Nichola and James
What was the first country you visited? Who with and why did you choose it?
My family took me exploring our home country New Zealand extensively before heading across the ditch to Australia. Our first trip as a couple, and James' first trip, was 1 year backpacking through Europe, I guess its a common thing for Kiwi's to do is to visit 'the other side of the world'. Our first trip as a family was to the beautiful pacific island of Tonga with 7 month old little Leo. And Flynns' (now 10 months) first trip is the one we are currently on, 6 months through SE Asia.
When did you start a travel lifestyle? What inspired that change?
In a way since our first trip to Europe we've been living a kind of travel lifestyle. We returned to New Zealand for about a year and a half then moved to Australia for a year before taking off to Asia. I just love to travel there is so much in this world and I want to experience a lot of it! We will return to Australia again soon to work up some more savings before taking off to South America.
Do you have a base you travel from? Or is it continuous travel? And why do you choose that style?
Continuous, while we are going, with long breaks for working/saving. We get bored (James says). It's not about seeing everything but more about getting a vibe for a place. We spend enough time in a town to get a gist of the way things work there and taste the local flavors, see a few attractions and meet a few people then we to move on. It's enough for us, we want to try something new.
How do you fund your travel lifestyle? Is it something you do when travelling or are you a saver?
We're savers for now, but would love to have a location independent income in the future. We're working on it.
If you could tell yourself one tip before you started your travel lifestyle, what would it be?
Relax. I got a bit stressed out with a few things before I left. I remember freaking out a couple of weeks before we took off, "I only have around 3 weeks of accommodation sorted, what are we going to do after that?? where are we going to sleep?" Of course it was no worries and now we will happily head to a new town without a clue where we will stay that night. I used to stress a bit with the toys situation too, I spent a long time researching and gathering 'the best travel toys' for my 2 year old. Most of them are gone now. Yoys come and go and we don't have very many of them. We've even done a couple of flights/buses where I've just forgot to bring any toys with me on carry on, with no issues at all.
(James) I would tell myself to pack less, perhaps even half what you would initially think of bringing. You can always buy another shirt. Don't do your back in carrying around your whole house.
What does 'living the dream' mean to you?
My dream is to travel and that's what I'm doing.
Not every ones dream would be to travel, in fact I know a number of people who would find my choice to travel with young children a nightmare. But it is what I love to do.
One of the great things about travel is choice. I think having a choice is paramount in having a sense of control over your life. While travelling you are confronted with many, many choices every day.What country to go to next and when, what to eat and where to stay, what to see and do each day. Even down going left or right, while out exploring.
Time freedom is another reason I love the travel lifestyle. You get so much more time for doing what you love, spending time with loved ones, or working on improving yourself, your knowledge or your skills.
You can still achieve these things other ways, but for me, I love travelling and I'm greatful that I can live the life I want.
Reader Comments...
"I respond to every comment by direct private email. I look forward to your feedback" - Josh BenderGreat interview! This is really inspiring. I love the concept of time freedom. Most people focus on going through the motions of life ‚ get a job, buy a house, etc. — and forget about the important things. :)
I never get tired of reading about inspirational couples, who manage to travel with their children! I always hear that we can travel like we do only because we don't have children and I love that there are folks like you out there who prove them wrong!
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