Life Nomadic: How to Travel the World for Less Than You Pay in Rent

by Tynan

Life Nomadic is a book that will change the way you think about travel. Rather than think of it as an expensive luxury, you will understand it for what it is: a surprisingly affordable necessity for fully experiencing life.

In 2007 I sold everything I owned and began traveling the world. I became a nomad. This book is a collection of the travel strategies, tips, and philosophies that I’ve accumulated since then.

Life Nomadic is for anyone with a passion to see the world. The book includes:

* How to make the transition to a nomadic life
* Why becoming a nomad is surprisingly practical
* How to get 40% off (or more) on most flights
* How to live on a luxury cruise ship for hostel prices
* The most efficient way to learn languages
* How to find apartments, hostels, and couches.
* A complete list of dozens of sites that are crucial for nomadic success
* How to get free (or negative cost) stopovers
* How to find things to do
* How to set up phone service so that you can make international calls at local prices
* Why now is the best time ever to be a nomad
* How to effectively plan a trip, both short term and long term
* The best bank and credit card for a traveler
* How to make money while traveling
* How to buy and pack gear
* Tons more…

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Self Help, Adventure, Reference

157 pages, ebook

First published February 21, 2010

Reviews

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tynan is the man. This book started me on the path to minimalism and travel, and did the same for several friends. I also met Tynan randomly in a tea shop, and he's overwhelmingly nice and interesting.

[Byron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why not just ditch everything you own and travel the world full time? Life Nomadic shows how you can do this on just, like, thousands of dollars a month. It also shows how you can make thousands of dollars a month by taking high-paying design and programming jobs on a freelance basis via the Internets, and by "shows" I mean it just says that you should look into trying to get high-paying freelance design and programming work via the Internets.

So yeah, Life Nomadic is not of much practical use to anyone. It still makes for a pretty good read. I enjoy living vicariously through modern nomads and expats because I need to not see anything I own or anyone I interact with on the reg ever again. No shots, people I know. Just saying.

For something no one will ever use, Life Nomadic is surprisingly well put together. It's written as if someone really will sell everything they own that they can get a decent price for, give away everything else on Craigslist, and spend the rest of their life living in month-to-month rental apartments in Thailand or some shit. The spelling and grammar are occasionally off, which as an author I know really bothers some people, the worst people in America, but the information seems solid. Even if you only plan to travel abroad once in your life, if you're lucky, like most people, you could probably use this as a guide.

It's also interspersed with well-written bits of travelogue, to keep things interesting and to give you an idea of why you might want to spend the rest of your life traveling the world.

[Kl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read!

This book is full of some great resources and just different enough from other books that I really enjoyed it. Could have used an grammar editor in a few spots though.

[Katrina Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very quick, easy read, but full of great information. A guide to living a minimalistic, nomadic life-There isn't so much information that you don't know where to start, but there is just enough to possibly get you motivated to do something about your life- mostly because he makes it seem like it's not very hard at all. It's not very "fluffy"- meaning it doesn't have much feel-good motivational stuff that makes you think "Hey, I gotta change my life right now." It's organized well and it's minimalistic- it doesn't have extra fluff. It's more of an informative guide for people who are self-motivated. But it's still excellent because it just lays out where to start and has great tips to show you that you can do it if you just... do it. Great book.

[Coen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book in which the author is living out his dream. I love reading non-fiction because of this. Because of people and their dreams. It's so refreshing to read about. It makes me happy to know that there are people out there taking risks and feeling fulfilled.

I am definitely looking to take his advice and start traveling after I save up some money. This book makes me feel confident that it's possible. That it's much easier than I think it is. I just have to stop thinking that it is more difficult than it is. Nothing in life is difficult, we just make it so. Isn't that funny?

[Ajeenkya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life Nomadic is very resourceful. Obviously chucking everything and being a modern day nomad is a little too extreme for me, but it was definitely interesting to learn a myriad of new aspects about traveling. Not just traveling, but traveling light and experiencing more. The minimalist approach of the author really got me thinking of how many unnecessary things I own and how much I keep lugging them around. This book really makes me want to pause my life, travel more and travel smart!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The author chucked his regular 9-5 job and began a life of travel. Granted, he had the kind of job that could be done sitting in an airport or in a cafe in Paris. I am so jealous. This book makes me want to sell everything and become a traveling gypsy!

[Juliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little compact how-to book on how to become a minimalist live the life nomadic. Not something I plan on doing--not in my cards right now. But I plan on doing a lot more travel and this book has some great tips on doing just that.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, inspiring book! Wish it lasted longer :)

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a quick and unfulfilling read, although I think it would be of use to someone who was looking to emulate the author's lifestyle. However, I do salute Tynan for living the life he has chosen.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 stars

It is difficult to give Life Nomadic; How to Travel the World for Less than You Pay in Rent a full four-star rating because the content is not very revolutionary in 2018. However, Tynan published this book in February 2010, and I would guess that the nomadic minimalist lifestyle was less common eight years ago.

In early 2010, Tynan's information would have been inspirational to anyone seeking to live (or experiment with) the nomadic lifestyle. At the end of 2018, the information for living a nomadic lifestyle is quite prevalent. There are so many bloggers, YouTubers, and influencers living a nomadic lifestyle -- and capturing it all in often tedious daily vlogs -- that this book could feel slightly outdated.

I am glad that I read this, and I wish that I had read it sooner. I am not ready to quit my job and live out of a backpack, but this book gave me some good pointers for booking flights, etc.

[The Wanderlust Book Club · Rating 2 out of 5]

The information in this book wasn't anything new or groundbreaking. He gave away all his possessions, traveled for a while, and tells you about the gear he likes. Part of the book tells travel stories with people he doesn't really discuss and leaves the reader confused, and the other part of the book gives you websites to look up and what underwear he likes.

But my real issue with the book was the incredibly poor editing. There were typos on every single page. There were misspelled words, missing punctuation, missing words, dangling prepositions, and confusing sentences. I was so irritated half way through that I considered not finishing the book.

[Monica L Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative

I enjoyed this book. It was very informative. I shot a lot of great travel advice from it. Thank you

[Teri Pre · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was probably good a few years ago, but a lot has changed in that time. And his grammar needed a good editor.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Tynan! He gives good authoritative advice. Not only is he thorough in his research, he makes you think about your own way of doing things.

[Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good advice, informative. Unfortunately the book doesn’t say in which year it was written. Some of the advice about electronics and Internet services are out of date, many url links broken

[Teo 2050 · Rating 3 out of 5]

2015.01.22–2015.01.27

Contents

Tynan (2010) Life Nomadic - How to Travel the World for Less Than You Pay in Rent

A Quick Note on “Piracy”

Part I: A New Perspective

Introduction
• Life Nomadic
• What is a Modern Nomad?
• • Flexibility
• • Deep Experience
• • High Quality of Life
• • Cutting Edge Technology

01. Redefining Reality
• You Don’t Have to Do What Other People Are Doing
• If It Seems Too Good to Be True, It May Still Be True
• You May As Well Try

02. The Nomadic Experience
• The Subtle Benefits of Being a Nomad
• It’s Not a Vacation
• Minimalism
• Confronting Fears

Part II: Preparing to Go

03. Planning Your Trip
• Scheduling a Long Term Plan
• Creating the Route
• Getting Visas
• Short Term Planning

04. Selling Everything
• Getting Rid of Everything You Own

05. Buying Gear
• Twenty Eight Liters is All You Need
• Why Pack So Light?
• Yes, You Need a Backpack
• Choosing Gear
• Clothes
• Outdoor Gear
• Technology
• Still Camera
• Video Camera
• Laptop
• Cell Phone
• Charging your Gadgets
• Electrical Plug Adapters
• A Portable Bed
• Other Gear
• Packing it In

06. Services
• Banking
• Postal Mail
• Receiving Packages
• Sending Mail
• Receiving Phone Calls
• Making Phone Calls
• Faxing
• Insurance

Part III: Living Nomadically

07. Beginning Your New Life

08. Learning Languages
• Immersion
• Learning Kanji
• Phoenetic Alphabets

09. Budgeting

10. Flying
• Fly on Tuesday or Wednesday
• Two For (Less Than) the Price of One
• The Hub Method
• Multiple Stop Tickets
• Planning Around Sales
• Alternate Airports
• Travel Agents
• Airport Games
• • Free Lounges
• • Sneaking Metal Past Security
• • Sleeping in Airports
• • Ultra Short Term Car Rentals
• • Staying Grounded

11. Trains
• Rail in Japan

12. Cruising
• Ferries

13. A Roof Over Your Head
• Hostile to Hostels
• Apartments
• Couchsurfing
• Hotels

14. Earning Money As You Travel
• Starting a Business
• Contracting
• Ignore My Advice and Keep Your Job

15. Spending Your Time
• UNESCO
��� Ask People Who Know
• The Internet

16. Attitude
• Positivity
• Just Say Yes

Resources
• Tynan.net/currentgear
• Weather2travel.com
• Airtreks.com
• En.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_p...
• Camcorderinfo.com
• DPReview.com
• chotto.free.fr/tatami/Metro/
• CapitalOne.com
• AmericanExpress.com
• Schwab.com
• EarthClassMail.com
• MailALetter.com
• HazelMail.com
• CallCentric.com
• CallWithUs.com
• www.backsla.sh/betamax
• www.k7.net
• Safeware.com
• WorldNomads.com
• PimsleurApproach.com
• Kanji.koohii.com
• ichi2.net/Anki
• Kayak.com
• Farecompare.com/search/flertalk.html
• AirAsia.com
• Ryanair.com
• Travelzoo.com
• Seat61.com
• SleepingInAirports.net
• CruiseCompete.com
• VRBO.com
• Craigslist.com
• Couchsurfing.com
• HomeExchange.com

[Zeljka · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting read, considering I did a bit of travelling too, yet not in such a style. I found some advice quite helpful, at same time ignoring some other advice. It is only matter of what are you looking for in this book.
I took it as a story told by a fellow traveller. His lifestyle doesn't mean much to me - I never intend to sell the home I live in, simply because I do not consider it as a hassle and because I love my hometown, friends and family too much to get myself separated from them more than two months in a row. I never intend to buy highly expensive gadgets and clothes or rent luxury spots and vehicles to furnish my needs on travel (I wish I do not have to carry even a phone, but then that would deprive me of easier communication with locals and family - forget email when your beloved wishes to hear your voice once in a while), because all I need in my travels are local sightseeings, people and nature - the places in which I'll sleep or vehicles in which I'll travel matter the least. Of course, it is quite different if you need a laptop or such for your work, and if you for some reason require some comfort in your travels.
In short, if you like the author's idea of being a modern nomad, go ahead, the book will offer you some very interesting advice about that lifestyle. If you just need some tips about how to travel cheaper than usual, you might find yourself slightly disappointed, as most of them are connected with aforementioned nomad lifestyle.

[Jaroslav Tuček · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I read when I decided to take a 30 month travel-sabbatical and it was immensely helpful to me. Looking back now with what I've learned there are more informative books on the topic out there, however do not overestimate the value of pure information. A lot of it you will forget, a lot will not appeal to your preferred travel style, a lot will not apply to the particular circumstances you'll find yourself in. And you will learn - fast - on your own even if starting completely ignorant.

No, it is not about information, to me at least the main benefit of the book was psychological. Selling everything you own that does not fit into a backpack is a scary business - especially if you've been living a comfortable middle-class life for a while. But here comes a guy who's done it, survived, and had fun. Just reading his book, you will end up with some useful tips here and there, but most importantly you will end up with confidence that you can do it, too.

[Boris Simba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the whole book until 65%, then skimmed it. I went to the book looking mostly how could i sustain himself while traveling. It was in the last few pages, but we doesn't say much. I already knew that i play poker and was building a website. Besides that is a great book for information how to travel.

The last pages, where is the resources section, are a resume of the websites he uses to get cheap flights, etc... great book on info how to get around the world.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best books on nomadic living

A book I read partly for motivation, and partly for strategy. My plan is to leave the country by the end of the year, which is still a while away, and still a lot of money to save up. I'll definitely be referring to it a lot more when I'm actually travelling. Lots of great information, only slightly dated, and a great read for anyone interested in a nomadic lifestyle. Recommended.

[Amlan Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love traveling .......after reading this book I m feeling my guts telling me.....just arrange your backpack and carry on.....as I m on a voyage now trying to plan a future trip immediately after.....
But turning into a Nomad is not that easy......lots of responsibilities ........
Writer has disclosed some valuable information on traveling cheap and efficiently ......which will help almost every traveller ....although the gadgets included here should be updated.. ..

[Alyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book because the author had different tips that aren't included in many other travel books, like how to initially get started for example. It was written in a bit of a salesman type language but I can handle that as long as the advice is good and sound and the book well written as was the case with Life Nomadic.

[Felly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative & useful guide for nomadic and traveling life (I put 3.5 stars actually). It is not a great book but quite helpful especially you are considering to be a person like Tynan. More info you can just click www.tynan.com. Anyhow I really agree with simple traveling style. I feel more relax with my 20 liter daypack during my last travelling experience.

[Kris Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

nomadic living

This book offers a great look at living a vagabond lifestyle. I enjoyed the information on securing economical flights. I liked the strategies on implementing minimalism. This book made we want to book my travels plans now. It is written in an easy to read format and will appeal to anyone who is looking for a change in their life.

[D. Redhawk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little book for the minimalist who wants to travel the world. Good solid information and website links that cover packing, getting excellent deals on travel costs, and how to locate work on the road. At my age, I might be slipping into a mid-life crises and changing my job!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating guide to minimalist nomadic travel by someone who is living it. While I'm not interested in being a nomad, there is some excellent advice here I will incorporate into my future travels.

[Kait Lynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great suggestions, incredible detail (down to the brand of wool underwear you should invest in), and the words to fill any traveler's heart with joy. Check out Life Nomadic if you've ever dreamt of leaving everything behind to gain everything you never thought you were missing.

[Cathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit holier-than-thou, but good, simple advice for those who want to live simply and find adventure all over the world.

[Doug Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

It upsets me a bit when people so young can have so much wisdom, and have figured things out that most 50-year-olds suffer with... Highly recommended