In interviewing Matt of Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site, he gave advice for people who may want to take the leap from their 9 – 5 job to long-term travel.
1) What was the one factor in your life that made you decide to quit your job and travel the world?
Would you do it all over again?
Would you do things the same way (quitting your job/traveling) or would you choose to do things differently?
I went to Thailand in 2005 and met some backpackers who inspired me to travel the world. At the time, I thought I was just going away for one year but I just enjoyed the lifestyle and then it turned into 18 months, then 2 years, then I started blogging, and here I am today. I wouldn’t do anything differently but who ever looks back at their life and says “I don’t think I want to be doing the awesome things I am doing now.” I doubt anyone!
2) What is your favorite place in the world to visit?
Why do you consider this your favorite place?
Thailand because it is warm, the people are friendly, the food is great, it’s cheap, and they have beautiful beaches.
3) What is the one thing that you take with you whenever you are traveling?
My ipod. Music makes my world go round.
4) How important do you feel it is to know certain words in another language such as ‘good morning’ and ‘good evening’ when traveling?
Do you feel it is important to know these words in more than language depending on how many countries you plan to visit?
Knowing a little bit of the language can be very helpful. Even if you don’t know enough to converse, locals really do appreciate you making the effort to learn some words, even if it is the basic “hello” and “thank you.” It makes interactions with locals a lot smoother.
5) Any advice you can give to someone who would like to travel long term but they are letting their fear stop them from taking that last step from cubicle life to world traveler?
There will never be a perfect time to travel. You’ll always find an excuse not to go and then one day, you’ll be on your deathbed with nothing but regret. Die happy, not regretful.
