Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 3,968 ratings

Price: 13.08

Last update: 01-05-2025


About this item

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. Veteran shoestring traveler Rolf Potts shows how anyone armed with an independent spirit can achieve the dream of extended overseas travel. Potts gives the necessary information on:

  • Financing your travel time
  • Determining your destination
  • Adjusting to life on the road
  • Working and volunteering overseas
  • Handling travel adversity
  • Re-assimilating back into ordinary life

Not just a plan of action, vagabonding is an outlook on life that emphasizes creativity, discovery, and the growth of the spirit. Visit the vagabonding community's hub at www.vagabonding.net.


Top reviews from the United States

Richard B.
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely read.
Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2023
An exceptional book that serves as much more than a travel guide; it's a roadmap to living life more fully through the lens of extended travel. The author's insights and practical advice are invaluable, drawn from genuine experiences and a deep understanding of the joys and challenges of long-term travel. What makes this book stand out is its emphasis on the philosophy and mindset of travel, not just the logistics. It encourages readers to break free from conventional travel patterns and embrace the world with open arms and an open mind. The writing is engaging and relatable, making even the most exotic travel concepts seem attainable. This book is a treasure trove of tips, anecdotes, and wisdom, ideal for both seasoned travelers and those dreaming of their first big adventure. 'Vagabonding' doesn't just inspire you to travel; it inspires you to explore the world in a more meaningful and sustainable way. A delightful and enlightening read for anyone who believes in the transformative power of travel.
Clackamas Lee
4.0 out of 5 stars A good primer for those interested in long-term travel
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2014
This is a pretty simple book, designed for those who have never traveled but always wanted to. By "travel" I'm referring to long-term, low-budget travel. This is definitely not intended for the independently wealthy or those who don't know how to function without all of the conveniences of home. Nor is meant for the person who has a couple of weeks off of work and just wants to get out of town. There are plenty of other books for people interested in those types of travel.

The author describes several different approaches to travel and refrains from passing judgment on any of them. He lays out the pros and cons of each style and lets you decide what's right for you. He provides dozens of resources and is continually adding to them on his website. Somehow, he passes on all of this information without making the book feel like a typical travel book.

I took six months off after college and traveled around the U.S. with my then-toddler son. Sustained travel can be difficult even in this country. When my son graduates high school, I plan to try long-term international travel. This book was a great jumping off point for me. I was surprisingly impressed.
TwoPac
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2024
I enjoyed this book. Good info and I’d read again. Thanks.
JMR
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book about traveling with lots of resources
Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2018
This book was very well written. It gives a lot of resources concerning traveling vagabond style. When I bought it, I had no plans to be a vagabond and still don't but it did give me some confidence, curiosity and possibly even a little more interest in traveling the world by foot, plane, bus, camel, bike or whatever mode of transportation I might find in these exotic places. It gives me a feeling that there is a certain group of people who know a secret that others who don't travel this way are not privy to. He gives great advice and if you plan to travel, even like a normal tourist, you would be wise to read this book first so you can really savor your experiences instead of going through the motions. Very recommended for anyone whether they plan to travel or not!
BookReader1
3.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat Useful
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2014
If you've look at tips offered by Nomadic Matt, Nomadic Samuel, Adventurous Kate, Young Adventuress, and others then you don't need this book. I picked it up because so many people raved about it being this epic, life-altering travel manifesto. So, after hearing all the praise, I went in expecting to be wowed.

The overall story is solid, Rolf writes well but a lot of the book is made up of Tip Sheets which are just lists of websites to check out.

I think when it was published in 2002/3, it might have been more useful. Now, if you want up-to-date, relevant information travels blogs are the best way to go.

I think Rolf would do better writing a travelogue, that would be interesting.
Wesley Angel
5.0 out of 5 stars An Uncommon Guide for An Uncommon Lifestyle
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2018
I'm the kind of person who, as a child, the teacher would have to shoo the birds away from the window, because I could never pay attention in class. I couldn't help it. I daydreamt about the freedom of those wonderful winged creatures and how, if they didn't desire this spot or that one, they could easy flap their wings and fly away. I still do this...

So when I was working and listening to the Tim Ferriss podcasts and how he sounded so passionate about travel, it rekindled that fire. I picked up a couple of other travel books and it seemed, no matter what or who, this book was mentioned. I hesitated because I couldn't explain the price when so much is free on the net. However, I finally did it when I realized it wasn't a simple purchase but an investment to my desires and dreams.

I regret not buying this sooner! It was multiple times more useful from it's impressive amount of knowledge and links and book names to further enhance one's study to wherever in the world one wants to go! For the first time since the Corps, I'm looking at long term travel again - but on my terms! Thank you Rolf, for this work of art, and to all those who helped push this book. I add my name to that list proudly! Again, this isn't a simple purchase of fancy, this is a great self-investment with huge returns!
Real Happy
4.0 out of 5 stars Are you a vacationer or a traveler?
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2016
This book did an amazing job distinguishing the difference between people who take vacations and people who travel instead. A few of the websites are dated, but I still believe this book is a great place to start exploring the differences between vacationers and travelers, especially if you’re bored with the traditional vacation options and want a more meaningful vacation.

For me, vacations are not so much time to get away and relax, but more of a time to explore and have memorable and meaningful experiences in life.

This book does a fine job pointing out many do’s and don’ts when it comes to traveling, and it also introduces us to different attitudes to enhance our holiday experience. It’s one of those, “you don’t know what you don’t know.”

This book is one of those books, that you’ll say, wow I wish I would have read this years ago, but beware it might spoil your traditional vacation spots forever.

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