Alan Perlman

https://www.the9to5alternative.com

Age: 24

Hometown: Boston, MA

Quote: “In an increasingly globalized world, I think we’ll see more and more people push the definition of ‘vagabonding’.”

How did you find out about Vagabonding, and how did you find it useful before and during the trip? I read Vagabonding a while ago, per the recommendation of a friend. Chanced upon the website shortly thereafter, and whenever I need a good dose of inspiration—for travel ideas, writing, adventure, etc.—I hop on over!

How long were you on the road? I’ve been employed as a cost-of-living surveyor for the last two and a half years. I travel four times a year, and each trip is around four to six weeks long. My most recent survey was in Southeast Asia. The trip was thirty seven days.

Where all did you go? I went to Singapore, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Dhaka, Pattaya and Bangkok, with a twelve-hour layover in Tokyo on the way home.

What was your job or source of travel funding for this journey? My primary income is through my company, which pays for transportation, food and accommodation on the road. I also make income by writing for a travel start-up, and I’m exploring ways to generate cash through affiliate marketing, additional writing opportunities and website consulting.

Did you work or volunteer on the road? I work! As a cost-of-living surveyor, I hunt for prices in pharmacies, supermarkets, car dealerships, restaurants, you name it. I also meet with real estate agents to learn about the rental market. I spend about a week in each city.

Of all the places you visited, which was your favorite? Too many favorites! I really liked the Middle East, specifically Damascus, Syria and Amman, Jordan. In Africa, I liked my trips to Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Djibouti.

Was there a place that was your least favorite, or most disappointing, or most challenging? While I try to find positive aspects of each city, there are a few places where I had a difficult time with language and work logistics. Nigeria and Angola were both tough places to travel. Central Russia was as well, though top-notch vodka helped ease the pain. Turkmenistan was challenging but rewarding—without company support, it would have been a difficult place to see!

Did any of your pre-trip worries or concerns come true?  Did you run into any problems or obstacles that you hadn’t anticipated? While traveling, unanticipated obstacles are inevitable. I’ve learned to let go and take them as they come. Canceled flights, getting stranded in an Australian mall thirty minutes outside of the city—it’s all part of the adventure.

Which travel gear proved most useful?  Least useful? After a series of luggage issues in Africa, I bought a Travelpro carry-on. Cheers to traveling light! I also bring my Vibram Five Fingers shoes—they’re light, easily washable and a great conversation piece.

What are the rewards of the vagabonding lifestyle? Opening one’s mind, seeing the world, learning to be flexible—traveling yields all kinds of rewards! One of my favorite travel-related quotes is from Mark Twain, who wrote in a letter that “…nothing so liberalizes a man and expands the kindly instincts that nature put in him as travel and contact with many kinds of people.” Couldn’t agree more.

What are the challenges and sacrifices of the vagabonding lifestyle? For me, having to leave every six weeks has made it tough to stay in touch with friends, and maintaining any kind of romantic relationship has been challenging. For now, that part of my life is on hold. I also travel alone, so sometimes it can get a little lonely, but I’ve also been fortunate enough to connect with people through blogging, Twitter and friends-of-friends.

What lessons did you learn on the road? Over the last few years, I’ve learned a lot about myself. Traveling can be stressful, and with each obstacle and hurdle I’ve grown emotionally stronger. Inner peace has become easier to obtain. People have become easier to connect to. I’ve learned to appreciate the little things in life.

How did your personal definition of “vagabonding” develop over the course of the trip? When I used to hear the word “vagabonding,” I’d think of a smelly and smiley long-term backpacker—maybe it’s because my first long-term trip was to Nepal? That understanding has changed dramatically. The global vagabonds I’ve met come in all shapes and sizes. In an increasingly globalized world, I think we’ll see more and more people push the definition of “vagabonding.”

If there was one thing you could have told yourself before the trip, what would it be? I wish I had taken more video footage from my travels. I’m starting to capture more and more, but it’s something I should have started a couple of years ago.

Any advice or tips for someone hoping to embark on a similar adventure? Get your budget and finances in order (and automated)! I’d also spend a lot of time researching logistics, as that can be a big expense. I spend 80% of my time researching logistics, and 20% of my time researching things to do in each city. I’m a big fan of walking around, talking to people, taking the experiences as they come. Figure out what kind of traveler you are, and embrace it.

When and where do you think you’ll take your next long-term journey? I’ll be taking another four to five week trip in February, either to Africa or South America. That said, I’m saving up airline miles and may take a longer, non-business RTW jaunt in the next year or two. Stay tuned!

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.