Posted: 1/16/2018 | January 16th, 2018
Last month, my mom told me she thought this blog was boring. “Where’s all the fun stuff? I want to see more photos of you traveling. I don’t care about these other updates.”
“Mom, I live in Austin now. You know I’m not on the road that much,” I replied.
“I know but still….I want to see more stuff. It’s just much more interesting, honey.”
“Ok, Mom,” I say and move the conversation on.
But you know what? She’s right (shhhhh, don’t tell her I said that). This website has gotten a little boring.
There aren’t many new adventures, photos of exotic destinations, and exciting stories from the road being posted, because, well, I’m pretty non-nomadic these days. I spent more time in the US last year than I did abroad.
I feel this way every few years, though. “It’s OK,” I think to myself, “I’ll be on the road again, and there will be new content, stories, and tips for my website.”
But lately, as I’ve come to terms with my move from nomadic to more stationary, that’s no longer true. Last year, I only did two big trips, and after I return home from my current winter adventure in New Zealand, it’s doubtful I’ll take another trip until the summer.
Even if my mom doesn’t like it, I’ve come to terms with this change.
Maybe one day, I’ll sling on my backpack and a few weeks will again turn into a few years. The future is unwritten.
But, after vacillating so long between staying and going, I’m pretty happy being “stationary Matt.” I’m currently writing a new book. I signed up for Swedish and cooking classes, and I’d like a relationship that lasts pasts my next international flight.
So, as I put down roots, I’m left at a crossroads with this website.
Travel is what I do — and I’m blessed that I get to share my stories and tips with everyone here. It’s amazing meeting people on road who tell me that this website inspired their trip, saved them money, or helped them improve their life. It’s truly amazing in every sense of the way.
But I’m not nomadic anymore. The kids you see on Instagram or YouTube channel filming crazy videos can take up the nomad mantel. I’m going to sit home, write, practice my Svenska, figure out how not to overcook my dinner, and read a book.
So where does that leave us? Is this my “it’s not you, it’s me” breakup post?
No.
While “the nomad” is now just “the traveler,” I am not going anywhere.
While I’ll still blog because I like to write and am never short of ideas, updates won’t be as regular as they were in the past. Instead, I’ve decided to turn this site from primarily a blog into primarily a travel resource. There’s big plans afoot to spruce up, expand, and refresh every single page on this website.
This year has another focus and that is community. I want to use this platform to connect travelers with each other. We are going to launch a major, major, major meet-up program in a few weeks so people can meet each other while learning about travel. There will be local chapters, events, speakers, and gatherings, workshops, and getaways. Plus, I’m organizing a conference for the fall.
There will be also more videos, webinars, FB lives, and Q&As. My YouTube channel is coming back. I’ll be interacting more on social media, sharing people’s stories, and answering your questions.
The team and I are committed to using this giant platform to bring people together, highlight community members, and find fun ways to take what we have online and bring it into the real world. We’re going to be a lot more social this year!
When I started this website, there were always stories to share. I was always on the move. Forever the nomad I thought to myself.
But life is not static. The person I was and the wants I had at 25 are not the same at 36.
I’m not done traveling. Far from it. I love every trip I take. There will still be how-to blogs and travel stories — just not as many.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to serve travelers.
So while the “blog” will be a semi-ghost town, the community and resource part of this website will be more active and larger than ever. My goal is to expand the reach of the “cheaper, better, smarter” philosophy and turn more people into travelers.
So, yes, Mom, the blog may be boring, but so much more is happening this year than just a blog about Thailand.
And that makes me (and I hope you) excited for what’s to come!
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Marta Kulesza
Haha moms eh? I had the same situated where my mom complained that she never saw photos of me, just boring photos of mountains………… I don’t think she really understands that I hike, photography and write about the mountains for a living. Your next project connecting travellers sounds really interesting, can’t wait for its launch.
NomadicMatt
Up until my first book (and even for a bit after), family members kept asking when I was going to get a real job.
Martin
Lycka till med svenskan 🙂
Hälsningar från Stockholm.
NomadicMatt
Tack!
Roxanna
It is funny how we all hate to admit when our moms are right. It is probably universal. I had an experience recently that made me think, Oh my God, I am living my parents dream. It took some time to be okay with that. Keep on doing what gets you excited, because that is what life is about. Resources are always needed, and meetups sound like a lot of fun.
Bethany
The thought of a Nomadic Matt conference sounds excellent!
It’s only natural to learn, grow, and change as you age – the new direction of the blog seems like a slightly uncharted territory, I’m excited to see what’s to come!
Michelle
Mums are always right!?
Not sure my three grown up boys would always agree though!
No worries though Matt – we have just started our blog so can take over from where you left off.? We decided to sell everything and live our dreams today instead of waiting for our ‘one day’. We are having the time of our lives travelling and excited that we are now writing about it! We hope to have as many followers as you in a few more weeks. ?
Have a great change of focus and enjoy!
NomadicMatt
Maybe they will one day! Safe travels on your trip!
Ryan Biddulph
An idea Matt; how about sharing past experiences now?
I had thousands of post’s worth of travel experiences when I started traveling 7 years ago, plus I ran an online business blog. But as my following grew, I realized that spending much of the last 2 years in the US meant I could share travel experiences that literally 80% of my blogging tips readers had no idea about.
This meant me publishing a travel page daily for months – still doing it now – while I am here in New Jersey. My tribe knows these are throwback posts because I am in the US, and they get their inspired travel fix….and I get much more traffic, eBooks sales and the opportunity to inform and entertain folks.
I will be leaving for Thailand in under 2 weeks so it’ll be most Chiang Mai and Thai content then, but I will work in all those lost trips that few folks know about, through different travel pages.
Ryan
NomadicMatt
I may. I’m writing a book about my journey so a lot is going into that but who knows what the future holds!
Melina Beltran
Hey Matt,
I’m excited to see what direction NomadicMatt.com heads in the future. I’m happy to hear you changing up life in a way that makes you happy, and if that means slowing down, GO FOR IT! Although you don’t know me, I’ve been following your updates and adventures since 2010. Not only have you empowered me to travel, you’ve inspired me to become an influencer myself! Thank you for the time, energy, and other resources you have put into the travel industry making it easier for people like me to get out on the road.
I KNOW for a fact that I wouldn’t be living this lifestyle if you hadn’t started writing and inspiring. For that, I’ll be forever grateful!
Till Next Time,
Merely Melina
NomadicMatt
Thank you for the well wishes and I am glad this website played a part in pushing you a bit to where you are now! That always makes me happy to hear! 🙂
Mike Ingram
My goal is to somehow find myself in the same city/country as you and be able to attend one of your meet ups. Our life evolves and so do our projects. I think it’s natural to see a shift in focus but that does not devalue what you are putting out in anyway – if anything, all the experiences you have gained traveling will inform the next phase of your journey. I am a big fan and will continue to follow. All the best.
NomadicMatt
The meet-ups will also be community lead so, even if I’m not there, you should go meet other travelers! People have a lot of fun at them and I’m looking forward to doing more! Or, at least, organizing some for others!
Pier
This is one of the first travel blog I’ve ever read and sometimes I love to roll back to old post and see how things evolved during the years. Life evolves, people evolve but I think when you’re nomadic, you’re like that in your soul, even when you’really not traveling that much, even if you feel to have to put down roots. Looking forward to see what’s to come.
Mark
I think your readers and community will support you and will continue to find tremendous value in your site even when you are not traveling quite as regularly.
The posts I’ve actually least enjoyed here over the past few years are the ones like this. Maybe that sounds a bit mean – I actually love how open you are – but it can also be a bit tiring to read. It can be kind of a bummer really, not because you’re traveling less, but because you feel the need to explain this yet another time. It’s OK, really. 🙂
It’s understandable to be a bit more of a house cat, with a healthier life with some more routine! You’ve earned it, and I look forward to seeing you be more of a book author, resource editor, and community leader. I think any experienced traveler can relate on some level to where you are, and your shifting focus makes sense.
I hope that your site can pick up what LP / Thorn Tree / etc. sadly pretty much abandoned years ago – albeit perhaps in a more personal and community-driven style than they ever did.
NomadicMatt
That’s actual the goal! Pick up the ThronTree mantel – but do it better! (And a lot nicer! Some of those people got mean at newbies!)
Ke$h
Lol. Your mom is precious!! Love the blog and I just bought your book. I won’t be able to do long term travel like you did but your tips are still great for big bucket list trips and seeing more places with a modest budget. Keep up the great content!
Jessica Brar
Good luck with the transition! It’s an adjustment: a huge mental shift. I was a lawyer for seven years, a nomad for 18 months, and now back into a regular occasional traveler while moving forward with stable, local life. I opened a business teaching yoga and doing Reiki and noticed my clients are here in one place.
Some days I miss living on the road. Most days I enjoy the comforts for being stationery. If I get in my head about it, about getting off the road, I miss the point of being in this present moment of a new phase. Best of luck with the mental adjustment!
Jessica Brar
P.S. Your classes are amazing. Both the blogging and traveling writing. I hope you continue with new content. You have a gift.
Lorri
To everything there is a time and season. Good for you! I’ve enjoyed your blog over the years and look forward to seeing what happens in the future. So glad you decided to settle in Texas. It’s a great place to live. Thanks for your transparency.
Phil
You should seriously consider a PodCast over a Youtube channel! Just saying, love me some PodCasts!
NomadicMatt
I want to but I hate my own voice. Like a lot. I’m having a hard time coming to terms with my voice being recorded!
Jagdish
There are always memories and experiences to share from old holidays and travel.
Kristen
Love the update! There’s so much to share about travel, whether on the road or not. So glad you’re continuing and reinventing!
Jessie
Can’t wait to hear more about this major meetup you’re launching!!
John
Non-nomadic with a few smaller trips sounds great ! always nice to settle into a bit of a routine, with the options to break away as needed.. thanks for what you’ve given us !!
Shameer
To be honest, my mum thinks everything online is boring. Screams…. what about going out and meeting people!! What about sitting in a coffee shop with a friend!! What about climbing a mountain with your best mate!!… I have to stop her and say, yes we do all that but we plan everything from this online thing you call boring 🙂 She’s amazing and so’s your mum. Great post fella!
Jorge
I suspect (Swedish) love is the air 🙂
As long as you’re having fun doing it it doesn’t matter if you’re updating once or twice a month. Good luck with the new ideas. I’ll keep reading
NomadicMatt
Well, maybe after my classes! Thanks for reading!
Kali
Hey Matt! Have you ever thought about having kind of an Ambassador program. Like Nomadic Ambassadors that send in regular content as they travel the world while you can’t? I see similar things on your website but maybe having three or two main people who are employed to fill up your blog would be really cool. Like your sidekicks or something.
Chri
After all the years of traveling, you certainly deserve the time off. Enjoy it! I will do the same, even though I have only traveled full time for 3 years but i just can’t wait to get back to Climbing, playing guitar and meet my friends again on a regular basis!
Hopefully in the next 5-6 years, I will have all my businesses running and can travel for 6-8 months per year for the rest of my life – fingers crossed 🙂
Cheers,
Chris
Luciana
Hi Matt!
Your plan sounds like a natural evolution. You were fortunate to explore the world at such a young age and turn your passion into a training ground for the next phase of your life. That’s wonderful! I take my hat to you.
My journey, on the contrary, is going the other way round as I am a bit older than you and only recently decided to enjoy life rather than just live it.
Your story serves as inspiration. It proves that you can make a job out of your passion and as the saying goes, “… and you will never have to work a day in your life”. It also shows how Rome wasn’t built in a day and it takes time to transform a blog into a full-time job. When you put passion into what you do things around you flourish.
I am still not sure where my travel blog will take me and my partner, but we are giving it all we have. Let’s see where this wonderful adventure takes us.
We will be in touch and promoting your courses, partner. 😉
Keep up your classes and enjoy fully this next phase of your life.
May The Bliss be with you. 🙂
Luciana
(Finding The Bliss)
NomadicMatt
Thank you! Glad to have you on the journey!
Kenneth Karl Nielsen
Something happened to my some years ago. I decided to travel less, and do more work on my different projects and even got a full time job.
Several years after I keep on travelling several times a year, and most friends, family and my mom still see me like a person, who travel almost all the time.
I have found, that this time of life really suits me. And as previous comment writers have said. It is always possible to change back and live a nomadic life again.
Greg Marshall
Would love to hear your comments and pics of NZ. Heading there for 3 weeks next month!!!
Suzanne Fluhr
Our digital nomad son has put down roots in Mexico City. Like you, he still loves to travel, but he was wanting a base (nest?) Ironically, he’s the one who urged me to start a travel blog. He now thinks he created a monster and doesn’t want to hear about my Domain Authority. Classic case of the tree growing up next to the Apple. BTW, Moms rock. After all. Where would we be without them. ?
Alison
Aw thanks for keeping the website up though, it will continue to be useful to so many people! I know it inspired and helped me finalize my solo trip to Colombia which I had been dreaming about for a while. Looking forward to that YouTube channel. Good luck with everything x
Drew Meyers
Looking forward to the launch of in person, since that’s what the world desperately need more of: a focus on real life community, not screen time. Is the site going to be similar to Travel Massive in structure? Are you building with the Massive open source platform by chance?
Mandy
A lot of this rings true for me, and it’s kind of a relief to hear someone else say it, too. Last year I spent more time away from San Diego than in it. I was abroad for four months working remotely, then constantly flinging myself around the US to visit family and friends.
I loved it. I had a blast. But I felt my wanderlust start to shift. Not go away (not in the slightest), but… I don’t know.
Working remotely, especially internationally, kind of changed how I feel about travel. Spending that much time away from “home”, too, also changed how I feel. The urge to hop on a plane doesn’t go away, but I feel my travel side asking different questions and wanting something more. I don’t know what that means, but it’s kind of nice to know you’re in a similar position.
Nicki G
Hey Matt I’m glad you are looking towards hooking up travelers! I am a big couchsurfing person but the platform has become a bit watered down in recent years (in between people selling whatever or looking to hook up there are still great people to connect with)…so any alternatives are super great. Whatever you do I am sure you will make it great!
Julia
I love this post! It shows that underneath all the social media traveller posts and blogs we see and feel envious of, there is a real-life human 🙂 I am glad you’re not breaking up with us – your blog has been a big motivational push for me to get going with my own plans. Good luck with yours! 🙂
Victor
Hello Matt:
Your blog has been a great inspiration to my blogging journey. I am not a nomad, but I have started to share my Chicago city love through my blog. I bought your book “How to Monetize Your Travel Blog”, back in 2012, but I was one of those hobby blogger. My blog name used to be different when I purchased your book, which I changed later. I was really not serious about blogging, but after following your blog closely after 5 years, during year of 2017, I have learned many things about travel blogging from you, and decided to blog seriously and implement your ideas and tips on my blog in last few months, and hoping to keep doing the same in future.
I strongly feel that local meet ups are great, I would love to join one of those meet ups, if it happens to be in Chicago. Looking forward to learn more new things from your upcoming resources.
NomadicMatt
Wow! Old school! Thanks for sticking around for so long! A lot has changed since that book…for the better! Good luck with the blog!
Brittany
This blog is the first thing I check if I’m looking for a quick travel guide or recommendations for somewhere specific, so it works for me as a travel resource!
Hope to attend another of your events in NYC soon.
Margaret Ridland
NZ is absolutely fascinating. The two islands don’t look very big, but three weeks per island is essential for just a brief visit. The South Island in particular is a scenic paradise and a geologist’s wet dream. I’m drinking a glass of NZ sauvignon blanc from the South Island Marlborough Region as I type. (Actually my cousin lives in that area and complains about the wineries creeping ever closer. They recommend Wither Hills and Villa Maria as two good local brands.) Did you know that there’s a spot in the Wairau Valley where you can straddle two different continental plates? Please post photos!
lee laurino
interesting how we travel changes…………when you have all the time you want to travel and a reasonable budget, you can still become tired and enjoy a settled place, a home for awhile.
I do NOT feel pressured into seeing EVERY country but I want to meet locals and experience what I can not find in New Jersey!
Matt, please let me know how you managed in NZ at the end of the rail route…….have they repaired the rr after the earthquake?
rick be
Riding a train and looking out the window is certainly boring. Now swimming with sharks and ziplining at 250 feet is a feat that will arouse some old ladies. You can get slopped up on wine anytime,but only killed once.
Deepika
Come on.. so what if you’re not travelling in the truest sense of ‘nomadic’. What about backyard travel? I am sure there’s plenty in Austin and US… In fact , I would love to know why I should travel to Austin or US (I want to show my mom, we can travel in US. She hunks there is nothing in US to explore.beyound Yosemite. blah!) Would love to read more of your backyard travels 😀 over a weekend may be!!
Jeroen Vogel
The focus changes with the years.
I’ve always funded my trips by doing working holidays – I earned money while being surrounded by local culture. It was great and I’ve the greatest adventures and met the greatest people.
But I’m 36 years old now, too, and the last time I worked abroad was in Banff, Canada, where I spent two years (2013-2015). Besides a quick spell in Poland, I haven’t traveled since I returned home on February 6th 2016 from my “American Safari”-trip (which followed my time in Banff).
Instead, I have spent the last two years in the Netherlands, working on what I want to do next in life: write travel books. I deliberately used those two years to take some time out from traveling and work on my first titles. I’m so glad to have found this passion, but couldn’t have done it with all those working holidays behind me.
This is why I find this post so relatable. It’s about life, progress, refocusing. Life is all about shifting gears. And that’s what keeps me going: newborn excitement that comes with the arrival of a new adventure.
Here’s a small example: One of my old backpack’s straps snapped on my last trip, right after landing at Medillin, when it got stuck between the plates of the luggage belt. It has been sitting in my wardrobe for the last two years. Couldn’t get rid of it. Now, I’ve got this major adventure coming up and as I’m planning to buy my new backpack on the 25th of this month, I can, at long last, psychologically let go of the old one.
Just to say: Everything has to be done at the right time. I wish you the very best with your site’s new direction!
Trent
Tell your mom this boring blog helped me book a flight for 7 from Marrakech to Venice using only chase sapphire points. Looks like me, my wife, and 5 children will be spending February and March in northern Italy.
Mercia
Hi Matt,
Thanks for sharing all your travel experiences and tips. They have been very useful and interesting. I really need some mentoring on my blog www. placesandspots.com
Hope you can critique my site and show me the direction to successfully monetise it.
john
Lol. Your mom is precious!! Love the blog and I just bought your book. I won’t be able to do long-term travel like you did but your tips are still great.
NomadicMatt
I’m glad you like the book and I hope it serves you well! Enjoy your trip!
Alex Waltner
I think there are positive outcomes of almost everything in life, and there are still so many great adventures to read about on your blog.
And also, one big trip can be just as exciting as a whole year of traveling, depending on what you do, of course, you don’t have to be nomadic to have adventures 🙂 I’m pretty curious about your new book!
Funny that you’re learning Swedish as well, let me know if you need some help with that 😉
Semi
I wish I started blogging much earlier. I actively travelled the world in my 20s, of course I still continue doing it. However, the stories I had from those days were much more interesting to share. Well, my life has always evolved moving towns and travelling so it is still interesting, though from a different angels;)
Sean
You have the ability to inspire so many. If you don’t feel the muse for writing, so be it, but your wisdom and experience can change the world. As a fellow traveler, I like your contributions, thank you.
Reine
Being stationary isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Focus on the things that make you happy and enjoy every aspect of it. Lycka till!
NomadicMatt
Tack! 🙂
Lin
Good luck with it all Matt. Have loved reading your blog. I am through the other side now…travelled almost continuously (before internet) in my 20’s. Had 4 kids in my 30’s and did short trips a couple of times a year and now looking forward to some long term travelling now my youngest is in her last year of school. My 20 year old daughter is away on her gap year..now 2 years! It’s in the blood. But maintaining relationships and kids is hard on the road. My kids wanted roots and consistent friendships. Hope your settling time is as rewarding as mine was. The world will still be waiting whenever you want to hit the road again
Dan
whilst moms are usually right, you already know your success has been because you did what you liked and although its good to listen to your audience, she only represents one opinion. Being more stationary isn’t a bad thing either as it will make your trips even more interesting in the future. Im an international airline pilot and because I travel so much, I take it for granted and its no longer exciting. So less travel = more quality imho
NomadicMatt
I agree. You appreciate things more when they aren’t part of your everyday life.
Nadia
Hi Matt:
Will you have meetups in Austin? I have been here a few years, and struggling to find meetups geared to travel.
NomadicMatt
Unsure at the moment! Probably in a few months!
Gwen
I’m interested in the new look, but I like the guest columnists–
I appreciate hearing other traveling voices/perspectives. Cheers!
Todd
Travel, as amazing as it is, there is the other side of it. The side no one talks about. That is, it has the potential to just plain old wear you out. We spent 18 months on the road travelling by motorcycle from Alaska to Argentina and by the time we reached Tierra del Fuego I was buggered. All I dreamt of every day was going home. The amazing mountain vistas and glacial blue lakes of Patagonia meant nothing to me other than a thing or place I had to get past in order to finish the trip and go home. I wanted routine and stability. I wanted to live in a house. I wanted a soft bed and not a deflating sleeping mat god dammit! Now, six months into my life of routine, I just wish I was back out there. Riding those roads.
Justine
So does your mom “get” what you do? It’s true that life happens. Congratulations on building a successful, sustainable business around your blog.