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Velveteen.Rabbit
08-19-2016, 10:42 PM
Literally every single day in the hostel there is someone different who has asked me to hang out lol. I'm here to work but I don't want to tell them that because I don't wanna get into a lengthy conversation about being a dancer because it's annoying to have to defend the stereotypes.

Velveteen.Rabbit
08-23-2016, 10:07 PM
So hostels are interesting because it's 90% travelers from exotic locations and 10% mentally unstable people. Which is actually kind of sad. But the dynamic is interesting. Being easily bored like I am where I constantly need to be exposed to new things, I like to be surrounded by people a lot and love being around groups of people even if I am not interacting. I need a lot to be going on around me even if I am keeping to myself, which I do a lot. I'm like an extroverted introvert or introverted extrovert, and hostels are great for those situations.

I'm also really pissed because I was supposed to go to NOLA and was all set, but then there was a random flood in Louisiana and the entire state was declared to be in a state of emergency, so I decided to pass in favor of a different location. I've been trying to go there for the longest time, but it never works out! And now school is starting shortly.

Velveteen.Rabbit
08-24-2016, 12:26 PM
What are the best cities to be a nomad in a hostel? How about Mexico? Anyone have experience with that?

Gia2608
08-26-2016, 09:15 PM
Hotels in Mexico are really cheap (outside of the major cities and tourist areas)

carmen_b
10-09-2016, 02:35 PM
I am hoping to make a 1k surplus by mid Nov.
I've been wanting to go back to Thailand since I left last winter. :).
I think after the flight , I can easily average only $20 - $30 a day once on the ground and stay a month.

carmen_b
10-09-2016, 02:40 PM
Are any of you going to your next destinations With your partner? I think he's coming on this trip ( it'll be our first out of the country one together ).

I'd love to split the next 12 months between the U.S. and cheaper areas but for now I'm just telling him ideas about this " one trip ".

Velveteen.Rabbit
10-10-2016, 07:54 AM
I think I'm contemplating a move for when I'm done with school. I like my area a lot but it doesn't make sense to stay here long term because of the insane cost of living and the type of people here. I'd rather end up buying a tiny house in a quieter area where it rains more. I miss certain aspects of SF but not actual SF. I like it here too, there's a lot of dreamers, but the negatives and positives make it break even for long term.

What made you guys choose your areas? I think I want to travel a bit again.

carmen_b
10-10-2016, 08:53 AM
^ I was always a sucker for expensive areas ( lived in Bay Area and Honolulu for the most part in the last 6 years but also bopped around the entire Western states dancing 2009 - 2012 too). There are REASONS people are drawn to these amazing areas but it's just exhausting trying to keep up . I'm just in a phase now where my on the ground costs HAVE TO be affordable . I'm not willing to work much more than 40 hours a week ( I know that may seem weird but I'm after balance now after 5 years of working much more ).

Living in a lower cost city is right for us for now . It's still in the U.S. which irritates me since i know there's more affordable living outside the country but this is a compromise with my partner.

I can tell you it eases up the stress though. I'm able to reach for about 70% of the earnings from my business now that I used to NEED in these expensive cities. This has been an amazing transition since that means I can leave the more slow moving / harder to close 30% of the clients alone and just work with my ( favorite ) faster moving 2/3 or so of them.

In a nutshell, you may find that you just LOVE the lower costs .

Velveteen.Rabbit
10-10-2016, 09:41 AM
^ I've only ever lived in the Bay Area or LA if you exclude all the 3month stints I've done in places like AZ, NV, and Europe. NYC is on my radar still but I don't see it as long term. I just don't think LA would ever be good to buy a home in or have kids in. I mean maybe if I did Long Beach? That wouldn't be too bad.

The day to day and overall costs don't bother me as much as purchasing a home costs and how livable it would be for kids. Most of the pricey areas are awful in both categories and make expenses jump extremely high to basically unlivable. Private schools or purchasing homes in nice areas with good schools. The Bay Area and LA make that impossible.

But everything else, I don't really care if its pricey or not. Between nursing and lowkey adult venues, I could make it work, but I want it to be a good investment and work for long term. Because of nursing, I can't leave the U.S. except for Australia (I'm thinking about that too!) and Britain (Which seems $$$ except for conservative Ireland... England is just no.) Nurses don't really exist in the same way here anywhere else.

The cities I'm looking at are Portland, Chicago, Austin, and NOLA. Though everyone tells me not to do NOLA.

carmen_b
10-10-2016, 09:56 AM
^ Your day job field seems perfect for travel. I've met tons of travelers in that field who were on work stints 9 months - a year.

SnuffleUffleGrass
10-10-2016, 10:10 AM
I live in the Midwest for financial reasons but I miss the social environment of Northern California.

Regarding being a nomad...I don't like it anymore but it's my main way to make $$$ until I can push on to the next level in life.

Velveteen.Rabbit
10-10-2016, 10:59 AM
^ Your day job field seems perfect for travel. I've met tons of travelers in that field who were on work stints 9 months - a year.

Yeah travel nurses can have 3month - 2year contracts pretty much where ever, but I don't know how a relationship would fare with that kind of schedule.

Montreal and Vancouver are also on my list. Maybe Quebec City too.

Velveteen.Rabbit
10-10-2016, 11:00 AM
Regarding being a nomad...I don't like it anymore but it's my main way to make $$$ until I can push on to the next level in life.

Same, I don't really want to be a nomad, I just want something with long term potential.

carmen_b
10-13-2016, 01:11 PM
I think we are road tripping ( ending up in Ventura CA ) starting next week .

I'm looking for recommendations for a day or two doing stuff like picking my own produce , winery recommendations in the " medium " budget range or just any hidden healing type of places to visit . My day job is in Santa Ynez Oct 19-23ish.

MissJu
10-21-2016, 08:31 AM
Found this youtube channel, i found it to be inspirational
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TjrJShwDdE
https://www.instagram.com/hoboahle/
leave her likes and thumbs up:)
This girl is also traveling and she has a youtube channel
https://www.instagram.com/chiumonster/

Stevie710
10-21-2016, 09:53 AM
I'm wanting to try out a hostel in NOLA. I'm pretty nervous though because I've never stayed in a hostel. Does anyone have any experience with hostels on the east coast?

carmen_b
10-21-2016, 10:40 PM
^ You'll be fine ! One trick is to stay in one of the higher ( or mid - high ) price ones because this will be the nice one v.s. lower priced hostels that can scare people. They are not as kept up !
You'd be amazed at how nice some are ( google " one day " in Bangkok for example, my most recent hostel stay .... it looks like a 4 star hotel inside ... you just have room mates ). There were even full curtains all around the bed giving me my own little pod.

Velveteen.Rabbit
10-22-2016, 11:08 AM
^ You'll be fine ! One trick is to stay in one of the higher ( or mid - high ) price ones because this will be the nice one v.s. lower priced hostels that can scare people. They are not as kept up !
You'd be amazed at how nice some are ( google " one day " in Bangkok for example, my most recent hostel stay .... it looks like a 4 star hotel inside ... you just have room mates ). There were even full curtains all around the bed giving me my own little pod.

The added benefit to that trick is that you'll usually avoid really low class people who are disrespectful and lacking etiquette. I'm not talking shit on low class people since I grew up in a very poor neighborhood, I just mean that by not booking the lowest end hostel, you tend to avoid people who lack classy mannerisms and are replaced by respectful travelers.

For example, when I stayed at the cheapest hostel in an area, I would often come in contact with rude people who lacked etiquette. Girls screaming into their cell phones at 6am in a room full of sleeping people. Girls turning off the lights early when it's clear someone is reading something at that moment. Jealous/insecure girls making rude comments for no reason. One girl locking everyone else out of the room because she's tired of people going in and out.

You tend to avoid all that by going a notch or two up in price (usually a couple dollars per night, so it's not a big deal) because for some reason they usually opt for the cheapest place possible. The goal, at least for me, is to be surrounded by respectful travelers and not people who lack etiquette and class and are staying there out of necessity due to the misfortunes mostly from a lack of etiquette.

seashell
11-02-2016, 08:05 PM
Do you ladies have any tips for making friends/meeting people as a solo traveler, not staying in a hostel? I'm in the market for an English teaching job abroad, but I kinda want to travel cam instead and do some country hopping... :)

Velveteen.Rabbit
11-03-2016, 12:51 PM
Do you ladies have any tips for making friends/meeting people as a solo traveler, not staying in a hostel? I'm in the market for an English teaching job abroad, but I kinda want to travel cam instead and do some country hopping... :)

Aside from hostels and tinder or a friend hooking me up with people, I have found that most people see new people, especially travelers, as a burden and do not want to waste their time being more than just a distant acquaintance.

Gia2608
11-03-2016, 02:20 PM
I think it depends where you go to be honest- I made A LOT of friends in South America because the country I spent a lot of time in is a very hospitable. I have heard this about the Philippines as well but have yet to go there... I would think there are plenty of places in the US as well where people are friendly to travelers but not in say... NYC or Boston.

I would say to go out by your self but be very, very careful drinking so you do not get drugged. Also, if you go somewhere with beaches I feel like beaches are full of sunny, out going young people.

Stevie710
11-04-2016, 06:33 AM
I'm getting ready to visit portland for a while. Anyone have any good tips for portland? clubs, food etc? your favorite places? places to check out just fun?

carmen_b
11-04-2016, 10:04 AM
^ To relax :
http://cgwc.org/index.php/home-cgwc-bathhouse-sauna-massage-naturopathy-accupuncture/the-bathhouse/

For coffee :
Pretty much everywhere.

Very unique / Affordable hostel ( in an old school ). There is a restaurant on site .
http://www.mcmenamins.com/427-kennedy-school-home

carmen_b
11-09-2016, 02:13 PM
The Thailand trip is ON ! :)
Back to the land of $13-$20 hotel rooms, $1.25 - $4 meals, $6 - $12 massages, and .65 smoothies!


I think he is going ! :) We BOTH have sent our passport off for expediting !
I'm excited ! This will be roughly late Nov. - mid January.
I don't want to get ahead of myself but I'm tempted to add Vietnam or another neighboring country on after but for now will just book and change later if needed.

My largest attitude problem is life right now is that I make my day job living online and then I haven't REALLY taken advantage of it ( month long or multi month trips ). I want to fix that.

carmen_b
11-09-2016, 02:25 PM
Some people have the most sour attitude about extended travel. I guess I will make a note of who does and just tell them after I'm already there.

xxxGothBarbie
11-12-2016, 02:35 AM
I'm getting ready to visit portland for a while. Anyone have any good tips for portland? clubs, food etc? your favorite places? places to check out just fun?

Yes! Robo taco is a must have & this southern style restaurant close to downtowwn is also a must do. Not my fave place to visit but the food & scenery was cool for a first time experience to look at & enjoy.

xxxGothBarbie
11-12-2016, 02:16 PM
Out of curiosity if some of you are just hopping from state to state for the experience, what all do you bring with you on the road? I'm looking at all my things & while I don't have much or really need much, I know I'll need at least 2 suitcases plus my cosmetic bag (makeup, hair dyer, flat iron, curling iron, etc). How much clothing & personal item stuff do you guys bring along?

Glamourmilf
11-16-2016, 11:42 AM
Out of curiosity if some of you are just hopping from state to state for the experience, what all do you bring with you on the road? I'm looking at all my things & while I don't have much or really need much, I know I'll need at least 2 suitcases plus my cosmetic bag (makeup, hair dyer, flat iron, curling iron, etc). How much clothing & personal item stuff do you guys bring along?

Everything AND the kitchen sink.
I've been on the road for 2 months, and it's exhausting trying to lug everything around.
I've already lost some things.
Ugh!
I'm now a believer in traveling light.
Can't handle it anymore.

Velveteen.Rabbit
11-18-2016, 03:58 PM
Where are you guys spending December/January?? I want to travel before I get officially locked in to a life where I can't travel, starting next spring.

carmen_b
02-18-2017, 05:48 PM
I forced myself to pack light ( one suitcase for me and one gym bag size bag for dancing).
I was camping out of my truck during my most heavy travel phases of dancing so I couldn't really carry a ton ( the shell had room for me, the two bags, and a small cooler, but any extra stuff would get in my way sleeping ).

We made such a mistake overpacking on the Asia trip too and one bag I brought was ONLY to do some volunteer work ( I needed the bag ). On the next trip, I'm limiting things to ONE bag instead of two.

Look at it this way ..... if you store your things and have an assistant or trusted friend who can help and you REALLY need something, they can ship it to you.


Out of curiosity if some of you are just hopping from state to state for the experience, what all do you bring with you on the road? I'm looking at all my things & while I don't have much or really need much, I know I'll need at least 2 suitcases plus my cosmetic bag (makeup, hair dyer, flat iron, curling iron, etc). How much clothing & personal item stuff do you guys bring along?

carmen_b
02-18-2017, 05:51 PM
For most of Feb. we will be in a ski town ( if I can handle it , ha ). We are both doing our day job freelance work and I have my massage side hustle / he has started at starbucks as his side hustle. We get a pound of beans a week ! :)


Where are you guys spending December/January?? I want to travel before I get officially locked in to a life where I can't travel, starting next spring.

carmen_b
02-18-2017, 05:52 PM
I probably should ease off on reading travel blogs. I am finding myself SO agitated sometimes that we are in the U.S. even though logically I know we need to settle a bit. I know they are so fake too ( staged photos / no one is ever honest about places they don't like ) yet I am still so addicted to my favorite ones.

kortneykay
03-20-2017, 10:40 AM
I'm doing more traveling this summer. I say that every year but this time I finally got tickets so no excuses not to go, now.

Sometimes I feel like my anxiety stops me and sabotages me in a way but I'm finally pushing myself out there in 2017. Last year I just went to Canada so it's a start. I used to be so adventurous. Been to several coy tries ad a kid but for some reason as an adult I feel more afraid. Fuck it, I better use it before I lose it.

SnuffleUffleGrass
03-20-2017, 12:44 PM
I'm feeling the hangover effects from living too many years as a nomad- it's almost impossible to understand settling down.

Glamourmilf
03-21-2017, 08:08 AM
I just read that airlines aren't allowing iPads, laptops, tablets, or any electronics on oversea/ out of the country flights.
Huh?
Not cool.

seashell
03-21-2017, 12:28 PM
I just read that airlines aren't allowing iPads, laptops, tablets, or any electronics on oversea/ out of the country flights.
Huh?
Not cool.
They're specifically restricting electronics larger than cell phones from some Islamic countries. They must be in checked baggage. :\

BlkSharpie
03-21-2017, 05:13 PM
Im going completely and totally stir crazy here... the only reason Ive stayed in one place so long is because kiddo is in school. Well, not just that reason..she asked me if we can stay here. But...now that she will be on her own soon, Im so ready to pick up and go go go.

All the same, we and I have traveled quite a bit. We go on trips...getting that much closer to making our trip to Japan this summer a reality. Ive been to Sweden, Mexico, Germany, Switzerland... but in the states..all over. And not just for work (I tour as an escort), but also for personal..we did a roadtrip from San Diego to the Grand Canyon and traveled along Route 66 which was so much fun, even took kiddo to Vegas which she liked more than she thought she would lol and well, all in all Ive been to about 30 states...have lived in 6 states.

The world is just way too big to stay in one place. I cant even think of buying a house, I dont want anything tying me down. Though Ive stayed in one place for kiddo, I never thought of her as tying me down btw, beause shes an awesome travel partner. But yeah, at least for now, home ownership isnt for me. I have very few possessions...it would take me maybe 2 hours to pack up my entire apartment. And even then, I look around and think of things I could get rid of. Stuff doesnt mean that much to me..its experiences.

carmen_b
04-01-2017, 01:25 PM
^ I have adored by South West USA adventures like your described ! I still circle that area OFTEN !

SO EXCITING to have your schedule free up to be able to be mobile!

I wouldn't be scared of getting a home though . You can rent it out. I purchased 9 years ago and have only lived there one year. Eventually, it'll be ( somewhat passively ) paid off. The key is getting a management company you trust though. The last thing you need it to be on the road and have an issue. Rent has raised in the area to the point where I pay them to do everything related to it and net about $250 a month profit from it.

I treat my current rental condo like a " Nomad Pod " too. Everything is really minimal here so when I want to leave , I can take photos / videos and rent it out for a month or more pretty easily.

carmen_b
04-04-2017, 09:23 AM
I'm feeling in a down mood and somewhat angry at my partner for not developing his remote income stream. :/
Mine has been pretty solid for a year. I guess I'm settling into the truth the this is more *my* thing than ours and seeing what that means.

I'm so bummed too because in my version of our dream life , we each should have at least $1200-$2,200 monthly fully remote income and this number would open us up to so many places ( not just the cheapest places ).

Sometimes I wonder how other ladies find their really adventurous dudes ! I have fought about these same issues with every person I've been with.

seashell
04-04-2017, 11:03 AM
My bf and I are planning a long road trip around the Pacific coast. I'm reeeally excited! But also, kinda nervous because the only way he can afford to go is if we couchsurf or stay in hostels. We're both introverts, so hopefully that won't slowly drive us nuts, lol.

buttonpop
04-04-2017, 04:21 PM
My bf and I are planning a long road trip around the Pacific coast. I'm reeeally excited! But also, kinda nervous because the only way he can afford to go is if we couchsurf or stay in hostels. We're both introverts, so hopefully that won't slowly drive us nuts, lol.

Why don't you guys bring camping gear and go camping once or twice a week? It'll give you both some alone time but then you can go back into the city and shower and stuff during your hostel days.

I cant do long term hosteling. I NEED my alone time.

carmen_b
04-05-2017, 07:45 AM
^ I was going to suggest the same !

carmen_b
04-05-2017, 07:47 AM
Seashell , two of my faves for that route are the cliff side hot springs at Esalen and the Pacifica lighthouse hostel ( best ocean view at any hostel I've ever stayed in ).

seashell
04-05-2017, 03:59 PM
^^Thanks, ladies! That is super helpful!!

xxxGothBarbie
04-05-2017, 04:05 PM
How much do you ladies generally have saved up in your bank accounts when you plan on hitting the road for awhile? I'm just now at the point where I'm getting a good sum going & am itching to run away for awhile.

carmen_b
04-06-2017, 07:15 AM
I've done it with less than $1,000 liquid savings ( plus cards for emergencies ). If you are planning to dance you can make money along the way so it's easy to just go. :)

kortneykay
04-21-2017, 05:27 PM
^ I have adored by South West USA adventures like your described ! I still circle that area OFTEN !

SO EXCITING to have your schedule free up to be able to be mobile!

I wouldn't be scared of getting a home though . You can rent it out. I purchased 9 years ago and have only lived there one year. Eventually, it'll be ( somewhat passively ) paid off. The key is getting a management company you trust though. The last thing you need it to be on the road and have an issue. Rent has raised in the area to the point where I pay them to do everything related to it and net about $250 a month profit from it.

I treat my current rental condo like a " Nomad Pod " too. Everything is really minimal here so when I want to leave , I can take photos / videos and rent it out for a month or more pretty easily.

Thank the Gods for you, Carmen. This is exactly what I'm aiming to do right now as soon as I pay my condo off. All I've wanted to do was travel and rent my place out for side income.

kortneykay
04-21-2017, 05:36 PM
How much do you ladies generally have saved up in your bank accounts when you plan on hitting the road for awhile? I'm just now at the point where I'm getting a good sum going & am itching to run away for awhile.

Honestly, I choose where I wanna go, and what I wanna do and then decide on a budget. I'm a bougie traveler so I tend to save thousands and splurge. I've made some mistakes previously so I try and get nice accommodations ASAP. But I also make sure that I take a few skype shows as well if I'm up for it so I have back up funds to my funds.

carmen_b
04-22-2017, 04:33 PM
I'm not sure if I want to be patient and try to use my flight benefits ( space available ). I haven't used them in years.

carmen_b
04-29-2017, 08:34 AM
Bleh. I need two of me.
In part, I want to just stay here and get my real estate license and hustle up a storm ...... and the other half of me just wants to work " enough " doing my online hustle to keep traveling!
;/