Curious what this blog is about, who I am and why I’m writing? Read below. And if that’s not enough, just ask me a question through my Tumblr account…
Celebrating Songkran (New Year's) in Bangkok, 2011
Who is Adam?
In a few words, I’m a hipster travel blogger & graphic designer. In 2010 I quit my job as a book designer in Boston, MA and set off on a round-the-world trip. Over the course of 15 months I visited more than a handful of countries from Morocco to Israel, India to Vietnam. (Read my reasons for wanting to travel around the world)
Why did I set off on my trip around the world? Well, it all started with a short weekend trip to Reykjavik, Iceland in 2009…
How Iceland changed my life
In September 2009, I visited Reykjavik, Iceland with a good friend. We were only there for a 3-day weekend, but during that time, we met so many interesting people and fellow travellers that it inspired me to make up my own life plan. I’ve been lucky enough to travel and study abroad throughout my life, and I see no reason why that should end with a full-time 9-5 job.
I started working two weeks before I had even graduated from university. Without any transition period between school and “real-life,” I spent most of my early 20s busy making a career and being responsible.
It wasn’t until I met people my same age from all over the world (doing very different things than what I was doing) that I was inspired to take some action. It just seemed unfair to think they had all these amazing stories to tell, and here I was, beginning to feel more and more complacent in my generally comfortable life.
It was on my IcelandAir flight back from Reykjavik to Boston that I realized there’s no reason to stop traveling. I could make something work somehow whether through my job or on my own. In seat 19F, I wrote up a list of questions:
- Could I travel & not work?
- Where would I go?
- How much would it cost?
- Would I be able to live like that?
- What would I learn/do?
- When would I go?
I didn’t have all the answers (actually, I had none at that moment), but I knew they were questions I would be able to answer. Honestly, I’m surprised at how easy it was to make the decision to pick up and leave Boston without answering a single one of those questions.
Where is Adam today?
As my round-the world travels wound down (read how I spent $20,000 in 15.5 months), I made a difficult decision: do I return to America and look for a job there? Or do I try my luck one more time and pursue my dream of living in Europe. I took a chance in the summer of 2011 and moved to Berlin, Germany. (read about my summer as a hipster Berliner)
As of January 2012, I’m living in Berlin and continually traveling around Europe and the rest of the world.
Testimonials
I often receive comments and feedback about Travels of Adam. Here are some of the things people are saying about the site:
“I wanted to say thanks for highlighting Breaking the Silence. The very first time I ever considered visiting this area was when I met a Belgian diplomat in Peru who had been through the area a few times and said it was as simple as renting a car, which blew my mind. The second time I considered it, and decided to actually visit, was reading about your experience. So thanks for sharing!” —Nicole T., USA
“I think it’s so amazing that you actually did what you wanted to do and went to travel the world. I read your info and found that I share many of the same desires to travel, learn and find inspiration, as you do. Therefore you’ve actually really inspired me to go for it.” —Sofia R., Spain
“When I met you, you said your blog was embarrassing. I find it quite interesting!” —Henriette D., France
“Adam’s travel blog is a great resource for backpackers and has a lot of interesting content. I especially liked the photos of sunset at Halong Bay, Vietnam. The photography was stunning and it was literally like being there.” —CasinoTop10.net
“Let me congratulate you on your website, found it through a random Google search for moving abroad alone and there’s some great stuff on there. What really interests me is how much your story parallels mine” —Quincy S., Atlanta, USA
“Love the travel mascot and Wombat Wednesdays” —Heather R., USA
“Just read a bit of your blog. I quit a good job and did a RTW last year. Good luck! You’re doing the right thing.” —Tom G., USA
