Synopses & Reviews
Part travel memoir and part philosophical look at why we travel, filled with stories of Matt Kepnes' adventures abroad, an exploration of wanderlust and what it truly means to be a nomad.
"Matt is possibly the most well-traveled person I know...His knowledge and passion for understanding the world is unrivaled, and never fails to amaze me." Mark Manson, New York Times bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
New York Times bestselling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day, Matthew Kepnes knows what it feels like to get the travel bug. After meeting some travelers on a trip to Thailand in 2005, he realized that living life meant more than simply meeting society's traditional milestones, such as buying a car, paying a mortgage, and moving up the career ladder. Inspired by them, he set off for a year-long trip around the world before he started his career. He finally came home after ten years. Over 500,000 miles, 1,000 hostels, and 90 different countries later, Matt has compiled his favorite stories, experiences, and insights into this travel manifesto. Filled with the color and perspective that only hindsight and self-reflection can offer, these stories get to the real questions at the heart of wanderlust. Travel questions that transcend the basic "how-to," and plumb the depths of what drives us to travel — and what extended travel around the world can teach us about life, ourselves, and our place in the world.
Ten Years a Nomad is for travel junkies, the travel-curious, and anyone interested in what you can learn about the world when you don't have a cable bill for a decade or spend a month not wearing shoes living on the beach in Thailand.
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"His story is one of heartberak, self-discovery, and the constant travel itch he had to scratch in order to become the man he was supposed to be. An entertaining, quick read by a man who did what many of us only dream about." Kirkus Reviews
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"With hard-won experience, wide-open eyes, and the spirit of a dedicated wanderer, Kepnes encourages his readers to find their own adventures, and his story provides a road map for anyone opting to follow their dreams, wherever they may lead." Booklist
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"In his heartfelt explanation and exploration, Matt runs through just why he's been out there, backpacking the world for 10 years. By the end we've definitely realized, like Matt, how important travel is and how getting out there, on the road, can make you, me and the world a better place. It's a great pity certain people at the very top of the world's power pyramid never had just a little taste of the nomadic experience." Tony Wheeler, founder of Lonely Planet
About the Author
MATTHEW KEPNES is the New York Times bestselling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day, and runs the award-winning budget travel site Nomadic Matt. His writings and advice have been featured in The New York Times, The Guardian, Time, and in countless other publications. He is also a regular speaker at travel trade and consumer shows. When he's not on the road, he's usually found in Austin, Texas.