Kyle Barraclough

https://www.equalfooting.org

Age: 40

Hometown: La Crescenta, CA

Quote: “The best part of long-term travel is the development of personal relationships.”

How long were you on the road? On and off for 7 years and still counting…

Where all did you go? I visited every continent in my first trip around the world in 2004-05.  Since then, I’ve broken some new ground, but I’ve mainly returned to places to develop relationships and projects I started the first time around.

What was your job or source of travel funding for this journey? Savings for the first few years.

Did you work or volunteer on the road? For the first few years, I didn’t work.  Since then, I’ve been working online.  I started my own physical commodities trading company as well as a commercial representation service for a US manufacturer.  Both involve international trade and can be conducted completely over the phone and internet, so I can stay mobile.

In 2005, I started helping a school in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma).  In 2007, that relationship became an official charity.  It’s 100% volunteer and keeps me plenty busy.

Of all the places you visited, which was your favorite? The most fun was Buenos Aires.  It is a cross between Paris and NYC at a 70% discount in prices and a 100% discount on attitude.

For me, the most beautiful city was Stockholm.  I think that one day the travel books will discover what it is all about, name it the next hot destination and ruin it forever; so go now (PS-you heard it here first!).

For jaw-dropping beauty?  Antarctica is unmatched.  It is hard to describe the majesty of the place.  It is perhaps the only place on Earth that man will never truly conquer; the elements are too powerful.  As an unexpected contrast to the unforgiving moods of the elements, the inhabitants are surprisingly friendly.  Penguins walk around you without fear as if on a busy New York sidewalk.  The babies are known to sit on your lap if you’re really still.  Seals and sea elephants are completely unafraid and allow respectful observance.

If I were to move anywhere, I’d choose Cape Town.  The vibrancy of the people and stunning location are irresistible.

The friendliest people were in Myanmar (Burma).  They are also gentle, respectful, curious and energetic.  In their company, as well as being in a place without the distractions of the modern world, I found my mind was able to rest as I had never before experienced.

Was there a place that was your least favorite, or most disappointing, or most challenging? I hate to answer this question – one of my pet peeves is travel books that say everything is fantastic!  Then you take their advice and find out it is terrible!  So, I’ll say that Singapore is a place I don’t have any desire to return to.  I love all things Asian, but it seems Singapore has traded its original identity for something totally Western.  It was built to be like everywhere, so it feels like being nowhere.  If you ever go, you’ll see what I mean.

Did any of your pre-trip worries or concerns come true?  Did you run into any problems or obstacles that you hadn’t anticipated? None.  No lost baggage.  No significant delays.  Never robbed.  I wasn’t the subject of any major scam.  In fact, I’ve never been victimized in any way.  It was 3-4 years before I actually ate something that disagreed with me.  I got sick from food more often in the US than on the road eating fresh food from street vendors.

Which travel gear proved most useful?  Least useful? If you chase the sun, as I have, you can go around the world in flip-flops with a couple of grocery bags to carry personal items.  I found that I didn’t use most of my clothing or “things.”  I had a $300 backpack, but could have easily traveled with something smaller and less sophisticated.  Of course, this doesn’t apply if you are doing anything extreme.  As for least useful, I would say my iPod and the 2,500 songs.  I was so stimulated by the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of each place that I didn’t need anything else to entertain myself.  Not only that, but when I did use it, the iPod reduced my sensory experience.  I could say the same for cell phones and laptops.  Once you live without these items and realize you didn’t miss anything by being “disconnected,” they become distraction and prevent you from tuning into where you are and tuning out of where you were.

What are the rewards of the vagabonding lifestyle? You give yourself the time, space and silence to connect with the wisdom of the ages.  Hopefully, vagabonding will take you to a place where you aren’t so distracted by the meaningless aspects of life and let you experience some stillness.  Once you tap into that, you see the universe is holding a mirror up to your face to show you who you are.  From that point, evolution is inevitable.

Additionally, it seems so much easier to make friends.  Everyone craves human connection and travelers are in a unique position to receive and extend a hand of friendship.  Other travelers leave their tough exteriors at home and locals want to expand their world through you. The best part of long-term travel is the development of personal relationships.

What are the challenges and sacrifices of the vagabonding lifestyle? For me, the biggest challenge is resisting the great homogenizing voice of the world.  By going against the grain of society, family, etc., one has to develop confidence and faith in the path being forged.  Otherwise, you will constantly question your choices and possibly end up back where you started.

What will you sacrifice?  Get in your car and drive through the nearest suburb.  Perhaps, your suburb.  Look around.  Does that seem like a sacrifice?

What lessons did you learn on the road? I had it right as a child.

How did your personal definition of “vagabonding” develop over the course of the trip? I learned it existed.  In the beginning, I thought would have to one day return to my old life after the adventure was over.  Happily, I discovered that wasn’t the truth at all.

If there was one thing you could have told yourself before the trip, what would it be? Nobody actually gives a damn who/what you are, so just be/do what you want, unapologetically.

Any advice or tips for someone hoping to embark on a similar adventure? Start now.  The conditions you are hoping to exist to make it easy for you to start, may or may not come.  You don’t have the control over those things that you think you do.  If the stars align and light an easy path to the airport, congratulations.  But, normally in life, difficult situations resolve only to be replaced by new challenges which turn into new excuses.  It will never be easier than it is at this moment.  Waiting is pointless in a world of constant change where security and stability are temporary (and, therefore, aren’t actually secure and stable).

When and where do you think you’ll take your next long-term journey? I’m on it and don’t expect it to end.  Asia now, S. America by the end of the year.

Are you a Vagabonding reader planning, in the middle of, or returning from a journey? Would you like your travel blog or website to be featured on Vagabonding Case Studies? If so, drop us a line at casestudies@vagabonding.net and tell us a little about yourself.