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Living while traveling | The real experience of Nomads & Travelers
Today I want to introduce you to Jen and Licha, creators of Nomads & Travelers, an Argentine couple who ddecided to transform a dream into realityThey met in the middle of the 2020 quarantine, between Zoom chats and glasses of wine, and since then They started imagining all the destinations they would visit when the world reopened.What started as planned getaways and vacations ended becoming a lifestyle.
How is the experience of nomadic life?
Article written by Jen and Licha, Nómades & Viajeros.
How our dream of traveling began
In 2020, in the midst of the quarantine that put the world on hold, Licha and I met. Through Zoom, we built the beginning of a relationship that brought us here. During those endless conversations, we fantasized about all the places we wanted to go when the world reopened. Between ramblings and glasses of wine An idea began to take shape that took a few years to become a reality.
In 2024, while enjoying the beaches of Krabi, Thailand, we had our "Eureka" moment: what are we doing living in one place when the world has so much to offer? Upon our return We sold everything and set off on an adventure of living while traveling without a return ticket.
Making the decision: leaving everything behind to travel without a return ticket
At first, we planned getaways, vacations, and trips with a return date. But it wasn't until 2024 that we decided to sell everything and start traveling without a return ticket.
The decision wasn't easy: to leave our family, friends, comforts, our country, and, above all, our beloved dog Camilo (who stayed with my aunt and uncle, who love and care for him very much). However, there was something that called us to go out and explore the world, to leave behind the familiar and explore a universe full of possibilities, cultures, people, places, nature, gastronomy, and adventure.
Traveling on a budget: our strategy
Since it was a risky bet, we tried to establish certain parameters so that this crazy idea wouldn't end up undermining the experience. Basically we set a budget for a year of travel, enough to cover basic expenses and travel to at least 12 countries.
The way we traveled had to adapt. To make our idea realistic, we had—and still have—to be very careful with our expenses. That's why We carry an Excel spreadsheet which is our “bible” on this tour, where we recorded and We plan basic expenses up to three months in advanceSome will say that so much foresight can hinder spontaneity, and it's true that it sometimes limits our spontaneity, but it's the way we've found to stick to our budget.
Booking accommodations and flights ahead of time allows us to get better prices. And yet, we were surprised by places we didn't plan on, like Korea: we found a deal from Indonesia, and it was the right decision, because it also allowed us to connect with Japan later at the time we wanted to visit.
How we plan our trips
In general terms, I can say that Anticipation is one of the keys to taking care of the budgetAs a producer, I've spent my life organizing campaigns, events, activations, and commercials for various brands; today, I apply that same logic to my own journey.
1. Date and weather
We always check the time of year we plan to travel, because some destinations are heavily influenced by the season. For example, Southeast Asia has monsoon season, making it inadvisable to visit Thailand between May and October. Furthermore, during peak season, accommodation prices skyrocket, so this is also a key factor to consider.
We try to avoid both peak and rainy seasons. Our favorites tend to be spring and fall: the weather is milder, the scenery is beautiful, and prices are generally more affordable.
2. Accommodations for living while traveling
We analyze the offer, how much it costs, and what it includes. At this stage of our journey We prioritize places that have a kitchen, since eating out is the exception rather than the rule. We primarily use the platform Booking for buscar and rent now, since we have Genius level 3 benefits, with discounts of up to 20%.
3. Transport logistics
We evaluate how to move within the country, because This point can becarincrease the budget significantlyA clear example was Japan: a large part of the expense is usually spent on transfers between cities, so we decided to rent a car, and in the end it turned out to be much cheaper.
4. Local food and budget
This is an unavoidable expense and can add quite a bit to your budget. We're currently in Asia, and eating out is a relief because it's so affordable, which offsets other factors. We always try to cook at our accommodations, but In countries like Indonesia, eating out is not a luxury., but quite the opposite: we managed to have lunch or dinner for $8 for both of us, or even less!
You can read | How much traveling through Southeast Asia.
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5. Attractions and activities
We checked how much they cost. There are destinations where almost all attractions require payment, and if the country is also... caror in accommodation, transport and food, that's a red flag to recalculate. To reserve we use klook in Asia and GetYourGuide in the rest of the world, which are the most economical platforms.
6. Flights and documentation
After researching the country, we check flights. This may lead to itineraries being modified or even reveal new destinations due to proximity. As a general rule, we use the metasearch engine Skyscanner who always gives us the best deals.
An important consideration is evaluating visas and length of stay. Since we're not under time pressure with this mode of travel, we prioritize staying longer in each place. This gives us greater flexibility and, in addition, avoid spending so much on transfers, which in the end are also money.
And, more specifically, we thoroughly research each city or location we choose. We don't try to do everything, but rather what best fits our budget and preferences. It's a different mindset than a vacation.: you become more selective.
7. Apps and tools we use
Finally, we recommend a super intuitive app that helps us a lot with keeping track of daily expenses: Tricount.
You can read | 12 essentials for backpacking
What we gain from choose the nomadic life
We feel lfree and happy to be living this experience, and we want to invite everyone who wants to try something different to give it a try.
Yes, we miss our family and friends, but luckily today Technology allows us to be connected, make video calls, and share our daily lives seamlessly. Plus, while we travel, we meet people from all over the world and connect with different customs and cultures, which enriches us as human beings and helps us broaden our minds.
Tips for those who want to dare to live traveling
We know that there are many barriers and fears that hold us back from the unknown, but we hope that this note inspire them to question the way we usually travel and motivate them to embark on an adventure. They count on us to accompany them and help them with whatever they need to embark on this path.
