Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel Paperback – December 24, 2002

An exceptional book that serves as much more than a travel guide; it's a roadmap to living life more fully through the lens of extended travel. The author's insights and practical advice are invaluable, drawn from genuine experiences and a deep understanding of the joys and challenges of long-term travel. What makes this book stand out is its emphasis on the philosophy and mindset of travel, not just the logistics. It encourages readers to break free from conventional travel patterns and embrace the world with open arms and an open mind. The writing is engaging and relatable, making even the most exotic travel concepts seem attainable. This book is a treasure trove of tips, anecdotes, and wisdom, ideal for both seasoned travelers and those dreaming of their first big adventure. 'Vagabonding' doesn't just inspire you to travel; it inspires you to explore the world in a more meaningful and sustainable way. A delightful and enlightening read for anyone who believes in the transformative power of travel.

This is a pretty simple book, designed for those who have never traveled but always wanted to. By "travel" I'm referring to long-term, low-budget travel. This is definitely not intended for the independently wealthy or those who don't know how to function without all of the conveniences of home. Nor is meant for the person who has a couple of weeks off of work and just wants to get out of town. There are plenty of other books for people interested in those types of travel.The author describes several different approaches to travel and refrains from passing judgment on any of them. He lays out the pros and cons of each style and lets you decide what's right for you. He provides dozens of resources and is continually adding to them on his website. Somehow, he passes on all of this information without making the book feel like a typical travel book.I took six months off after college and traveled around the U.S. with my then-toddler son. Sustained travel can be difficult even in this country. When my son graduates high school, I plan to try long-term international travel. This book was a great jumping off point for me. I was surprisingly impressed.

I'm the kind of person who, as a child, the teacher would have to shoo the birds away from the window, because I could never pay attention in class. I couldn't help it. I daydreamt about the freedom of those wonderful winged creatures and how, if they didn't desire this spot or that one, they could easy flap their wings and fly away. I still do this...So when I was working and listening to the Tim Ferriss podcasts and how he sounded so passionate about travel, it rekindled that fire. I picked up a couple of other travel books and it seemed, no matter what or who, this book was mentioned. I hesitated because I couldn't explain the price when so much is free on the net. However, I finally did it when I realized it wasn't a simple purchase but an investment to my desires and dreams.I regret not buying this sooner! It was multiple times more useful from it's impressive amount of knowledge and links and book names to further enhance one's study to wherever in the world one wants to go! For the first time since the Corps, I'm looking at long term travel again - but on my terms! Thank you Rolf, for this work of art, and to all those who helped push this book. I add my name to that list proudly! Again, this isn't a simple purchase of fancy, this is a great self-investment with huge returns!

Not since reading the Jules Verne classic "Around the World in 80 Days" has my imagination been more fired up. I just completed a year of sabbatical of travel around the globe so I could easily act like this book is remedial, which is hardly the case.This book is an intellectual toolkit for any traveler. It not only lays out a dense amount of valuable and practical advice for many travel topics but it will also work out your mind from the easy chair of your living room.I have read Rolf's (the author) writings before and was excited to see he was writing a book. I love many travel writers but Rolf is the first to truly represent a younger and recent generation. To spite his youth he doesn't fall into the Gen-X trap of all cynicism and no substance instead his wit and style fall more into an updated Catcher in the Rye vibe.I recommend if you love his book, become a daily reader of his website, where he posts daily musings and travel quotes. What I strongly recommend against is paying attention to the crackpot that listed the stay at home parenting book as a counter choice to Vagabonding. Clearly this person didn't bother to read Rolf's book, because its clear message isn't about making a life choice of travel over family responsibility, if anything its message is about living your life to its fullest potential so you can experience a life without regret. Something tells me there would be many more happy relationships and families if more people knew more about the big planet out there and followed their unrealized dreams.Take the challenge and read this book.

I really enjoy travel adventures and enjoy the travelers allowing us to read about what they have experienced. I have been fortunate enough to be able to travel to some out of the way places most people will not go because of some of these writers.I cant say that for this book. About a third of this book is filled with never ending quotes from Muir to Thoreau and others less well known.As well as every agency and travel organization you can think of. Examples Multi Cultural Travels, Family Travel, Ethical Guide, Nat Geo,Rainforest Alliance, Peace Corps, Cross Cultural Solutions and even Religous groups.THe best part ofthe book are the listings of all these groups, Agencies and Organizations.I will not reference the book for his story but I will save it for the listings of all these orgnizations.It's the most complete listing with addresses and web sites I've ever seen in one publication.