500 Days of Nomadic Travel: Reflections on Our Last 100 Days of Adventure
Every time we pause to reflect on the past 100 days, we're amazed by the sheer volume of experiences packed into just three months. In our pre-nomadic days, 100 days might have slipped by with minimal change—perhaps a few new gadgets, quick city getaways, or lively nights out. Now, as full-time nomads, we cross continents, embrace new lifestyles, navigate languages, and discover fresh insights daily.
Over these 100 days, we've explored three countries, driven more than 4,000 miles in three rental cars, sailed on multiple boats, crossed iconic bridges, savored dozens of dishes from novel cuisines, connected with inspiring people (forming lasting friendships), lounged in a private jacuzzi, stayed in luxury hotels and budget motels alike, and toured the eastern and southern U.S. to grasp modern American life firsthand.
Why We Fell in Love with Lisbon
Nomadic freedom means spontaneous changes. Our three-week Lisbon stay emerged when a Cross-Canada road trip fell through. Seeking warmth, affordability, and European vibes before our Ottawa housesit, Lisbon exceeded expectations. Its vibrant, multicultural energy, laid-back lifestyle, sunny skies, and endless beaches make it a place we could call home someday.
Navigating North America's Car Culture
Rather than settling in Portugal, we flew to Toronto, launching three months in North America. Days later, we picked up a rental car in Buffalo, New York. Europe's walkable freedom fades here—U.S. public transit is scarce, Canada's pricey. We've rented cars for 11 weeks total, straining the budget but unlocking true exploration.
Housesitting Bliss in Ontario
We spent six weeks housesitting near Ottawa—our longest stay since starting as GloberotterGirls. The serene, safe neighborhood, pristine home, home-cooked meals, and routine fueled professional and personal wins. Yet, the thrill of our next adventure soon reignited our wanderlust.
Discovering Montreal, Quebec, and True Canadian Culture
Post-housesit, we drove to Montreal and Quebec City for a week, deepening our Canada knowledge. As Americans, school skimped on northern neighbors, and news rarely spotlights them. We celebrated Canada Day and Colonel By Day, devoured poutine, beaver tails, and Tim Hortons staples, toured Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec, roamed vast countrysides, binge-watched Corner Gas, and nearly adopted the 'eh' habit.
From Settled to Non-Stop Mobility
Our epic road trip kicked off: Montreal to Quebec, across to Boston, Manhattan, then the Great American Road Trip (NYC to NOLA). Four intense weeks—bus from NYC to Philly and D.C., car to Asheville, Charlotte, Charleston, Savannah, Atlanta, New Orleans, extended to Memphis and Chicago.
This journey was captivating yet sobering, revealing U.S. realities: health neglect, decaying infrastructure (e.g., Memphis), alongside Northeast and Deep South cultural gems. Chicago-born, but absent from the U.S. since 2001, rediscovering post-9/11, post-Katrina, post-recession America was revelatory.
No mere vacation—this was immersive observation: vibes, attitudes, people. Not about stereotypes, but authentic encounters.
Next: Southeast Asia
After Chicago family time, we're Denver-bound before flying to Southeast Asia. Asia's a bold leap—no language familiarity like Latin America, Europe, or the U.S. Excitement builds for this comfort-zone challenge, mirroring our deep dives elsewhere.
Our Gratitude
These 100 days soared thanks to supportive friends:
- Jenne and Marcel for exceptional Canadian hospitality
- Irene for Ottawa tips and live music
- Ottawa Tourism for advice and bike rentals
- Jacob, Jenne, and Brent for bonfires and Dani’s first s’mores
- Brad of Brad Sucks for music and tech help
- Dave & Deb from ThePlanetD for Toronto gems
- Manuela and Lahcen in Montreal for warm welcomes and Middle Eastern tunes
- Bernarda in Toronto for crash space and Lonely Planet access
- Weena and Daniel in Quebec for tours, comfy beds, cheese, and epic muffins
- AdventurousKate in Boston for Thai eats and farewell hangs
- Aaron of Aaron’s Worldwide Adventures for High Line, Chelsea Market, Mexican food, and Manhattan spots
- Library Hotel Collection for stellar NYC hosting
- NYCGo for CityPasses maximizing our time
- Don Faust for Philly, NOLA, and D.C. intel
- Page from AllOverTheMap for unique D.C. tips
- Jorge (Costa Rican 'brother' from 1999-2000) and Emily in D.C. for Little Ethiopia dining
- Caz and Craig from yTravelBlog for road trip advice
- Traci from GoBigOrGoHome for Philly and Virginia pointers
- Andi from My Beautiful Adventures for Charlotte lunch and Charleston tips
- Caroline from CarolineInTheCity for Charleston recs
- Reader Camella for stellar Charleston insights
- Charleston Visitors Bureau for tips and city pass
- Mike and Juergen from For 91 Days for Savannah details and Erica’s brew tour
- Alex at the Westin for inventive veggie grits
- Nicole at Visit Atlanta for vegan spots and CityPasses
- Nicole, old Sussex uni pal, for Atlanta wine and southern fare at Mary Mac’s
- Reader Ann for NOLA must-sees and eats
- New Orleans Visitors Bureau for CityPasses
- InterContinental Hotel New Orleans for prime NOLA lodging
- Finally, our deepest thanks to all journey followers!
Looking Back:
Reflections of 100 days of travel
Reflections of 200 days of travel
Reflections of 300 days of travel
Reflections of 400 days of travel
