Day of Reflection

Yesterday was Nyepi, or Lunar New Year. Nyepi is a distinctly Balinese Hindu tradition, in which no “fires” (lights) are to be used, no one is to be outside houses, and everyone is to spend time meditating or reflecting. I spent my day reading the last 400 pages of John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath,
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Negotiating Tactics for Travelers

I’m like most Americans: I pay sticker price. In our daily routines, we are so used to paying the asking price that our negotiating skills are weak, if we have them at all. Traveling to non-Westernized nations is a terrific way to hone that skill. What I’ve found in negotiating is that there is no
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The Most Important Investment of Your Life

Today, after spending the night on a lightweight camping mat, I thought about the importance of things we buy. Why do we we buy so many things, how do we prioritize what we buy, and what is most important? After a little thinking, I have an answer to the most important possession a person can
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Live Comfortably On $1,100 Per Month

Since I decided to leave my job and travel indefinitely, I’ve gotten a lot of confused looks and interesting responses when talking about my plans. One of the most asked questions is if I’ve won the lottery or if I’m a millionaire. No and no. Somewhere along the way, society has put  in our minds
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