Oh, Hi!
Pismo State Beach Campground, California - Standing on a small dune between my campsite and what's behind me!
I'm Josh, or Tarzan if you like... I like to boogie all night, adventure all day, and take advantage of every new experience I can! After five years in the finance industry, and an invaluable education, I'm starting a new chapter in life--Travel!
How it Started
Like many, I grew up believing that school, a nine to five, and a wife were the key to a happy life--it's the American dream, right? So I made life goals, got married, earned a degree, and found busy job in the finance industry just south of San Francisco. I had made it! I had it all, and then some... But it just wasn't for me. I started asking myself when I would be able to escape? and how long until my adventuring spirit dies?And then something changed!
Now, a move to Portland, a divorce, plenty of concerns from my family, and five years later, I am starting over. I have been selling, gifting, and donating most of my belongs to friends, family and others, and i'm discovering material things I really need--not want. It's a hard process, but has been very freeing. In fact, I don't miss my stuff but do miss some of the opportunities my stuff afforded me: playing XBOX with friends, jumping in the car to go snowboarding, or having a lot of choices on what I can wear! But none of that compares to the feeling of freedom of setting my own schedule, connecting with people, learning about other cultures, and gaining new perspectives on life. For now, I like being a Travelling Tarzan!
Taking the First Steps:
Save Money!
A lot of people I talk to about travelling say they don't have the money or any list of other excuses--it's a cop-out. Anyone can do it, but it has to take priority... After all, we can't all make money from being ridiculously good looking! Oh those Kim Kardashians of the world!!!
Putting The Plan Together
I use three key pieces to planning my trip, and then got nerdy with research.
Time spent
My goal is to travel for 2 years at least. It's important to really think about how long you want to spend, and what you want to gain. You can't learn from a culture overnight, and there really is no way to see it all! Be reasonable with your expectations, and
Location
In my mind there were several good choices for long-term travel. Europe and Southeast Asia were really appealing for their english friendly countries and favorable exchange rates, while South and Central America was comparable but also presented an opportunity for me to learn another language--Spanish! It also doesn't hurt that latin women are amazingly beautiful!
Costs
While I won't provide a figure on how much I've saved for this trip , but my expected yearly costs are +$15K a year. I am sure there are some that have done it much cheaper, and others with more. In the end, I know that I couldn't do it on a shoestring budget. I like being fashionable, and don't want to pass up an experience for a few extra dollars here and there. Expenses vary by traveller and tastes. I would just make sure you have enough reserves to end your trip and get you back on your feet when it's over.
Gathering the Gear
Over the last year, I have been slowly buying the gear I plan to use while travelling. Again, I didn't want to do it dirt cheap, I wanted to do it right--for me!
I personally have a penchant for durability & performance, versatility, weight, fashionability, and price (to a limited extent).
You can find more information on the gear I chose and why in the link below:
Like many, I grew up believing that school, a nine to five, and a wife were the key to a happy life--it's the American dream, right? So I made life goals, got married, earned a degree, and found busy job in the finance industry just south of San Francisco. I had made it! I had it all, and then some... But it just wasn't for me. I started asking myself when I would be able to escape? and how long until my adventuring spirit dies?And then something changed!
Now, a move to Portland, a divorce, plenty of concerns from my family, and five years later, I am starting over. I have been selling, gifting, and donating most of my belongs to friends, family and others, and i'm discovering material things I really need--not want. It's a hard process, but has been very freeing. In fact, I don't miss my stuff but do miss some of the opportunities my stuff afforded me: playing XBOX with friends, jumping in the car to go snowboarding, or having a lot of choices on what I can wear! But none of that compares to the feeling of freedom of setting my own schedule, connecting with people, learning about other cultures, and gaining new perspectives on life. For now, I like being a Travelling Tarzan!
Taking the First Steps:
Save Money!
A lot of people I talk to about travelling say they don't have the money or any list of other excuses--it's a cop-out. Anyone can do it, but it has to take priority... After all, we can't all make money from being ridiculously good looking! Oh those Kim Kardashians of the world!!!
Putting The Plan Together
I use three key pieces to planning my trip, and then got nerdy with research.
Time spent
My goal is to travel for 2 years at least. It's important to really think about how long you want to spend, and what you want to gain. You can't learn from a culture overnight, and there really is no way to see it all! Be reasonable with your expectations, and
Location
In my mind there were several good choices for long-term travel. Europe and Southeast Asia were really appealing for their english friendly countries and favorable exchange rates, while South and Central America was comparable but also presented an opportunity for me to learn another language--Spanish! It also doesn't hurt that latin women are amazingly beautiful!
Costs
While I won't provide a figure on how much I've saved for this trip , but my expected yearly costs are +$15K a year. I am sure there are some that have done it much cheaper, and others with more. In the end, I know that I couldn't do it on a shoestring budget. I like being fashionable, and don't want to pass up an experience for a few extra dollars here and there. Expenses vary by traveller and tastes. I would just make sure you have enough reserves to end your trip and get you back on your feet when it's over.
Gathering the Gear
Over the last year, I have been slowly buying the gear I plan to use while travelling. Again, I didn't want to do it dirt cheap, I wanted to do it right--for me!
I personally have a penchant for durability & performance, versatility, weight, fashionability, and price (to a limited extent).
You can find more information on the gear I chose and why in the link below:
