This is a guest post by Erin Tullius
I’m a gypsy soul. The idea of selling off all worldly possessions to travel the world with only a backpack and my family has always seemed like a pipe dream, so when the time came to actually go through with it, it felt all too surreal. I will also admit, it was a little frightening. Sometimes, I still feel I could use a pinch for good measure.
Though my husband, my son and I have only been on the road a short time, we have no shortage of stories. It’s a bit like life on steroids. In the first few weeks, I’ve been incredibly ill, lost my backpack (and thankfully recovered it 2 weeks later), have been lost more times than I can count, been to four countries and a couple states, made new friends, and checked several things of the “bucket list”. And did I mention we’ve only just begun?
Funny thing is, when asked about our “home”, I find myself a bit tongue-tied. Though I do miss routine, friendships, hot baths, and clean clothes at times, there isn’t really any place that I could call home. I currently have no phone number, no address, and no home other than the place I set down my backpack. It feels free and frightening, exciting and strange all at the same time.
The number one question we get about our choice to make the world our home is “Why?” The simple answer is, “Why not?” Most would consider this trip a once in a lifetime experience, and I have to agree. No matter how long we travel or how many times we do this, each experience will be completely unique. But the question and its answer are far more complex. I get it. I know what routine and security and the “American dream” are. And I suppose that’s part of the answer as well.
We are young (32, 34, & 4) and able-bodied. We are open to new people, places, and things. We are fortunate that we are able to work from the road. But mostly, we are all too familiar with what the average routine American lifestyle has to offer and we are ready and willing to try something unconventional.
What I do know is this: I am voluntarily homeless and accept it. The good, the bad, and yes, the ugly. Travel is exciting and adventuresome. It is beautiful and amazing. It is a dream come true.
Written by Erin Tullius of The Gypsy Seekers travel blog.
great idea! compliment to you as a family.
whenever you come to Austria, let us know!
Thank you, Leopold! We will probably take a trip to Austria when we get to Italy in September. Would love to meet you!
yes please, we live near Graz, on the way from Vienna to Italy, also from Munich to Italy half way.
http://grazgratis.wordpress.com/2011/07/05/hello-world/
What do you guys do for jobs while traveling? This is also a dream of mine, but after college of course!
We do several things. I am a writer by trade and have one book out now. We also have several passive income streams on the internet. Currently, however, most of our travel income has been from the sale of our home, business, and personal possessions. Keep in mind that we also do not have any monthly expenses such as cable, phone, car expenses, utilities, etc. If you keep an eye on our blog gypseekers dot com, we will post more details on this topic as I know it’s an area of interest. Thanks for reading!
You are living the real American dream!
Erin I love your stories. I think it is a great idea. The American dream isn’t what is all cracked up to be. I started my life over in 2008 getting divorced and moving to the Santa Cruz area because my ex wouldn’t leave me alone living in SLO. I have had 4 jobs and laid off from 2. The last layoff from a supposed solid full time job and company has left me unemployed since the middle of April. It has been hard financially. The best part of it has been getting in great shape = hiking, pilates, moutain biking, and a new exercise Bar Method (a combo of pilates & ballet that is like boot camp hard). The harder exercising is keeping my mind positive because I feel like a bit of a failure. I thought I would be much more “established” in my 40′s. Oh well, life is unpredictable and I am adapting.
Your traveling will give you so much appreciation for home, family & friends. And how lucky Americans are. My parents took us on 5 different month long vacations to Baja Mexico. We drove from Santa Maria to the tip with a boat and camper. It was the best times of our lives. We fished all day & played in the ocean and then went back and cooked. My nurse mom helped a lot of sick kids and we took boxes of old toys and clothes for the families along the way. Those very poor families were barely surviving but were so happy and welcoming to us. Enjoy your awesome adventure. It takes guts to take a chance and do something so different and wonderful.
Marcella~
The great thing about life is that every moment is a chance to begin anew. We never know where we will be from one week to the next and though some might find that frightening, I find it easiest to take things one day at a time. The more I keep focused on where I am now, the less I worry about where I will be tomorrow. Much love to you on your journey.
~Erin
Wow what a great adventure you are having. I am so blessed that a family like yours are showing the world that there are good people from USA! I know that you Erin will have your own story as so will Steve, and Ty will have such a great testamony of his own, this will have a great impact on the man he will grow up to be, the freedom you have to travel like you are doing is priceless ! Just know that you are prayed for daily , that all your needs will be taken care of by our Heavenly Father, can’t wait to read the book from your journey! Maybe even a song! Love and blessings to the TULLIUS family, John and Pam Hart
Thank you, John and Pam. It is a great comfort to know we have a cheering section!
You are never homeless when love is present. Your love carries you through these wonderful travels and grows with each step. How many people wish, but don’t act? You are doing it – living a lifetime of making memories while many roll around in their self-imposed boredom. I am so envious and proud of your adventure. I love you, Dad aka Papa
Thanks, Dad. We love and miss you too.
Hey take a look at international Living news letter. They have lots of on places to see and great ideas on earning income on your travels. When you guys took off I did not fully understand what you were doing. Now I do! I did the same thing when I was younger but only in the USA. Thought it would be fun to see my country first. Suzi and I have been planning to do the same thing you are doing right now. once we are retired. Now we are that we are both retired we are making plans and deciding how and when we should got started. Suzi is dragging her feet a bit due to the fact we now have 8 grandkids and she does not want to be apert from them. Think your timing is better because now it is hard to get Suzi uprooted. LOL Miss you guys. Enjoy, Rick
Thanks, Rick! We will have lots of how-tos on our site to help you with the planning stages. Let us know how we can be of help!
When you decide that your travelling is over,… for the time being, you will truly be a different person from the one who began the adventure, ….with a different perspective… and perspective is everything.
Yes. Already the world seems like a much smaller place. And that, in my opinion, is a very good thing.
Great job! I am having that same desire for wanderlust and do hope that will open for me by this time next year. You are an inspiration.
Ellen Valentine
Ellen, please let us know how we can be of service. Feel free to check out our personal website for some of the FAQ’s (many more will be posted shortly…we have learned lots!)
Wow, great to hear of a couple with a young child following their dreams! I wonder if you will continue to be nomadic after this journey or if you will find a more permanent home? And where?
Keep writing. I would love to continue following your experiences!
Who knows…I could be very comfortable in Barcelona…but then we might miss out on the Gypseekers South America edition!
What a wonderful experience for you, your husband and your son.
Something you will all remember for your lifetime and memories to get you through…
Thank you, Kathy. We feel very blessed.
You three are the perfect ages for and adventure of a lifetime ! Enjoy and take it easy on the curves. I look forward to hearing your travel story.
Thank you, Chris! We are learning to take it easy one day at a time.
So happy you are following a Dream most would not make come true! Children are adaptable and what he will hopefully remember will be life lessons for his future. I wish you safe travels and lots of Happy adventure.
Thank you, Kimberley and Beau! We do hope our son is grateful for the opportunity when he gets older…a parent can only hope!
Erin, you’re such an inspiration! What a magical experience you and your husband are giving your son too. Look forward to reading your book – (I hope you’ll be writing a book about this!!!)
Thank you, Marilyn. As I am a writer, you can probably place your bets on a book!
Looking good guys! Looks like a dream is being realized and I’m sure opening doors to new ones. I feel lucky I was able to do this earlier in my life and looking back and where you are now I know its the best place to be! Heading to Thailand myself in November! Can’t wait….
You 3 take it easy… Enjoy every moment!!
Wow… you guys are an inspiration. I always have the same urge, to just get up and go. I just feel like people are kidding themselves in so many ways. We have this mentality where you have to earn a college degree, work, and then save to eventually enjoy yourselves and truly feel like your living. It’s just a backwards way of thinking for me. Who says you need to do all that before you get to meet your true ambitions? We get so rooted and feel the need to put a safety blanket over our lives but why? It’s all a false sense of security that really is wasting your time and life. The only thing that keeps me is fear…not from nature, but strangers. I’m a young woman too and would worry about my safety meeting new people.