You Have NO More Excuses!

Our new friends take the cake! They are Portable Lifestylers beyond what we have ever known, and after you hear their story, you will have NO excuse not to take to the road.

New Zealanders Sherin & Brian Peace have been Portable Lifestylers for 10 years. They travel with 3 kids under 10 plus TWO DOGS! They spend 6 months at each destination before moving to the next and they have this life down to a science.

When we met them, we immediately bonded, our kids adore each other (classmates a and Sherin & Brian passed on to us many great tips on making it work. We were fascinated by their life, how they made it work and spent many precious hours together before they moved on from Boracay to Oahu.

For the first 5 years of travel, the Kiwis operated a virtual business that they built up, making more money each year until they sold it. At this point, they are independently wealthy (thanks to the sale) and live an amazing life of fun. They go where they want, usually alternating expensive destinations (the Seychelles) with cheaper ones (India).

Sherin has had 3 babies now on the road, and the kids have adapted to the life quite nicely, are well read and extremely international.

So, if you've said you can't go because of children or pets, realize anything is possible. We thought we were doing well to travel freely with two kids, but the Peaces have put us to shame!

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5 Things to Leave at Home

1. Beach towel -- every place you will stay (unless you're backpacking it, which doesn't really lend itself to making money virtually) will provide beach towels. We lug along one that we almost never use.

2. Printer -- you might think you need one, but every place you'll stay will help you by printing anything you email them (often for free). And if you're virtual, you're not going to be needing a bunch of documents anyway -- it's all done by email and phone.

3. Gear or toys -- unless you'll be using it every day, it is SO much easier to rent or buy as you go, and you get off much lighter. We buy toys (even bikes & guitars) in each new place and give them to local kids when we leave. Many places provide gear like snorkeling equipment, tennis racquets and kitesurfing boards for free. Trust that you will be provided with all you need as you go.

4. Valuables -- leave your nice jewelry in a safe deposit box at home and opt for costume pieces instead. Though we have yet to encounter thievery, you simply don't want to have to worry about expensive stuff on the road.

5. Heavy or high maintenance clothing -- the biggest complaint we hear is: "I packed the wrong stuff & am using nothing in my suitcase!" If you're headed for the tropics, jeans, long-sleeved shirts & sweaters will go unused. And for cold weather, plan to rent or buy as you go. We've done that for skiing. It will cost less to rent a parka & gloves than the overage charges you will otherwise incur for bringing too much. And anything needs constant ironing or hand-washing, it will go unworn as well, so leave it home!

The fact is that overplanners and overpackers are acting out of fear that they won't be provided for. As you travel, you will discover that you will always have or can get what you need to be well-supported in this wonderful life!

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5 Things not to Leave Home Without

1. A standard style Swiss Army pocket knife or similar -- make sure it has a blade, a screwdriver, can & bottle openers, and scissors. Sometimes even furnished kitchens are missing these items. Just remember to pack it in your suitcase when you fly.

2. Dual-voltage power transformers for portable electronics -- these days, most portable phones, MP3 players, DVD players, and computers come with chargers that range between 100 & 230 volts. America runs on 110, most of the rest of the world runs at 220. Don't blow your power supply because you didn't check first.

3. Necessary stock of medicines, vitamins, and non-standard toiletries -- most over-the-counter medicines are country-specific, so bring what you expect to need with you. And if you're keen to a certain skin or hair product, make sure it's an international brand or pack it as well.

4. Contact information for family and close friends -- while this may seem obvious, it is possible to misplace important numbers and addresses especially if you rely on storing them all in your cell phone. Make sure you have a backup in case of an emergency.

5. More than one ATM or credit card -- while many people still prefer to bring cash and/or travelers cheques with them, you certainly don't want to deny yourself dinner, lodging, or your flight home if you run out of cash or have to wait for a replacement card to be shipped.

It is possible to pack light yet have everything you need at hand. Be smart about what you will use during your travels and you will never feel want. It all depends on the purpose, the duration, and destination of your trip.

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