NuNomad

Don't Know How to Fund Your Travels? How About Selling Your Life?

So often we get comments on the forum and questions sent to us from people who want to take off on extended travel but are wondering how to raise the funds to hit the road.

Well, as they say, "where there's a will there's a way" and Ian Usher of Wellard, Australia seems to have both. Ian Usher is selling his life on Ebay and so far the bids are near $400,000.00 Australian Dollars. The winner will receive his home, car, jet ski, parachute and other recreational equipment as well as his electronics, furniture, friends and job. Ian is careful to say he is not "selling" his friends but that his friends have agreed to welcome the purchaser and give him a chance. Likewise, his current employer (a rug company) has agreed to hire the newcomer on a trial basis. To support his sales pitch he has put together a nice web page (Alife4sale.com)where he gives the details of the offer.

OK, so most of us might not go this far - but think about it. If you're wanting to do world travel for an extended period of time you will have to do something with your stuff. Selling your things to fund your travel is not only a fine idea but it has been done successfully by a lot of people including our own Ricardo of NuNomad (read about it in our book "Quit Dreaming and Go!") who held a local auction of his things before he took off. Personally, I'm getting ready to hit Ebay with some books and Craigslist with a dining room table to begin saving for our next adventure.

And kudos to Ian Usher who's creative idea looks like it's paying off big! Bidding ends on July 29. Keep an eye on it.

Starving for a Jet Lag Remedy

By Ricardo

Jet lag hits me harder than a jalapeño margarita. I don’t mean, simply, restless sleep for a night or two after a long (trans-Pacific) flight, but all encompassing type of jet lag: dizziness, inability to sleep more than four hours for up to six days, nausea, the acute awareness that my mind and body are not in sync—the full-on zombie enchilada. This condition is realized at least a couple of times a year—for about eight years now. So, I’m way weary of this dilemma. When I fly from Los Angeles to the far east, and especially when I travel west to east on my return trip (the mother of all hellish routes—jumping 15 time zones) I know I’ll be out of commission for at least five, maybe six, days. I simply dread it. My curiosity was, therefore, quite peaked when I read a recent on-line article (Starving yourself may fend off jet lag) announcing a Harvard University study about the relationship between one’s internal clock and how it is affected by meals. In a nutshell, it concluded that fasting during long flights may trick one’s body into lessening the impact of jet lag.

Let me state, first of all, that I am not one of those new-age, holistic, “power-cleansing” type of guys. To me fasting means missing a meal. And since the Science study stated that one should fast at least sixteen hours of the flight time from their example set forth (Tokyo to Los Angeles), I had to seriously equate—what I was sure would be a torturous ordeal—with the benefit of not having to suffer five to six days of feeling crappy afterwards. I decided, in the interest of jet lag-relief science, to be the lab rat and test out this so-called remedy.

Last week I flew from Bangkok to Los Angeles. My flight departed at 5PM. At the airport, right before the first leg of my flight (there would be a quick plane change in Taipei), I ate a big meal. This would be my last meal for 18 hours. Additionally, I followed another common remedy which is to not sleep—an option not mentioned in the study, but seem equally logical to me. “Yeah, right”, you are no doubt thinking. “No food and no sleep on a (combined) flight of 15 hours, that’s not possible.” But, I did it. No food at all, just lots of water. And after about five hours of flight, my hunger actually dissipated. It was like my brain was saying “Oh, it’s past dinner time. You must no longer be hungry.” And by the time the plane was about to land, I had also noticed that I was not nearly as tired as I should have been. I was landing in Los Angeles at 8PM and my body was feeling like a person that was (more or less) 8PM tired (granted after an exceptionally hard day) and only a couple of hours late hungry.

That first night in Los Angeles I wolfed down two plates of pasta, had half a glass of red wine and went to bed at about midnight—my normal time. The following morning I woke up at 6AM. I felt rested and not at all loopy. This, however, did not convince me that I’d dodged a bullet. My jet lag usually does not hit me until several days after the flight. But the fact that throughout that first full day back I was, for the most part, clear headed and energetic was promising. I was even able to get quite a bit of work done on the computer.

The second night’s sleep, however, was not as sound. I got in only about 5 hours—but that could have had something to do with going out to a 3rd street tequila bar with my hosts. That second day I was a little more tired than the first day—due to not getting my full eight in, not the tequila—but, still little jet lag was felt and I was still able to work several hours. That night I slept six hours and the following day (day 3), at around 6PM, I felt like taking a serious power-nap. But as I laid there on the sofa of my friend’s home, with my head begging for some nap time, my body was not concurring. I could feel how out of sync the two were. So, I sat up and forced myself to stay awake. An hour later, and after a couple of episodes of Family Guy, I was no longer sleepy. That night I slept for nearly 8 hours. And on the fifth night back, I again slept well. On day four—the day I’m usually impacted the hardest by a trans-Pacific flight—I still felt pretty good, even though I had flown eastward another two time zones that day. That night I slept nearly nine hours and that day I declared myself jet lag free.

Conclusion? The combination of fasting and not sleeping during a long flight makes a big difference. As sensitive as I am to jet lag, it was a relief this time to have gotten past it with relative ease. Yes, there was still some residual jet lag, but only about half (perhaps even less) as severe as in previous years. So, on your next long flight, starve yourself. What do you have to lose?

Re-Entering the USA. Should you be Scared?

by Ricardo

I’m about to return to the States after nearly a year nu nomading in Asia.
I bounce back to my home country for a month or two every year in the summer and it’s a nerve wracking endeavor each time. Never mind the 17 hours of flight time it takes to go from Southeast Asia (where I am now) to Los Angeles, or having to rent a car, acquire insurance and pay for gas. My greatest trepidation is clearing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). No, I’m not a smuggler or terrorist. I’m just another mild-mannered traveler.

What has my chonies in a twist is having just read an article in the June 2008 issue of Laptop Magazine “Digital Search and Seizure.” What this article states, supported by countless news articles, web pages and blogs on this timely subject, is that the CBP (which is part of Homeland
Security) has the right to search not only your person and luggage, but your electronic devices at will—without cause or explanation. They have the authority to copy all of your data and passwords from your mobile phone and MP3 player to notebook computer. And if they desire to, they may confiscate your devices for further inspection. Already there are many people whose notebooks have remained in custody for a year or indefinitely. Yikes!

In case you are wondering about any Fourth Amendment protection, forget it. That’s only for those who clear Customs—and even then the Patriot Act has all sorts of ways of circumventing your rights to privacy once you’re happily on your way to Iowa for a symposium on bible studies.
Until then, you’re in no-mans-land and should the border authorities feel fit to bundle you off to Guantanamo Bay while they dissect your data under the Patriot Act, there is not much you’ll be able to do about it.

Is it likely to happen? No. Only about 1% (according to an informal survey by the Association of Corporate Travel Executives) had their data copied or seized. Statistically, you’re safe.

So what is the CBP looking for? Good question. Having gone through the CBP website (www.CBP.gov) what the agents appear to be looking for are subversive documents and the usual contraband: drugs, child pornography, plants and animals. But according to other credible sources, they’re also seeking out your unlicensed media. You know, like that shared file you have of Abba’s Greatest Hits within your "My Favorite Karaoke" folder.

As stated above, I’m not a smuggler, a terrorist nor even a person of any religious affiliation. I’m like 99% of the travelers who MAY have a shared media file somewhere in my computer that may not have a purchase receipt. According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation (www.eff.org) more and more people are being singled out for prosecution for unauthorized file sharing. This could be something as benign as having a shared audio file in your iPod or an unauthorized copy of an Adobe product in your laptop.

What to do? Be aware is the first thing. Clear out anything that might be construed as subversive or even unauthorized. (I know I’m deleting this article from my computer after I post it.) Renaming files is usually a good practice. Got a file labeled “My Secret Nude Pictures of Osama Bin Laden”, you might want to change it to “My Favorite American flags.” UpgradeTravelBetter.com
has a blog on this topic which you might find helpful. Clear out the pirated stuff. Also, be sure to back up your computer and forward a copy by mail to your home address.
For more information on electronic privacy issues, check out www.EFF.org, www.ACLU.org and check out CNN’s article No Privacy for Laptops.

The Work-Travel Balancing Act

by Ricardo
I was watching an episode of “Family Guy” recently, the one where baby Stewie ridicules people who strive to be seen in public (eg: Starbucks) with their notebooks open—perhaps tapping-out that promising screenplay. Though the tot doesn’t blow the heads off of the coffee-gulping remote workers (the cartoon character tends to get extreme at times), the scene does illustrate the point of remote working becoming a sort of cliché these days.

What I’ve found in the nearly seven years of nomading the world is the increased misperception of those who choose to integrate their work and home life with their lust for travel—versus those who simply like to demonstrate to others that they can finish up their projects down the street from the office (such as the ubiquitous coffee shop that supports wi-fi). And that misperception is understandable. These days, it is no longer unusual to find overseas backpackers huddled in laptop sessions at the cheap eateries or guest houses. Where they once sat around watching pirated video tapes of Bay Watch on the establishment’s television, they’re now watching pirated movies on their personal LCD screens while updating their blogs. The trading of paperback books has been replaced by the trading of DVDs, MP3 files and MySpace URLs.
Is that a bad thing? Probably not. Sad and pathetic? Hmm.

Aside from the reality that real nomads tend to do their work in more productive, if not appropriate, working environments (eg: rooms with great views), one must also find their balance. One of the harder disciplines of living this sort of work-travel life (I’m going to list two of mine now) is finding one’s center. Pardon me if I sound like Zen Master Ricardo, but if you’re traveling the world and finding yourself behind the screen (be it notebook, BlackBerry, iPod, mobile phone or other handheld device) as much or more as when you were stuck in your home country, then maybe you’re missing out on the whole nu nomad travel thing. Travel is about “getting out there,” not becoming a mobile version of the bored, introvert you were at home. At least that’s how I see it.

So what’s the advice? It’s sort of simple: set boundaries. Okay, you don’t need to be anal about it, but do try to look to the horizon for your next travel destination—as opposed to, let’s say, over the lid of your screen to the cute person at the next table. When out in public, leave the hardware in your (secured) room. If you’re in nature (hell, the town center even), pull those ear buds out buddy and listen to the sounds around you. Simply steer your life from gadget man (woman) to care-free traveler.

This brings me to the other discipline: refraining from buying too many gadgets. Not only does having redundant and superfluous equipment distract, but it weighs you down maak-maak (that’s Thai for much-much). The selection process of what you really need to be mobile, yet get your work done properly, is a judicious process. And as one of the bigger offenders of this rule, with my two laptops (one is an overblown desktop replacement and the other is an ultra-ultraportable machine for weekend excursions) I am now moving to trim down. So I ask myself: “Ricardo, do I need to have an MP3 player when I have a laptop for my music and movies? Do I need a Palm Pilot when I already have easy Internet access and a small GSM mobile phone? Do I need a travel printer when I rarely print to paper any more and when there are printing services at the cyber cafes. The truth is that I can do my work with one good machine (I’m looking into the new Lenovo ThinkPad X300.
—which is similar in design and weight to that of the MacBook Air). As for my MP3 player, my bulking Creative Zen unit is going to be replaced by an iPod Nano. And since my full-feature camera is already very compact (Canon PowerShot A710), I can concentrate on buying a new guide book (for either Laos or Hungary). And the money I’ll save from not buying all “cool tech stuff” I can spend foolishly while on my journey abroad.

So, now that mobile technology for the real road warriors is trimming down we too can take advantage of less weight and increased (physical) mobility. And if you need a little more advice on what may be necessary for your nomadic travels and not, Quit Dreaming and Go! (our handbook on how to nomad) has a comprehensive section for you to pack with.

Weekend Nomading the Mae Hong Son Loop

by Ricardo

One of the disciplines of nomading is knowing when to stay put—you know, work—and when to explore. For the past month I’ve been apartment-bound in Bangkok finalizing a couple of complicated web projects, stuff I’d rather do in my familiar environment (not the least of which is enjoy my stash of wine) than in the unknown accommodation to come. Last Thursday morning I finished up; Thursday night I was on a train to the north to begin a motorcycle journey of Thailand’s Northeast provinces known as the Mae Hong Son Loop. That and to re-visit Thailand’s second largest city, Chiang Mai, a popular tourist destination I haven’t been to since 1998.

Ten years ago, unfortunately, I found Chiang Mai not the laid-back baby brother to manic, cosmopolitan, Bangkok, but just a large city with a square of historical sites wrapped within an explosion of unimaginative tourist-oriented business such as western eateries and hotels/guest houses whose main draw was free satellite television. That impression has not changed. But at least now there’s free Wi-Fi in many of the accommodations as well as affordable serviced apartments that have amenities for the nomad (rooms with desk/table space to work from, refrigerator, hot shower and AC). Needless to say, once I saw that my email box had remained empty of “must do” messages, I bolted the hell out of Chiang Mai after only two nights stay. By early Sunday morning I was on the loop in the direction of Mae Hong Son, the picturesque town I’d longed to visit since first visiting Thailand a dozen years ago.”

Orientation: The Loop hosts three (relatively) large towns: Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and Pai. Highway 108, taken from Chiang Mai clockwise, will get you to Mae Hong Son. The Loop continues on Highway 1095 past the popular-with-backpackers town of Pai, onto Chiang Mai. All three can easily accommodate the traveling worker for any length of time, meaning that hi-speed (100mbps ADSL) Internet is abundant, nomad-friendly accommodations plentiful, and places to go and see when not behind the computer screen are within reach. Between the three key stops, comprising the 600 kilometer loop, are unspoiled traditional towns, hill tribe communities, and several national parks—with some sort of Internet access available most of the time such as GSM via your mobile phone (in case you just have to get online). Since I was off-the-clock until Tuesday (California’s Monday morning), I knew I had several days to simply travel; so I put my laptop to bed in my backpack.

Preparation: Aside from a set of warmer clothes than I usually sport in Thailand (the North, even in mid-February, can get downright cold), the only requirements were a reliable motorcycle (125cc Honda Dream from Jaguar rentals in Chiang Mai), my Thailand guidebook (most will have a section on The Loop), protection from the sun, a liter of water, and my GSM mobile phone service which permits my mobile phone to serve as a wireless modem for my laptop. And since this article is not intended as a roadmap but as a bit of insight to The Loop, you’ll want to consult your travel guide. (Note: for those who wish to see The Loop on a more intricate level, there are a couple of good maps available in Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son bookstores. One of which is the “Map of Mae Hong Son Loop.” One other interesting resource is the Golden Triangle Rider website, although this website appears more for the “Wild Hogs” set.

The Trip: Taking The Loop clock-wise about an hour’s ride (at 60km/hr) you’ll arrive in Chom Thong. It’s a nice-enough little town hosting the impressive Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong. Aside from that, it’s just a place to take a break. It’s also the gateway to the Do Inthanon National Park (dramatic waterfalls, a concrete enclosed hot spring, and panoramic views that one can expect from a mountain top vantage point). However, since I am boycotting Thailand’s absurd Bt400 entrance fee to its key national parks (Fee’s range from Bt100-400. Thai residents pay only Bt20. This park is Bt400), I thought I’d save my $12 for something else. (Note: the current exchange rate is $1 USD to 32 Thai Baht.)

Mae Sariang is where I spent my first night. It’s a charming little town along the beautiful Yuam River. Here there are accommodations ranging from pricy boutique hotels (mostly for affluent Thais who are on holiday) to bed-only guest houses set within traditional teakwood homes. I chose the latter, the Northwest Guest House across the road from the river. The town has a couple of excellent seafood restaurants, and pleasant places along the River to have a beer with your cheap Thai or Western food. (This is the sort of laid-back environment that Pai was known for a dozen years ago.) The people of Mae Sariang are very pleasant (not in a phony way as in Chiang Mai or Pai), personable and appear to be enjoying life. One could easily stay several days here, catching a bus up highway 108 when ready to continue on. That is if they don’t have their own wheels.

Mae La Noi is only 30km away from Mae Sariang, but after stopping for an iced coffee (“café yen”) at the stand next to the big Silver Sala (a sort of wall-less pavilion) and being overwhelmed by the magnificent view of the rice fields below and traditional hill town in the backdrop, I decided to drive down into the valley (known as Ma Yuam Fam Kwaa) and cruise the town’s picturesque streets that lead into hill tribe communities and vast farmlands. I found the location so enchanting that I stayed the night in the area’s only “home stay” which was a new teakwood mansion at the entry point of Ma Yum. The sign in front of the compound is in Thai, but it’s obvious that it’s a place to stay for the night. (For Bt500, I had one of the nicest rooms ever. Amazing views, very comfortable sleep. There are two nice bungalows for Bt300.)

Khun Yuam, an hour’s ride from Mae La Noi, is a popular resting spot for Loopers. Though the town is pretty and hosts a museum on WWII history, there are few attractions other than nature walks. There you’ll find the Baan Farang Guest House. It’s very clean and comfortable as well as a great place to eat. (Rarely do roadside backpacker places do justice to Thai food.) And the operator, Ms. Macci, is an interesting young woman, with much history of the region to share with you.

Traditional villages continue to dot much of highway 108 and you’ll find yourself wanting to stop and take a peek inside some of them. Do that. It will be well worth your time. (Of course, try to be inconspicuous and avoid clicking pictures of locals as if they are statues and not people.) The National Parks also become more abundant as you climb higher north. Mae Surin has one of Thailand’s most spectacular waterfalls, and offers up spectacular views. One can go up to Mae Ko Vafe without the need for the expensive park fee, up to “microwave top”, passing a Hmong village, where there’s a nice viewing area.

Mae Hong Son, Thailand’s northwestern capital and province, is actually a small town. It’s not only a very lovely place to chill out (BTW, in the winter the temperatures can get to freezing) but a location to make as your base for trekking and area visits. It’s also a fine place to stay put and work for a week or two. The food up here may not win awards (though one must try Pra Cra Ho seafood restaurant at the town’s gateway), but the people are interesting, bright, and love to chat. With all of the coffee houses, book readers, mountain bikes and joggers, you’ll think you’re in an Oregon (USA) college town. Jong Kham Lake is the counterpoint of the town and where many of the budget guest houses nudge up to. Most of the cheaper places charge about Bt300 per night (bed only, but great views of the lake), but there are places set back aside and behind Wat Chong Kham that are of great value. Romtai House has teak bungalows around a lovely lotus pond for Bt300-500 per night. Though no Wi-Fi yet, the rooms are big, have furniture, refrigerator, hot shower, AC, and Satellite TV. And just a short walk away, on the lake’s southwest corner, is Baan Tue Lek coffee house. Miss Pook provides free Wi-Fi—as well as great information on what to enjoy within her town. Great location.

Mae Hong Son is not, however, a party scene. The few bars in town are more quaint then “happening”. (You’ll want to continue on to Pai for that.) There are, however, interesting morning and nights markets here, loads of coffee houses to read a book in, National Parks and nearby traditional villages and hill tribes to explore. Mae Hong Son is slow—but in a good way.

If you leave Mae Hong Son early and travel highway 1095 you can arrive in Pai in time for lunch. You’ll first pass the town of Soppong (known for its cave tours), which is where you’ll begin your decent southward. But do take your time on these hairpin-turn roads, and savor the drive. Along the way you’ll be treated to some of Thailand’s finest nature and views of hill tribe villages. (Because once you’re in Pai, the delicate natural order of the northwest takes a dive.)

In the past decade, Pai has become the darling for backpackers (most of whom only travel with the Southeast Asia on a Shoestring—known as the guide book for the herd). What was once a sleepy little town along the Pai River has become a tourist haunt for the young who are seeking traveler companionships, cheap ganga and convenience over authenticity and inspiration. Having once enjoyed Pai as a place with a soul, it now only breaks my heart. It isn’t Khao San Road yet, but give it another few years.

Once you leave Pai (or pass by it) you’ll see more of the familiar scenery you’d seen while arching over the northern tip: traditional villages, terraced fields, magnificent landscapes. This will continue for about 90 minutes before entering the greater Chiang Mai region.

Trains to and from Chiang Mai to Bangkok are scheduled throughout the day. Get a second class sleeper berth and pass the night away in slumber. Flights are also available all day, with frequent promotional prices.
To see images of the Mae Hong Son Loop, visit the Laptophobo Photo Album.

The Environmental Effects of Nu Nomading

by Carmen Bolanos
Most of us are thinking about our impact on the environment these days (at least I hope we are) and we are hearing more and more about pollution emitted by air flight. I have been concerned because of my love for travel and for the environment that I could be encouraging people toward an activity that has a negative impact on our world. The question has been churning in my mind for several months, "What's more polluting - a long distance air flight or daily car commuting?"

So - here is my attempt to answer this question for myself. I'm not an expert on these issues so I welcome any comments or corrections from folks who may be.

In order to answer this question I am creating a sample human being who is a mix of myself and my NuNomad partner Ricardo and adding some data about the average American. This sample human lives in the Los Angeles area, drives a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan (not a Prius, but not a Hummer either). This person commutes 32 miles each day, the national average for an American as reported by an ABC News Poll analyzed by Gary Langer in 2005.

According to TerraPass.com the Grand Caravan emits about 2000 less carbon dioxide pounds per year than the average American car. That said, it is emitting 10,207 CO2 pounds per year if driven the national average of 12,000 miles per year. This is 1.17 miles per CO2 pound.

If our nomad-to-be is commuting 32 miles per day this is 8,000 miles per year with a 50 week year. This means our nomad-to-be is emitting about 6803 CO2 pounds per year simply by his/her commute (or just over 566 CO2 pounds per month).

Now, let's say our nomad-to-be has decided to take the leap into Nu Nomadic living and has chosen a destination that requires a long flight but where s/he will be able to live without a vehicle on a daily basis and not have to commute (as my partner Ricardo has done). Let's say the destination is Bangkok.

According to TerraPass.com, a round trip (assuming at some point our nomad will have to return home) flight from Los Angeles to Bangkok emits 6,432 CO2 pounds per passenger. This means our Nu Nomad emits approximately a year's commute worth of CO2 pounds just in the round trip flight to their destination.

Wow! That is a lot. However, let's consider the fact that the average American uses their car for more than just the daily commute. As I stated before, the average American drives 12,000 miles per year and emits 12,000 CO2 pounds per year with their car (the 2006 Grand Caravan is below the national average). If the Nu Nomad is staying in a location that will not require car travel for their year, they are saving 3,568 CO2 pounds per year that would have gone into the environment just through their car. I won't even try to compare other factors that would influence impact in the U.S. vs Thailand (use of air conditioning, heating, number of miles food is transported, trash sent to landfills, etc.) but I have a pretty strong hunch that the U.S. lifestyle is the bigger environmental culprit since we are fairly abysmal on many environmental measures.

What does this mean? Well, several things. If you are a nu nomad or nu nomad wannabe you can lessen the environmental impact of your travels in several ways. Here are some suggestions:

1) Choose a destination that will not require a daily commute once you have arrived.
2) Choose a lifestyle at your destination that will not require a car.
3) Consider the emissions factor when choosing how far you will go (could a small town in Mexico satisfy your wanderlust just as well as one in far off Asia?).
4) Stay in your destination long enough to offset the impact of getting there.
5) Eat local foods during your stay.
6) Educate yourself about the environmental impact of your travel and your daily life. TerraPass.com is a great resource to find out the emissions of your current vehicle and any flight you plan.
7) Contribute to the health of the environment by doing an act that offsets your impact. TerraPass offers a program through which money can be contributed to environmental causes in amounts that offset your specific activities.

Nomading in America?

By: Ricardo

I remember struggling in my college macro-economics class some years ago over the relationship between the strength of the US Dollar, the consumer price index, interest rates and all that stuff. It was the sort of mind-numbing equation that only made me want to pack my backpack even faster for the nomadic journey I was strategically planning instead of doing my homework. But this year I finally got what my professor was trying to explain to me.

Since January 2007 the US Dollar has fallen in strength 12 percent against its biggest rival, the Euro . Therefore my money-belt and US bank accounts that store my greenbacks, which fund my nu nomadic lifestyle, are becoming dangerously anemic. (I'm at risk of sharing the same economic position to those of working expats. Nooo!) For example, when I arrived in Thailand six years ago to begin my work-travel journey, the Thai Baht was 42 to one USD. Not a shabby exchange rate at all. Then, slowly, that rate began to ebb. Now the Baht is only 33 to the Dollar. This means that within six years everything cost 28 percent more-and this is not factoring in local inflation. And Thailand is not the only country that is affected. Nearly all are.

Yup, the ability to take advantage of the higher paying "western" economies while spending it in the lower priced "eastern" economies is now leveling off. China, India, Thailand are but a few examples of what were once "great values " for those with Dollars. But with Asia's emerging economies and America's slide toward recession, I may soon find myself making a circle back to America soon. Yes, America!

The up-side to America's week dollar is that America's (that is, USA, as opposed to North and South America) goods and services are now competitive again! Who would have thought? Now on the world market (which we nomads have to survive in) foreign companies want American airplanes, American computer chips, American stuff. Why? Because the Dollar is now down some 40 percent against the Euro (within the past seven years) and those with Euros, British Pounds or whatever are now taking advantage of the weaker American economy. And now traveling in America can only be cheaper than it has been in decades-especially if your income is in Euros or Pounds.

All over the USA there are small, inexpensive, towns to visit and nomad in. Forget expensive New York and Los Angeles. Think Route 66 haunts and national parks. I mean, really, how much could a one room apartment in say, Winslow Arizona, cost?

I would be very curious to hear from other nu nomads who are currently in the States what prices they're paying for such things as accommodations, food, transpiration and Internet access.

TheBusinessClass.net - a True Nu Nomadic Office Space

by Carmen Bolanos
September 17,2007

Recently, our forum was joined by a new member, Manu, who described his business in Berlin as on in which office space can be rented for short periods of time specifically for the working traveler. TheBusinessClass.net offers space in downtown Berlin that comes complete with internet access, fax, phone, printer, coffee, etc. Everything you would need to keep your business running in an environment of people with like minds about seeing the world not just as the typical tourist. Manu Kumar, Head of TheBusinessClass.net, was kind enough to take the time for the interview below, describing what this new office concept can offer the nu nomad as well as how this Berlin business may soon spread to worldwide locations.

Can you describe what TheBusinessClass.net is, where you are located and what services you provide?

TheBusinesClass.Net (BCN) is an international network that works on two distinct levels. First it's virtual and second it's real. The virtual aspect is a digital (online) platform for artists, creative people and freelancers to present themselves, realize projects and find business contacts.

The second aspect - the real, physical network – is a network of offices, so-called BCN-ports. These offices provide accessible and uncomplicated working spaces world-wide, with all necessary office equipment like wireless internet access, fax, phone and answering machine, scanner and laser printer all in a comfortable, friendly surrounding. The first BCN-port was opened in Berlin, Germany in May 2007.

In the bigger picture each BCN-port acts as an interface between the local and global network through the local BCN-Port operator.

What gave you the idea to start TheBusinessClass.Net?

Simple, I would have loved to have something like TheBusinessClass.Net myself. For nearly a decade I worked as a freelance architect and artist throughout Europe and Asia. I sometimes envied employees of large international corporations (Sony, Microsoft, Nike etc.), because they instantly had access to their company's global network. On the other hand I can't imagine working permanently for such a 'major player' - as an artist I need my freedom and independence.

Then one day the idea just popped up: an independent network of freelancers providing working spaces, contacts and local infrastructure. Come, plug and play. It's your business, anywhere.

How has the response been so far to using your service?

A lot better than we expected. After the first three months we have over 80 members from several countries and our web traffic is rising steadily. Our customers in BCN-Berlin were all very satisfied and I really enjoyed personally meeting all those people from different professions and backgrounds. My personal favorite: every customer of BCN-Berlin recommended us to friends and acquaintances.

From a practical perspective we really enjoyed being able to mediate several contracts through BCN-Berlin: a Spanish company seeking a local construction company for a trade fair booth; a local metal worker – also from Berlin - specialized in the construction of artistic installations, who is currently completing installations for well known artists in Venice (Italy), Iceland, France and the United States. And we also received a couple of requests from people looking to open their own BCN-Port ...

… I wanted to mention that later …
I noticed your maximum duration is 12 weeks. Is there a minimum?

Currently our minimum stay is one week. In special cases – whether shorter or longer duration – we will of course consider making exceptions.

Let’s say I’m a nu nomad who really only needs internet and phone. In other words I have no need of paper/fax/printers/etc. What would be the advantage for me of using your service vs. just going to an internet café?

Our coffee tastes better... No, seriously, our main advantages are quite simple. First, while each BCN-Port provides the necessary infrastructure, it also offers a highly professional atmosphere. Practically speaking, we all need to be able to concentrate to work efficiently - no background party please. You'll be much more productive in a quiet, spacious environment than in a small booth in a noisy internet cafe. Our equipment is compatible to virtually all systems and is available 24/7.

Second, every BCN-Port offers a local network, concrete practical assistance and an array of everyday contacts and addresses: from pharmacies to government agencies, night clubs to post offices, health insurance to night life, workshops and translation services to room rental. And a small kitchen where you can grab a quick bite to eat or enjoy a really good espresso...

If I were wanting to conduct some in-person business at my destination would you have conference rooms that I could use to meet with clients or hold meetings?

Sure... if you give us some lead time. How many people? Any special requirements? You need a beamer? How about a small buffet or full scale catering...

I noticed that you are offering franchises of your business, or as you call them “fairchises”. What are the opportunities for others to open a BusinessClass.net?

A BCN-Port can offer its operator his own office and a basic living with a minimum of effort. We take care of all the backend and marketing, including your own web presence and local and global advertisement in six different languages. As a side effect a BCN-Port operator constantly meets new and interesting people – potential contacts – from all over the world. The larger the network, the more every operator and BCN-member benefits. That's why we prefer a fair and equitable partnership... a 'fair-chise'.

Our basic concept of 'fairchise' is based on:
 no license fees (which we believe amounts to financing the franchise offerer)
 no expensive 'managment courses'
 no inventory or equipment that must be bought from the franchise offerer
 no fixed monthly fees (for royalties, marketing, etc.)
 short franchise contracts (3 years)
 instant start-up (open a BCN-port within four weeks)

Generally speaking, any outgoing, sociable person can operate a BCN-port. The bottom line is that there are only a few basic rules and standards in order to guarantee that our customers find the same working conditions wherever they go. Due to our 'fairchise' policy the only restriction is that we reserve the right to decide who we accept as a BCN-port operator.

The 'classic' or 'typical' BCN-Port operator was previously deeply involved in this profession, but at some point found their own niche. From their own professional experience they developed a profound expertise in their profession. As a 'NuNomad' they found their place and built up a lively, interactive network.

Ideally there should be an intense exchange between the local people and BCN-members that inspires all.

Do you have certain destinations that you are targeting for growth?

Basically, TheBusinessClass.Net is looking for two types of locations. First, cities and large towns where members can work directly on their projects. Second, nature retreats and sanctuaries where members can really turn off and brood over their next big idea.

Currently we are discussing and planning BCN-Ports in Cape Town (South Africa), on St.Cruz / Tenerife (Spain) and in the Mojave desert (California, USA). Our goal is to establish seven BCN-Ports by end-2008 – at least one on each continent ;)

Thanks, Manu.

Further information about BCN, Membership and Fairchise under:
www.TheBusinessClass.Net
or just contact Manu directly: manu@TheBusinessClass.Net

The Double Edged Sword of a Nu Nomad's Life

When I first began coaching and realized that I could be completely mobile with my profession, I thought the heavens had opened up and blessed me beyond belief. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I could take fabulous trips with my family and maintain my income at the same time while not being a slave to any corporate machine.

Don't get me wrong. I am incredibly blessed and very grateful for the opportunities I have had and continue to have. However, for those of you hoping to adopt a nomadic lifestyle or perhaps who are already in a nomadic lifestyle - beware!

I was in about my 4th year of working remotely when I realized that my work and personal lives had mixed so thoroughly that I had not had even a week without my laptop, telephone headset, and scheduled clients. I was so enamored with the idea that I could work from anywhere that that is exactly what I did. Worked from everywhere! I even worked when sick and up to the end of my pregnancy. I remember having to tell my clients who had never met me face to face, "This is a strange thing to say since we've been working together many months, but I am actually 9 months pregnant, so if I don't answer the phone next week, please understand I'm probably giving birth". The following week I was back on the phone with my new born in my lap.

So this is the two edged sword. When you can take your work with you - be sure that sometimes you don't. Everyone needs a break from work and just because you may be sitting with your feet in white sand gazing at a beautiful ocean, if your laptop is in your lap you're not on vacation!

No matter where you may be, Nomad, be sure to give yourself a few weeks a year to leave the work behind.

Meet the Nomads - The Atkins Family - Around the World in a Bus with 4 Kids!

About a year ago when I began this blog and was planning our time in Europe with 3 children, I ran into Manny Atkins on a travel forum and have been fascinated by her family ever since. The Atkins family are a departure from our traditional NuNomad profile in that they are not taking their careers with them on the journey. In contrast, the journey has become their career. This family has a truly adventurous heart. They have sold their home, given up their jobs, and devoted themselves to a worldwide journey in a bus with their 4 children. I strongly recommend you visit their web site Welcome to the World and look at the progress of their bus conversion as well as their planned round the world route. And because I like them so much - I'm giving them a plug. The Atkins currently need some help raising funds for fuel along the way. Pitch in and be a part of the adventure!

I understand you have begun a project in which you and your 4 children are converting a bus so that you can travel around the world as a family. Tell me what inspired this idea?

Joe has traveled internationally through his work as a lighting designer for theatre, film and conferences. For years he was the one seeing the world, but unable to share it with the family. A few years ago, Harry (now 12) suggested it was time we all saw the world together…and the dream was set in motion.

How long had you been planning this before you actually took the first steps to make it happen?

For me, I’d say it came as a bit of a thunderbolt decision when we sold our house. For Joe, it has been something he has wanted to do for many years. With four young children,I hit a turning point when Arthur (now 7)hit four. His maturity then made everything seem possible, the years (deliciously happy ones!) of pregnancy, babies, nappies, pushchairs, had come to an end, and I felt that our family, and indeed our marriage, entered a whole new phase. It became easy to go and join Joe for a few days while he was working away, and family holidays became much more adventurous. (We all skied for the first time)

How have you funded your project so far?

Basically we sold our house, cleared our mortgage and all outstanding debts, and the remainder has financed the bus; the build; and the trip. We are on an incredibly tight budget with no safety net, but so far everything has costed out much as we expected it to.
The advantages of needing to do as much of the work on the bus ourselves as we possibly can, have been plentiful. The fact that we know how and where and why everything is where it is will be a huge plus to repairs along the way; but more important by far is the amazing sense of achievement for us and for the children. They really will be living in a home they have built with their own hands.

What kind of backgrounds do the two of you have that have prepared you to do this?

A huge amount of optimism!
Joe has worked all over the world, and is very practical and resourceful. I am fearless in asking for help from anyone, and as a family we tend to try and see the good in all situations however challenging. (Easy to say before the trip!)

Have you always home schooled or is this also new for your family?

No home schooling is new to us. Harry has come out of school already to establish a rhythm of home schooling, and to decide what we want to take in terms of resources. It is working so well; he’s the right kind of self- motivated personality to take it on board. In fact they all have a thirsty love of learning, so I can’t wait to be on the road where traveling will be our lessons.

How are the kids doing with the project?

They are truly a magnificent bunch; I am in awe of their dedication; maturity; and team spirit. We have all worked so hard on this project, right from its early planning nearly two years ago, to the intense build period from last November.

I believe you have plans to communicate with schools during your trip. Tell me about that.

We want to share as much of the experiences we have with as many people as we can. It seemed sensible with the ages of our children to link up with classrooms of compatible ages via email, skype and through the website.

What technology will you use to do this?

We think we will use a BGAN system used by journalists and the military to keep online whenever we need. It seems the most appropriate for our needs, but is fairly expensive, especially in tariff terms, so if anyone has any better suggestions or can put us in touch with anyone who may want to get involved in our project financially, we would be keen to hear!

Do you have any particular brands you are choosing?

The BGAN terminal we have been looking into is made by a company called Thrane and Thrane

So far, what have been your biggest challenges?

We had a period of time just before and after Christmas when the workshop which we had been kindly lent the use of by a friend started letting in so much rain water that we spent days trying to secure huge tarpaulins over the roof, only to have them blown off again in the gales and storms that just kept on coming! The workshop was about 45 minutes drive away, so whenever it blew here we were just imagining the damage there! Very stressful! In the end when the leaking roof took the power out, we knew we had to move. We were then unbelievably lucky, as our neighbour offered us the use of the field behind both our houses. We have been able to use our own workshop, and we’ve had nothing but sunshine for weeks now… very different experience!

How about your biggest success?

There have been a few big success moments… but nothing can quite top turning on the power, and running water through the system…and everything working! We felt triumphant!

You’ve done a beautiful job with your bus conversion. Still – this will be pretty tight quarters for 6 people. Do you have any thoughts on how you might get private time while you’re on the road?

I think Joe’s design of the bus has meant there will be places to call our own, and I think that will prove valuable. The ‘pods’ will be little sanctuaries for the kids, and having their own workstations will work well too. We are buying a big bell tent for shady outside living when space allows, and I imagine we will be living outside a lot of the time.

In planning your trip, what have you found to be a good source of information for acquiring road maps for different countries?

I haven’t yet detailed the route by roads, it is an imminent stage of planning, any useful suggestions?
I have, however, just bought the Camperstop 2007 guide to all the motorhome stopovers through Europe which I think will be invaluable. I bought it through Vicarious Books

Do you have any re-fueling concerns as you travel? How many kilometers/miles per gallon does the bus get? How much fuel does it hold?

The 2 tanks hold just over 200 litres of fuel each, and we hope that that will take us about 1,500 miles. (Of course that is an informed guess at the moment, we will have a much more accurate idea in a few months.) My theory is that coaches go everywhere in every country we will be traveling through, and that re-fueling will not be too much of an issue. We have just set up an easy sponsorship opportunity for people or businesses who want to support us: SPONSOR A TANK OF FUEL!
And join our Hall of Fame! £200 just about fills one of our tanks here in the UK, so far the campaign has proved successful in our eternal search for funding.

Do you plan to sleep in the bus 100% of the trip? If so – any safety concerns?

We will make ourselves as secure as we can, and then trust our instincts and try to make sure we don’t take unnecessary risks. We certainly plan to be with the bus whenever it is possible, and really hope to be able to travel with it when it has to moved as freight across the sea.

Do you have any advice for others who might like to drive around the globe?

Watch the website, and learn from our mistakes and triumphs! I’ll have to answer that one properly when we’re on the road!