Vagabonding Case Study: Rick Griffith

Rick Griffith

www.livingbueno.com

Age: 25

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Quote: “I feel like in the US we don’t have the opportunity to go to foreign lands as easily as say Europeans and we get caught up in only what is happening in our neighborhood. Seeing the world will blow your mind and completely shift your perspective.

How did you find out about Vagabonding, and how did you find it useful before and during the trip?

I actually was initially turned on to Vagabonding by The 4 Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris. I then went on to read both Vagabonding and Marco Polo didn’t go there. The useful tips really made me plan out my journey much more thoroughly than I otherwise would have and made me consider traveling for a longer period of time than I had initially thought. Marco polo didn’t go there was a huge inspiration for me. As a writer seeing how these great stories came together and having a glimpse into the writing process was priceless.

How long were you on the road?

For the first trip in South America, I was on the road for 3 months. I am currently on a second journey through Europe for 3-5 months.

Where all did you go?

I flew from Seattle to Ft. Lauderdale and then onto Lima, Peru. After experiencing Lima, I took a bus down the coast to Arica, Chile, before continuing onto Santiago. I then hopped a bus over the Andes into Mendoza, Argentina which I loved! From there it was onto Buenos Aires, Argentina where I lived in a flat for 2 months before retracing my journey back to Peru via an 85 hour bus ride this time (not recommended).

What was your job or source of travel funding for this journey?

I have been working as a freelance writer after starting on elance.com. I started writing my own blog as well documenting my journeys and experiences in living the nomadic lifestyle. I have found that if you can find a few very good clients whom you do freelance work for and take care of them well, it can be a terrific profession and give you the freedom of location independence. I kept my blog going and it has become much more popular to the point where it now generates income through sponsorship and advertising arrangements.

Did you work or volunteer on the road?

Not usually. I am not against the idea, I just really enjoy being on the road and volunteer opportunities will many times require large time commitments. With freelance work coming in I usually need to have quite a bit of time to myself and a good internet connection in order to continue funding my trips.

Of all the places you visited, which was your favorite?

South America is gorgeous. So much to see and learn and it is so interesting to see the different cultures and cities and the way they function in contrast to what we see in the US. I would say that Buenos Aires is unlike anything I have seen. Truly a city that has its own vibe and personality and it is something I found so endearing. I often say that wherever I go, my heart is in Buenos Aires. These passionate people that are so laid back, in this gorgeous city that is so flawed and so perfect at the same time. It is indescribable to anyone who has not been there.

Was there a place that was your least favorite, or most disappointing, or most challenging?

I loved all the cities I visited and though some may have been more challenging than others, it is all what makes seeing the different places so fun. If there was one thing I disliked, it was the bus ride for 85 hour from Buenos Aires to Lima in which among other things I took up and quit smoking, we got a flat tire and were stalled 10 hours and I ended up salsa dancing with an elderly Peruvian women in the aisles with some other travelers needing to stretch their legs. Like I said, sometimes the headaches can be a bit painful in travel, but in retrospect you look back and just laugh at these wild experiences.

Did any of your pre-trip worries or concerns come true?  Did you run into any problems or obstacles that you hadn’t anticipated?

Not speaking Spanish wore on me a bit after a few months. Though I spoke enough to get by and improved dramatically, I met so many good people that I couldn’t talk as in depth with as I would have liked.

Which travel gear proved most useful?  Least useful?

By far my Datsusara backpack, there is nothing like it. It is made of Hemp and comes with strong zippers. I picked up some clothes along the way and I have no idea how the backpack made it through the trip and onto my next one. Least useful would be have to be the 2nd laptop I brought that I never once used. I got used to using my netbook and found my big clunky Laptop useless and a pain to lug around.

What are the rewards of the vagabonding lifestyle?

I think the biggest reward is the education it provides. Talking with so many intelligent people from around the world who are also traveling has given me an insight into so many different cultures. When you live the backpacker’s life you meet amazing new friends that you feel an immediate connection with. The live a similar lifestyle and share similar beliefs many times and it seems easier for me to make friends on the road than at home. Also becoming more knowledgeable about the many places you visit and simple changing your perspective from what you have seen growing up in one city, it is an amazing thing.

What are the challenges and sacrifices of the vagabonding lifestyle?

You will smell, be sore and tired from walking with heavy bags and you will never get enough sleep. Getting your laundry done is an annoyance at home and a celebration on the road.

What lessons did you learn on the road?

You can be exactly who you want to be when you are no longer the person that your friends or acquaintances have conditioned you to be. I learned that saying yes to invitations to go experience things with other travelers will often times be the best experiences of your trip. You can go from a controlled, structured lifestyle to a week of pure spontaneity and it is quite the welcome change to life at home.

How did your personal definition of “vagabonding” develop over the course of the trip?

I think that Vagabonding is a lifestyle choice for many. For Americans in particular getting out and seeing the world is something that will completely change your perspective. I feel like in the US we don’t have the opportunity to go to foreign lands as easily as say Europeans and we get caught up in only what is happening in our neighborhood. Seeing the world will blow your mind and completely shift your perspective. Everyone must at least once head off to an unknown land. You will learn more about yourself than anything else and create memories you will never forget.

If there was one thing you could have told yourself before the trip, what would it be?

Tranquillo as the Argentines say. Just take it easy and let things come to you. I would stress out so much about the minor details like buying bus tickets and getting around before hand and then when in person you realize that these things are quite simple in any language. In future journeys I now know to take it easy and it will all work itself out.

Any advice or tips for someone hoping to embark on a similar adventure?

Spirit airlines to South America is amazingly cheap. Friends are always blown away after searching airfare and then hearing my tips and I know many that have saved hundreds of dollars this way. I would also say choose one place to spend a longer period of time to become a part of a city. I chose to live in Buenos Aires for 2 of the 3 months I was on the road and it is something I will never forget. Take the time to really get to know at least one place well.

When and where do you think you’ll take your next long-term journey?

I am currently writing this from an apartment overlooking the main street, Via Roma, in Palermo, Sicily. I will be on the road 3-5 months and have no real set plans other than, I must see Berlin and I’m currently renting a room in a flat in Palermo. Next year I plan to take on South East Asia as well, so we will see where the road takes me.

Twitter: Rickchise23 Website: livingbueno.com

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.

Posted by | Comments (2)  | August 10, 2011
Category: Vagabonding Case Studies


2 Responses to “Vagabonding Case Study: Rick Griffith”

  1. Heather Says:

    I hadn’t yet had the pleasure to find Ricks blog until I saw him here. I love his writing style, simple, to the point, entertaining, and edgy. Glad I found him! Amazing help as I begin my travels and set off to join the global community! Thank you!

  2. Rick A. Griffith Says:

    Thanks Heather! 🙂