Comments on: Why We Travel: Craig Heimburger’s Story

By: Andy

Andy — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:57:56 +0000

I’ve been doing much the same for the last two and a half years, and enjoying every bit of it. I’m not really traveling in the traditional sense of the word because I go somewhere, settle for a while, get to know the culture and language, then move on. It’s a fantastic life and one I won’t give up for all the corporate glitz in the world. I’ve had my day in a leather backed chair and a corner office, now I enjoy casual clothing and doing things on my time.

By: dijo

dijo — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:18:19 +0000

its inspiring for sure…but what do we do when the money runs out???
living abroad doesnt excite me soo much…but travelling wild definitely does…
maybe after i earn enuf i have to go on an year long travel…u definitely are inspirational!!!

By: Lindsie

Lindsie — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 17:18:38 +0000

Wow – you are amazingly inspiring to have been traveling/living abroad for so long. Especially non-stop couchsurfing for 6 months with a baby! My husband and I were told we were going to end up in the poor house when we broke the news to his grandma that we had quit our corporate jobs to travel for a year but most people just said, “I always wanted/wished I had/could do that.” I remember all the days (years!) I was sitting at my desk and dreaming about the something more…our year abroad has been the most amazing experience and as I sit in a hotel in Frankfurt, Germany on our very last night in Europe at the end of our one year adventure – I’m not freaking out about returning home. Because I’m going home a changed person, with a much smaller bank account but rich with experience. Jobless, homeless and pregnant – we are ready for a new adventure to begin! Good luck with the rest of your journey, wherever it may take you.

By: Craig | travelvice.com

Craig | travelvice.com — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:57:10 +0000

Thanks Jack

You know, there’s another fun interview on TravelBlogs (from about a year ago) that speaks a little more things…

The Perpetual Wanderer: Interview with Craig Heimburger

By: Jack

Jack — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:18:41 +0000

Thanks for sharing the reasons behind your ‘trip’. I follow your writing on Travelvice, but haven’t before dug into the beginning of the posts on there so I don’t know if you’ve written about this before. In any case, it’s inspiring to see the guts to shuck all that stuff and do something more fulfilling.

By: Craig | travelvice.com

Craig | travelvice.com — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:00:44 +0000

Thanks Audrey & Beth! "Golden handcuffs" is right! For those interested, here are two travelogue entries on what I'm hauling around these days: What's Inside My Backpack for Europe, and Beyond Essential Baby Backpacking Gear

By: Beth Whitman

Beth Whitman — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:42:11 +0000

People in high-paying jobs are usually bogged down with payments of all sorts and can’t imagine walking away from it. In fact, they CAN’T. (Or, think they can’t.) Resistance to long-term travel often comes from these folks because they got the golden handcuffs keeping them chained to their desks.

I think that there IS a culture of acceptance in the U.S., you just have to find it. I’ve managed to surround myself over the years with people who totally “get” the fact that I need to travel for weeks, a month or a year at a time. Sure, sometimes they are concerned about my safety, but all in all, they have been very supportive.

Kudos, Craig, for having the guts to take off on such a journey.

By: Audrey

Audrey — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:39:11 +0000

Thanks for sharing your story, Craig! I think it’s wonderful and inspirational that you are able to continue with a young child.

Although we do have supportive family and friends, I completely relate to “the ‘long vacations are what retirement’s for’ mindsets” and the idea that we are throwing away our “potential” by leaving our stable and comfortable jobs/lifestyles. Life is short, so everyone needs to do what keeps them engaged and fulfilled.

Good luck and enjoy the rest of your days abroad!

By: Craig | travelvice.com

Craig | travelvice.com — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 09:52:37 +0000

Again, a tip of the hat goes to Eric for approaching me on this. Thanks! For those interested, I've written up yearly a review/summary every December. Most recently, it covered 2008: Three Years of Travel. Previously: Year Two, Year One. Want a quick visual snapshot of where I've been these past 3+ years? Take a peek here. These posts have some pretty pictures to look at: The Textures of Eastern Europe, High Dynamic Range Travel Photography. The travelogue has heaps and heaps of stories after such a prolonged period of time. Unfortunately, I'm still struggling to get current with entries, as over half a year of nonstop CouchSurfing (much of it with Tatiana and months-old baby Aidric in tow) has stretched my time very thin. I'm working such things as quickly as I can. :)