The Vagabond's Way: 366 Meditations on Wanderlust, Discovery, and the Art of Travel

by Rolf Potts

“Thought-provoking, encouraging, and inspiring” (Gretchen Rubin) reflections on the power of travel to transform our daily lives—from the iconoclastic travel writer, scholar, and author of Vagabonding

For readers who dream of travel, yearn to get back out on the road, or want to enrich a journey they’re currently on, The Vagabond’s Way explores and celebrates the life-altering essence of travel all year long. Each day of the year features a meditation on an aspect of the journey, anchored by words of wisdom from a variety of thinkers—from Stoic philosopher Seneca and poet Maya Angelou to Trappist monk Thomas Merton and Grover from Sesame Street.
 
Iconoclastic travel writer and scholar Rolf Potts embraces the ragged-edged, harder-to-quantify aspects of travel that inevitably change travelers’ lives for the better in unexpected ways. The book’s various sections mirror the phases of a trip, including

• dreaming and planning the “All life-affecting journeys—and the unexpected wonders they promise—become real the moment you decide they will happen.”
• embracing the rhythms of the “The most poignant experiences on the road occur in those quiet moments when we recognize beauty in the ordinary.”
• finding richer travel “Developing an instinct to venture beyond the obvious on the road allows you to see places as mysteries to be investigated.”
• expanding your comfort “No moment of instant gratification can compare to savoring an experience that has been earned by enduring the adversity that comes with it.” 

The Vagabond’s Way encourages you to sustain the mindset of a journey, even when you aren’t able to travel, and affirms that travel is as much a way of being as it is an act of movement.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Audiobook, Nature, Adventure, Self Help

386 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2023

About the author

Rolf Potts has reported from more than sixty countries for the likes of National Geographic Traveler, the New York Times Magazine, Slate.com, Conde Nast Traveler, Outside, The Believer, The Guardian (U.K.), National Public Radio, and the Travel Channel. A veteran travel columnist for the likes of Salon.com and World Hum, his adventures have taken him across six continents, and include piloting a fishing boat 900 miles down the Laotian Mekong, hitchhiking across Eastern Europe, traversing Israel on foot, bicycling across Burma, and driving a Land Rover from Sunnyvale, California to Ushuaia, Argentina.

-from rolfpotts.com

Reviews

[Richard Propes · Rating 3 out of 5]

First things first.

I went into my reading of Rolf Potts's "The Vagabonds Way: 366 Meditations on Wanderlust, Discovery, and the Art of Travel" expecting it to include, well, meditations.

It doesn't.

Upon further investigation, I realized that while the title of the book uses the word "meditations" the description of the book uses "reflections." There is a difference and this difference has been seldom more evident than it is in "The Vagabond's Way."

Organized as a calendar year with a meditation/reflection for each day, "The Vagabond's Way" will most likely appeal to those familiar with Potts's writings which all seem to center around "vagabonding," travel, and this idea of wanderlust. As someone not familiar with Potts, this was a challenging introduction that would not encourage me to explore his other writings.

Potts starts each reflection/meditation with a quote and then a short reflection or story around that quote or about some aspect of the quote meaningful to Potts. While I expected a more personal and immersive experience, "The Vagabond's Way" is possessed more by the spirit of intellectual curiosity and only occasionally ventures into Potts's own experiences on any meaningful level.

This brings me back to my original discussion. What exactly is "The Vagabond's Way?"

"The Vagabond's Way" leans closer to the idea of reflections than meditations. It's difficult to fathom anyone expecting "meditations" to be satisfied by "The Vagabond's Way." According to Headspace, meditation "isn’t about becoming a different person, a new person, or even a better person. It’s about training in awareness and getting a healthy sense of perspective. You’re not trying to turn off your thoughts or feelings. You’re learning to observe them without judgment. And eventually, you may start to better understand them as well."

There isn't a single calendar day here that brought me into this meditation space. In fact, if I were to review "The Vagabond's Way" solely on the basis of it being a book of meditations it would easily be a 1-star experience for me.

Instead, however, I can't help but think some acknowledgement should be given that the book is also described as having "reflections." Reflective writing "documenting your response to experiences, opinions, events or new information; communicating your response to thoughts."

While not entirely successful, "The Vagabond's Way" is much more successful as a book of reflections and once I was able to transition into this space I found the book much more appealing.

To be fair, however, I never connected to "The Vagabond's Way." Despite being someone who has spent much of my adult life traveling the country by wheelchair, I struggled to identify a spirit or experience with which I could connect here. While I found reflections I could respect or understand, at no point did I truly connect with "The Vagabond's Way."

To be perfectly honest, this surprised me. In fact, I very seldom agree to review a book that I don't expect to experience in a positive way. With my reviews, it's always my goal to empower authors and to help readers discover books with which they will resonate.

I truly struggled here.

That said, I do believe that those who appreciate Potts's writing will find pleasure in this calendar year of thoughts, reflections, and insights into wanderlust, discovery, and the art of travel. While it certainly won't work for everyone, especially those expecting meditations, "The Vagabond's Way" offers enough insights to be a valuable read for those with a traveling heart and mind.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fourteen years ago, I was sitting in an Adirondack chair in France reading Vagabonding by Rolf Potts and I remember being so inspired, that I spent the next four years downgrading, minimizing, and simplifying my life so that I could backpack around South America for four months. Ten years later, despite feeling aimless and distracted, I still yearn for another round of long-term travel.

The Vagabond's Way is much like The Daily Stoic (By Ryan Holiday); daily affirmations on how to prepare and plan for travel, open yourself up to the world, commit to your journey, and ultimately find finality in it. The great thing about The Vagabond's Way is that there's so much in here beyond the subject of travel. There's much about getting out of your comfort zone, managing expectations, and committing to transformative journeys. There's also so much positivity about embracing people and other parts of the world that are so different from what you've come to know in your life. And while traveling is a great way to invest in your soul, there's much here to remind you to not squander the present and to find and enjoy the journeys that one has the potential to create in their everyday life.

[Katy Kurumada · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’m in awe of this man and i hope to be as well-read, well-traveled, and present as he is one day like i usually don’t read things and think omg this person is so smart! but i did when reading this so nice work

[Robyn Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read roughly 1-2 entries on the days I read—a nice way to do so. I found his wisdom affirming and loved identifying with another Kansan.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did this an an audiobook but I think it would be a good book to pick up and put down. Overall I thought it is quite enjoyable and even made me think k a few things differently about travel. Really a big focus of this book is to be present, and put down your electronics. Talk to people and enjoy the culture and don’t stick to an itinerary.

How did this book find me? It should be part of the upcoming Kansas Book Festival on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Washburn University in Topeka, KS. It is also a 2023 Kansas Notable Book.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

My parents instilled in me, very early on, the need to see the world, to absorb new cultures, and meet new people. This book perfectly describes how I feel about travel and why it is so important. In traveling, we learn more about other people and learn a lot about ourselves. Travel often, travel to as many places as you can, no matter how young or old you are. Written as daily meditations, if followed as intended, even the most adamant homebody will yearn to travel.

I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.

[Aidan Sivers-Boyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

My experience with this book was three stars, but that feels harsh. I’ll probably return to this book again in the future and have a 5 out 5 experience with it.

[Ari Shaffir · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 pages in and you'll rethink your life. It reminded me of the unique freedoms that I haven't felt since I was backpacking around SE Asia. I really gotta get lost again.

Pro: Each chapter is one page long. Which means my internet ravaged attention span doesn't get overwhelmed

Con: The book is not made on papyrus and therefore only reminds you of Egypt in the sections that speak directly about the pyramids

Pro: It makes things very clear in my head that seeing the world should be more of a priority

Con: It will only fit in the pockets of jeans made for the band Kris Kross.

Pro: It includes amazing travel quotes from great writers, adventurers, and other enviable malcontents.

Con: I really can't get over the papyrus thing.

Pro: When you finish it, you'll want to gift it to friends who either love travel or whom you think would be well served by getting away from society for a while

Con: You will want to send copies of this book to friends and that means you gotta get addresses, which will give you less time to read the book, which will then make you have less desire to get addresses, which will give you more time to read the book. I hate never ending cycles.

Pro: This book will make you start planning a long term trip.

Con: Egypt uses paper now.

Anyway, get the book. It's really great. I couldn't stop talking about the chapters with people. Everything Rolf brings up is dead on and it constantly was reminding me of places I've been and little adventures I've gotten into. If you like traveling at all, you will love The Vagabond's Way.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sitting at desks, sitting in traffic-clogged commutes, sitting in front of entertainment screens- that we lose track of who we are and who we might become. On the road, away from those routines and obligations, we can, at least, find perspective.”

A very inspirational book that I could not put down. Therefore, I didnt follow the rules and take my time reading the book. Whenever I need an ounce of motivation or inspiration in my daily life I know I can flip to the current day!

[Laura A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Thus book takes you on a journey. This book makes you think and gives you words of wisdom to live by and incorporate in your daily life. This was a good book.

[Anisha G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

18 pages in and I am blown away. The writing hits the bull's eye on every single page.

Even if you don't want to travel, it is a great read to think and be closer to live a more meaningful, true life.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Vagabond's Way is a thought provoking and gently written collection of meditations on life, travel, and personal philosophy collected and curated by Rolf Potts. Released 4th Oct 2022 by Penguin Random House on their Ballantine imprint, it's 416 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

The book is arranged thematically around the months of the year. Monthly themes are things like: Dreaming and planning the journey (Jan/Feb), Getting started on the road (March/Apr), and the extended journey (and journey home) (Nov/Dec). The short entries are given one per day and it works very well as a one-a-day post with an interesting point to think about. The writing is accessible and, at times, quite deep. There are thoughtful entries about purpose, lifestyle, growth, and time. 

I was most impressed over the fact that the author can ruminate on these things and never be trite or superficial. The layout and graphics are very understated. There aren't any illustrations. 

Four stars. Well written. This would make a good gift for oneself or others. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness, this book is not what I expected based on the campy cover art; plus, I have to admit my bias that the word vagabond suggests a book of vapid stories about shoestring traveling written by an early 20th century freeloader, or perhaps by a burned-out stoner in a shitty van.

This ain't that book.

This is more like a thoroughly researched, eloquently written annotated bibliography about the joys, travails, biases and wisdom that are (can be) experienced during a life of travel. Behold, a profundity of profundity!!! I frequently had to go to Libby or this app to look up and add the author's cited works to my reading list. I was delighted to read the author describe (pin down) my own thoughts and experiences traveling in 10 countries (not counting my own) that I had forgotten, hadn't thought about in a long time (in the 1990s, I was horrified at the whiteness and obesity of North Americans compared to the South Americans), or had never solidified in my mind.

The only problem with this book is now I want to return to many places I've been, in addition to making my first visits to an infinite number of places....and of course I feel like I don't have the time or money (whining...).

[Catherine (Cather.reads)]

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a free copy of this book through Netgalley.
I did enjoy the format and design of this book. I always grew up with Christian devotionals that have more or less traumatized me, so it was refreshing to see that style of book revisited through a different lens. This book is not religious, unless you count loving travel as a form of religion.
However, this book was not for me. I am a homebody who has very little internal wanderlust. I enjoyed the little quotes, nuggets of history, and inspirational segments, but it was unable to hold my whole attention and I found it really difficult to slog through all 366 little paragraphs of inspirational wanderlust.
Definitely check this out if you want a devotional that circles around your own wanderlust and intentions to travel now or sometime in the future.

[Austin Beeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rolf Potts newest book takes the form of a daily devotional. 366 short sections (one for each day of a leap year) each contain a nugget of travel wisdom.

Potts’ lifetime of travel could have resulted in a book entirely full of his personal reminisces, but instead he has written something both richer and more humble.

In an incredible act of curation, nearly every page has embedded insights from travel journals, novels, movies, and scientific studies.

The curated reading list for the traveler is worth far more than the cost to buy this book.

I’ve easily purchased a half dozen books and been exposed to many writers and thinkers that were unfamiliar to me before reading this.

As we fight the tsunami of content that floods our media landscape, expert curation is vital. Rolf Potts has created a generous and essential guide.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am probably more of a tourist rather than someone who vagabonds and tries to live like simple people wherever I find myself. That being said - the theme of this book was to celebrate and remain open to that which chance throws our way. Good idea if traveling. There is a page for each day of the year with a title, a quote and several paragraphs to theme. As the themes were very repetitive, it was a bit like being hit on the head with a thematic hammer over and over. I found that I could have just read the heading and quote for each day and gained as much as reading each page in full. For those who appreciate a book that is taken in small bites over the course of a calendar year, this might have been more interesting.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to review this when I haven't read in the way it's meant to be read- one "meditation" a day. I lost, I think, the benefit of thinking about the chapters - which aren't meditations for the reader but rather prompts to think about something related to a journey. In that, this is successful as it made me remember with both fondness and annoyance the vagaries of traveling, a joy was taken away by the pandemic. Potts specializes in vagabonding- taking off for weeks or months at a time-which I've never been able to do but this made me think about it again. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Keep it bedside and read it as it was meant to be read.

[Michelle Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of THE VAGABOND'S WAY by Rolf Potts. My biggest issue with reviewing this book is it's meant to be read one page a day over the course of an entire year, like a tear-off calendar. Of course, I had to plow my way through it all at once in order to review it, and this was a bit challenging and got a little repetitive. That being said, I did enjoy all the collected thoughts about travel from all around the world, from hundreds of years ago to today, with a bit of auto-biographical details from the author thrown in as well. There were lots of inspiring ideas and it did really make me want to travel.

[Elm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reflections of Life

Wonderful book. The initial quotes from famous authors and like-minded travelers was a great way to entice you into reading the authors reflection of their meaning & how he incorporated into his travels. Especially liked the approach to re-visiting prior adventures - which I had avoided - but now will return with a newness as reflected in how I have changed. The book is not only about the joys of traveling but reflections on life. Life is a journey as the author points out numerous times - approach your travels and life with openness and wonder. Looking forward to re-reading again next year (& the following years!).

[JP Leonardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timeless

This is a book not just that I read daily, but I also create content and post it on my stories with the beautiful quotes. A book I always dip back into. I strongly recommend. It showcases the art and beauty of travelling, which is a way of life. And not just travelling, but staying true to who you are and creating awareness within your society. It's a must for me for people who travel and love to read.

[Bob Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written with the insight only a perceptive traveler can bring. For instance, as I am the owner of what is believed to be the world’s largest private collection of McDonald’s placemats in foreign languages, I know he got the cultural nuance of that fast-food chain in Cairo and Paris, for example, just right.

[Keren Krinick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This traveler's reflection novel is refreshing and eye-opening to the many aspects of seeing the world, its joys and realities. I really enjoyed the ideas that were suggested, some intuitive and others more thought-provoking. Thank you NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Jamice Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say this book is more of a collection of reflections rather than mediations, but I still very much enjoyed the daily reflections, especially all the tidbits of travel history you learned while reading the book. The history nerd in me was quite pleased with that. lol This would definitely make a great gift for your favorite traveler.

[Will Plunkett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I followed what the author stated early on: don't read this in one setting. So picked certain dates of personal and societal significance and read those entries first, then filled in the rest of the year's dates until the end. I also found quite a few more books and authors to read, based on the quotes and text in the dates' entries; learned some new terms, too.

[Michael Dewey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not currently in a position to travel, although I would love to be. I have many places on my bucket list. The Vagabond’s Way was a nice little detour from my daily routine, giving me inspiration, practical advice, and a little escape from the 9-5 grind. I enjoyed the book, and I may revisit it again when I do get around to traveling. 4 out of 5 stars! ⭐️

[Brendan McGoldrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book- I was really silly when I bought it because I didn't realize that it was the daily meditation on travel, rather than his book Vagabonding, so that was my fault. I liked all the different quotes and the ideas on travel. Having not travelled as much as I'd like to have done so, this book did make me want to get out there more and see more of the world.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. This made me long for previous travel adventures I’ve been on around the world. Some good reminders of being a good traveler and how to open one’s mind to the world. If my younger self got a hold of this book it would have been game over. I’d have pranced around the world more than I have.

[Brendan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life, I so got inspired for travel and living my life differently! I am currently in Japan exploring Kyushu and reading my daily passage. I have created life long friends because of this book! I am lost and loving it.

[Rohan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The daily meditations are in a one-page/day format, similar to The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday. My favorite meditation was "Misfortunes on the road offers a sense of perspective." from Nov 4. Good idea to pick up this book again when on a trip.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading through the various essays about travel. I love to travel and this book tapped into that feeling you get when you hit the road, or trail, or sky to a new place!

Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and Ballantine Books for sending this copy of The Vagabond’s Way!