Have you heard? (Photo: fofurasfelinas)
There are already people out there in the world leading extraordinary vagabond lives. Karol Gajda is one great example. Karol recently sold almost all his possessions (including his car) to travel the world with one 32 liter backpack and a messenger bag.
Check out the awesome interview below. Comments in (italics) are from me. There are some affiliate links, feel free to click them or not, it is fine either way.
What made you decide to Help One Hundred (100) People Achieve Ridiculously Extraordinary Freedom? (You can count me as one Karol).
There’s a really long answer and a fairly short answer. The short answer is, to be blunt, ego. I want to be known as a person who affects lives in a positive way. I’ve been working for myself since I was 19 and in the past 10 years I’ve acquired a lot of knowledge and experiences others can learn from.
As we may know, the important first few steps we take mean the most in starting a journey (such as reducing our expenses and saving money from our jobs). What first few steps did you take to begin your journey of achieving Ridiculously Extraordinary Freedom?
The journey started when I was very young. My Mom would take me to the public library weekly and I’d check out a stack of books I could barely carry. For whatever reason, I knew this wasn’t normal.
The first step to Ridiculously Extraordinary Freedom is an overwhelming interest in acquiring knowledge. As an adult, a big step was a mind set shift. When I was at University my goal was to do whatever it took to not have to get a job upon graduation.
I realized that University was brainwashing me and setting me up to be like everybody else. Which is fine for a lot of people, but it was upsetting to me. As a result, I failed in a lot of various business ventures until I found success.
What are some tips you can give to an aspiring Vagabond (like me)?
Don’t let anybody tell you what you want to do or where you want to go is wrong. If you want to visit all the biggest tourist spots that’s awesome.
If you don’t want to visit a huge tourist spot even if you’re just steps away that’s awesome too. You’re only “missing out” if it’s something you want to do and you don’t do it.
What experiences in your life would you say influenced you the most to take the action you are taking now?
The fact that my Parents left Poland for the United States with 2 suitcases, a few hundred dollars, and 2 young children without knowing a lick of English. (My parents did nearly the same as well).
What books do you recommend for starting the world travel life or those interested in it?
Vagabonding by Rolf Potts. It’s far and away the best book for anybody interested in the lifestyle.
How do you pay for your travel and expenses? From savings or a side business?
I’ve been doing marketing for most of my adult life and I work while I’m on the road too. 
Where in the world do you recommend visiting in this lifetime? What countries and cities?
That’s a great question and I’m glad you asked. Because, going back to a response above, what I think doesn’t matter. Anywhere you want to go is where you should go.
I haven’t seen enough of the world to recommend any particular place. What I do know is everybody I’ve ever spoken to has a “dream destination.” That is a great first stop.
While I was in Australia I made sure to go to places that people (Australians and ex-pats alike) told me were a waste of time. Adelaide and Brisbane were both outstanding cities that I may not have visited if not for those haters.
Do you have any negatives about a vagabond/ridiculously extraordinary lifestyle for people on the fence or starting out?
It depends on your personality. I require a lot of time alone. That probably makes it a lot easier for me to be away from friends/family than for somebody who has difficulty being alone. So that’s only a negative if you want it to be.
What about the positives of the vagabond/ridiculously extraordinary lifestyle for people on the fence or starting out?
There are a lot of positives, but at the top of my list is: no regrets.
Living this lifestyle, even if for a short time, is something you will never regret. You will never say “man, I wish I didn’t spend 6 months of my life living in new cities.” On the flipside, if you don’t do it, you probably will some day think “ugh, I wish I spent 6 months of my life living in new cities.”
What fears, if any, do you have about the vagabond/ridiculously extraordinary life style?
The fear is part of the fun. Going to a new city, not knowing anybody, and finding your way is scary. But it’s a fun exercise anyway. That said, with a site like CouchSurfing (Check out Karols guide to couchsurfing, I’m a member of CouchSurfing as well), even the fears associated with plopping down in a new city can be greatly diminished.
Anything you would like to mention not asked yet?
Yes, when you begin your journey you may get negative reactions from friends, family, and people who have no business giving you advice. Don’t let them bring you down. Thank them for the unwarranted advice and move on. (Great advice, and you are right, some reacted negatively and some positive).
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Check out Karol at Ridiculously Extraordinary. He writes some great inspirational and helpful articles about his adventures as a vagabond, Karol calls it a Ridiculously Extraordinary lifestyle.
Check back next Monday for my new article about envisioning a great future and making it reality.
Posted on January 7th 2010.
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