Nomadic Matt's Tuesday Travel Update: Anniversary Edition

Hey {NAME}, Greetings from Acadia National Park! This past Sunday was the 14th anniversary of my original trip around the world. The trip was supposed to take me around the US, Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. I made it as far as Southeast Asia. There, I found a job teaching English and spent close to a year living in Bangkok. When I returned home, I realized that my heart longed for the road. It was where I was meant to be. After saving some money, I booked a flight to Europe. I was going to spend two months there before going back to teach in Bangkok. I had no real plans beyond that. Just a desire to stay on the road and put off "the real world" as long as possible. Everything and everyone said my original trip was a terrible idea. I’d just graduated from graduate school with a lot of debt and a shiny new degree that needed to be used. My coworkers thought that I was completely insane. Society told me to stay and follow the American dream to be happy. I was racked with doubts. I was shy and worried constantly about making friends, getting lost, scammed, injured, and running out of money. My parents were sure I’d be killed. The list of reasons not to go was very long. But a fire burned inside me and nothing would quiet the voice that said do it. So I went. And it turned out to be the greatest risk I ever took. My heart was right. It put me on the path to do what I feel like I was born to do. I can’t imagine a different life. I don’t dream of one either (which is a sign I am exactly where I am meant to be). So, follow your heart — not your mind. It’s better at knowing where you need to go. If it’s screaming for you to do something, do that thing. Life doesn’t give you second chances. Here's a pic of me celebrating by climbing a literal mountain in Maine: UPCOMING VIRTUAL TRAVEL EVENTS We're still hosting a ton of awesome, inspiring, and informative virtual events to keep you entertained and engaged during the pandemic! Here are the events happening this week: - [What's Your Traveler Footprint?]( (TODAY) - [The Black Travel Alliance: Why It Exists & How You Can Get Involved]( (7/29) - [How to Tackle the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage in Spain]( (8/4) Since I'm currently on a road trip, [I'm hosting a Q&A on Thursday (7/30) about what it's been like traveling now](. You can see our full list of over a dozen upcoming events (including some virtual happy hours) by [clicking here](. COMMUNITY UPDATES 1. This week on Patreon, [we published two videos]( one on how to succeed as a travel writer and another on RV travel. Additionally, I'm releasing a new story about my time in Thailand. It's a story I've never told before! Patreon is where we post exclusive content for our monthly subscribers. You also get free guides, signed copies of my books, 1-on-1 calls, and tons of other member-only perks! If that sounds like something you want, [come join our Patreon!]( 2. [ICYMI: I recently updated my book on travel hacking]( with new tips, tactics, and strategies to help you earn points and miles for free travel. (It's a big update!!) 3. If you're looking to get your travel questions answered or just want to hang with other members of the community, [come chat on our forum]( and share your tips, get advice, and connect with travelers from around the world. COOL STUFF AROUND THE WEB 1. [The Accidental Berliner]( - Travel writer and Superstar Blogging teacher David Farley shares a funny anecdote from his time in Berlin. 2. [My Lifelong Addiction to Road Trips]( - An important reminder of just how liberating a road trip can be. 3. [COVID-19 Devastates Thailand's Tourist Industry]( - A good article on how the pandemic has devastated Thailand's tourism. NEW & UPDATED POSTS With travel still on hold, we've been busy updating older posts. Here are a few we've been working on: - [Why Travel Boycotts are a Bad Idea]( - Should we boycott destinations whose politics we don't agree with? Here are my thoughts (though the title gives it away). - [How to Plan a Trip to a Place You Know Nothing About]( - Here's how I plan my travels when I don't know anything about the destination. QUOTE OF THE WEEK "With age, comes wisdom. With travel, comes understanding." – Sandra Lake *** As always, if you have any questions, just let me know and I'll be happy to help. Sincerely, Nomadic Matt Sent to: {EMAIL} [Unsubscribe]( Nomadic Matt Inc., 207 E. 9th St. , Georgetown, Texas 78626, United States