Kusa Cast – The Rise of Full-Time Travel: Exploring the World and Making Money Along the Way

Welcome to Kusa Cast, where we interview some of the most influential people in tourism from around the world. In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Heather Markel, a full-time travel coach. Heather shares her journey of becoming a digital nomad and offers insights into the mindset, money, and mastery needed for a successful nomadic lifestyle. Join us as we delve into the world of full-time travel and discover the strength and resilience required to embrace this new dawn.

Introduction to the Main Themes

In this episode of Kusa Cast, we have the opportunity to speak with Heather Markel, a full-time travel coach who has been living the digital nomad lifestyle for the past six years. Heather shares her personal journey of leaving her corporate job and embarking on a career of full-time travel. She discusses the mindset, money, and mastery required to sustain this lifestyle and offers valuable insights for those considering a similar path.

Heather’s story is an inspiration to many who dream of traveling the world while making a living. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s travel preferences, budgeting effectively, and planning for the long term. Heather also addresses common concerns such as health insurance and the logistics of traveling, including proof of exit and visa requirements.

Throughout the conversation, Heather highlights the significance of community and the role it plays in supporting and empowering full-time travelers. She discusses the importance of finding like-minded individuals who can provide guidance, share experiences, and offer a sense of belonging.

In-Depth Exploration of Each Theme

Mindset: Embracing the Journey

Heather’s journey into full-time travel began with a deep love for immersing herself in foreign cultures. Her experience of living with a host family in Normandy, France, at the age of 16 sparked a passion for travel and language learning. This early exposure to different cultures and ways of life set the foundation for her future as a full-time traveler.

“I lived with a host family in Normandy, France. When I was 16 years old. I went kicking and screaming, ended up having the time of my life, and that’s the first time I really immersed into a foreign culture, and I loved it.”

Heather’s corporate career became dissatisfying over time, leading her to pursue the entrepreneurial path as a certified coach. She took a six-month career break, intending to travel, but soon realized that this was not just a temporary break. Heather’s mindset shifted, and she embraced the full-time travel lifestyle.

“I just decided once I realized this wasn’t just a career break, I started thinking about how to monetize it. And that’s how the full-time travel coaching, among other things that I do, came into play so that I can work while I travel.”

Money: Budgeting and Monetizing Travel

Heather emphasizes the importance of budgeting and financial planning for a successful full-time travel lifestyle. She advises individuals to have a substantial savings bucket before embarking on this journey, as it provides a safety net during periods of fluctuating income.

“I did manage to save a lot of money before I did this, and I would recommend anyone planning to think of a year or more of this lifestyle. You should have a good savings bucket because now that remote work is much more popular, you don’t have to quit your job to have this lifestyle.”

Heather also discusses various ways to monetize travel, including coaching, paid speaking engagements, travel writing, and leveraging random opportunities that arise along the way. She acknowledges that monetizing social media can be challenging and time-consuming, with limited financial returns for most individuals.

Mastery: Navigating Logistics and Challenges

Heather provides valuable insights into the practical aspects of full-time travel, including visa requirements, proof of exit, and health insurance. She advises individuals to research the visa regulations of each country they plan to visit and to have a flexible exit plan in place to satisfy immigration requirements.

Regarding health insurance, Heather acknowledges the varying perspectives on its necessity. She recommends consulting with a financial advisor and considering individual comfort levels and financial situations when deciding on the type and extent of health insurance coverage.

“I think it’s important to be realistic about what you want and then about the budget and also have an idea of how long you want to travel. And I think it’s important to plan for the fact that you may want to maintain the lifestyle for a longer period than initially anticipated.”

Analysis of the Implications and Potential Impact of the Themes

Heather’s insights shed light on the growing trend of full-time travel and the increasing number of individuals embracing the digital nomad lifestyle. The rise of remote work opportunities has made it more feasible for people to combine work and travel, leading to a surge in interest and curiosity about this lifestyle.

The mindset required for full-time travel involves a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone, embrace new cultures, and navigate personal growth and self-discovery. It offers individuals the opportunity to challenge their preconceived notions, broaden their perspectives, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Financial planning and budgeting are crucial aspects of sustaining a full-time travel lifestyle. Heather’s emphasis on having a substantial savings bucket and exploring various income streams highlights the need for individuals to approach this lifestyle with a realistic understanding of their financial situation and long-term goals.

The logistics of full-time travel, including visa requirements and health insurance, can be complex and require careful consideration. Heather’s advice to research visa regulations, have proof of exit plans, and consult with financial advisors and insurance providers underscores the importance of thorough planning and preparation.

The sense of community and support provided by groups such as Full Time Travelers and Nomads and the Expats Coach Association is invaluable for individuals embarking on the full-time travel journey. These communities offer a platform for sharing experiences, seeking advice, and fostering a sense of belonging among like-minded individuals.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Heather Markel’s journey as a full-time travel coach offers valuable insights into the mindset, money, and mastery required for a successful nomadic lifestyle. Her experiences highlight the personal growth, self-discovery, and sense of community that can be found in embracing full-time travel.

As remote work opportunities continue to grow and more individuals seek a balance between work and travel, the full-time travel lifestyle is likely to become increasingly popular. However, it is essential for individuals to approach this lifestyle with careful planning, financial preparedness, and a willingness to adapt to the challenges and opportunities that arise along the way.

By embracing the mindset, mastering the financial aspects, and navigating the logistics of full-time travel, individuals can embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and personal growth. The rise of full-time travel represents a new dawn in the tourism industry, offering individuals the opportunity to explore the world while making a living.

As Heather Markel continues her journey, inspiring others through her coaching and community-building efforts, the future of full-time travel looks promising. With the right mindset, financial planning, and support, individuals can embark on a life-changing adventure, embracing the beauty and diversity of our world while forging their own path in the new dawn of travel.