The Why

So you may be wondering why I've chosen to embark on these adventures. After all, not many people decide to move out of state, live with strangers, and work without getting paid.

I want to explore lifestyles which don't require working 40+ hours a week in an office, typically for barely more than minimum wage which usually allows someone else to get rich while laying off entry-level employees who were making 5x less than they are. In my exchanges, I will be working 15-25 hours per week in exchange for room and board. There is a symbiotic learning relationship and most hosts are very flexible about what "working" means. An artist could paint a mural, a massage therapist could perform body work, a foreigner could teach the host a new language, etc. I'm going to be doing things I love (cooking, meditating, yoga, hiking, etc.) as part of my work week. I'll have a private bedroom and bath in New York and an ocean view in Hawaii. Both locations will provide nutritious whole foods. Sounds like a good deal to me!

I want to be directly involved in the cultivation of my food. I want to know where it comes from and be part of that process. My current diet is mostly vegan, meaning that I don't eat animal products including meat, dairy, and eggs. This is mainly because of my opposition to factory farming which harms both the animals' well-being and environment. I also try to eat organic produce when I can but it's often expensive. Living on a farm ensures that I know my food is clean and grown with care by myself and my host family.

It gives me the opportunity to learn valuable skills like growing fruits and vegetables, small animal husbandry, light construction, and food preservation. As I've mentioned before, I think it would be wonderful to start a homestead of my own someday and the best way to learn the ins and outs is through hands-on experience. Many organizations charge for educational programs and classes to learn these things and they only last for a couple days!

It's obviously an extremely affordable way to travel the world. Imagine being able to save the cost of a hotel and food thus extending your trip by 2-3x what you had planned. You also get to meet interesting people who treat you like part of the family and show you all the local hangouts.

I'm also looking forward to the independence and freedom. I'll be traveling pretty light, especially to Hawaii. I can fit everything I own into my car with room to spare thus allowing me to pick up and leave once my commitments are complete. I can depart to my next destination with confidence that I will have shelter and sustenance. I don't have to worry about selling my house, waiting out my apartment lease, or how I'm going to move my furniture by myself either. I'm convinced that a life with less "stuff" opens up more opportunities for adventure and exploration. I feel like I'm finally living a life that is congruent with my values and am following my passions!