Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel, by Rolf Potts
Rolf Potts' Vagabonding is more than just a travel guide—it's a philosophical journey that challenges readers to reconsider their priorities and embrace the transformative power of extended world travel. This slim volume packs a punch, offering both practical advice and profound wisdom inspired by the likes of Walt Whitman and Henry David Thoreau.
At its core, Vagabonding champions the idea that experiences and personal growth are far more valuable than material possessions. Potts illustrates this point with anecdotes from his own travels, such as his encounter with a monk in Thailand who taught him the importance of living in the present moment. "Time is the only true currency," Potts argues, echoing Thoreau's famous quote, "The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it."
The book doesn't shy away from the nitty-gritty details of long-term travel. Potts provides concrete strategies for financing your journey, from creative money-saving tips to finding work opportunities abroad. He recounts his own experience teaching English in South Korea, which not only funded his travels but also deepened his understanding of Asian culture.
Vagabonding shines in its exploration of the psychological aspects of extended travel. Potts delves into the challenges of adjusting to life on the road, offering insights on how to overcome culture shock and homesickness. He shares a poignant story of feeling overwhelmed in the bustling streets of Cairo, and how he learned to embrace the chaos and find beauty in the unfamiliar.
Interspersed throughout the book are nuggets of wisdom from renowned travel writers. Paul Theroux's observation that "Tourists don't know where they've been, travelers don't know where they're going" encapsulates the spirit of vagabonding that Potts advocates.
While the book is primarily aimed at those considering long-term world travel, its messages resonate with anyone who has ever felt the pull of wanderlust. Potts' engaging writing style and relatable experiences make Vagabonding a captivating read for armchair travelers and seasoned globetrotters alike. By the end, you'll be itching to pack your bags and set off on your own adventure, armed with Potts' practical advice and inspirational philosophy.
“This notion – that material investment is somehow more important than personal investment – is exactly what leads so many of us to believe we could never go vagabonding. The more our life options get paraded around as consumer options, the more we forget that there’s a difference between the two. Thus, having convinced ourselves that buying things is the only way to play an active role in the world, we fatalistically conclude that we’ll never be rich enough to purchase a long-term travel experience.”
Interesting Facts & Links:
Rolf Potts is an American travel writer, with work featured in many publications including National Geographic Traveler, Outside, Salon.com, Slate.com, the Guardian, The New Yorker, and New York Times Magazine. His second travel book, Marco Polo Didn't Go There, is a collection of his best essays, including a story about trying to crash the set in Thailand for the Leonardo DiCaprio movie, The Beach.
Potts says that the patron saint of vagabonding would be Walt Whitman, particularly because of his wonderful poem "Song of the Open Road", an ode to the spirit of travel. Learn more about the poem here.
Those who want to know more about Rolf Potts should visit his personal website, rolfpotts.com.
Vagabonding | Rolf Potts | Talks at Google
Vagabonding is about taking time off from your normal life — from six weeks, to four months, to two years — to discover and experience the world on your own terms. Award-winning writer (and veteran shoestring traveler) Rolf Potts shows how anyone armed with an independent spirit can achieve the dream of extended overseas travel.