Overland Travel 101, the Pros and Cons of Full-Time Travel, and Favorite Hidden Gem Destinations (After 10 Years as a Nomad) With Eric Highland
Aug 6, 2024
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Eric Highland, a full-time traveler since 2014, shares his family's adventure of exploring the world by Jeep. He breaks down the realities of overland travel, debunking myths and highlighting essential tips. The discussion dives into the pros and cons of a nomadic lifestyle, including work-life balance and raising a child on the road. Eric also shares insights on the true costs of travel and his top hidden gem destinations. Tune in for inspiration on achieving your travel dreams while living simply and valuing experiences over possessions.
Eric Highland emphasizes the importance of starting overland travel with what you have to embrace simplicity and adventure.
The podcast highlights the unique educational approach Brittany and Eric take with their son Caspian, prioritizing experiences over traditional schooling.
Eric discusses the importance of understanding the true costs of long-term travel to achieve one’s dreams and aspirations effectively.
Maintaining relationships on the road is crucial, showcasing how digital communities provide support and connection for full-time travelers.
Deep dives
The Cabin Culture in Norway
Norway has a unique and vibrant cabin culture that varies from rustic cabins without modern amenities to more luxurious versions. Families often use these cabins, which may be situated in scenic locations, to escape the city and reconnect with nature. An interesting financial aspect of this culture is how some owners leverage platforms like Airbnb to earn extra income by renting out their cabins when not in use. This helps them offset maintenance costs while still enjoying their properties throughout the year.
Media Narratives vs. Personal Experience
Travelers often encounter contrasting narratives about destinations painted by the media, which tends to sensationalize negative incidents. The reality is that international travelers often experience overwhelming kindness and hospitality in foreign countries. Eric and his wife Brittany have traveled extensively, with only one negative incident during years on the road, showcasing how media narratives can skew perceptions. Their experiences highlight the importance of personal stories and relationships formed while traveling, which often tell a different tale than what mainstream media portrays.
The Journey of Full-Time Travel
Brittany and Eric have been full-time travelers since 2014, and their son, Caspian, was born on the road. They set out on this journey seeking more time together and less focus on material possessions. As they navigated through various challenges and adventures, they created multiple income sources that allowed them the freedom to travel. Their experience emphasizes that long-term travel doesn’t just require extensive planning; it also demands adaptability and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
The Importance of Time
Eric emphasizes that time is the most valuable asset any individual possesses, urging people to be mindful of how they spend their seconds. Every activity, whether it’s sleeping, working, or relaxing, involves the trade-off of time, stressing its irretrievability. By reflecting on how time is spent, individuals can better realize their goals and make more intentional decisions aligned with their true desires. Ultimately, actions must follow decisions for dreams to materialize, underscoring the importance of actively pursuing one’s aspirations.
Strategies for Overlanding
When it comes to overlanding, Eric suggests starting with what you have, whether it's a minivan or an SUV, rather than waiting for the perfect vehicle. He encourages embracing the experience and simplicity of overland travel by focusing on essential needs rather than material possessions. This mindset can eliminate barriers to entry, allowing individuals to explore places they may have previously deemed inaccessible. Eric highlights Baja California as a great starting point, given its hospitality and ease for first-time overlanders.
Caspian's Exceptional Journey
Caspian, Eric and Brittany's son, has grown up traveling the world and is more exposed to diverse cultures and experiences than most children. He has read over 2,000 books, is conversationally fluent in Spanish, and has explored historical landmarks in multiple countries. His upbringing raises questions about traditional education methods, prompting the family to adopt a unique approach to learning on the go. The family's philosophy revolves around enriching experiences, asserting that quality always outweighs quantity when it comes to education and childhood development.
Embracing Community in Non-Traditional Settings
Eric and Brittany have navigated the complexities of maintaining relationships on the road, highlighting the importance of virtual communities for support and socialization. They actively engage with followers and fellow travelers to share resources and offer advice for those considering full-time travel. This digital connection fosters a sense of belonging, even if they are physically away from a traditional community. Their experiences demonstrate that with intention and heart, a sense of community can flourish regardless of location.
Considering an overland travel adventure or have another dream you want to achieve, whether in work or travel? Eric Highland, his wife Brittany, and son Caspian are driving around the world in a Jeep. They have been traveling full-time since 2014, and their son, born in 2016, has lived his entire life on the road.
Eric shares his insights and recommendations for overlanding and vehicle-based adventure travel, including common myths, costs, and travel must-haves to make your life easier. We also have a broader conversation around the pros and cons of full-time travel, what is required to pursue your dreams, how to balance work with travel, his experience having a child on the road, and his top three destination recommendations.
You’ll gain insights into achieving sustainable and long-term success in your business, creating a healthy and fulfilling travel lifestyle, test-driving the overland travel experience, and more.
Have you figured out the costs of achieving your dreams? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
Their journey to freedom with remote work and what lead them to overland travel
The rewards of a nomadic lifestyle and the #1 thing that takes people off the road
Why understanding the true costs of your dream is essential to achieving your goals
What makes overland travel different than a road trip
The myths and perceptions of overland travel
Eric’s litmus test for determining your must-have equipment
Why you shouldn’t believe the media hype when considering travel (and what to do instead)
His top destinations and where to go for your first vehicle-based travel experiences
Advice on socialization for traveling families and dealing with criticism
