Vagabonding isn’t “quitting life”, it’s a practical long-term travel mindset for anyone who wants more freedom, less fear, and more time-rich living.

Rolf Potts is a travel writer and bestselling author of Vagabonding (the modern classic on extended travel).

What’s the biggest thing keeping you from long-term travel right now: money, fear, responsibility, or simply not giving yourself permission?

Subscribe for more long-form conversations on travel, purpose, and designing a life you actually want.

Expect to learn:

–How to give yourself “permission” to travel (even if no one in your life gets it).

–Why “time is the truest form of wealth” and how travel makes that real.

–How to travel longer on less money by stepping outside the tourist bubble and into local rhythms.

–Why slow travel beats rushed itineraries (and how it unlocks better deals + better stories).

–Smartphone independence: simple ways to protect presence, serendipity, and real-world connection on the road.

–Why “know your options, not your destiny” is the best planning rule for long-term travel.

–How routines (gym, journaling, quests) can make travel deeper not boring.

–Travel as pilgrimage: how walking (in cities or nature) can reset attention and reduce anxiety.

00:00 Introduction to Solo Traveling

00:12 First Vagabonding Journey

01:37 Motivations and Realizations

02:28 Impact of Early Travels

03:45 Long-Term Travel Lifestyle

05:19 Writing Vagabonding

06:19 Travel Philosophy and Advice

11:42 Funding Early Travels

13:22 Experiencing Local Economies

17:33 Slow Travel and Serendipity

23:42 Challenges of Modern Travel

30:21 Off the Beaten Path

36:30 Embracing the Unexpected in Travel

37:24 Challenging Journeys and Personal Growth

39:16 Adventures on the Mekong River

42:26 The Joys of Youthful Exploration

44:21 Balancing Routine and Adventure

53:20 Spiritual Reflections and Nature's Wisdom

01:02:42 Final Thoughts and Advice for Young Travelers

01:05:37 Start Your Own Podcast

Rolf’s Work: Rolf Potts (official site): https://rolfpotts.com Vagabonding (book page): https://rolfpotts.com/books/vagabonding/ Paris Writing Workshops (Rolf’s Paris workshops info): https://rolfpotts.com/about/paris-writing-workshop/ Paris Writing Workshops (main site): https://pariswritingworkshops.com Vagabonding (official book site): https://vagabonding.net

Jacob’s Work

FREE Podcast Tips (2nd Channel): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUp5S7ZIZtjA8PMgXJMwppA

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Website: https://www.jacobjwatsonhowland.com