There are a few questions that I get asked on a regular basis, so I decided to create this page as a place to just list everything out.
However, if this list doesn’t answer your query you’re welcome to contact me and ask whatever.
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How many countries have you been to?
Around ninety–see which on the Countries Visited page.
What country has been your favorite?
I like different things about each country, so I can’t really say I entirely like any one country over the others.
If I absolutely had to choose though, I’d say Japan, Thailand, and Turkey–I love the food, people, and history of all three. As far as Japan goes, I’ve spent so much time there–especially during the period right after high school–that it definitely had a hand in shaping who I am today, to the point that I think of Japan as a second home.
How can you afford to travel so much?
Through a combination of low-cost travel techniques and not spending money on stuff I don’t need.
I drive an older-model car that I bought in cash, don’t have a mortgage, and don’t have any loans. I don’t subscribe to many monthly services either (such as Netflix, Spotify, etc.).
The two most expensive components of traveling are usually accommodation and flights, both of which I usually get for cheap, if not free. Most of my flights are free through frequent flyer program points (especially through generous card sign-up bonuses offered by the U.S. credit card institutions). As far as a place to lay your head at night, I’ve spent a lot of time on friend’s couches (especially during the first few years of my travels), in hostels, and in no-frills hotels. Nowadays it’ll be a hotel through Booking.com if I’ll be somewhere a few days, or a residence through Airbnb if I’ll be somewhere longer-term (which can be a pretty good deal, especially factoring in weekly and monthly discounts).
I usually spend less while traveling than I do at home, so I enjoy looking at it like I’m pretty much getting paid to travel.
What do you do for work?
I ran my own web development firm right out of high school for over a decade. During most of that time I had zero savings, and was spending money as quick as it got in my bank account (not recommended). I supplemented my income by doing various side-projects, such as selling stuff on eBay, fixing computers, and developing affiliate sales web sites. This type of work was perfect at the time, as I could do most of it from anywhere in the world using just my laptop and an Internet connection, which is exactly what I did.
Nowadays I’m focused on growing my safari company, as well as a few other travel and tourism related ventures I’m a part of.
When are you going to “settle down”?
I remember when I used to say that I’d “settle down” and whatnot once I hit 25. Then I turned 25, and the finish line was pushed back to 30.
Well, I’m over 30 now, and I’ve finally learned to stop setting silly arbitrary time limits for myself.
Do you ever get homesick?
I can’t say that I’ve ever felt homesick. I get tired of particular places at times, but never feel any sadness or an urge to just go home. That being said, I do enjoy reconnecting with friends and family when I’m back in the Detroit area (although I’m usually already planning my next adventure[s] before the plane touches down).
Do I hear an accent? Where are you originally from?
Ever since returning home from my first stint living in Japan I’ve been consistently told that I have an odd accent/don’t sound American/sound English/Irish, etc. Both Americans and non-Americans tell me this on a regular enough basis where it’s kind of a running joke between my friends and I.
I was born and raised in the U.S., as were my parents. The accent people hear is just some strange result of traveling extensively…?
Do you have a goal of some kind you’re shooting for?
Always!
Visit at least 100 countries by the time I’m 35 years old.(on hold for now in order to focus on business priorities)- Develop each of my current companies to the point where I have a decent amount of residual income coming in regularly, with minimal ongoing time investment (and then I’ll undoubtedly put that extra time into building more businesses).
- Create lasting, positive change in the world through ventures I’m involved with. I’m currently most involved/interested in clean water and sanitation projects in the developing world, entrepreneurship initiatives, and expanding horizons through international travel and exchange.
