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Modern Day Nomad: Interview with Nomadic Matt

Nomadic Matt in Italy.

It all started after a short trip to Thailand in 2005. Returning to his native Boston, Matt knew he wasn’t content settling for short holidays. So he set out to travel the world for 537 days straight.

Matt’s back in Boston now, but not for long. He’s planning to head off on another long-term adventure, travelling through Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and beyond.

In the meantime, he took a bit of time to tell TravelBlogs about how his love for travel was born, his experience returning home and life as a nomad.

You travelled to Thailand in 2005, a trip that seems to have sparked your desire to travel long-term. What was it about that trip that inspired you so much?

Meeting so many young people who just didn’t worry about all the trappings of modern life- 401ks, retirement, homes, etc. The Europeans who seemed to have so much vacation. It was a combination of things. One day it just clicked and I decided to do it. In the end it was probably those beautiful beaches.

After you started travelling halfway through 2006, you were on the road for 537 days. How were you able to afford travelling for so long?

I drained my 401k, did a lot of overtime, and worked a little in Thailand.

You’re home in Boston for a little while now before you head off again. What’s it like to be “home” after such a long period of being a nomad?

Even “cosmopolitan” cities in America, lack the international community feel the rest of the world has.

It was very weird. I didn’t want to socialize much when I first came home. I just had trouble relating to people I knew and was tired of answering the same “how was the trip?” question. It really hit me the first time I was on the train. I got real uneasy. After about a month, I got readjusted.

What kind of impact has your time on the road had on the way you view life back in the United States?

Time on the road made me realize how secluded the United States is from the rest of the world. Politically, geographically, and socially. The United States is a very insular world. I was always surprised when I saw other Americans on the road. Even “cosmopolitan” cities in America, lack the international community feel the rest of the world has. Maybe that’s why I like living abroad more: you see a wider variety of people.

How long do you expect this next trip to last?

Nomads never know but if everything goes somewhat according to plan, between 3-5 years.

Do you see yourself settling down somewhere? Or do you think you’ll stick with the nomadic lifestyle?

One day I would like too. It won’t be for a long time though. Everyone says it will be for a girl and I suspect they are right. Though, I’ll probably find a girl with wanderlust herself and then we’ll be nomads together. That would be ideal! I’m currently accepting applications.

Visit Matt’s blog to follow along on his upcoming trip.

Posted by Eric Daams on June 17th, 2008 in Interviews.
Tags: long-term travel, nomadic travellers, Perpetual Travel, Thailand