On the Highway in 2024

Hiya there! It’s been some time since I’ve written an actual weblog. Certain, there have been a number of how-to posts, itineraries, where-to-stay recommendations, and old-post updates to maintain serving to you journey on a price range. However it’s been over a 12 months since I wrote something private — and it’s been even longer since I shared a narrative from the street.

At first of 2022, I wrote that I felt I didn’t actually have a lot to say anymore. Certain, there are at all times new locations to jot down about, however by way of ideas and recommendation, after over 14 years writing about journey, I used to be tapped out. There are solely so many posts you’ll be able to write about “learn how to discover a low cost flight” or on learn how to make buddies or learn how to overcome your fears.

Which is why, up to now 2.5 years, I’ve solely posted three articles that weren’t “the very best hostels in London” or one thing like that.

However I at all times left the door open to coming again if the will hit me.

And the will has lastly hit me.

Rather a lot has occurred within the final 12 months. Enterprise-wise, I closed our neighborhood and tour firm, scaled again my different tasks, and spent a whole lot of time engaged on some new books. On the finish of Might, I completed the subsequent replace to my guide, How you can Journey the World on $50 per Day. The brand new, inflation-adjusted, post-COVID version comes out in March 2025.

This final 12 months has seen a whole lot of private modifications too. I moved again to New York Metropolis and completely find it irresistible right here. I’m a metropolis man, and I actually get pleasure from being in a spot the place I don’t want a automotive. Plus, there’s tons of issues to see and do, extra folks round, and no type of meals I can’t get. I’ve an excellent group of buddies right here, I’ve discovered a bunch of hobbies I get pleasure from, and I’ve struck a very good work/life steadiness. That is actually house.

However it hasn’t all been rainbows and unicorns.

Final summer time, I obtained tuberculosis, which, whereas caught early and curable with antibiotics, nonetheless compelled me to be quarantined and on meds for a very long time. Then I’ve had some muscle points associated to simply getting previous and a few intestine points I’m engaged on now.

However, with the guide and most of my heath stuff behind me, I really feel like I’m getting into a brand new chapter in my life.

I’m in Europe now for the remainder of the summer time. Although I’ve been to the continent numerous occasions, my purpose right here is to go to areas I’ve by no means been to earlier than. I’m at present in Barcelona earlier than heading to Provence after which Germany. After that, who is aware of! I don’t get my guide edits again till the tip of the month, so I’m simply having fun with the street!

All of which is my long-winded method of claiming I’ve determined to get again into running a blog and will likely be posting once more. I’ve some tales to share and new ideas on the character of journey, the creator financial system, and AI.

I nonetheless really feel like my schedule is all over, and I positively wish to work on that once I get again house to NYC. I at all times chunk off greater than I can chew — however these are fall issues! Proper now, the street beckons, and I’m answering its name.

Anticipate this weblog to come back again to life shortly!