · 2 pointsr/ADHD

>Wish I could work my ass off for 2 years straight on Vyvanse and earn enough money to "chill" for 6 months and unravel my mind or something.

You may enjoy this blog: Mister Money Mustache which talks about how to do exactly this thing. Also Timothy Ferris' book The Four Hour Work Week. Ooo also: Vagabonding by Ralph Potts is even more precisely what you are looking for.

In short there are a lot of ways to live and if you think of a "weird" way to do it, chances are someone else has too and written a book or blog about it.

u/icouldbesurfing · 2 pointsr/vagabond

Not sure if this has been posted, but I found this book to be one of tremendous inspiration for my travels.

u/mice_nine · 2 pointsr/travel

Ok, I had a similar trip, here's a few tips and tricks:

  1. Take a normal sized backpack like a school backpack. No flags, try not to look too American. Use a small zipper lock. Have your passport and credit cards in a money belt under your clothes. Carry a front pocket wallet.

  2. ATMs will generally give you a better exchange rate. Traveler's cards are good too. Airport exchanges are usually worst

    3)Overnight trains are fine. A little loud, a little bumpy but cheaper than a hotel for a night and you're not missing out on day travel time. I say they're worth it but you miss some countryside so just play it by ear.

  3. Try not to plan day by day too much. You'll know when it's time to leave.

  4. Learn a couple key phrases. If you're honest and genuine people will take the time to communicate with you.

    Other than that, have fun good luck, I recommend Vagabonding by Ralph Potts. Lots of great advice.

    http://www.amazon.com/Vagabonding-Uncommon-Guide-Long-Term-Travel/dp/0812992180
u/ychromosome · 2 pointsr/pics

Seriously, read this book: Vagabonding

u/classicrando · 2 pointsr/exmormon

> I'll never meet a guy that will love me back. There's no one that's remotely interested in me. I'm too awkward. Even if I did find a guy, he'd probably leave me anyway.

I lived in SF for a long time and I can tell you that people of all stripes and levels of awkwardness find love, I saw it all the time.

The people at Pixar say things get better:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a4MR8oI_B8

As for your parents, people find comfort in having scapegoats and people who are followers tend to listen to leaders who are happy to supply scapegoats - in the past (US) it was the Irish, Italians, Chinese, Polish, etc nowadays for rednecks it is the immigrants, for flag wavers it is ISIS, for Mormons it is the gays. One way to think of these people is morally immature and easily lead astray by the authority figures they rely on to tune their moral compass. You have to be the bigger man. In this case, yes they are torturing you but it is because they think it is what they are supposed to do. Success is your best revenge.

As far as jobs or education here is a secret - being a middle manager or something is not necessarily more rewarding than being a barista. Honor and fulfillment come from how you conduct your life and how you treat others. Chop wood, carry water there is much to be said for humility and simplicity. You can learn more for free from the best schools in the world on iTunes University than you could at BYU.
https://diyscholar.wordpress.com/guide-to-itunesu/

"Do not let yourself be guided by the authority of the sacred texts, nor by simple logic, nor by appearance or opinion, nor even by the teachings of your master; when you know in yourself that something is bad, then give it up, and accept the good and follow it." -Buddha

You are stuck in a place where people live in a very small bubble and they all believe it is real, it is not and there are many amazing and fulfilling things out there that you should try out before you kill yourself. Here are just three books with alternative ideas about spirituality, philosophy and jobs - you can stop living live exclusively from the POV of the Mormon bubble without letting anyone else know that you are doing it - for now while you are still in prison, once you are out you can be your own man.

http://www.amazon.com/Chop-Wood-Carry-Water-Fulfillment/dp/0874772095
http://www.amazon.com/Wabi-Sabi-Artists-Designers-Poets-Philosophers/dp/0981484603
http://www.amazon.com/Vagabonding-Uncommon-Guide-Long-Term-Travel/dp/0812992180

u/PaperCloud10 · 2 pointsr/UBC

Could everyone add a quote from the book they're reading? A good quote could draw my interest. Helps me find new stuff to read!

As for myself, I'm currently on Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel. Here are a couple of quotes from said book:

"We need sometimes to escape into open solitudes, into aimlessness, into the moral holiday of running some pure hazard, in order to sharpen the edge of life, to taste hardship, and to be compelled to work desperately for a moment no matter what."

"In this way, vagabonding is like a pilgrimage without a specific destination or goal— not a quest for answers so much as a celebration of the questions, an embrace of the ambiguous, and an openness to anything that comes your way."

u/gonapster · 2 pointsr/travel

you should read Vagabonding.
The book is not long and it has everything you ever need to know. It was eye opener for me :D

u/grohlog · 2 pointsr/personalfinance

Definitely long term travel. It could probably help you grow more as a person than a semester of a graduate program.
What is your experience with statistics and what are you looking to do with it? There are excellent online modules (I've heard anyway, my stats knowledge came from school) that you can definitely utilize while working at your own pace (even at work during downtime). R is the statistics program/language that is currently most well respected in the statistics community, and it's free. R isn't even really taught in a lot of academic programs as far as I know, all the people I know who are proficient in it taught themselves.

edit: This is a great book about long term travel, he's also done some podcasts https://www.amazon.com/Vagabonding-Uncommon-Guide-Long-Term-Travel/dp/0812992180/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541349629&sr=8-1&keywords=rolf+potts

u/Gorill_a · 2 pointsr/books

Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel It isn't fiction... but I can't think of anything else more inspiring to world travel.

u/jaksiemasz · 2 pointsr/travel

I recently read Vagabonding by Rolf Potts, it was pretty interesting.

It's about traveling not a story about travelling though. If you travel a lot you may have already experienced some of what he talks about.

u/hulahulagirl · 2 pointsr/suggestmeabook

Vagabonding by Rolf Potts.

u/hopeinson · 2 pointsr/malaysia

You will not get an appropriate response from denizens here, I suggest that you read this book instead; that way, you will not be buggered into further derision.

u/redliter · 1 pointr/AskReddit

It's not fiction but it's good for traveling - Vagabonding by Rolf Potts

u/JensKnaeusle · 1 pointr/AskReddit

Lots of people do this. You might enjoy reading Vagabonding

u/earnest_turtle · 1 pointr/backpacking

Never done it, I'm coming from Texas to try it.

It's one hell of a hike thats for sure, but I don't think its extremely strenuous overall. There are some climbing parts near the end around Glencoe and I think its a bit up and down around Loch Lomond, but overall I think it's supposed to be a bit nice with a hill climb here and there.

Granted, I do backpack outdoors a fair amount and I'm used to tent camping every night. I know the WHT has bunkhouses and hostels all along the route, so you can get a decent nights rest and some warm grub every night. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to tent camp the whole way or stay at some of the places.
You're definitely welcome to join, even if you just want to meet me at one of the towns on the route and hike a day or two just to try it out.

On the entire backpacking/get out note, I think its a great idea. I'm 26, been working since college, and I'm going insane. I think we're all so focused on "save save save/work work work, I'll do the fun stuff when I retire" that we don't pay attention to the fact that we we'll be too exhausted to do anything when we're done.

So I guess my additional tips/ideas are:

  1. When you're on the road, stuff just happens, good or bad, and you just need to go with it. The best things come out of it.
  2. I enjoyed this book, kind of helped me get over anxieties of being on the road for awhile.
    Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel


u/thelandon · 1 pointr/self

You described me in high school to a tee. You are an introvert living in (probably) THE MOST extroverted country in the world. No wonder shit's tough. There is nothing wrong with being an introvert. Please PLEASE watch this TED talk by Susan Cain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0KYU2j0TM4
If there was one book I wish I'd read before middle school, it's her book, "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking". When people say that "such and such a book changed my life" I feel like smacking them in the face - what single piece of advice could do a human life justice? If ever I was to proclaim that something helped NEARLY that much, it's this woman's research.

Also, I dissolved a good portion of my depression by changing my diet. Look at Mark's Daily Apple and soak in as much as you can from that guy:
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/welcome-to-marks-daily-apple/#axzz26BkmN7ot
It's probably the purest diet you can follow. However, the easiest diet to follow is the slow-carb diet, which is nearly the same, and much more fun:
http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/06/how-to-lose-20-lbs-of-fat-in-30-days-without-doing-any-exercise/
Tim Ferriss, the one who created the diet, has a book I found to be an inspiration, "The 4-hour Workweek"

As far as work goes, you must find something that makes you feel alive! This is easier said than done because our schools and our whole system don't work that way. Ken Robinson gives you the details as to why:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U
You might find his book helpful as well: "The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything"
Also, travel can really clear one's head and make one feel alive. No one explains that better than Walt Whitman in "Song of the Open Road". If you've ever wanted to know how to travel for months on end I suggest the book "Vagabonding," by Rolf Potts:
http://www.amazon.com/Vagabonding-Uncommon-Guide-Long-Term-Travel/dp/0812992180/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1347390437&sr=1-1&keywords=vagabonding

Sorry I sort of went apeshit on you. I'm just excited to share what has helped me. Twenty months ago I went through a similar hell, and the minds I describe really helped me.
I sincerely hope you escape the doldrums.

u/MrWitchDr · 1 pointr/AskReddit

1 Read - Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel (http://www.amazon.com/Vagabonding-Uncommon-Guide-Long-Term-Travel/dp/0812992180)


2 Visit - http://www.vagablogging.net/


3 Enjoy

u/NeptLudi · 1 pointr/funny

If you haven't read it, you will probably find this interesting, and helpful.

http://www.amazon.com/Vagabonding-Uncommon-Guide-Long-Term-Travel/dp/0812992180/

And to put things in perspective, most people work their whole life without being able to take 2 months off to travel. Some are able to when they retire, if they're lucky and planned for it.

u/Mr_Saturn_ · 1 pointr/solotravel

if a laptop is completely necessary, bring it, but bringing more SD cards instead will save a lot of stress and worry and potential sadness if something does happen. there's always travel insurance which is a good idea to have anyways but it still sucks to have things stolen and a theft would put a damper on things for sure. plus the insurance route includes the joy of filing a police report in a foreign country and dealing with the claims process afterwards, an avoidable waste of time but an adventure nonetheless. internet-wise a smart phone is usually sufficient and if you need to use a computer most large cities and/or tourist areas have internet cafes and hostels may offer computers as well.

may i suggest reading vagabonding by rolf potts. it's a great primer for travel, inspiring and feel-good while covering all the bases. I always give it a listen before trips, gets me in the zone.

u/groktookia · 1 pointr/AskReddit

You can always afford it if you make travel a priority. You don't need thousands of dollars to travel, you just need a shift in priorities. I recommend reading Vagabonding to help shift your awareness. It'll help you prepare for where you eventually want to be -- living in another country. In the mean time, it'll teach you how to prioritize your life for what's important to you. Maybe that's travel, maybe not.

u/10thflrinsanity · 1 pointr/AskReddit

Don't make saving your entire life in your 20s. It's important, sure, but only in balance with everything else, namely travel. It all depends on the lifestyle you want to live when you're old. If you want to be in the millions when you retire, your life will be pretty dull when you're young if you're just making average money, but if you get serious (talk to a financial adviser) about your finances at a reasonable age when say you're 30... you'll have no problem being better off than most who don't. For me, in my late 20s, it's travel, travel, travel. I have a degree in finance, I have a great job right now, but I'm saving up to travel long-term (1+ years) throughout central and south america in just over a year, will possibly teach English abroad elsewhere afterward, namely India. With no real responsibilities I think it's important for Americans (specifically) to live entirely out of a pack on their back for a sustained period of time. No all-inclusive resorts. Go somewhere where your money goes far (most of Europe is expensive). Couchsurf, bring a hammock - no one cares if you set it up between 2 palm trees on the beach - hostels, locals; it forces you to meet people and figure out who you are and what you want to do with your life. You can try to go with a friend, but you will meet so many great people along the way that it's not entirely necessary. It's also extremely cheap to do. Read Vagabonding or The 4-Hour Work Week . But I am one who just can't make up my mind what I want to do in life. Honestly, I just want to climb rocks, but that's not exactly practical since I'm not Chris Sharma . I have some business ideas in the works but I'll probably end up going back to school so I can teach and have 3 months off in the summer, preferrably psychology or the psychology of religion. But I think I could also be content organic farming in my later days... or writing, I write a bunch, and plan to use the trip as the muse for a Karouac-esque tale. See so I have no clue. But that's the fun of it. Just shotgun your interests and figure it out. Love life. Go live it. Don't let anyone tell you you're crazy because your values are different. They will come around. Also, no soda - water, water, and coconut water.

u/subcosm · 1 pointr/travel

Read Vagabonding by Rolf Potts, as soon as possible. It’s full of useful advice for travel, especially solo travel.

u/Jrfitzny · 1 pointr/financialindependence

Out of college, my sister got a job with Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch, Germany.

It's a Department of Defense resort for troops- so she gets awesome benefits, and will be able to retire with pension after 20 years. And they paid for her flight.
http://www.edelweisslodgeandresort.com/employment

Not sure if that helps though. Good luck.

I've also heard that the book Vagabonding by Rolf Potts is pretty useful in this type of situation.

http://www.amazon.com/Vagabonding-Uncommon-Guide-Long-Term-Travel/dp/0812992180/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417675510&sr=8-1&keywords=vagabonding

u/snobordin8 · 1 pointr/travel

Vagabonding by Rolf Potts is a great read. He talks about the philosophy of travel quite a bit.

u/zakkyb · 1 pointr/solotravel

Maybe read Vagabonding and see if it helps you visualise your trip

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vagabonding-Rolf-Potts/dp/0812992180

u/HerpDerpison · 1 pointr/travel

That looks like an awesome book, I'll definitely get it. Thanks! In exchange, for any traveler, I highly recommend Vagabonding by Rolf Potts, and also the website Travelfish which was indispensable when I spent a month in Thailand, and it's great for SE Asia in general.

u/devlifedotnet · 1 pointr/Advice

Well certainly if you want to go into the computing/IT side of things an apprenticeship or a degree is pretty much the only way in... there are exceptions, but these rely on more right place right time and a big chunk of luck.

My super responsible advice would be, suck it up, get good grades and go to uni, do a vocational subject (e.g Engineering/ Computer Science) and have a decent standard of living (if nothing special) for the rest of your life. But by the sounds of it you are pretty set on going unconventional and to be honest straight out of school is probably the best time to do it (no immediate responsibilities and a good 30-40 years to sort it all out if you fuck it up first time round), so with that i give you the following...

I'm guessing where you say you're quite good at business, you mean you're doing a Business Studies (or similar) A-Level and are quite good at that? There is a lot of differences between theory and practice... in theory everything is easy if you know what you are doing and you know what everyone else should be doing, but academic studies don't always prepare you for real life situations where people "don't play fair". When it comes to setting up a business, you need a great product and a sizeable client base before you even get started.... and that costs money (or a great deal of time which as you will know is also money).

As for you travelling ambitions they also require money (normally).

Now i think you have two options and i am going to recommend you read two books, one for each option (but you should read them both if you can).

First option, you go travelling shortly after you finish your A-levels. You're the perfect age for cheap labour (i.e bar work, retail market stalls etc) and you move from place to place earning enough to live on as you go. To get an idea of how you can do this with little or no start up funds read Vagabonding by Rolf Potts (non-affiliate amazon link) It is probably one of the best non-fiction books ever written and is regarded by many to be the bible of traveling. You can alway come back and return to the conventional life after that.

The second option, and in my opinion the best option for you is to start your own business... Just be aware that what you have been taught will be geared more towards corporate business with the aim of getting you onto a business based degree so not all of it may apply (although things like accounting will, you still have to be legal, even if unconventional). This is where my second book recommendation comes in. The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss (non-affiliate amazon link). Again this is one of the top semi-educational books ever written, and provides a great framework (not a step by step guide) for building a scalable business with minimal capital and minimal responsibility as well as some interesting anecdotes (i should point out the title is not literal, unfortunately). I would also really recommend listening to his podcast "The Tim Ferris Show" where he does super in depth interviews with the most successful people (from entrepreneurs to sports trainers to motivational speakers) on the planet in terms of behaviour, routines and personal philosophies, as well as the occasional "who would you most like to punch in the face and why?" question, which is always entertaining. very much worth your time to learn what it takes to be successful.

My final point is just picking up on something you mentioned... having a "basic knowledge of most things" is no longer what we call a skill or a talent... it's called google, and everyone has it.... don't use it as a differentiator between you and everyone else.

good luck.

u/el_benhameen · 1 pointr/travel

Also, check out this book. A nice guide/inspiration for the whole getting rid of stuff and focusing on travel thing.

u/gmbiiin · 1 pointr/IWantToLearn

Found the title, the author is actually Rolf Potts.

Here's the amazon link for anyone who stumbles through here interested in the book.