Travel.

It’s something many of us dream about, but often find ourselves putting off or squeezing into tight, hectic schedules.

We’ve all been there — planning short, rushed trips between work and daily responsibilities, thinking of travel as just another checkbox in the ‘lifestyle’ we’re supposed to have.

But what if travel didn’t have to be so rushed? What if it wasn’t about keeping up with trends or living up to society’s idea of what ‘lifestyle’ should look like?

Hey friends, welcome back!

Today, I want to share one of my recent favorite reads: Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel.

In this book, author Rolf Potts challenges everything we think we know about travel.

He argues that real exploration isn’t something you squeeze into a weekend or purchase like a new gadget. Instead, it’s a personal choice — one that doesn’t have to be dictated by society’s expectations.

This book isn’t just a guide to traveling the world. It’s a guide to living a life of freedom and intention, on your own terms.

Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts

The Book in 3 Sentences

• Vagabonding emphasizes the value of slow, immersive travel as a means to explore the world beyond tourist hotspots.
• It offers practical advice on how to fund and plan extended trips, encouraging readers to embrace the freedom and growth that come from traveling without a fixed itinerary.
• Potts challenges conventional ideas of travel, framing it as a lifestyle choice rather than a temporary escape, and advocates for a more mindful, intentional approach to experiencing the world.

Impressions

How Did I Discover It?

I discovered the book after hearing Tim Ferriss recommend it in one of his videos. As someone who’s always been intrigued by the idea of long-term travel, I was curious to see what the book had to offer on the subject.

Who Should Read It?

I’d recommend Vagabonding to anyone who is interested in long-term travel or taking a break from the conventional 9-to-5 lifestyle.

It’s ideal for those seeking a deeper, more meaningful way to explore the world, whether they’re planning a gap year, a sabbatical, or a complete life overhaul.

The book is also great for budget-conscious travelers, minimalist-minded people, and anyone wanting to gain the mindset and practical tools for embracing a life of travel, independence, and self-discovery.

How the Book Changed Me

• Patience and Perspective:
  When I travel, I often seek out local experiences rather than the typical tourist attractions. I want to see, feel, and think in ways that align more closely with how locals experience their world. My goal has always been to expand my perspective beyond my imagination. Vagabonding reminded me, however, that truly immersing yourself in another culture takes time — it’s not something that can be rushed or expected to produce quick results. The book taught me the value of patience and the importance of giving myself the time to genuinely understand others’ perspectives.
• The Journey, Not Just the Destination:
  One quote from the book particularly resonated with me: “As new experiences and insights take you in surprising new directions, you’ll gradually come to understand why longtime travelers insist that the journey itself is far more important than any destination.” While I’ve never gone on a long-term journey myself, I felt a deep connection to this idea. It’s something that can be applied to everyday life — focusing on the process and the experience, rather than just the end goal, brings its own kind of joy. Since reading this, I’ve been more mindful of “enjoying the journey,” and I even have the phrase on my wall as a daily reminder as I work toward my goals.
• Embracing Solitude and Exploration:
  Vagabonding also made me more enthusiastic about the idea of long-term travel, especially solo travel. The book helped me realize that solitude isn’t something to be feared, even in a big city like Tokyo, where I currently live. As the book says, “If travel really is an attitude of awareness and openness to new things, then any moment can be considered travel.” It encouraged me to approach my hometown with the same curiosity and openness as if it were a foreign land. The more I reflect on this, the more I see that the lessons of Vagabonding aren’t just about travel — they’re about living life more fully, right where you are.

My Top 3 Quotes

• “Despite several millennia of such warnings, however, there is still an overwhelming social compulsion — an insanity of consensus, if you will — to get rich from life rather than live richly, to “do well” in the world instead of living well.”
• “In many ways, embracing reality is daunting — not because of its hazards but because of its complexities. Thus, the best way to confront reality is not with a set method of interpretation (which will allow you to recognize only patterns you already know) but with a sincere attitude of open-mindedness.”
• “As new experiences and insights take you in surprising new directions, you’ll gradually come to understand why longtime travelers insist that the journey itself is far more important than any destination.”

I hope you find Vagabonding as insightful and inspiring as I did.

Until next time, happy travels!