Around (half) the World in 180 Days: Insights and stories searching for home as a nomad post-pandemic

Travel. Just travel. For those with wanderlust, travel is an empowering lightning strike to the heart that should never be underestimated.

And for those wanderlusters that already live a life of travel abroad, but have wandered into a place of craving stability, community, and a sense of home while continuing life abroad with travels in between the periods of comfort…I feel you! There is no shame in shifting from backpacker, to slow traveler, to digital nomad, to (as I am now) a lifestyle expat.

Over the past 6 months, I explored what it means to travel and settle, while still “abroad,” as I wandered Asia, North America, and South America grappling with the idea of potentially no longer being a nomad, but instead being a part-time wanderer with homes around the globe.

(**BRUSH BREAK**)

In this article series “Around (Half) the World in 180 Days: Insights and stories from searching for home post-pandemic”, I’ll bring you with me through Asia and the Americas over the past six months spent nomading post-pandemic and exploring the world for a new home.

Along the way, I’ll share useful insights for nomads and aspiring “lifestyle expats” on Bali, Japan, the US, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Thailand, and Malaysia as travel destinations, nomad spots, and options for places to live for “Lifestyle Expats”

More interestingly, I’ll share my thoughts and feelings on traveling, exploring, and being a global citizen in the new normal.

(Click each chapter to jump right into the story)

Part 1 | Leaving Bali: A Paradise Lost

Part 2 | Argentina and the End of the World: Paradise Found

Part 3 | Mendoza, Argentina: Proof that hidden gems and authenticity exists…if you wander for it

Part 4 | Discovering the scars of Chile, resilience, and nature in South America’s most developed country

Part 5 | Colombia and the City of the Eternal Spring: The gateway to South America, and an easy out for nomads

Part 6 | Wandering the north of Japan: Losing myself and finding everything I wanted

Summary of the Experiences by Country:

• Bali: Southeast Asia’s rising star of tourism that was once the second digital nomad capital is at risk of crippling under the weight of her own success, soaring cost of living, and overdevelopment. Though Bali and Indonesia are bucket list worthy, a half year of wandering proved to me there are many better places to live a richer, healthier, higher quality of life for cheaper.
• The US**: Objectively, the high cost of living has reached a crisis level, as has the low quality of life, and the health situation (or how difficult it is to life a healthy life). I can’t see myself ever returning as “home.” The US is still a great place to make money, but a decreasingly enjoyable place to live compared to most places I’ve visited in the world. (**Jump to this section**)
• Argentina**: Geographically and socially distanced from all of the problem “hotspots” in the world, the cultural melting pot is a remote paradise and vast hidden gem that (thankfully) doesn’t get enough press. This adventure and test of living in Argentina confirmed that it will be one of my two homes. (**Jump to this section**)
• Chile**: Easily the most developed and quickly advancing country in LatAm, costly but great for tourism, infrastructure mirroring (or better) than the US and Europe, and excellent quality of life. Though the people (in Santiago) still bear cultural scars from a military dictatorship era and the memories that the lockdowns triggered, they are growing through it quickly. A wonderful option for lifestyle expats which will only get better with time. Akin to California in the 70’s. (**Jump to this section**)
• Colombia**: Beautiful, vibrant, and innovative, Colombia (especially Medellin) is amazing. Though an influx of sexpats and faux nomads and an uptick in petty crime are happening in Medellin, for savvy global citizens, Colombia still is an amazing place, especially beyond Medellin. (**Jump to this section**)
• Japan**: Over several trips, the gem of Asia has proven to be more utopian and (geographically) diverse than I ever expected. While tourists are quickly spoiling the cluster of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, pristine adventures lay a train ride away, and the allure of “akiya” (cheap houses) for visiting 3 months at a time could be the perfect second home/base for the right nomad (**Jump to this section**)

A little disclaimer on the writing style of this series:

• This series veers from my normal style of writing (guides, informational, or pure story) is a cataloging of observations, thoughts, and insights from transitioning from Asia to South America, and back
• This series is written from the perspective of a nomad, slow traveler, and “lifestyle expat” aiming to live my best life by choosing the right location, not necessarily a traveler speeding through sights and destinations
• My goal with this is to share perspective – to help you be aware of where you’re at and intentional of where you’re going.
• To share the ups and downs of nomad life. To help you craft an appropriate one for you.
• If you have feedback on this article series or requests, feel free to email me at [email protected]