Meet Debbie Campbell: Senior Nomad Who Traded Retirement Rocking Chairs for Global Adventures
Imagine ditching your possessions, selling your home, and embarking on an endless world tour. It's not just a dream—it's the reality for Debbie Campbell and her husband Michael, the Senior Nomads.
To celebrate the new edition of The Travel Book—Lonely Planet's comprehensive guide to every country on Earth—we spoke with Debbie in Georgia, the 54th country on their ongoing journey. Nearly four years ago, this couple from the USA set off for one final adventure before retirement. They're still going strong.
We discussed how it all started, where it's headed, and key lessons learned.
How did this journey begin?
Our daughter Mary lives in Paris with her French husband and our three youngest grandchildren. During their Christmas visit to Seattle four years ago, retirement talks surfaced. We knew we wanted 'one more big adventure' before settling down.
Mary introduced us to Airbnb. She suggested retiring early for full-time travel. Six months later, we'd sold our cars, sailboat, most belongings, rented our house, and stored the rest. We've been traveling ever since.
Our approach: We're not vacationing—we're living daily life in others' homes, just as we would in Seattle.
What do your family and friends think?
No one anticipated we'd be away this long—it's like we forgot to return from vacation. Our adult children are proud. Our oldest son, inspired, quit his job with his wife, pulled their kids from school, and circled the world via Airbnbs for a year.
Do you have an end in sight?
We continue as long as we're learning daily, enjoying it, staying on budget, and in love. So far, so good.
Aisle or window seat?
Window seat—always non-negotiable for me.
Any travel habits or rituals?
On 'Travel Days,' we belt out Willie Nelson's On the Road Again. We update our daily journal nightly, logging activities, expenses, receipts, and mementos—over a dozen books filled.
We always pack our bed pillows for that 'home' feeling anywhere.
Favorite country, region, or city?
It's ever-changing. We adore Paris visits, but favor offbeat spots like Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, and Georgia—tied to our interests in post-WWI history and Soviet collapse.
If forced: Croatia's beauty, or maybe Italy—too tough to pick.
Long-term vs. short-term travel psychologically?
Sometimes it feels overwhelming—too much, too fast, without time to absorb. Going forward, we'll aim for 2-3 week stays per city.
Most challenging experience?
Constant moves disorient: reaching for non-existent drawers or switches. Plus, managing luggage (and personal) weight.
Tips for budget travelers?
Live locally: Use public transport over taxis—save money, see more. Buses offer DIY 'hop-on-hop-off.' London's #12 double-decker: $4 for a $40 tour.
Seek free walking tours (tip the guide). Hunt free/cheap events: Mozarteum concerts in Salzburg, Santa Fe play readings, Riga choir games, library lectures.
Best/worst travel advice?
Best: Free walking tours.
Worst: Money belts—awkward and distracting.
Biggest travel fail?
Nearly lost Michael's Kindle in Cuba. Missed two flights due to passport name mismatch on booking.
Most important travel lesson?
Curiosity, flexibility, patience.
Greatest travel misconception?
It's too expensive or must be far away. Travel is anywhere new.
Asteroid hits in one week—your dream trip?
We're living the dream. I'd go home with favorites; Michael chooses North Korea.
Advice for first-time travelers?
“Lay out clothes and money: Take half the clothes, twice the money.” Don't rush—magic's in side streets and chats with locals/travelers.
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