Highlights of Year 3 as Digital Nomads

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12 days ago while we were off the grid in Cuba we celebrated our three year nomadiversary. It’s hard to believe that we’ve been travelling the world as digital nomads for three whole years.

As always it’s been a year packed full of adventure and challenges as we explored 12 countries from Asia to Europe, the Middle East, North America and the Caribbean. Here are some of our favourite destinations and experiences from our third year on the road.

Burma (Myanmar)

Yangon

Sunset at Jetty Kheng Hock Keong, Yangon
Sunset at Jetty Kheng Hock Keong, Yangon

Yangon is a chaotic city of attractively crumbling colonial buildings, cracked pavements, and vibrant street scenes. The sights, smells and fried snacks reminded us of India and like there it’s a place you have to throw yourself into. Exploring the city wasn’t about sightseeing for us (although the immense golden Shwedagaon Pagoda is impressive), but about wandering the streets; sitting on tiny stools at a street stand eating the best ever barbecue; and watching the rhythm of daily life at a jetty as commuters crowded onto colourful long tail boats amongst squawking seagulls while the sun set on the Yangon River.

Inle Lake

Jetty at Kaung Daing, Inle Lake

Our favourite place in Burma was a peaceful retreat from the busy cities. We explored the mountainside Inle Lake and the surrounding villages by boat, canoe and bicycle, visiting colourful hill tribe markets, floating gardens, hot springs, and even a winery.

The Elections

We left Burma on a high note with Aung San Suu Kyi’s victory in the by-elections. These were the first free elections in 50 years and although the leader of the democracy movement only won a seat in parliament it was a big step forward considering she has been under house arrest for much of the last 20 years. Celebrations were understandably restrained – the military is still in control – so there was no dancing in the streets, but the people we spoke to were jubilant and hopeful for big changes in the future.

Thailand

The Best Places We Have Ever Stayed

View from Baan KanTiang See, Koh Lanta
View from Baan KanTiang See, Koh Lanta

On the Thai island of Koh Lanta we were lucky enough to stay in two of the most amazing places we’ve ever stayed. At Baan Kantiang See our comfortable villa had the most spectacular views of jungle covered hills and Kantiang Bay below—we could even enjoy the view from the infinity pool.

We didn’t think we’d be able to top that but we went on to stay in a dream beachfront villa complete with private infinity pool, cinema room, piano, and gorgeous artsy decor.

Koh Lanta

Long Beach sunset, Koh Lanta
Long Beach sunset, Koh Lanta

It wasn’t just the villas that made us love Koh Lanta. We spent a month mopeding around the jungly island, exploring remote beaches, enjoying the most incredible sunsets of our lives, island hopping around the nearby Trang Islands, and scuba diving with thousands of colourful fish.

Getting Away From It All on Koh Jum

Ting Rai bay, Koh Jum
Ting Rai bay, Koh Jum

Koh Jum is one of the quieter Thai Islands and with limited internet access, the perfect place to escape from it all. For a few days we enjoyed empty golden beaches, watching monkeys play on our bungalow roof, and an adventurous motorbike trip around the island along the worst “roads” we’ve ever experienced.

Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Towers at Night
Petronas Towers at Night

We loved seeing the Petronas Towers lit up at night and exploring the different neighbourhoods, but our highlight in Kuala Lumpur was the Indian food—from foot long dosas to banana leaves piled with rice and curries. It was the cheapest and most authentic that we’ve had outside of India.

Italy

Italian Food & Wine

Carpaccio di Zucchini at Al Tranvai, Florence
Carpaccio di Zucchini at Al Tranvai, Florence

We went to Italy for the food and it was definitely the focus of our trip. From saffron gelato in San Gimignano, to the ingenious use of stale bread in Tuscany, to the simple creamy decadence of cacio e pepe in Rome—it was all outstanding.

We delved deeper into Italian food culture on our food tours in Rome and the Garfagnana, our cucina povera cooking course, wine school in Siena, and our visits to the family-run wineries of Umbria. Each time we visit Italy we gain an even greater appreciation and shared passion of the Italians’ obsession with food, and the deliciousness of even the simplest dishes.

Exploring Tuscany

Siena
Siena

Having a month to explore Tuscany was a wonderful luxury. We based ourselves in the tiny hill town of Montecarlo, a fortress perched above the vineyards and olive groves, where we experienced life away from the tourists with evening passeggiate along the cobbled streets, and Sunday afternoon festivals—the archery competition by men in medieval dress was a highlight.

From Montecarlo we took day trips around Tuscany—to visit the art galleries of Florence, climb Siena’s tower, walk around Lucca’s walls, horse ride through the olive groves, and witness a candle lit festival in Pisa. There was plenty of getting lost in the winding country lanes, leisurely lunches with a glass of wine, and walking it off up the steep cobbled streets of the many stunning hill towns.

The Garfagnana

Barga
Barga

An hour or so north of the rolling hills and vineyards of the classic Tuscan countryside we discovered a completely different side to the region. The Garfagnana is wilder, more mountainous, and without the big name attractions of Florence or Pisa it receives far fewer visitors. We navigated twisting mountain roads past gushing rivers and medieval towns perched on hilltops; explored the local food scene; and fell in love with Barga and its maze of cobblestone streets tumbling down the hillside.

The Neighbourhoods of Rome

Trastevere balcony, Rome
Trastevere balcony, Rome

We visited Rome twice last year and dedicated each visit to exploring a different neighbourhood, both walkable to the historic centre but far away from its tour groups and traffic. Trastevere is no longer a secret but it’s still gorgeous with atmospheric crumbling buildings dripping with ivy, and red and pink geraniums hanging from balconies.

Testaccio is much grittier, less pretty than Trastevere but we loved the vibrant food scene, the quirky history, and the glimpse of ordinary daily Italian life far away from the tourist crowds.

Spello

Spello, Umbria
Spello, Umbria

Our second visit to Italy took us to Umbria, Tuscany’s less visited but equally lovely neighbour. We spent a few weeks in Spello, a picture perfect hill town ideal for our two favourite Italian pleasures—eating and wandering.

Belgium

Bruges & Ghent

Bruges Markt
Bruges Markt

We spent a few days in Flanders to experience their vibrant summer festival scene and as a bonus got to explore the gothic, fairytale charms of Bruges and Ghent. And of course eat lots of chocolate.

England

Attending the Olympics

Olympic Park
Olympic Park

We started off as Olympic cynics but while back in the UK to visit family we watched the opening ceremony and were hooked. We loved watching the excellent coverage on the BBC and cheering along Team GB, but best of all we visited the impressive Olympic Park and even get some cheap returns to see a handball game.

Portugal

Lisbon

Lisbon view
Lisbon view

Lisbon was the perfect base for us in August. It’s a city of colourful tiled buildings, spectacular views, winding cobblestone lanes, pavement cafes, and magnificent churches. We fell in love with our historic neighbourhood Alfama and with the fairytale palaces of Sintra which make an easy day trip.

Douro Valley

Douro Valley wine region
Douro Valley

How we had never heard of the Douro Valley before I do not know. It’s one of the oldest wine regions in the world with a spectacular setting of man made vine terraces sloping steeply down towards the winding Douro river. As well as enjoying the stunning views we visited some wonderful wine estates and discovered the joys of port.

Jordan

Covered in mud at the Dead Sea
Us covered in mud at the Dead Sea

Jordan was definitely one of our favourite countries last year. We only spent 10 days there but experienced so much including hiking at majestic Petra, spending a candle lit night in an ecolodge, galloping through the Wadi Rum desert, floating in the Dead Sea, seeing a whale shark in the Red Sea, and eating all that delicious mezze.

USA

Miami

Art Deco hotel Breakwater, South Beach, Miami
Breakwater Art Deco hotel, South Beach, Miami

Miami, especially South Beach, is known for its beaches and parties and as much as we loved that turquoise sea we wanted to explore a different side to the city. We took a series of walking tours where we discovered stylish Art Deco architecture, learnt about the ups and downs of South Beach’s history, sampled the Latin flavours of local cuisine, and were transported to Cuba in Little Havana.

Mexico

Living by the Beach in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen beach
Playa del Carmen beach

What a luxury to spend three months living just two minutes from the Caribbean Sea. From early morning runs to afternoon work breaks, sunset walks, and even a horse ride, we could never get enough of the white sandy beach and turquoise sea. Renting an apartment meant we got an alternative view of the touristy town and could work on our Mexican cooking skills.

Snorkelling with Turtles at Akumal

Akumal Beach
Akumal Beach

Our absolute favourite day trip from Playa del Carmen was to Akumal where you can snorkel with dozens of turtles right off the beach. We’ve seen turtles while scuba diving before but have never been anywhere where they are so accessible. It was a magical experience to be so close, watching them munch on sea grass and waiting for them to poke their heads above the water right next to us.

Cuba

Havana

Classic cars in Havana, Cuba
Classic cars in Havana

Our final destination of the year was the glorious, decaying, colourful city of Havana. We gawked at classic American cars; dodged waves on the Malecon; saw artists at work in the many tiny galleries and workshops; watched salsa dancers enviously at the Casa de la Musica; ate peso pizza from holes in the wall; and strolled in the middle of the vibrant streets alongside bicycle rickshaws, horse carts, baseball-playing kids, fruit vendors, and cigar-smoking gents.

Releasing Our App

Trail Wallet app

Our biggest achievement of the year (besides tripling our visitors to this site) was finally releasing our first paid product. We’re proud that we got over the fear of sending it out into the world and that our Trail Wallet App is helping many travellers to stay on budget. We use it ourselves every day and have big plans to make it even more useful.

Winning Best Travel Photography Blog

200x120_Bloscars_Photo_EN

When we returned from Cuba some good news was awaiting us—we’d won the Best Photo Blog award in the Skyscanner UK Bloscars. A big thank you to all of you who voted for us. We really appreciate your ongoing support and are glad you’ve enjoyed our photos from our travels. The award was the perfect way to celebrate three years on the road.

The digital nomad lifestyle may sound like a dream but it isn’t easy, and in the past year we’ve suffered from self doubt, travel burn out, money worries, and many challenges along the way. But looking back at the wonderful places we visited in our third year we are reminded why we decided to sell everything and travel and feel more certain than ever that we are on the right path. We continue to be enormously grateful for the freedom we have to explore the world together while working on projects we love. We can’t wait to see what our fourth year holds for us.

25 Comments

  1. Congratulations on your nomadiversary and achievements from year 3! Your photos make me want to go everywhere you have gone right this minute! Keep up the good work, you are doing what you are meant to do and learning along the way.

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  2. You are meant for travel. I dont think any one can explore so many places in such a short span of time. All the clicks have plenty of detail and beauty. Congrats for your achievements and best of luck for coming opportunities.

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  3. Great post! We are headed to Burma soon and I’m a little nervous, love reading your highlights. I still use your Trail Wallet app every day on the road, and its been great – even it tells me we are over budget a lot :)

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    • It does tend to do that :) Hopefully it’ll come in handy in Burma as when your cash is gone, you won’t be able to get any more.

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  4. Congrats on three years!! And what a wonderful journey and a tribute to it . Looking forward to three more years of stories and photos :)

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  5. I am shocked that The Mighty Worthing didn’t feature in this rundown.

    If I’d have seen this post in advance of your visit, I would have let you roll around in the garden and get all muddy then fed you curry on a banana leaf and thrown a javelin. Would that have done the trick?

    See you soon we hope x

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    • I think that might well have pushed Worthing onto the list :) You’ll have to try harder next time! It is always a pleasure to see you guys though and look forward to catching up in the summer.

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  6. Places like India, Myanmar have different feeling in them. you just cant get that feeling anywhere in US or Europe, their Life is our Adventure..

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  7. Yay guys! What a year! Congratulations on your award and all of your achievements, your hard work is paying off. You are an inspiration. Onwards and upwards!

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    • Thanks Sarah. Sometimes you get so caught up in the work that it’s useful to reflect and look back at what’s gone well.

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  8. Wow, what an amazing year you two have had. So many great experiences…I especially love the Cuba photo! All the best for the next years!

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    • Thanks Jenna! Cuba was gorgeous. I have so many photos to sort through and look forward to sharing more. Expect lots more photos of classic cars :)

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  9. Congratulations and kudos to you for daring to live a life of your dreams. Looking at photographs of the beautiful places you visited, you indeed live a wonderful dream. Keep going and rocking!

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  10. What an amazing year! I am in awe that you have created a lifestyle of travel, and I love that you travel slowly. Makes such a difference. Here’s to 3 more years! :)

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  11. Rounding up the wonderful times you’ve enjoyed is a great way to see all the fantastic advancements you’ve made over the course of the year ~
    Congrats on getting your first app out – Progress is the best motivator when as you say, all journeys can have their moments :)

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  12. Your experiences are truly wonderful! I love the Italy, Cuba ans Thailand section. Good luck guys!!

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  13. What an incredible year you’ve had! And congratulations for it being the third one living nomadically!
    I absolutely loved reading about Jordan especially- it is now firmly in first position for places I want to travel next.
    Thank you for being the best distraction to me while I am busy finishing my degree and not travelling!
    Jade

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