New York Times bestselling author Matt Kepnes first started his travel blog Nomadic Matt in 2008 to help other travelers explore the world in a more affordable manner. Since then, he has built a robust community for like-minded travelers to meet and learn, and he’s published two books: How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad.
We sat down with Kepnes, aka Nomadic Matt, to get the scoop on how to maximize time and money as a digital nomad.
Becoming a digital nomad
SUCCESS: Can you share a bit about your journey in becoming Nomadic Matt and what inspired you to start traveling extensively?
Matt Kepnes: I never considered traveling the world until I met a group of backpackers in Thailand. I was there on holiday for a couple of weeks, and while in Chiang Mai, I met some backpackers who were traveling the world without a set end date. They were just traveling until they ran out of money. That blew my mind.
I know gap years are common in other parts of the world, but back then, in the United States, they were virtually unheard of. You get a two-week holiday, and that’s about it. After meeting those backpackers, I was determined to follow in their footsteps. As soon as I got home, I started planning a yearlong trip around the world. The rest is history.
Related: Best Places to Travel Solo: 5 Destinations You Don’t Want to Miss
Matt Kepnes’ most eye-opening travel experiences
S: What has been surprising in your travel experiences?
MK: Something I realized on my early trips that surprised me was just how much more in common we all have. Sure, there are differences between countries and cultures, but on a human level, we’re all incredibly similar. We want safety and security; we want to spend time with our friends and family. We work and play sports and hang out on the weekends.
Deep down, we all have much more in common than we expect—even if we do live on opposite sides of the globe.
Saving money while traveling
S: For those newer to longer-haul trips, what essential tips would you give them to make their travels enjoyable and budget-friendly?
MK: Flights are generally the biggest expense when it comes to travel, so learning how to find a cheap flight is vital. On top of that, starting to collect points and miles is a simple way to offset costs as well, whether that’s for flights or hotels. I earn several free flights and hotel stays each year simply by collecting points and miles. Best of all, you don’t need to spend extra money on this. You can simply use your regular spending on groceries, gas and eating out to earn free perks.
On a more general level, the best piece of advice I have for new long-term travelers is to travel slowly. Don’t rush from place to place every other day. Not only will you miss out on a lot, but it’s also more expensive. Instead, aim to stay in each place for five, six, seven days or more. That way, you’ll be able to better immerse yourself in the destination, buy groceries so you can cook, buy longer (and cheaper) transport passes and more.
Related: Budget-Friendly Travel Tips to Make Getting On The Road Easier
Finding the right travel accommodations
S: In your experience, is it wiser to stay in hotels, Airbnbs or other accommodation options when trying to save money? Are there specific situations where one option might be better than others?
MK: If saving money is your priority, your best bet is to be flexible. In some destinations, Airbnb might be cheapest. In others, it might be hotels or guesthouses. Comparing prices is always necessary when traveling on a budget, so be sure to do your due diligence to find the best deal. If you’re on a tight budget and are backpacking, your cheapest options will be hostels. They are affordable, fun, clean and a great way to meet other travelers. If you’re on a super tight budget, camping or staying with a local for free via a site like Couchsurfing will be your best options.
Packing smart and being prepared
S: What are your top recommendations for packing efficiently and planning ahead to avoid unnecessary expenses during a trip?
MK: My main two pieces of advice for packing are: Limit the baggage you carry. For most long-term trips, a 40L backpack plus a smaller day bag are all you need. Unless you’re going somewhere cold and need lots of gear, that amount of space is plenty. This also lets you travel carry-on only, which saves you time and money since you don’t have to pay for (or wait for) your checked luggage. Write down all the stuff you think you’ll need, then cut it in half. You just need to bring the basics. No need to pack a dozen sweaters “just in case.” Anything else you need you can buy while abroad.
Having the right safety precautions in place
S: What are some universal safety measures that everyone should be aware of regardless of the destination?
MK: First, I think it’s important to note that the overwhelming majority of people you’ll meet traveling are good people. Just like back home, most people you encounter will be friendly and happy to help should you need it. That said, there are always bad apples, so travelers should take a few precautions when they’re abroad:
- Scan all your documents (ID, passport, etc.) and email yourself copies. That way, if your bag is lost or stolen, you still have ID on you.
- Separate your money. Keep some cash and cards in your wallet and some in your luggage. That way, if you lose your wallet, you won’t be stranded without money.
- Download Google Maps and Google Translate so that, in an emergency, you can find out where you are and communicate with the locals.
- Lastly, buy travel insurance. It provides peace of mind as it will reimburse you should your flight get canceled, your luggage get lost or stolen or you get injured.
Embracing cultural differences
S: How can travelers respectfully engage with and appreciate the cultures they encounter while being mindful of cultural differences?
MK: Before I go somewhere new, I always try to read about the country’s culture and history. Reading a few books about the places I’m about to visit arms me with the basics so that, on arrival, I’m not totally in the dark regarding the culture and its norms. When we travel, we are guests in those countries. It’s our job to understand and respect local laws and customs. By doing so, we’ll be better able to fit in, which in turn opens up doors that other travelers might not be offered.
By treating cultural differences with respect and understanding and not assuming my own views and culture are intrinsically better, I’m able to really get below the surface of a place, which is much more rewarding than visiting somewhere and trying to make the locals adapt to me instead.
Related: The “World Footprints” Podcast Shares Untold Stories for Socially-Conscious Travelers
Forming friendships while abroad
S: What are some ways you’ve made friends while traveling?
MK: When I started traveling, I was a huge introvert. It took a lot of practice for me to become a more social traveler. These days, the best way to meet people is to just take the leap and talk to them. If you’re a solo traveler, don’t hesitate to ask people at your hostel if you can join them for a drink or activity. If you’re on a walking tour, interact with the other travelers and ask them questions. It may feel awkward at first, but travelers are generally an open-minded and friendly bunch and will welcome someone to join them. I’ve done this countless times over the years and am still in touch with a lot of the people I have met!
The best travel apps of today
S: With the advancement of technology, what are some apps and tools you recommend to digital nomads to enhance their travel experiences, make friends and potentially save money?
MK: There are a ton of great travel apps and tools out there these days. Here are just a few worth checking out:
- Going: This cheap flight tool sends deals straight to your inbox. If you’re flexible on your travel dates and destinations, it can save you a fortune.
- Couchsurfing: This app can be used to not only find locals who will let you stay with them for free, but you can also use the app to just connect with locals for events and meetups.
- Airbnb Experiences: This platform helps you discover unique experiences in destinations, including walking tours, food tours, cooking classes and more.
- TripIt: This app makes it easy to organize your travel itineraries and documents.
Maintaining a healthy work-life-balance while traveling
S: As someone who has made a living teaching others how to travel affordably, how do you balance work and travel? Do you have any tips for those who want to combine their passion for travel with a career?
MK: Being able to work from anywhere in the world is an amazing gift. It has opened all kinds of doors I never even knew existed before I started traveling. However, it’s still work. Sometimes that can be challenging. Between finding places with fast Wi-Fi, meeting people and networking and balancing work and travel days, being a digital nomad can be tricky if you’re not prepared. You really need to keep a rigid schedule when you travel to ensure you have enough time to do everything. It’s also important to move slowly; otherwise, you won’t have the time to do anything.
Matt Kepnes’ top travel destinations
S: Do you have any favorite destinations that you recommend for both experienced and novice travelers? What makes these places special?
MK: Thailand is a country that comes to mind because it has everything a new traveler would want: It’s safe, warm, easy to get around, has a well-worn tourist trail and is very affordable. It’s also a huge country with a lot to see and do that is off the main tourist trail. That means it’s easy to keep coming back without getting bored. From lush jungles in the north to laid-back remote islands in the south, you could spend years here and still barely scratch the surface. That’s why I keep going back!
Related: The 5 Best Digital Nomad Cities in 2024
Popular travel myths
S: What are some common misconceptions when it comes to travel that you’d like to dispel?
MK: The biggest misconception I still see (even after 15-plus years in the industry) is that a lot of people think travel has to be expensive. While it’s true that a fancy resort trip or luxury cruise might break the bank, it’s actually very possible (and very easy) to travel the world and spend less money per day than you would back home.
You may not be staying in five-star hotels or eating Michelin-star meals, but you won’t be sleeping under a bridge either. There’s a massive middle ground of experiences that are affordable—if you know where to look.
From seasoned traveler to digital nomad
S: What are some shifts in mentality that have to happen when someone is a digital nomad versus a regular traveler?
MK: I think the biggest shift for becoming a digital nomad has to be around finding balance. As a traveler, you’re free to spend every day exploring and taking in the sights. As a worker, you have to spend the majority of your time on your laptop. When you’re a digital nomad, you have to balance both. And that’s tricky. It’s very easy to spend too much time traveling or too much time working, so creating habits and setting up boundaries to ensure you maintain that balance is important.
This interview originally appeared as part of the May 2024 issue of SUCCESS+ Digital Magazine
Photo courtesy of Matt Kepnes