It's storytime 🏕️

Hey, hey — happy new year!

I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling pretty amped for 2024. This year, I'm focusing on staying active and connected with my body, spending more time outdoors, and engaging in activities like hiking, climbing, and freediving. My mantra for 2024: “Less overthinking. More being.”

Oh, and check out this workplace view from my latest Airbnb in Cape Town. A lesson I learned quite some time ago: When feeling stuck or uninspired, changing your work environment can significantly dial up creative thinking, more than we often acknowledge.

This week, I'll be presenting the results of our 2023 newsletter survey and unveiling an upcoming (and exciting) change to the format.

Let’s dive in.

Hey, this is Kelsey, and you’re reading the SiteSee newsletter. Think of me as your Big Sis when it comes to travel, inspiring you to keep going places. You can expect an email from me every Friday filled with tips for living a location-independent lifestyle and the gear to get you there.

Travel Story✍️

When I share with new friends that I live a location-independent lifestyle, I tend to get an array of responses. While most express genuine interest (and perhaps even aspire to adopt a similar lifestyle), occasionally, I encounter skeptics with comments like, "What are you seeking?", "Do you feel lost?", or my personal favorite, "Are you escaping something from back home?"

For some, maybe that's the case.

Nevertheless, I’m inclined to believe that the vast majority of those choosing this lifestyle are naturally inclined toward exploration. 

We're just doing what feels right.

Why did individuals 3,000 years ago risk their lives to venture thousands of miles from home? Was it driven by famine, the need to escape conflict, or perhaps something else?

In her book Five Stars: The Communication Secrets to Get from Good to Great, Carmine Gallo suggests, “Historians believe the strongest motivator may have been the spirit of adventure. We are all natural explorers. The desire to discover something new is in our DNA. It will never leave us.”

Wanting to live this lifestyle is reason enough to do it. You're not irrational for wanting to explore Southeast Asia and potentially build a new life in Thailand.

What if you venture out and discover that a particular culture isn't your fit? Well, at least you'll know now.

And here's a little secret: Your old life hardly ever changes, and you can always return to it if you’d like. 

Answering the call to explore is what makes you truly come alive. It’s in our DNA after all. Hearing stories of other professionals embracing change and crafting a life centered around travel—I find—is always inspiring.

Most of you think the same.

Which brings me to the survey results from my last email from 2023. I asked ya’ll what you'd like to see more of in 2024. Here are the top three results:

I had a feeling that receiving more stories from other location-independent entrepreneurs would be the top request.

I firmly believe that hearing and exchanging stories is one of the most powerful things you can do. Stories create connections; they reveal the human within us. After listening to a story, you emerge as a different person than you were at the beginning.

Moving forward, the Travel Story section of the newsletter will showcase a new narrative from a location-independent professional every week. Their stories will dive into what prompted them to adopt this lifestyle, their current work, their current travel destinations, and any lessons and advice they may have.

Since emerging from the holiday break haze, I’ve been reaching out to some of my most admired nomadic friends, striving to capture their stories here.

And now, I extend the question to you: Are you interested in sharing your location-independent story? 

For our readers who are on the path to becoming location-independent but haven't quite reached that point, I’d love to hear your story, too. I find these narratives to be particularly impactful—because it’s a place most of us have been and can provide help and advice.

If this strikes a chord with you, feel free to respond directly to this email, and we can chat more.

Here’s to an amazing year ahead 🥂

Gear Check🧳

Besides being the staple piece of most freshman frat guys, Patagonia makes some seriously high-quality clothing and gear. Their Black Hole® Bags are undoubtedly among their most sought-after products—but they can be a bit pricey. So we did a deep dive into the best Black Hole® alternatives, and Topo Designs has to be my favorite. Their bags, like this versatile Quick Pack, are typically more affordable and boast the same superior materials as Patagonia. Plus, they have cool colors. And I’m a sucker for color. 

Airport Reads🗞️

• Check out this insane stat: In 1990, only 5% of Americans had a passport. Today, 48% do. In a recent Pew survey, they discovered that Americans who've traveled abroad are more interested in foreign affairs and feel closer to others around the world.

• Need some good background music while you work? I’ve had this Lofi Jazz playlist on repeat.

• I spent a disgusting amount on this planner for 2024. Not only does it have the normal weekly calendar, but it also has holistic wellness trackers and sections for writing down what you’re manifesting each month. It’s the most woo-woo thing I own at the moment and my god do I love it.

Last Thing✨

Thanks for being here! Before we part ways, I wanted to leave you with a quote from my favorite book at the moment: The Lion Trackers Guide to Life.

Onwards,

Kelsey

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