Living The Dream: Make What You Always Wanted To Do Happen

Justin Carmack

What is the first country you visited? Who with and why did you choose it?

I first visited Costa Rica. I guess just like Australians going to Bali or Fiji, Americans head to Mexico or Costa Rica. I didn't really choose it, someone invited me. By the end of that trip, I was hooked on traveling to new places and new things.

When did you start a travel lifestyle? What inspired that change?

A few years ago. I went on a Uni trip to South Africa during Christmas break. By the end of the trip, I knew there was no reason I was going home. I knew that I would have rough times, having no money, no job, nothing, (not to mention taking a break from Uni) but I didn't care. So I watched my friends and professor fly away, and the rest is history. I haven't been home since, nearly three years, 56 countries and 6 continents now. 

Do you have a base you travel from? Or is it continuous travel? And why do you choose that style?

Well like I said, I started with no money, so I travel until I am forced to find backpacker work. I usually have a base in what ever region I'm in, while I'm working, but still travel all over. For example, it was Perth in Australia, Thailand in SE Asia, Mozambique, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador. Now that I'm in Europe, Estonia is my base for now. I do odd jobs here, but have seen most all of Europe as well. 

How do you fund your travel lifestyle? Is it something you do when traveling or are you a saver?

Well I guess I answered that in the last question. I find work where ever I am, when I need to. It's easier and much cheaper than going home every time I'm broke. They say its impossible to travel without money, yet here  am, still on the road, having seen much of the world. 

If you could tell yourself one tip before you started your travel lifestyle, what would it be?

NEVER listen to people's advice about a countries travel-worth. It will almost never align with your own interests. People told me how awesome Paris, and Cancun, and Bali were, and how shit East Europe, Africa, Colombia, etc are. I found it the exact opposite. 99 out of 100 Americans are arm chair travelers, but are still experts somehow. They constantly tell me I can't or shouldn't do something. In fact, even the government out a travel advisory, saying not to go to Colombia, Zambia, Malawi..... So I did, and they were some of my best times. Everyone back home raves about Peru, and bashes on Colombia. I had the best time of my life in Colombia, and was safe. I got robbed on day one in Peru. Now it's the same story, now that I want to go to Belarus. Everyone (that hasn't actually been there) tells me it's too dangerous and crappy. Just makes me want to go even more! So no matter what anyone says, check out a place for yourself. 

What does 'Living The Dream' mean to you?

I suppose living your dream means making happen what you've always wanted to do. Not something small and easy, but something big that you knew would be tough but did anyways. It's usually a lifestyle or major achievement in my case, not material things.

You Can Find Justin Here -

 

Website: Art of Scuba Diving

 

Twitter: @artofscubamag

 

Follow Justin as he backpacks around the world and gets into all sorts of mischief.