Top 10 Lessons from a Grizzled PT
- Details
- Category: Global Perspectives
- Published on Friday, 23 December 2011 04:51
- Written by International Man
It's a step most people won't take, but for the right individual the life of a permanent traveller (or "PT" for short) can be one of excitement, richness and variety.
Ian Oliver is one such person. Currently based in Eastern Europe, he picked up stakes some time ago to live life as a citizen of the world.
Perhaps this is something for you as well. Or perhaps not. Either way, useful lessons follow that are relevant to our ongoing internationalization conversation - straight from the grizzled horse's mouth.
Top 10 Lessons from a Grizzled PT.
I have never thought of myself as grizzled, but when asked to write a short piece with the above title, I sat back and had a chuckle. Yes, I am grizzled. Weary beyond my years of the inane complaints of the modern suburban dweller.
Having always been something of an action man and having got to that point where "enough is enough", I promptly decided to pack my bags and leave. Leave the complaints, lack of ethics, pressure, government interference, taxes... Hell, now I'm starting to sound like them. (Lesson #1 - Make the decision.)
Having made the decision to go it was just a matter of convincing the wife, packing up and leaving. Easier said than done. (Lesson #2 - Take Action.)
A lifetime of collecting things which are absolutely not essential to a PT lifestyle (three 27-tonne trucks and an excavator among other things) means a cleanout and garage sale of epic proportions. (Lesson #3 - Start downsizing sooner rather than later.)
While all of this was underway, my ever-patient wife and I made a loose plan of where we wanted to start. We contacted some specialists who could help "grease the immigration wheels" as well as research property markets so that we had some idea of rental costs and conditions. (Lesson #4 - Plan ahead.)
Having done all that we thought we could on Terra Homeland, we left. The plan was to visit the top 3 countries on our wish list for a couple of weeks each, and at the end of that time, choose where we would stay. (Lesson #5 - Jump!)
After arriving in our new country of abode, we encountered many problems and difficulties, but by simple logic and perseverance we overcame all and had a wonderful 12 months of exotic food, friendly people and great experiences. (Lesson #6 - Enjoy.)
After twelve months we decided that, love it as we may, our first choice of country was not where we wanted to stay. So, without nearly so much fuss we were on the move again. (Lesson #7 - Remain flexible.)
Our second move was much easier and smoother than the first. We did not worry so much about some things and put more effort into others, so the end result cost less and produced more value. (Lesson #8 - Learn from your mistakes.)
Another twelve months passed and we found ourselves preparing for another jump. We now felt closer to what we were seeking and the experience gained in the previous two moves was invaluable when evaluating countries and their potential fit for who we are. (Lesson #9 - Persevere.)
We now have a completely different set of requirements for our happiness than when we first became PT's. We have grown as people, learned about others and ourselves and experienced our precious planet with a perspective that 7-day tourists will never have. (Lesson #10 - Grow with your experiences!)
Becoming a long-term expatriate has proven to be one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had. Our whole family is wiser, stronger and closer than we would have been had we remained in suburbia. If we had to return tomorrow and start again with nothing, I would still be happy with what we have done. Yes, it is difficult, confusing and frustrating, but worth it. So very worth it.
If you are considering becoming a PT, it's great to examine the issues and make a loose plan, but don't sit around pondering the possibilities for too long - The world is waiting for you to join in the fun!
David
Posted at 2011-12-24 01:28:14
This article would be more valuable and interesting if the experiences informing the conclusions were recounted instead of only the conclusions. I'm glad to learn that we should learn from our mistakes, but I thought I already knew that. Maybe there is some way in which I don't know it that would have been revealed by a report of how the author learned from his mistakes as a permanent traveler.
Posted at 2011-12-24 05:05:16
Agree with the above. There are so many daunting hurdles to the PT lifestyle. . . the more insight one might have regarding options and avenues, specifically, the better. . .
Also, it isn't clear whether the writer is retired? Gainfully employed through some wonderous un-space-limited profession..?
Arlean
Posted at 2011-12-24 11:50:01
As a PT for about 6 years, this is a VERY good article. Some of your pointers are SO important. Start early. It takes a lot longer than people have any idea. I can't say that strongly enough. Also, some of the questions your readers are asking in comments, I think you'd need to write a book. Everything varies with different countries and everybody has to do their own research. But then again, you COULD always write a book. With all the people that are heading down to South America, it would probably do well. I have some inside contacts that tell me the government is getting worried about all the people coming in. They are afraid it will "change their culture" and are starting to raise the bar in many countries. So those that are considering it are going to have much more limited choices if they think about it too long. Again, Good job! Arlean
Wesleymouch
Posted at 2011-12-24 14:37:14
Dear Arlean
Which government are you talking about limiting immigration?Wesleymouch
Posted at 2011-12-24 14:37:46
Dear Arlean
Which government are you talking about limiting immigration?arlean
Posted at 2011-12-24 14:43:48
I know of two that have recently done so, Uruguay and Argentina. The income requirements have gone up for both and in Uruguay's case, they also increased the amount of time you have to be in the country to qualify for residency. There are MANY people transplanting themselves so I expect that trend to increase. I really think it is time to get the show on the road is you are thinking of making a change. Not that you have to do it tomorrow, but I think you should START toorrow. As the writer of the article wrote, and I agree, it takes time. There is a lot to hink about and do.
Jay
Posted at 2011-12-26 14:05:32
I've been a full PT for 20 years, ever since reading the sCope books by WG Hill in the early 90's. The key is flexibility for sure, and designing an income model you can take anywhere in the world. In 2010/2011 I lived on an island in Thailand for two months, an Asian city for nine, aski resort in eastern Europe, and in a quiet seaside town in another European country from July through to today. I will be moving again in a coup,e of weeks.
One important point for people considering PT life is that it need not be totally nomadic. I own property in a number of countries and am officially a foreign owner, even though I can if I wish stay there for Up to 183 days. Yet without being resident for tax purposes. I use one of these properties as an occasional base, don't rent it out so I can keep any personal belongings I want there.
The income model needs to be portable. I am a writer. I write for companies around the world and all communication is via the net.
My work is undertaken through an offshore non taxed company, so 100% of the revenue I generate comes to the company, and to me.
I don't personally have kids, through I am married to Mrs PT, but I have met many PTs with kids, even school age kids who elect for countries with a good home schooling system to provide the education needs.
Interesting article and all very relevant to the PT lifestyle. It's one I would never change.
Wesleymouch
Posted at 2011-12-23 13:12:33
I would be curious to know which three countries you lived in as part of your PT experience
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