From Burnout and $70K in Debt to World Travel with Annette and Daniel Fortner

Jun 19, 2025

In this engaging conversation, Annette and Daniel Fortner, dynamic travelers and creators from Chase for Adventure, share their transformative journey from $70,000 in debt and the struggles of burnout to thriving in a nomadic lifestyle. They candidly discuss the emotional challenges of their past, how travel became their lifeline, and the importance of self-discovery on the road. Listeners will find inspiration in their practical budgeting tips for long-term travel and the heartfelt moments that come from navigating adventures together, proving that freedom often lies outside our comfort zones.

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ANECDOTE

From Burnout to Full-Time Travel

Annette endured severe depression and suicidal thoughts while working a high-paying, stressful job.
The couple sold all their possessions, paid off $70,000 debt, and left right after their wedding to pursue travel.

ANECDOTE

Travel Revealed Hidden Struggles

Traveling gave Daniel space to confront suppressed insecurities and emotional struggles.
Though initially overwhelming, travel helped him develop more confidence and stand up for himself.

ADVICE

Set Boundaries to Protect Relationship

Set clear boundaries with your travel partner to protect your relationship and mental space.
For example, the couple created "hammock time" when work talk is off-limits to relax together.

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Trigger Warning: This episode contains honest discussions about depression and suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is struggling, call the Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255).

Is debt stopping you from traveling? What if the life you’ve been told to want is actually the thing that’s breaking you?

That was the reality for Annette and Daniel Fortner of Chase for Adventure, a couple who sold everything, paid off $70,000 in debt, and hit the road full-time - not because they had it all figured out, but because they knew they couldn’t keep living the way they were. Their journey into long-term travel started with depression and burnout, and turned into something entirely different.

Annette and Daniel share the full story behind their decision to leave behind high-paying jobs and a “successful” lifestyle in favor of travel, healing, and freedom.

This conversation goes way beyond the typical “how we quit our jobs to travel” story. You’ll hear what it’s like to hit emotional rock bottom and use travel as a lifeline, not just a lifestyle. Annette and Daniel open up about their mental health, the practical steps they took to make long-term travel financially doable, and what it’s really like to work, live, and grow alongside your partner 24/7. Their story is raw, funny, thoughtful, and full of honest reflections that anyone thinking about big life changes will relate to.

What’s one belief about success you’ve outgrown? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Tune In To Learn:

Why depression and burnout led Annette to rethink everything
How Daniel's emotional struggles surfaced after they hit the road
How they paid off $70,000 in debt and saved $16.5K to start traveling
Advice to couples traveling and working together (without losing their minds)
Why setting “hammock time” saved their relationship
The financial realities of long-term travel and how they tracked every dollar
How to decide how much savings you need to leave and when it’s enough
Remote work tips to fund a travel lifestyle
Why Southeast Asia was key to stretching their budget
Places that blew them away, and a surprise detour with 10 rescue dogs in Thailand
And so much more

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