Every now and then I’ll put together a post to let you know how the logistics of my plans are proceeding. At this point, my ultimate goal and plan are still shrouded in mystery (for good reason), but this is me exercising prudence. Yeah, I’ve never been very good at that.

Site Changes

  • You might notice the spiffy new banner at the top of the page. My good buddies over at Hop & Jaunt designed it and they did an excellent job. I was blown away by the concepts they delivered and their speedy service, and I highly recommend them to anyone seeking graphic design services. To top it off, Aly and John are just good people. “Hop” on over to their website and check it out.
  • I’ve also signed up for Google AdSense. At some point, I will want this website to make money for me, but I’ve been chewing on where to put these ads. I really like the look of the site without ads, so this mental battle is more of me lamenting the despoiling of something pristine. It’s especially problematic with the way I’ve skinned the widgets on the page – I’m not looking forward to putting such visual emphasis on ads. If you have any thoughts or great ideas about incorporating ads please share them.
  • I’ll likely continue to add additional page content as plans firm up. To be honest, I haven’t fully realized how the final schedule and content of Traveling Savage will play out. The majority of the posts so far have been on topics that interest me, mostly about the process of travel since I’m not currently on any trips. I really enjoy writing these posts, but as I hit the road expect there to be more travel reports and correlations of travel experiences to greater themes.

7 Things You Might Not Know About Traveling Savage

  1. I will not be doing a standard round-the-world trip. I am planning one-month deployments possibly four times a year.
  2. I will be traveling solo, without my long-time travel companion Sarah (though she’s behind me 100%).
  3. I will be focusing on experiential travel wherever I go.
  4. I am mostly an introvert, so this will be challenging.
  5. I’ve only ever been to Europe, but every place is on the table now.
  6. I’m interested in the works of Tim Ferriss and Seth Godin. Glean from that what you will.
  7. Late 2010.

This blog has been live for just over two months and I’ve met a lot of great folks through the comments and on Twitter. Thanks for following along, and I hope you’ll continue to read me and share with others.

Thoughts or questions? Put them in the comments.

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Article Comments

  1. Gray February 20, 2010 at 1:33 pm

    I love your new banner! (Nice job, Aly and John!)

    I’m very interested in your plan to bite off your travels in one-month chunks. I think that might cost you more in transportation expenses, but it sounds reasonable for someone with a partner back home. If I had the flexibility to do it that way, that would be my preference as well.
    .-= Gray´s last blog ..Puerto Rico: Culture vs. The Beach =-.

    1. Keith February 21, 2010 at 10:42 am

      Thanks Gray! Hop & Jaunt did a great job with it, didn’t they?

      Yes, the transportation costs will be greater than I’d like, and I’m looking into ways to defray the costs (credit cards w/ rewards, etc.).

  2. floreta February 20, 2010 at 2:11 pm

    I’m quite intrigued by this solo travel w/ partner at home idea. I feel like I’m much more independent now than I was in a relationship, to where hopefully, when I get into my next relationship, I will continue the momentum of independence. I was actually thinking to myself whether or not I would solo travel in a relationship and I made up my mind that I would, definitely.
    .-= floreta´s last blog ..Life-Long Friends =-.

    1. Keith February 21, 2010 at 11:04 am

      I’m looking forward to the new challenge and experience of solo travel, but I’m approaching this as a professional venture. I would prefer to travel with my wife, it’s just not feasible. So I will embrace the opportunity as it unfurls.

  3. Nomadic Chick February 21, 2010 at 1:31 pm

    Wow Keith, things are shaping up. I relate to Floreta. Since I’ve been single off an 11 year relationship independence is alien, but welcome. I somehow doubt I’ll go back to my former clone mentality. It will be nice to have Sarah cheering you on. I wouldn’t fret so much about being an introvert, I’ve encountered a few in my travels. Frankly, sometimes they make the best companions, a steely, quiet confidence getting things done with little fanfare. Oh, and the ones I’ve met were never loud or annoying either!
    .-= Nomadic Chick´s last blog ..Gypsy Bits and Bytes =-.

    1. Keith February 21, 2010 at 10:36 pm

      Thanks for the thoughts. You’re pretty dead-on with your description of introverts 🙂 Good for you that you’ve found a new groove after being in the same one for so long. By all appearances, it looks like you’re embracing it! I’m looking forward to seeing what you have in store with your site design. I have to say, though, I like your current aesthetic.

  4. Joel February 21, 2010 at 6:27 pm

    Keith – really great reading. There’s a lot here I identify with, including being an introvert (and Madison, of course). That’s definitely one of the challenges I’ve set out for myself – meeting new people all along the way. Looking forward to how your trip develops.

    1. Keith February 21, 2010 at 10:32 pm

      It’s always nice to connect with travelers in a similar boat. Glad you stopped by, and hope to see you around these parts more often.

  5. karenzo March 2, 2010 at 4:44 pm

    I tend towards the introvent end of the spectrum myself but must assure you, that nothing opens you up more to meeting new people then the common ground of a foreign land. There’s a mutual respect thing that goes on, based on a shared sense of glee that HEY we did it, we left home and here we ARE!! Plus I find I have so much more to say to my fellow travelers than to people I may happen to randomly meet – say, at a bar – back home. You will do GREAT!

    1. Keith March 3, 2010 at 2:08 pm

      Thanks for the encouragement. I agree that travelers tend to bond together on the road. How have your experiences been with meeting the locals?

  6. Karenzo March 4, 2010 at 11:41 pm

    They´ve been great actually, thankfully. Opting for a homestay vs. hostel while here in Quito has helped. Also connecting with the locals through sites like Couchsurfing.org has also made a big difference in meeting and forging new friendships with the locals wherever I go. People have been incredibly generous and eager to help me get to know their country, for which I am so grateful. (CS is a great site in that regard, btw)

    1. Keith March 5, 2010 at 8:53 am

      That is so good (and reassuring) to hear! The idea of couchsurfing in Chile has lodged in my mind. Having never done it, I feel a little anxious at the prospect of staying with unknowns. I think it could be a great way to quickly and easily and get the local perspective.

      1. karenzo March 5, 2010 at 10:05 am

        It is it is! I’ve met some of the coolest people this way. And I’m looking forward to returning the favor if they ever make it to my hometown (nyc).

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