Yep, that's what I've just done. Do I recommend it? Yes and no.

Traveling around the world - yes.

In 67 days - no.

Lesson 1. Slow travel is best for the nomad

As amazing as it was, traveling as a nomad, most of my time was spent working. So, my free time went towards organizing and traveling to the next destination. This left little time left to properly explore and experience my local.

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To be fair, I didn't plan on circumnavigating the globe so fast. I originally intended to take a year, basing my self in Mexico for the majority. But, as it so happened, I met someone and my plans changed. As the famous John Lennon quote goes:

Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.

But more on that in another newsletter as it's worthy of discussion - one of the main challenges for a digital nomad is finding and maintaining a meaningful relationship. Not so easy when you're constantly on the move!

Round the world is the ticket

For those who read my previous newsletter will know that I booked a round the world ticket for roughly US $1750. This included:

• Tokyo
• Lisbon
• Amsterdam
• Cancun
• Sydney

I could choose how long I spent in each continent as long as I circumnavigated the globe within a year. Bargain, right!? You can book these round the world airfares from specialist travel agencies like Airfare Geeks, where I booked (no affiliation).

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Lesson 2. Western Europe is freaking expensive

As amazing as Western Europe is, it is not for the cost-conscious nomad. One of the main reasons nomads travel is to find lower cost of living destinations than they have at home. It's like getting a pay rise! But Western Europe was more like a pay cut.

This leg of the journey was more about ticking off a few boxes for me. I had never been and it had been on my bucket list for years. Especially to see where my great ancestors came from throughout the UK.

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That said, two of my favorite cities on the trip were in Western Europe. Edinburgh in Scotland, and Amsterdam in the Netherlands. I stayed right in the heart of the Old Town of Edinburgh in the middle of winter. It rained constantly which only added to the dark, medieval, atmosphere.

Conversely, I was a little let down by Lisbon, which has been built up as the best city for digital nomads. Maybe I missed something, but I didn't see this. Sintra was cool though (pictured). The other disappointment was Playa del Carmen in Mexico, once a nomad hotspot but now way over-commercialized.

Lesson 3. Writing high in Amsterdam is challenging

I had this vision of creative writing while smoking reefers in one of the famous Amsterdam "coffee shops". I did this. Found a nice coffee shop by a canal. Ordered a joint called Vortex, which was just a random selection. Found the only table available upstairs and set up my computer to write a chapter or two of my upcoming novel.

This place was hazy with everyone smoking doobies and no open windows in winter. I wasn't even a third through joint before I had to put it out. I see now why they call it a dutchie, when you smoke pot in an enclosed space. I realized I was getting super high off other's supply. I was already so stoned I found it hard to string two words together on the page. And it felt every marijuana-infused breath I inhaled I became just that little bit more stoned. I had to get out.

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After trying not to get run over by bicyclists, cars and a tram, I found myself getting lost in the maze of alleyways and canals that all look the same. I inadvertently found myself in the famous Amsterdam red light district. Seriously high. Night was falling and the prostitutes were in the windows in between sex toy stores, sex show theatres and even sex museums. To says it was a bizarre experience was an understatement. I may not have got much writing that evening but perhaps experienced something to write about!

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Travel hack - working from trains

One particularly enjoyable experience was using a Eurail pass to travel between Lisbon, London, Edinburgh, Paris and Amsterdam. I was worried how reliable the WIFI would be as I needed to work, but it was never a problem.

The other benefit of train travel is you get to see the scenery and countryside in between cities. It works out around the same or even cheaper than air travel and it's better for the environment.

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I highly suggest you pay the bit extra for first class as you get more room, better internet, and a bigger tray for your laptop.​
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What's next?

I am moving to Boracay in the Philippines to slow down for awhile. As good as the digital nomad life is, sometimes it can become exhausting and you need to find yourself a base. Especially when you've traveled around the globe in 67 days!

I will report back on Boracay.

Until then,

Be free!

Timothy