Posted: 6/12/2019 | June 12th, 2019
The end is here. After four months in Europe, I head home tomorrow.
When I came to Paris earlier this year, everyone asked if it was forever.
And, when I said I wasn’t sure, people would reply, “Oh, so you aren’t really moving there, huh?” — as if to say that only a forever and ever move is a real move.
But I did move here. This is where my stuff is. This is my home (even if it might only be temporary).
In my world, there’s no such thing as a forever and ever move.
I have no job that keeps me anywhere in particular. No boss to call me into the office and say, “Matt, we’re transferring you to the Paris office. Pack your bags. We got your visa. You’re there for the next five years.”
No. I get to taste the milk before I buy the cow.
My time here was always an experiment: could I live in a city I loved so much? Would daily life in Paris be as magical as travel in Paris?
No matter the answer to those questions, I always had to leave for the summer. Books and conferences don’t launch themselves!
So will I come back? Did I love Paris so much that I’m ready to make this the spot where I put down my roots?
While walking through the Luxembourg Gardens recently, I realized two things:
First, I don’t miss New York City. I haven’t thought about NYC in a long, long time. I really am over living there.
While I miss my friends and local haunts, I don’t miss the noise, crowds, or fast-paced lifestyle.
I’ll always have a place for NYC in my heart.
And I will visit often.
But my time living there has truly come to an end.
As I’ve alluded to many times, I want to settle down. I’ve been a leaf blowing in the wind long enough, and it’s time to plant roots.
Today is my birthday.
I’m thirty-eight years old.
My next move is the move. One that has to last longer than a few months. I don’t want to restart my life anymore.
So, is Paris that place? Do I really want to settle down and try to live here? Sign a lease? Get residency visas and a bank account? Start paying taxes here?
Paris has become my little respite from the world. A city that comes alive at night when the cafes overflow with people, the traffic disappears, and the orange glow of the streetlights makes the city seem mystical.
I loved living here. This city inspired me. I’ve slept more, eaten better, wrote more, read more, and relaxed in ways that I haven’t in years.
I’ve gotten into a nice routine here, made a few friends, and frequented my boulangerie so much I don’t even need to order any more. They know it by heart.
I’m sadder than I thought I’d be about leaving. These last few days have made me melancholy. I’m really going to miss it!
But, as much as I love – and will miss – Paris, this is not my forever and ever city.
It doesn’t feel like home the way other places have.
It was what I needed when I needed it.
But it is not my home.
Instead, my mind goes constantly goes back to one place: Austin.
It calls to me.
Over and over again.
There I can get space, nature, nice weather, and land. It’s my Goldilocks city.
So I’m moving back to Austin.
I haven’t second-guessed that decision once.
Which, being a Gemini and all, means it’s probably the right one.
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Book Your Trip to Paris: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a cheap flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:
If you’re looking for more places to stay, here for my favorite hostels in Paris. And if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of the city!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Need a Guide?
Paris has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks. They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company!
If you want a bike tour, use Fat Tire Tours. They have the best and most affordable bike tours in the city.
Want More Information on Paris?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to Paris for even more planning tips!
Mackenzie Merrill
I love the idea of “home” being a forever changing location. I lived in Greece for two years and although it wasn’t a ‘forever’ move, I still consider it one of my many homes. I actually also moved to Austin after my big European adventure. It’s a great city and a really wonderful ‘home base’ for travel. On behalf of Austin, welcome back!
Pete
Happy Birthday Matt and congratulations on the move to Austin! It’s my daughter’s birthday too! When you’re a nomad it’s definitely okay to call multiple places home during the year. Home is where the tent is, the van is, the hostel is, the Airbnb, the house/pet sitting gig is, the family guest room and the occasional overpriced hotel room. When you’re on a nomadic journey, Home is where YOU are. Safe travels friend!
From a fellow (but older) nomad. Pete
Rae Coleman
Awww congrats!!! Glad my hometown, Austin, is a place you feel truly at home in!! It’s a wonderful, wonderful town and I miss it all the time! (I’m currently living in Portland, Oregon) Best of luck creating roots in Texas again!
Betty
Happy birthday, Matt!
Your travel insights have helped me so much as I plan my journeys across Europe (and maybe someday, beyond).
I understand your need to build a nest and I hope Austin will be that welcoming place for you. My son recently moved there and I will urge him to attend one of your events.
Best wishes
Joan
Happy Birthday and welcome home, Matt! I’ve lived in Austin for 5 years now and it’s the best. If I spot you in a coffee shop, I’ll say hello sometime. Take care.
Carol Jean Leisch
Good for you and your travel partner. keep traveling and enjoying life. You will never be younger/ richer/ or healthier than you are right now. If not NOW…then When? I am 76 and heading to Malaysia and Thailand for a month.
Alex
Hope to reach your age an continue traveling!!
Have a good time! Please headstone Borneo, sandakan, the jungle…
Mika
Happy Birthday Matt!
There are places you love, but they are not home. Thank you for sharing your authentic self with the rest of us.
Juli Jackson
Happy Birthday Matt! I hope you enjoy your day and if it is your last day in Paris for a while, make the most of it! Austin is a great place and you will probably really enjoy it! My daughter Laura at a young 34 years old, decided a few weeks ago she will make her first trip to Paris in November. It will be the first time she will travel internationally solo. She is an amazing woman who lives and works as a nature tour guide in Yosemite NP. She loves to hike, climb, run and explore new things. I have given her one of your books which I think inspired her to finally start traveling more. Thank you for what you have given to the world so far! I enjoy reading your emails and blog. You are also an amazing person!
Mandy Young
Happy 38th Birthday Matt!!
I enjoy reading about your travels and adventures. Good luck in your move to your new ‘home’ in Austin. I hope it is everything you remember it to be. I will be using many of your tricks and tips when I travel to Spain and Portugal in September! Thanks for you……
Joanne GalkoUnrath
Happy Birthday, Matt! I hope you enjoy(ed) your day. Austin is always fun and that east side is really growing.
I’m working on my website thanks to you!
Maria
Enjoyed reading your experiences. Your honesty, candor, openness and qualities that are difficult to describe (e.g. your blog seemed more down to earth and not the superficial junk that’s too common) were a gift to us. Leaving is not easy but as you said new adventures await. Best wishes!
Patricia
Hi Maria, The comments you made about Matt’s blogs are exactly what I think. My two daughters also read them. My daughter, granddaughter, and I will be in Paris for eight days in July. And it was awesome reading all about Paris from Nomadic Matt. Patricia Young
Angelina
Happy Birthday, Matt. Austin is awesome.
Sue
Happy Birthday! Austin is a great city! I live in San Antonio, so I visit there a few times a year. Need to do a meetup!
Silke
Hi Matt, I can totally relate. I went to Spain to live there for a while but realised that it just wasn’t for me. I managed to stay much longer in Australia (13 years to be precise) but right now I am back in Berlin, and I am very happy here. Home is where the heart is. I hope that Austin will be your place where you will find peace and happiness.
Kathleen Ennen
Happy Birthday – you’ve had a great time! Just wondering if you decide to settle in Europe, how will you manage residency vs Schengen visa restrictions! 3 months in 3 months out during 180 day period??? If you were in Paris for 4 months…. how did you make that work?
I’ve heard you can buy into Schengen but it costs several hundred thousand dollars!
Maybe you could write a post on this. thanks
Don Calder
Happy birthday, Matt — treat yourself to something extra special in Paris before you leave! Even though I’ve spent many months in France, a few weeks at a time over the years, my first choice of a new home would be London — it’s a city that feels “right” for me, although, unfortunately, I’ll never be able to live there. The next best is Vancouver, BC, and that’s where I am. I enjoyed meeting you when you were in Vancouver and I’m glad you found your “forever” home in Austin. I’ve never been to Austin, but it’s on my list so I may bump into you there someday. All the best!
Rolands
HBD, man! Honestly, being a European I’ve never been a fan of Paris. If I had to move to Europe I would probably choose Portugal. It’s more authentic, less pomp, great nature, great climate, and people. But that’s me. I’m not planning to move as I live in the country with one of the best preserved natural environments in Europe. It’s green, it’s not crowded, there are still ancient traditions alive here and it has better beaches than any other place in Europe (seriously). It’s Latvia and I love it. If you ever come around you’re very welcome 😉
Pat Hemphill
Hi Matt……hope you had friends around you for your birthday!! Finding that place where you want to hang your hat for a long period of time, is a challenge when you have travelled for so long!
That restlessness is difficult to push down. It’s hard to settle to a normal, sometimes dull routine life again, and stop the rolling stone…and gather moss. At 71 I still can’t settle to the life I see all my friends living. I always want more….more to see…more to do. Perhaps for you there is no more wanting more. Perhaps you have had enough……..I hope so, it will make the staying in one place find peace in your heart….at last! Very best wishes
De
Happy Birthday, Matt. Cities are fun with lots of things to see, do and explore. As I get older I long for the green, lush countryside with only the song birds making environmental noise. You’ve made memories that will last your lifetime. Now it’s on to another adventure. Austin? Ok. When you get time, check out the national parks in the western United States–amazingly beautiful.
Kendal
Congratulations Matt! Austin seems like a wonderful city and I’m excited for you to find your spot.
I’ve lived in a little city in Germany for 10 months and in St. Petersburg, Russia for 5 months. Whenever I say I “moved” to these places, people tend to raise their eyebrows at me. But I feel like I really did live in these cities. I had a home there and my go-to grocery store. I purchased local gym and transportation passes, went to school, made friends, and developed a routine.
Are these cities my forever moves? No. But just as Paris was for you, these cities were what I needed in my life when I needed it. They will forever be part of my identity and memory, but I’m still looking for that “forever” home.
Basically, I agree with you. You can move to Paris for four months and call it home. But maybe I’m biased, having done something similar myself!
Alex
Hi Matt,
My birthday is on the 11th June.. Gemini too…so, let me tell you:
We do not have forever homes, we tend to feel we do.. but it is temporary…very soon you will feel the need to go, once more.
But next time, for shorter periods… and always coming back.. and back .
Once a nomad…
Patricia
My birthday is June 11th also. I just turned 65. If I could afford it I would be traveling a lot more also. And I am glad you mention the Gemini thing about not having a forever home. I am going to tell that to my three children. This will now be my reason for moving a lot, I love it. Thanks for those thoughts. Patricia Young
Stephen Fischer
Happy birthday Matt!! I lived in Austin for 3 months in 2018 and had an awesome time! Glad to hear that you sound confident in picking a place to call home more permanently, and I’m looking forward to reading how life for you goes there.
Vee
Happy Birthday Matt!
Welcome home fellow Texan!
I was in Austin just last month and I enjoyed myself!
I live in Houston for the moment and can’t wait to leave for a new home! I enjoy traveling also.
What ever you do, don’t stop traveling! It’s in your blood now! Maybe we will run across each other during our travels!
Until then, Have a great life and live it to the fullest!
Morris,Leslie
Happy Birthday! But Austin? Really? It just took me 50 minutes to drive 6.5 miles home via I 35. It was 100 F on Sunday, followed by thunderstorms and hail. Housing costs are sky high while all public services that rely on state funding (education, child services, state parks etc.) are underfunded and the people who provide public services cannot afford to live in the city.
If you are wealthy, not afraid of climate change and can manage your life without driving, it might be a nice place.
NomadicMatt
I’ve lived in the city before, own a hostel there, don’t have a car, and love the heat!
Nikki
Happy birthday, Matt. I’m a native New Yorker. I lived here for the first 30 years of my life and then I moved to Austin. I found Austin to be very nice at first…and then I didn’t. I didn’t like the low salaries, the dependence on a car to do everything, cops up your ass for the slightest little thing like a headlight out followed by an hour-long detention while they run your license like you’re a fugitive because your headlight was out, and meanwhile the daycare is waiting for you, and your kids are starving. And that’s not even the worst experience I had. By the time I left to come back to New York City, I couldn’t get here fast enough. I see all the shortcomings and you know what? It’s still New York City and no other place in the world is.
I think what I’m trying to say is that it’s about what you need right now as you said. Houses are pretty affordable down there, they have to be, with the lower earnings potential of most people. If you’re doing well enough to be able to just buy one, you can always sell it If the heat should become insufferable. Always park your car in the shade. Get a windshield cover for the inside. A white car wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world. You may already know this — something about you’re saying that you’re going “back to Austin“ made me think you might be from there originally?
Anyway so, good luck on your journey. You didn’t say whether or not you already have a candidate lined up for this settling down thing that you plan to do, but one of the driving factors that sent me to Austin is that it was such a mind job trying to find a decent relationship in New York that I begin to be pretty sure I was going to die single if I didn’t go where marriage it comes a little more naturally the people. I met my husband in three days after I arrived. Today is our anniversary. Or is that too hasn’t been so great. That’s another story. ???
Shirley L
Happy Birthday! Looking forward to saying hi again at TravelCon!
Since last year, I also went through changes with a major move. Came “back home” and realized I needed to be here in the Bay Area, Cali with family to tie up ends before moving to a more permanent home and settle down. I loved Texas, so it’s been on my mind lately. Especially after TravelCon!
Anyway, welcome back and wishing you well on your next journey. She’ll be the luckiest gal when you find her. Congratulations on the upcoming book!
Chapman
Hey Matt, I completely understand what you are saying about homes. I have lived in many countries over the past 18 years since graduating university. Many times I have felt at home somewhere only to have to leave after three months due to visa considerations. A sad moment, but also one filled with opportunity for the next spot.
I hear you that it gets tiring moving about all the time and I think you’re better off paying taxes in Austin than Paris!
Also – we have the same birthday 😀
Best of luck with the move!
Rose White
Aloha Matt,
And Happy BD. Mine is 6/15. So I understand about not having second thoughts. We pulled up staked and moved to the Big Island of Hawaii 22 years ago. We’ve never had a second thought. This is home and I’m a lot older than you are and never have had any ADHD/Gemini second thoughts. We’ve both worked and finally retired here. Come visit some time.
NomadicMatt
Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes! 🙂
Jessie
Congrats Matt!
I’d love to hear more about how you came to your conclusion about where to live. I’m the same age as you (1 month and a day older) and while I haven’t been quite as nomadic as you I’ve felt very unsettled for a while. I want my next move to be relatively permanent and like you I have flexibility with location. It’s actually harder, because it’s the paradox of choice. I’m also trying to decide if a location will feel right or if finding a good job is the right way to make a decision. Anyway, it would be cool to hear more about your thought process. Thanks!
Jessie
Steven
Belated happy birthday! It is funny to ready you turn 38 and decided that after 10 years wandering the world, it is time to grow some roots. I turned 38 as well a few months ago and after (only) 8 years of wandering, I too decided that I am done restarting my life over and over again.
Even though the craving to explore and start up new adventures is still there, it feels time now to set up a more permanent base, to change my nomadic into a more semi-nomadic lifestyle. I am looking forward to hear how this new life works out for you :).
Joe Deadman
I’ve been visiting this blog on and off for a few years now. I’m interetested mostly in these personal posts.
I’m not saying I read all of them, or that it is possible to know you as a person from them, but that said, you seem to be sad. Not just now, but at least for a few years now.
Travelling people, I find, more often than not are sad, lost, and disoriented.
I think travelling is not all it’s cracked up to be. It think it’s either A) making people sad, or B) only sad people stick with it. But one of those 2 things.
For me, this was a HUGE surprise.
Whether you agree or not (or if you are actually sad or not), I’d love to read your thoughts on the matter, if you have any. Or if you already addressed it, let me know.
Btw fellow digital nomad here, 8+ years.