From Sumplace New: The Long-Term Travel Podcast

Why Cape Town stole our hearts (Part 1): Friendships for a lifetime (E53)

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 18:00:00 -0400

Episode 53 of From Sumplace New is an homage to the friendships we made during our time in Cape Town, South Africa. While some might say eight months is a long time, we left feeling like it wasn't enough. We also left with a heavy heart and shed a few tears because we made great friends -- friends for life, and friends we can't wait to see again. And it's all because we're open to creating connections during our travels. We don't travel with our heads down; we travel with our hearts open. We want to connect, we want to learn and we want to grow through our travels, and being open-hearted is important to creating deep connections. Because we're work from anywhere travelers, we spend 3-4 days a week working at coffee shops. And when we find a place with great WiFi, food and coffee, we're happy to set up shop. Our eight-month stay allowed us to create friendships with baristas, servers, and managers. They became friends we looked forward to seeing. We also connected with people because they were interested in where we were from, and once the conversations start, we're open to where it might lead, and Jon shares several stories about how easy it was to connect with the locals. We've never been somewhere in our lives – yes, our entire lives – that made us feel as connected to the people as we did in Cape Town. We miss Cape Town, and we miss our friends at Bootleggers, Origin, Willoughby's, The Old Biscuit Mill, and the V&A Waterfront, to name a few. We miss Victor and Brandon and Stacy dearly; and we can't wait to see them again.

Links:
Bootleggers
Origin
Willoughby's
Tinariwen

Credits:
Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

We use SquadCast for recording our podcasts. If you're interested in starting a podcast, Jon highly recommends this easy-to-use, high-quality web app. Click here to start a 7-day free trial!

Barber Alex Culley cuts to the chase: Don't wait to live a life you'll love (E52)

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0400

"I'd rather be at the bottom of a ladder I want to climb, than half way up one I don't" says the Barber of Carlisle (aka Alex Culley), who drops some sage wisdom in Episode 52 of From Sumplace New about not just chasing dreams, but realizing them. After choosing an engineering program at a hometown factory, Alex realized he was on a path that didn't suit his personality and long-term vision. Despite advice from those who "knew better," Alex quit the secure job and began a career he connected with: barbering. Choosing to go against the grain does create challenges, but all can be overcome with the right attitude, determination and commitment. In addition to sharing key insights on how to move through the life-transformation process — such as recognizing who you are, sharing your dreams out loud, and recognizing that the journey isn't going to be easy — Alex also talks about how becoming his own boss opened doors for more travel and, more importantly, meaningful travel. He discusses the trip that changed his mindset about travel and why barbering may actually increase the likelihood of more frequent long-term travel opportunities — something that never would have been possible if he stayed in the "sure thing" job lane. Jon also shares information about his and Karen's upcoming relocation from Cape Town, South Africa, to San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, and why ever-changing travel restrictions may throw a monkey wrench into their plans.

Alex Culley information:
Instagram
Facebook
Profile at Not Just
Not Just Academy
Not Just Instagram

Credits:
Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

We use SquadCast for recording our podcasts. If you're interested in starting a podcast, Jon highly recommends this easy-to-use, high-quality web app. Click here to start a 7-day free trial!

Monitoring mental health while traveling makes the journey more enjoyable (E51)

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 23:00:00 -0400

Episode 51 of From Sumplace New may be the most important episode yet because it focuses on mental health, understanding needs, navigating obstacles and creating solutions while living a travel lifestyle. Jon shares the story behind Karen's decision to step back from the podcast and why he felt it was in the best interest for everyone involved -- especially the Karen and Jon relationship part! The key takeaway from this episode: Overcoming or removing stress takes understanding and support. And in this case, it wasn't clear it was an issue until we started discussing it. If we didn't discuss, the stressors would have continued; but because we did, there was an opportunity to better understand the impact this was having on Karen, on Jon, on our relationship, and on our travel lifestyle. We talked. We listened. We understood. And now we move forward. Speaking of moving forward, we are!!! We are heading to San Jose del Cabo, Mexico on Sept. 4 and will be making an appearance at the Pasadena International Film Festival on Sept. 11. Stay tuned for more details!

Credits:
Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

We use SquadCast for recording our podcasts. If you're interested in starting a podcast, Jon highly recommends this easy-to-use, high-quality web app. Click here to start a 7-day free trial!

Language learning tips from traveling hyperpolyglot Sarah Tarvin (E50)

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 21:00:00 -0400

Hola! And welcome to episode cincuenta of From Sumplace New! For this milestone 50th episode, Sarah Tarvin, a hyperpolyglot, joins us to discuss the importance of learning a language while traveling, and the language acquisition process — which will help you learn in a way that's most efficient and productive for you. Sarah currently speaks eight languages with a few more in the works, and she has been teaching her 18-month old daughter six — yes, SIX — different languages since the day she was born. Sarah shares the process she uses for teaching her daughter, which is practical advice for anyone considering learning a new language. She also shares a few language-related stories where being a hyperpolyglot is a good thing — and, at times, creates some embarrassing moments. Sarah also discusses the habits and tools she uses daily to learn new languages and maintain her proficiency in the languages she currently speaks. On her website — Polyglotandtot.com — Sarah offers coaching opportunities and workshops to help people understand what ways are best for them, individually, to learn a language.

Learn more about Sarah here:
Polyglotandtot.com
Instagram
Facebook

Credits:
Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

We use SquadCast for recording our podcasts. If you're interested in starting a podcast, Jon highly recommends this easy-to-use, high-quality web app. Click here to start a 7-day free trial!

Leave your job for a travel lifestyle? Jenn Jennings shows us how (E49)

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 14:00:00 -0400

Jennifer Jennings (aka Jenn) and husband Kendall are living proof that you can build your ideal life by following your dreams and goals. In two short years, they went from living in Alberta, Canada, and working in the oil and gas industry to living in an RV in Baja Mexico and making a living doing what they enjoy. Jenn shares how much "The 4-Hour Workweek" by Tim Ferriss inspired them to make changes, and she reveals the "declaration napkin" moment, which was their commitment to universe to live a more intentional life. We learn about the roadmap that led them to purchasing an RV, driving it to Mexico and documenting their journey. Because RVing has become such a passion, Jenn and Kendall created a digital business — RVSpotDrop.com — which helps RVers secure campsites at parks that interest them most. Their story is inspiring for anyone who's interested in following in their footsteps and taking the leap.

Click here to purchase Tim Ferriss' "The 4-Hour Workweek" on Amazon

Find out more about Jennifer and Kendall here:

Websites: dashboarddrifters.com and RVSpotDrop.com
Instagram
Facebook

Credits:
Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

We use SquadCast for recording our podcasts. If you're interested in starting a podcast, Jon highly recommends this easy-to-use, high-quality web app. Click here to start a 7-day free trial!

Erin Thomas shares the secret to being a 'professional leaper' (E48)

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 12:00:00 -0400

Erin Thomas is a professional leaper. Period. Envious of her husband's travel for work, she hit a wall after an a-ha moment encouraged her to return to the office from lunch and resign on the spot. What transpired was a series of intentional planifesting for a life of travel, which also lead to an unexpected business for people who want to travel, too, but don't know how to manage their home while away. Erin to the rescue with a service that leads most of her clients away from "home" because the income helps fuel a travel lifestyle. In addition to talking about Erin’s leap to a life of travel, Jon and Erin discuss the steps you need to take to live the life you want. This episode is jam-packed with inspiration that leads to motivation, meaningful intention, planning for action and the discipline required, and establishing habits that lead to desired results. We also talk about letting family know why you want to move away, and how delicate that process is, and, of course, Erin shares her interpretation of the traveler's mindset.

Find out more about Erin here:

Website: erinthomascommunications.com
Airbnb Listing Service
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

Credits:
Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

We use SquadCast for recording our podcasts. If you're interested in starting a podcast, Jon highly recommends this easy-to-use, high-quality web app. Click here to start a 7-day free trial!

Florian Hornig left a successful career for a life of simplicity and travel (E47)

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 17:00:00 -0400

To the point: Florian Hornig blew up his life and is happier for it – and that's not an understatement. Florian guides listeners on his journey from doing what was expected ... to trying and failing ... to climbing the ladder of success ... only to discover he was unfulfilled. While sitting at a cafe in 2012, Floh had his a-ha moment when he realized what he would like to be doing. And he began the journey of a thousand steps with the first one, which led him to a life on purpose -- one that is simpler and more rewarding than being surrounded by the entrapments of an upward career trajectory. Floh's traveler mindset placed him outside his comfort zone, but he flourished, which only encouraged further travel. Today, he helps people get unstuck by guiding them to life-changing solutions that reside within. This is the "wisdom galore" episode of FSN, and we can't thank Floh enough for being such an inspiring guest.

To gain access to the special content he created just for FSN listeners, click here and submit your email address for access to the video. Trust us, you won't be deluged with messages from Floh. He prefers a simpler life and wants to help you enjoy one, too. It's worth the listen!

Find out more about Floh here:

Website: simplicity-of-happiness.com
Travel tour offerings: django.tours
Podcast: Simplicity of Happiness
YouTube
Patreon
Instagram
Facebook

Credits:
Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

We use SquadCast for recording our podcasts. If you're interested in starting a podcast, Jon highly recommends this easy-to-use, high-quality web app. Click here to start a 7-day free trial!

Purpose-driven, impact-maker Bob DePasquale pursues a life of travel (E46)

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 15:00:00 -0400

Bob DePasquale is on a mission to spread the message of positivity to a billion people -- yes, a billion! You can add two more to his list of positively inspired people: Jon and Karen! After this episode, we were truly inspired by Bob overcoming his personal struggles, his journey forward after having his sports career derailed, serendipitously finding his future wife Trisha while traveling, fostering a desire to travel more frequently and then doing it, and now building a business that will allow he and Trisha to untether and travel at their heart's desire. Bob is a certified financial planner by day, but his passion for people and joyful living is what helps him connect with people and impact their lives. Bob is in the midst of transforming his life so he can travel even more and his messages will inspire you to do the same. Give a listen to this episode, and you'll understand why Bob is choosing to live the life he wants and inspiring others to do the same.

Jon and Karen also provide an update on the immigration issues in South Africa and why they decided to be temporary "undesirables."

Find out more about Bob here:
bobdepasquale.com
Speaking of Impact Podcast
Facebook
LinkedIn

Credits:
Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

We use SquadCast for recording our podcasts. If you're interested in starting a podcast, Jon highly recommends this easy-to-use, high-quality web app. Click here to start a 7-day free trial!

Essentials of mindful & meaningful travel with Erica Boucher (E45)

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 19:00:00 -0400

Erica Boucher is an author, counselor, yoga instructor, retreat leader and world traveler, and we're happy to call her a friend of the show! Episode 45 is chock full of travel wisdom, common sense, ah-ha insights and guiding mantras. We delve into:

the explorer/traveler vs. the vacationer mindset
what it means to be in the moment when traveling
adopting the mantra of "no matter what happens it's all part of the adventure"
embracing the awkwardness of travel
understanding that life shows up and always has your back during the challenging moments
how to co-create the life you want to live
a traveler mindset is a sustainable mindset
how to shift from a vacation mentality to being a global citizen
the importance of creating a vision of the life you want
why travel feeds a thirst for living

We're already living a work-from-anywhere, onward-travel lifestyle and we were truly inspired by Erica's insight and passion for living a life of travel. You will be, too!

Check out Erica Boucher at:
ericaboucher.com
Instagram
Facebook
All Ways Evolving Conscious Living Podcast

Credits:
Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

We use SquadCast for recording our podcasts. If you're interested in starting a podcast, Jon highly recommends this easy-to-use, high-quality web app. Click here to start a 7-day free trial!

Will & Jess Sueiro share their long journey from suburban living to WorldTowning (E44)

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 16:00:00 -0400

Anybody else in disbelief that it’s already April? 2020 was a year that felt like a decade and, now, 2021 is just flying by. But it's all good because we’ve dusted off our podcast gear and are excited to share a very special conversation with two amazing work-from-anywhere travelers. We stumbled upon Will and Jess Sueiro while researching info on travel visas in February 2017. We loved their passion and energy and proceeded to binge-watch every video on their YouTube channel about their travels as digital nomads with their two kids, Avalon and Largo. We were early into our long-term travel planning, and their insights, practical instruction and passion put us on the perfect trajectory. We resonated so much with them that we reached out and said hello. Within weeks of connecting, they launched WorldTowning and we scheduled a consultation and, ultimately, attended their inaugural WorldTowning University program. Needless to say, they've guided and inspired us in immeasurable ways. Check out this episode for a spirited and personal glimpse into the Sueiros’ journey from a “living the American Dream” family (but wanting more) to a globe-trotting, “seize the day” quad of adventurers who have carved out a lifestyle that feeds them. You’ll discover that the process isn't always easy, and it often manifests over time as an initial desire transforms into a tactical plan. Listen and learn what it takes to face down your fears, craft a game plan, take the leap … and never look back.

Follow WorldTowning on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:
Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

We use SquadCast for recording our podcasts. If you're interested in starting a podcast, Jon highly recommends this easy-to-use, high-quality web app. Click here to start a 7-day free trial!

Kirsten McCormick is 'Cheerfully Imperfect' about family travel (E43)

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 19:00:00 -0500

We're back! It's our first episode of 2021, and it's the first episode of our new and improved format where we interview a guest. This week, we spend time with Kirsten McCormick who shares why and how she and husband Justin manage a full-time travel lifestyle with their five children. After spending a year and a half traveling the US in a converted school bus, the McCormicks spent a few years back home in Texas before hitting the road again. The original goal was to head to Argentina, but Covid-19 altered those plans and forced a temporary move to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico — a place we're very familiar with! Kristen shares how she started a business that allowed her to navigate full-time travel lifestyle, which also allowed Justin to quit his job for a while. Her path to employment while raising a family — and having a surrogate child along the way — will inspire listeners to start planning their own journeys!

To learn more about Kristen and her family, visit her social media pages and website!

Website: https://cheerfullyimperfect.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheerfullyimperfect/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheerfullyImperfect/

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:
Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

We use SquadCast for recording our podcasts. If you're interested in starting a podcast, Jon highly recommends this easy-to-use, high-quality web app. Click here to start a 7-day free trial!

The Bonus Episode: Erica Boucher interviews Karen and Jon (E42)

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 18:00:00 -0500

We're transitioning! No more podcast episodes with just Jon and Karen droning on and on. Moving forward, episodes of From Sumplace New will feature guest interviews. To help prepare you for this new format, we're sharing an interview we did with podcast host Erica Boucher for her All Ways Evolving podcast last October.

Erica, too, wants to move into a long-term, ongoing-travel lifestyle, so she has questions about how we got to where we are and how we make it work. If you've been listening to our podcast, you will have heard some of this before, but Erica goes a little deeper with some insightful questions.

A big thank you to Erica for letting us feature this episode. We have an interview lined up with Erica, too, where we'll focus on how to move from a vacation mindset to an explorer mindset as travelers.

As a life coach who focuses on living in the moment, Erica has tremendous insight that will inspire and motivate you. Visit her website and follow her podcast at the links below to learn more about her work.

Erica Boucher Website
Erica Boucher Podcast

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:
Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

We use SquadCast for recording our podcasts. If you're interested in starting a podcast, Jon highly recommends this easy-to-use, high-quality web app. Click here to start a 7-day free trial!

Last episode of the year & big announcement for FSN! (E41)

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 22:00:00 -0500

It's hard to believe we started this podcast just weeks before the pandemic struck, and here we are 41 episodes later and we're still in pandemic-ville. *sigh* We're going to take a break from podcasting for the rest of 2020 so we can come back refreshed for 2021 with a new vision for the podcast! Listen in to learn more. We're excited about what's next for the podcast and the new year, and we hope you are, too — it just has to be better than 2020!

Here's wishing all of our friends around the world a wonderful holiday season and a very happy new year!

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:
Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

We use SquadCast for recording our podcasts. If you're interested in starting a podcast, Jon highly recommends this easy-to-use, high-quality web app. Click here to start a 7-day free trial!

Pros and cons of travel during COVID-19 (E40)

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 14:00:00 -0500

Episode 40! Where has the time gone? Seems like the pandemic started just yesterday, no? Speaking of the pandemic, it has wreaked havoc on travel plans around the world. Trips have been cancelled, travel influencers have been grounded, and everyone is yearning for a time when travel restrictions are no more. Despite the frustrations resulting from COVID-19, travel IS possible if you plan correctly and find yourself a member of the "responsible travel" category. In this week's episode, we offer three pros and three cons for travel during COVID-19. There are many more, but we don't have all day to list them. If you are a responsible traveler, travel remains an option. If you're planning a trip, take these pros and cons into consideration:

Pros of travel during COVID-19

Less crowded -- You'll have room to move and little wait time at tourist attractions.
Ability to negotiate and discover deals -- Many businesses offer discounts to attract customers. You have a lot of leverage, too, as a long-term traveler. Staying a month at an Airbnb will be welcomed, and likely with a discount attached.
Stimulate local economies -- Spend money at independent businesses and they will thank you. Since "home" is where we are at the moment, we seek out indy businesses and frequent them to help them stay afloat.

Cons of travel during COVID-19

Less crowded -- The pro is also a con since there is not much energy at places that are usually vibrant. There are times we feel like the soul has been sucked out of Edinburgh because it's empty in the evenings when it's usually hopping.
Constantly changing restrictions -- Adaptability and flexibility are necessary skills when traveling during a pandemic. Changes occur swiftly, and you need to stay on top of local and national guidelines -- as well as be prepared to move at a moment's notice or ready to hunker down during a lockdown.
Travel shaming -- It's real, and the stories of shaming on social media and within families runs rampant. How do you let someone know that you're a responsible traveler? Listen to the episode for our insight.

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:
Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

We use SquadCast for recording our podcasts. If you're interested in starting a podcast, Jon highly recommends this easy-to-use, high-quality web app. Click here to start a 7-day free trial!

How to maintain a minimalist and stylish capsule wardrobe for full-time travel (E39)

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 13:00:00 -0500

Trying to be stylish while living out of a suitcase 365/24/7 is challenging. If you're considering a work-from-anywhere, open-ended, long-term travel lifestyle, you need to determine your fashionista quotient — practical (like Jon) or stylish (like Karen). While preparing for our journey, Jon focused on packing lightweight, performance-based clothing that was easy to manage. Jon admits he'll never win any style awards, but he leads the league in comfortable clothing. Karen, on the other hand, struggles to maintain a vibrant yet simple style while constantly being tempted by fashions specific to the countries we visit. We limit ourselves to a 50-pound suitcase each (Karen has a carry-on, too, which is usually loaded with accessories and toiletries), so curating and maintaining a funky fresh wardrobe is an ongoing challenging (for Karen, not Jon). During this episode, we discuss how we've been able to manage our packing needs and how we address those needs while enjoying our travel lifestyle.

We started using SquadCast for recording our podcasts, and it has made our lives easier. If you're interested in starting a podcast, Jon highly recommends the easy-to-use web app for recording your podcast. Click here to start a 7-day free trial!

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Benefits of a travel mindset vs. vacation mindset (E38)

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 21:00:00 -0500

Despite the pandemic limiting our full-speed ahead travel mindset, we're grateful we can move around (a little) and experience new things. One thing we've learned over the past two-plus years is how rewarding long-term travel is. In so many ways. We discuss a few of these in E38 of From Sumplace New:

No end date or feeling of finality.
No pressure to have an amazing time in a concentrated period.
Revisit coffee shops and restaurants and get to know the staff — and even forge friendships.
Experience more of the day to day rhythms of the local community — more immersive and integrative.
Concentrate on locations/surroundings/opportunities that speak to you — go to a place or region, see how you feel and what you like, and go from there.
Create a sense of familiarity in an area, which is rewarding and fosters connection.
People/locals treat you a little differently when you’re there as a “slow traveler” vs passing through as a tourist — demonstrates commitment and respect about where you are and why.
Time! You gain ongoing time to explore an area, be a part of it, grow from it.

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Travel Stories: Surviving (barely) a violent hail storm hiking to Peru's Waqrapukara (E37)

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 23:00:00 -0500

This is the story of how Karen and Jon turned a 4-5 hour hike into an 8-hour ordeal in a violent hail, lightning and thunder storm while hiking back from the Inca ruins of Waqrapukara near Cusco, Peru. Besides the storm, why did it take so long? Short answer: It's all Jon's fault for wanting to take hundreds of photos and chatting with the guide. Really, this one is all on Jon. Learn how hail lit the way and helped guide us home!

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

How to choose the ideal work from anywhere location (E36)

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 18:00:00 -0500

We're big believers that there has never been a better time than right now to begin planning a work from anywhere lifestyle. And even if you don't think the time is right for you, where would you go if you could? Just going through the exercise will help you better understand what your options could be. Armed with that information, you may realize this is a lifestyle worthy of contemplation (and planifestation!) In Episode 36 of From Sumplace New, we recommend these six resources to help you evaluate your work from anywhere country options (links included):

International Living's Annual Retirement Index and magazine subscription
Numbeo for cost of living comparisons
Speedtest.net Global Index to review WiFi and cell phone service speeds
Flight planning with Skyscanner, Google Flights and Matrix Airfare Search
Airbnb for monthly discounts
Traveloffpath.com for the latest information about travel planning

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Work from anywhere Q&A: Jon answers Karen's secret questions (E35)

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 23:00:00 -0400

Jon offers some insightful answers to Karen's questions about travel and our work from anywhere lifestyle. But first, the best thing that happened to Jon last week: freezer boots! The covid clampdown is coming to Scotland, but first, Karen wants answers from Jon to these questions:

What was your first international trip? Highlights?
When did you realize travel was important to you? Or What about you makes you wired for travel — and/or exploring new territory?
Where have we been in our travels that you most want to return?
Has your bucket list of potential locations changed in recent years?
What is the one way you’ve most adapted your travel mindset during these Covid times? What is the biggest challenge?
How has long-term travel changed you?
What do you like most about working on the road, or from anywhere? Like least?
What is the best advice you have for someone considering a similar path?
If you could go back a couple years before we set out, would you do anything differently?

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Digital nomad visas: Six countries currently offering one-year programs (E34)

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 17:00:00 -0400

Six countries officially offer visa programs directly targeting digital nomads, and two more have programs in the works. Check back in a few months, and there likely will be more countries added to the list. Why? In an effort to boost local economies — especially on the heels of the Covid pandemic — countries are looking to lure workers who have the ability to work from anywhere. And there are more and more of them every day. (Make sure you check out Ep. 16: There has never been a better time to work remotely and travel—ever!) The message is clear: Since you can work from anywhere, why not spend your money here?

The official list of countries with digital nomad visas:

Barbados
Bermuda
Anguilla
Estonia
Dubai
Georgia

Aruba and Croatia also have programs in the works. We suggest you do your research because there are several considerations to evaluate, such as location, cost of living, visa fees and proof of income. To get you started, Travel Off Path is one of the best resources for up-to-date travel information. Check out these links:

Click here for the Travel Off Path article on Digital Nomad Visas
Visit Traveloffpath.com
Visit Travel Off Path Community Facebook group

In addition to digital nomad visas, we also discuss our weekend trip to Carlisle and England's Lake District, as well as the latest pandemic restrictions — Scotland is definitely heading in the wrong direction!

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Top 5 advantages of a work-from-anywhere travel lifestyle (E33)

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 22:00:00 -0400

There are dozens of advantages, but we're sharing five that really speak to us and will, hopefully, encourage others to see the benefits of working while traveling abroad. Our podcastation this week is in our new Edinburgh apartment situated on the Royal Mile (Canongate, for those familiar with Old Town Edinburgh). Our pandemic update is a step in the wrong direction, but one the government hopes will slow down the rapidly rising cases in Scotland's central belt, and we also talk about our what's-next plans -- Karen is fine with staying in Edinburgh and Jon wouldn't mind something a little warmer and lighter (Edinburgh only has 7 hours of sunlight during December-January). As for the list, here are the top 5 advantages of a work-from-anywhere travel lifestyle:

No post-vacation letdown (it's real thing!)
Always something to look forward to
Less stuff to own and maintain (and need!)
Gain a global perspective on cultures, politics, economies and the environment
No more static office

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

How to cultivate an explorer mindset—whether you're traveling or not (E32)

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 17:00:00 -0400

The longer we travel, the more we're inspired to keep traveling. Jon asks Karen a surprise question: What would it take to stop you from traveling? Her answer spurs a conversation around the explorer mindset, and that cultivating one encourages a desire for more exploration. Just like the first sentence above says. Travel begets travel. Exploring begets exploring, whether it's in your home town or the other side of the planet. Doing something that stimulates curiosity regularly is a basis for transformation. Before we get all Indiana Jones, we discuss our amazing three-day trip around Scotland's North Coast 500, one of the most breathtaking drives we've ever experienced. From rolling hills and sheep galore to windswept sandy beaches and craggy coastline lighthouses to rugged mountains and highland moors, the North Coast 500 is a must-do for anyone visiting Scotland. And we need to thank the desk agent at the Inverness Airport Eurocar rental counter. As usual, we didn't have set plans and asked for his recommendation from among the Isle of Skye, ferrying to the Orkney Islands or traveling the North Coast 500 mile trip. In his words: Forget Skye and do the North Coast 500. Done.

The definitive guide to the North Coast 500: www.northcoast500.com

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Top 5 excuses for not pursuing a work from anywhere lifestyle (E31)

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 14:00:00 -0400

Self-limiting language leads to self-limiting behavior. As long as you're saying things that support why you can't or shouldn't be doing something, the easier it is to not do it. Episode 31 features the top five excuses we hear from people who say they'd love to be living a work from anywhere lifestyle, but can't:

Kids
Job doesn’t allow for it
Too expensive to live and work abroad
Fear of the unknown
Family and friends would never support the idea

We prefer to focus on the possibilities vs. expressing why we can't do something. As we shared in earlier episodes, we had our first conversation about a travel lifestyle 25 years ago, and we created remote working opportunities 11 years ago, that helped us manifest our current work from anywhere lifestyle. Less negative, more positive! If you're pondering the idea of traveling and working, feel free to reach out to us on Facebook or Instagram. We're more than happy to help you contemplate if this is a possibility for you, too. We'd love to see you out on the road in the near future!

Cost of living resources:

Numbeo Cost of Living Index by Country
International Living Cost of Living Resources

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Scotland driving experience: Easy, challenging or frightening? (E30)

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 18:00:00 -0400

Our first time driving in the UK! Was it a white-knuckler? Or super easy, barely an inconvenience? Jon shares his biggest challenges driving from the passenger seat (in the US) and on the left side of the road, and it has nothing to do with actual driving! We rented a car and took a spontaneous trip north with the intention of spending the night, um, somewhere. We like to leave our options open since we never know which direction we'll be pulled or how far we may go whenever we go on a road trip. We learned a bunch of new phrases related to driving as we drove along the Fife Coastal Route up to St. Andrews, then on to Perth before making plans to spend the night in the small village of Aberfeldy, which is now Karen's frontrunner for our retirement destination. Special place, for sure, and we both felt the vibe equally. All we need are barn boots, some Harris Tweed jackets and caps, a few JRT dogs, a cottage and a Land Rover and we're all set! After bidding adieu to Aberfeldy, we drove to Pitlochry for a stroll, scones and coffee, and then on to Stirling to visit the awe-inspiring Stirling Castle, before ending our weekend jaunt in Falkirk at The Kelpies, the 30-meter-high horse-head sculptures depicting kelpies, or mythical shape-shifting water spirits. We're now looking forward to our next spontaneous road trip!

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Scottish words, phrases and slang that make us smile (E29)

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 18:00:00 -0400

After six weeks in Edinburgh, yet only four outside of our apartment due to quarantine upon arrival, we've spent weekends exploring, dining and shopping, which means we're frequently hearing the English language with a Scottish flair, and we love it. This week we share some words and pronunciations we have grown to love (and now say) as well as a few American phrases we've used that have confused the locals. We also talk about how our weekend plans to be spontaneous, didn't turn out so well because, well, we didn't have a plan. The best thing that happened to us this week? We went to the movies for the first time since January — Christopher Nolan's Tenet is amazing — and share the theater-going experience with restrictions, course. We also discuss the slow increase of Covid-19 cases and the potential threat of current restrictions changing — either rolling back or being fully implemented again. Noooo! Let's do the right thing and not gather in crowds, folks, so we all can get back to living restriction-free lives!

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Planifestation: Time waits for no one, plan your journey NOW! (E28)

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 18:00:00 -0400

Whether your journey to "someplace new" is in your hometown or on the other side of the world, don't wait for the perfect time to go for it. There's never been a better time to start something new than right now. When talking about our onward travel journey so far, the one thing we realized was how quickly the past two years have flown by. And it's hard to believe we've been in Scotland for more than 5 weeks! Where has the time gone? It made us realize how much we've accomplished as well as how long it took for us to get here. But we had a plan, that manifested over time -- or planifested, as Karen succinctly put it -- and guided us to where we are today. Don't wait. Do. And start today, not tomorrow. Wherever your someplace new is, dream it, plan it and do it. Now.

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Listener Q&A, covid restrictions that make sense & shopping habits (E27)

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 18:00:00 -0400

What started as a short Q&A session, wound up including an update on covid restrictions that make sense and work brilliantly in Edinburgh, a follow up on last week's episode with Alex's response and appreciation, and Karen's Edinburgh shopping binge and renewed love affair with Amazon (after a two-year break). The big three questions we've been asked in the past month:

After two years in Spanish speaking countries, how good is your Spanish?
What’s it like now that you’re in an English speaking country?
Where to next?

So much of what we do today is totally dictated by the pandemic. Unfortunately, it is what it is, but we're making the most of it.

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Live the life you want: The four "-tions" to get you there (E26)

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 12:00:00 -0400

Want to travel long-term like we do? Before you say "Sure, but I can't ..." you need to listen to this episode — especially to hear Alex's story. Alex is a barber at Edinburgh's Rag and Bone who cut Jon's hair last week, and he shared how he changed his life following a moment of inspiration about what he didn't want to do. His story resonated so much, we decided to dedicate an episode to transformational change — which, by the way, doesn't always happen overnight. The initial seeds for our journey where first planted in the mid-90s when we talked about traveling from city to city in the US, staying for six months and then moving on. The desire was there, the inspiration was there, but it took a few more specific events in our lives to move us into a state of action: the death of Jon's father in 2002, a conversation with Kyle (Jon's son) in 2008, and an ah-ha moment following text exchanges with Jon's fraternity brother, Scott James, back in 2017. Each of these moments facilitated change that manifested the travel lifestyle we now lead. Whether it's Alex's story, yours our ours, achieving dreams and goals requires four specific steps: inspiration, motivation, activation and implementation. Alex did it. We did it. You can do it, too!

This episode is a perfect companion to Episode 16: There's never been a better time work remotely and travel—ever!

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Scotland First Impressions: Edinburgh, You Had Us at Hello (E25)

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 18:00:00 -0400

After months of lockdowns and quarantines (March 20-August 6), we finally had a chance to get out and explore again, and boy did we! Saturday and Sunday were jammed packed, as we walked over 40,000 steps exploring Edinburgh. Needless to say, we weren't disappointed. So, for episode 25 of From Sumplace New, we want to share our initial impressions from our wanderings, which include thoughts on:

Architecture
Sense of history
Food
People letting loose
Fashion
Weather
Dog-friendly businesses
Covid-19 restrictions
Abundant green space

We're already looking forward to next weekend!

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

2-year anniversary: 10 lessons learned about long-term travel (E24)

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 18:00:00 -0400

When we left Seattle on July 31, 2018, we were long-term travel neophytes with very little understanding of how this working and traveling lifestyle would impact us. Two years later, we know, and we're going to share the 10 things we've learned about ourselves and how being location-independent wanderers enriches our lives. Here is what we cover in the list:

Flexibility and patience
Don’t need the typical trappings
Can work in just about any setting with Wifi
People are genuinely friendly and like to connect
Food is a great way to immerse culturally
There are good days and bad days
Creating structure helps
Sometimes you need to slow down
Health insurance is critical
Focus beyond tourist attractions

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Travel Stories: Our easiest most challenging trip ever—Argentina to Scotland (E23)

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 15:00:00 -0400

Nearly four days of travel: 16.5-hour car ride, 32.5-hour layover, 13.5-hour flight, 13-hour layover, 2-hour flight. It absolutely could have been a royal pain in the ass (but only the car ride was a literal pain in the ass). After a ton of research and preparation, we knew we did everything possible to make our journey from Bariloche to Buenos Aires to Amsterdam to Edinburgh as stress-free as possible. The rest was in the hands of the travel gods — would we stay healthy before leaving Argentina, would we be stopped by Argentina province police during our drive, would we get dinged for being in Argentina well beyond the 90-day tourist visa limit (172 days!), would our flights be on time, would we sleep at all? Long story short: It went off without a hitch. Save for the bumpy car ride, at times, it couldn't have been a smoother journey. Less people traveling sure helped, but we also prepared ourselves mentally in case we needed to adapt. The only adapting we had to do was sleeping in a Schiphol Airport micro hotel since we were exhausted after our overnight flight. What did we learn? What did we eat? What did we watch? What do we miss? What do we look forward to? All that and more in episode 23 of From Sumplace New.

Traveling soon? Check out our new favorite online travel resource: Travel Off Path. Big thank you to Kashlee Kucheran for starting Travel Off Path!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/traveloffpath
https://www.traveloffpath.com

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Travel Stories: Sky people, supernatural experiences at Mexico's Chichén Itzá (E22)

Sun, 19 Jul 2020 17:00:00 -0400

Episode 22 of From Sumplace New takes the podcast into the mystical realm when Jon shares his profound experience during our visit to the ancient Maya ruins at Chichén Itzá in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. It was moving for both of us, but Jon had a totally different vibe, literally. After sharing what happened with our guide, Jon asked about the "sky people" and the next hour and forty minutes were filled with ancestral stories about the supernatural essence of Chichén Itzá. It's a day we'll never forget, and we look forward to visiting again. It's a must! We also discuss our upcoming travel itinerary that takes us from Bariloche, Argentina, to Edinburgh, Scotland. We leave Monday morning at 10 am and arrive in Scotland at 6 pm on Thursday. Here's the deal: 19 hours in a car, 24 hour layover in Buenos Aires, 13.5 hour flight to Amsterdam, 13 hour layover, 2 hour flight to Edinburgh. It's going to be an epic journey!

If you're curious about Jon's documentary films, visit j3FILMS.com and extraordinarytheseeding.com to learn more.

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

8 things we'll never forget about Mexico and South America (E21)

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 16:00:00 -0400

With only a week left before we leave Bariloche and South America, it's the perfect time to reflect on what we'll remember most about our time in Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Argentina. We've whittled it down to eight primary topics (it very easily could have been 38):

Cost of living
People
Historical Sites
Food
Geography
Traditions
Transit
Sounds

We talk about a variety of subjects in each category (especially the food!), and we come to the conclusion we're not quite done with Mexico and South America. We love Peru and we have unfinished business in Argentina and Chile, so we will return one day!

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Q&A: Why lockdown in Argentina? Coming home? Where to next?—We have a plan! (E20)

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 17:00:00 -0400

This episode answers the big question we've been asking ourselves for three months: Where are we going next? We reveal what country we're heading to and why — and it was a challenging process that changed daily based on what country would let us in! We also answer questions we've been hearing regularly during our stay in Bariloche, Argentina, including:

What is lockdown like in Argentina? (Super easy, barely an inconvenience)
Why did you stay in Argentina during lockdown? (Simple answer: It's safe)
When are you coming home? (Jon is so tired of answering this one!)
Where are you going next? (We're super excited to share!)
Wow, really? What did you base that decision on? (It wasn't an easy decision!)

And don't miss our little ode to Alvin and the Chipmunks to open the show!

Click here to learn more about the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: https://bit.ly/SumplaceNewIRS
Click here for more information about Greenback Expat Tax Services:
https://bit.ly/SumplaceNewGreenbackTax

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Unfortunate news underscores importance of expressing gratitude (E19)

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 15:00:00 -0400

Episode 19 was stirred by painful news: the diagnosis of a family member's terminal cancer. Learning about this was a kick in the gut and had us reflecting on what we are grateful for and why our health is so important to our ability to travel and work abroad. Karen shares several quotes about gratitude that inspire her, and we both discuss why recognizing gratitude is so important to us — and how it has helped us get to where we are today. We are fortunate and grateful to be employed, have our health and be in a safe and comfortable situation in Bariloche, Argentina.

This episode is for Maria. We love you very much!

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

10 things you won't miss (or need) when traveling long-term (E18)

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 17:00:00 -0400

This list represents items we would have said we couldn't live without several years ago. Choosing to travel changes your perspective on everything. You begin to understand the difference between routine and adventure; nice-to-haves and essentials; wishing and doing. Because the more we do, the less we need or want of the "things" that filled our lives in the past. Travel and adventure became our entertainment, and we are more fulfilled because of it.

And owning all that stuff is expensive! Tally your annual expenses to discover how much much you spend to maintain your life. By selling our home and eventually selling our cars, we saved more than $25K annually in expenses. We discovered we were captives to these expenses because we chose them. Once we freed ourselves from the "should haves" and "should dos" that were supposedly critical to happiness, we realized so much more living was possible.

The less "stuff" you have holding you down, the easier it is to travel. By eliminating the extra stuff, you'll be surprised by how much more money and time you have to travel.

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Travel Stories: How to make friends while traveling (E17)

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 18:00:00 -0400

True or false? When traveling long-term like we do, it’s hard to meet people or make friends.

False. And it's a no-brainer based on our experience. In this episode, we discuss how important making connections is, and how easy it can be when you make the effort. This applies to everyone, traveling or not. In hindsight, we kick ourselves for not making the same effort when we lived back in the states.

In our two years on the road, we have made more friends -- good friends -- than we did with our neighbors when living in Florida and Washington. Why? Because we make an effort to connect. We engage, share and listen more intently because we are looking for connection. And sometimes the universe provides in spades, like it did during our two months in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. We share how one casual conversation with a bistro owner created a chain reaction that led to several friendships we cherish to this day. And it all started by sticking our head in the door and saying hello.

Here are links to some of the people and places we discuss in this episode. If you click on only one, click on the first one. Great video with San Miguel aerial visuals accompanied by Gil Guitierrez's touching music and Raffa de la Vega's mesmerizing vocals on they Dylan classic "Blowin' in the Wind."

Blowin' in the Wind: https://youtu.be/zhEGBouNsiY
Gil Guitierrez: http://www.gilgutierrez.com/
Bistro Mi Casa: https://bistromicasasma.com/
Zandunga: https://zandunga.business.site/
Raffa de la Vega and Los Ra Beats new music video: https://youtu.be/9cw22poC3tU
Art Tour: https://www.arttoursma.com/
Ki'bok Cafe: http://www.kibokcoffee.com/san
Fábrica la Aurora: http://fabricalaaurora.com/en/home/
San Miguel de Allende: https://visitsanmiguel.com/

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

There has never been a better time to work remotely and travel—ever! (E16)

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 18:00:00 -0400

We have never been more amped up than we are for this episode because it has become crystal clear that the current employment environment is opening doors for people to take their remote work on the road. Want proof?

77% of survey respondents of a recent survey expect the number of employees working primarily from home (at least three days a week) will increase post-pandemic.
Consulting company Global Workplace Analytics estimates that when the pandemic is over, 30 percent of the entire workforce will work from home at least a couple times a week. Before the pandemic, that number was in the low single digits
A Littler Mendelson PC survey of 1,000 employer says that 30% of respondents plan to change policies to allow telework as long as employees prove to be productive

The truth is there has never been a better time — in the history of the world! — to begin transitioning to a remote working lifestyle from abroad.

So why not now? And why not you? We provide several reasons why this is an ideal time to start planning, and what steps to take, as well as hacks to make you a better remote worker while abroad.

This is the most important episode we have done, because we truly believe it will inspire people to consider the possibilities and then take steps to creating their personal journey.

Are you ready to join us? We can't wait to see you on the road!

If you have a family and are considering a travel lifestyle, make sure to check out our friends Jessica and Will Sueiro at WorldTowning.com. They are the experts on planning for long-term family travel!

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Minimalist tips for long-term travelers (E15)

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 18:00:00 -0400

This episode continues the conversation from Episode 14 with Karen sharing the process she went through to prepare for our ongoing travel lifestyle. There are tips to help you start you on a path of minimalism, and tips she recommends for while you're on the road.

We also introduce a new segment called "The best thing to happen to me last week" and provide an update on our lockdown adventures (73 days and counting!) in Bariloche, Argentina. We finally have some good news to report!

Whether you plan on traveling or not, Karen's insights on minimalism will help you pare down your stuff! Here are the pre-travel tips:

Define why
Start small
Keep going
Purge harder to give up items
Stop accumulating new stuff

And here are the minimalism tips for when you're traveling:

Capsule wardrobe
Packing cubes
One in, one out
Constantly reassess
Quality over quantity

Resources mentioned in this episode:
becomingminimalist.com — Joshua Becker
bemorewithless.com —Courtney Carver, books Soulful Simplicity and Project 333 (wear 33 items for 3 months)
theminimalists.com (Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus)

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

My life in 2 suitcases: Minimalism is challenging for long-term travelers (E14)

Mon, 25 May 2020 18:00:00 -0400

For episode 14 of "From Sumplace New," Jon interviews Karen about her journey toward minimalism — the challenge of being a clothing and decor aesthete who had to whittle down her stuff before hitting the road with the just the basics. The obstacles were plenty and the struggles real, but the transition was well worth it. In the end, Jon may be more surprised by the outcome than Karen! What was harder, getting rid of an apartment full of furniture and accessories or paring down a wardrobe?

We highly recommend discovering The Minimalists, Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus, when you're ready to downsize. You can find them, their books and the documentary here: https://www.theminimalists.com/

Enjoy George Carlin's routine about stuff: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sctC_cuP-Hc

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

How our travel mindset changed drastically over three years (E13)

Mon, 18 May 2020 15:00:00 -0400

Day 59 of "Bariloche Lockdown" is also time for episode 13 of "From Sumplace New" — the one where Karen and Jon talk about how their perspective of international travel has transformed dramatically during their journey from Seattle to Mexico and South America.

Three years ago, international travel meant vacations to tourist destinations every 2-3 years — something that required saving for a jam-packed two weeks abroad. Two years ago, we were planning to go to Ecuador for a 6-9 month stay to kick off our slow-travel lifestyle. A year ago, we realized that we like moving every month after spending nine months traveling throughout Mexico. We're moving faster now than we ever thought we would, and we're loving it.

If you're contemplating a digital nomad lifestyle, now may be the best time since so many businesses are allowing and/or encouraging remote employment. Food for thought. You could do this, too!

At the end of the episode, Karen asks: Were you surprised by this evolution? Jon answers: I've been most surprised by how rapidly you transformed from being a nesting aesthete to a free-wheeling vagabond! We will discuss this further in a future episode!

Compare cost of living expenses in cities worldwide at www.numbeo.com.

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Travel Stories: My phone was stolen, and it was all my fault (E12)

Mon, 11 May 2020 18:00:00 -0400

On January 31, 2019 — a day many people were glad had arrived due to the crappy year 2019 turned out to be (if we only knew what was coming our way!) — Jon had his brand new smart phone stolen in a busy street market in Santiago, Chile. Not swiped from a table or picked from his pocket, but grabbed and wrestled from his hands. How did this happen, and why was it his fault? In Jon's words: complacency and stupidity. Listen to Episode 12 of From Sumplace New to learn how an easily avoidable situation manifested into the perfect swipe job for petty thieves. Seriously, it was a dumb-ass move by Jon. Listen and learn!

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Three reasons we love lockdown ... three reasons we hate it (E11)

Mon, 04 May 2020 18:00:00 -0400

After providing our "Locked down in Bariloche, Argentina update" (there appears to be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel!), we unveil — with a twist — what we love and hate about being isolated for 44 days and counting. The twist: We didn't share our respective points of view until we recorded the episode. Some are similar and some are quite different. Bottom line: We're jonesing to get out of this friggin' apartment and back to our travel lifestyle!

Click here to watch our YouTube live event with fellow ongoing travelers to learn if they hunkered down or fled the countries they were staying in when the pandemic restrictions began unfolding.

YouTube shows we watch for entertainment, education and laughs:

Click here to watch Ryan George's "Screen Rant Pitch Meetings."

Click here to watch Rick Beato's "What Makes This Song Great?" series.

Click here to watch "Let's Game it Out" series of hysterical abuses of video games.

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Travel Stories: Why we fell in love with Mérida, Mexico (E10)

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 16:00:00 -0400

Episode 10 kicks off with a day 37 update of lockdown life in Bariloche, Argentina, including our confrontation with the neighbor across the hall who was convinced we were walking Covid-19 infections since we were tourists, as well as updates regarding the latest local restrictions -- no, we're not expecting easing anytime soon. After our update, we dive into the cultural wonder that is Mérida, Mexico, and why we were smitten since the day we arrived. The cultural capital of the Yucatan peninsula has scheduled events 365 days per year. It's truly a celebration of the past, preserved for the future. Remains one of the top highlights of our journey so far. And the Airbnb location had a lot to do with it, not to mention our wonderful hosts Maria and Jorge. If you ever visit Mérida, stay at Casita 64. Here's the listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/27582669

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Locked Down Abroad: Coping & Struggling with Covid-19 (E9)

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 18:00:00 -0400

Covid-19 has stolen our ability to travel, so we're stuck in Bariloche, Argentina, and it's not ideal! This episode gets real and shares the latest restrictions in Bariloche (we're only allowed to go outside 3 days a week!) as well as the challenges, struggles and emotions we're dealing with confined to our 2-room apartment. It hasn't been easy since we both approach the situation differently. There have been conflicts followed by understanding with our emotions, levels of intimacy and our individual approaches on what helps us deal with the stress. Meditation, laughing and music help (see recommendations below), but communication is critical. We both bare our souls and come clean with how we're dealing with the situation. It isn't perfect, but it's working for us ... so far! Karen's advice: Don't get carried away by what you SHOULD be doing during this time of isolation, it's too much pressure. Nurturing yourself is more important than ever!

Jon's recommendations to help pass the time:

Rick Beato's What Makes This Song Great YouTube playlist
Screen Rant's Super Easy, Barely an Inconvenience YouTube playlist
MLB The Show Player's League website

Karen's recommendation for guided meditations:

Michael Sealy's YouTube page

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Travel Stories: Kindness of strangers (E8)

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 18:00:00 -0400

Jon kicks off the show with a raspy voice -- was it due to a bout with COVID-19? -- before we jump into today's Travel Stories. During our 20 months of travel, we have encountered numerous situations where strangers go out of their way to lend us a helping hand. In this episode, we share specific experiences about the security guards in Akumal, Mexico; the shuttle ride in the Mayan Riviera that turned into a tour; the kind and wonderful Airbnb hosts in Mérida, Mexico; the helping hands on the Mexico City bus platform; the cab ride from a stranger in Cuenca, Ecuador, who wasn't a cab driver; and the Mendoza, Argentina, gentlemen who helped us get our car from a locked parking lot and then gave us tips on the best places to visit nearby. Time and again we have enjoyed strangers helping us navigate unfamiliar territory, and we remain forever grateful.

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Adaptability is essential for long-term travelers—Part 2 (E7)

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 18:00:00 -0400

Part 2 of our conversation on the importance of being flexible and open-minded while traveling abroad. In the second half of this conversation, we talk about managing tech needs, challenges and solutions; having a plan B for WiFi needs; cell phone data plan options; our Lima Airbnb lost power and forced us to find a new place in one day, and how we managed the process; currency exchange, cash vs. card needs, ATM fees and money management differences.

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Ability to adapt is essential for long-term travelers (especially now!)—Part 1 (E6)

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 18:00:00 -0400

The COVID-19 pandemic has the entire world adapting to change. For this episode of "From Sumplace New," we thought it was the ideal time to discuss the importance of being flexible and open-minded while traveling abroad. There's so much information on this subject that we decided to split the episode into two bit-sized morsels instead of a marathon podcast.

At the start of the episode, we describe our current lockdown situation in Bariloche, Argentina, how were handling it and how we're not! We also discuss the cultural rhythms (or culture shocks, as some may say) of countries we've visited so far, how we adjust in order to live like a local, as well as challenges you may face when selecting Airbnb rentals. Part 2 follows on Monday, April 6.

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Travel Stories: South America bus travel is inexpensive and comfortable (E5)

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 18:00:00 -0400

This short Travel Stories edition of From Sumplace New is all about ... bus travel in South America. Yippie!

And before you wince at the thought, we're here to say bus travel is the go-to transportation option throughout the countries we've visited so far (Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Argentina) because it's extremely inexpensive and the buses are very comfortable.

We'll share our experiences on long trips (18 hours is the longest so far) as well as tell the story about the "stolen" jacket.

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Seven myths of a long-term travel lifestyle (E4)

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 18:00:00 -0400

We picked a great time to launch a travel podcast — just before the coronavirus became a global pandemic! We discuss the impact the lockdown has had on us as well as how calm and civil it has been in Bariloche, Argentina. The primary focus of Episode 4, however, is a review of the seven myths surrounding long-term travel. And here they are:

It’s expensive (or you have to save up a lot to do it)
You have to speak the language
Huge risk and/or not safe
It’s only for a lucky few; “must be nice”
It isn’t sustainable; it will run its course
It’s too hard to be away from friends and family; would miss them too much
You’re always on vacation; everything is so glamorous

We debunk the myths and share our experiences during our nearly 20 months on the road.

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Travel Stories: How a Tulum cab driver became a valued friend (E3)

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 18:00:00 -0400

Our first Travel Stories episode! Instead of a full episode, Travel Stories is a brief anecdote about a place, event, situation or person we've encountered during our journey, and what we learned from the experience. First up: Joel the cab driver, who helped us better understand the economic conditions in Tulum and why locals in the Mayan Riviera love tourists (well, most of them!).

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Long-term travel planning: Start by answering four critical questions (E2)

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 18:00:00 -0500

Is a long-term travel or digital nomad lifestyle right for you? Asking yourself these four questions will help you determine why, where, when and how. Setting intentions is critical, too! Our intentions took years to manifest, but when they did, we were ready to jump. Are you ready?

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Great resources:

WorldTowning.com and WorldTowning University were invaluable resources for us. This is the video that introduced us to Jessica and Will Sueiro (watch it and follow them on YouTube for inspiration).

International Living provides detailed cost of living information for numerous countries.

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh

Is long-term travel right for you? How we got started (E1)

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 18:00:00 -0500

It only makes sense for Episode 1 of From Sumplace New: The Long-Term Travel Podcast to start at the very beginning. In this inaugural episode, we discuss the spark that inspired us, how we gained momentum and who we encountered along the way to help us say goodbye to Seattle in July 2018 and hello to our long-term travel journey. If you've ever wondered how we got here or what it takes to kick off a digital nomad lifestyle, this is your starting point!

Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNew
Follow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNew

Great resources:

WorldTowning.com and WorldTowning University were invaluable resources for us. This is the video that introduced us to Jessica and Will Sueiro (watch it and follow their YouTube channel for inspiration).

International Living provides detailed cost of living information for numerous countries.

Credits:

Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'Connor
Intro VO: Laura Welsh