My Travel Story

I was born in Canada and raised in Arizona, where I spent most of my early life feeling stuck and uninspired. I struggled through high school, surrounded by the wrong influences, and bounced between random jobs without any clear direction. Deep down, I longed for something more, to experience life beyond the borders I’d known.

Everything changed when I was offered a free exchange trip to Israel. That trip opened my eyes to the world outside my own, and something inside me shifted. I knew I needed to make travel an essential part of my life. Soon after, I found a gap year program in Israel and used it as a launchpad to explore nearly 30 countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Central America over five years. During that time, I completed my business degree, graduating as class president and valedictorian — a transformation I never could’ve imagined during my teenage years.

My university later selected me for an exchange in China, another life-altering experience. Once it ended, I set off on a six-month backpacking journey across Asia that grew into a nine-month adventure through countries like China, North Korea, Vietnam, Myanmar, and more. Then COVID hit. I was in India on what was supposed to be a three-week tour — and I ended up staying for two years. The first six months were tough. I tried everything to leave, but eventually, I surrendered to the experience. That decision changed my life. India taught me patience, purpose, and passion. I realized I didn’t want a corporate life chasing money. I wanted to chase moments — meaningful ones — and live by following my dreams.

India is also where I met my future wife. We’ve been traveling together ever since. I’ve now been a full-time traveler for over six years and have lived without a permanent home for more than a decade. My journey has taken me across 60+ countries, from the wilds of Madagascar and the jungles of the Amazon to remote corners of North Korea and the highlands of Peru. I’ve spent the last three years traveling through South and Central America — regions full of color, culture, and some of the most incredible landscapes I’ve ever seen.

Currently, I’m in the midst of my most ambitious trip yet: overlanding across Africa. I’ve already explored Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. The road ahead leads through Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and back down to South Africa — a journey that demands every bit of experience and resilience I’ve earned on the road.

In 2023, I launched my Instagram page, Homeless Backpacker, to share my story with the world. It’s grown into my business and the foundation that allows me to keep living the life I love. I finally feel like I’ve found my purpose: to keep exploring, keep growing, and keep inspiring others to live freely and fully.