Key Takeaways

  • Hello there! It’s been a while since I’ve written a real blog. Sure, there have been lots of how-to posts, itineraries, where-to-stay suggestions, and
  • In the beginning of 2022, I wrote that I felt I didn’t really have much to say anymore. Sure, there are always new destinations to write about, but in
  • Which is why, in the past 2.5 years, I’ve only posted three articles that weren’t “the best hostels in London” or something like that.
Nomadic Matt chilling on a wide, historic staircase in Spain during a sunny summer day

Hello there! It’s been a while since I’ve written a real blog. Sure, there have been lots of how-to posts, itineraries, where-to-stay suggestions, and old-post updates to keep helping you travel on a budget. But it’s been over a year since I wrote anything personal — and it’s been even longer since I shared a story from the road.

In the beginning of 2022, I wrote that I felt I didn’t really have much to say anymore. Sure, there are always new destinations to write about, but in terms of thoughts and advice, after over 14 years writing about travel, I was tapped out. There are only so many posts you can write about “how to find a cheap flight” or on how to make friends or how to overcome your fears.

Which is why, in the past 2.5 years, I’ve only posted three articles that weren’t “the best hostels in London” or something like that.

But I always left the door open to coming back if the desire hit me.

And the desire has finally hit me.

A lot has happened in the last year. Business-wise, Route for Less closed its community and tour offerings, scaled back other initiatives, and spent significant time developing new resources — including the upcoming update to How to Travel the World on $50 per Day. The new, inflation-adjusted, post-pandemic edition is scheduled for release in March 2025.

This last year has seen a lot of personal changes too. I moved back to New York City and absolutely love it here. I’m a city person, and I truly appreciate living somewhere where I don’t need a car. Plus, there’s endless culture, diverse communities, and every cuisine imaginable. I’ve built a strong local circle, discovered fulfilling hobbies, and achieved a healthier work/life balance. This is truly home.

But it hasn’t all been rainbows and unicorns.

Last summer, I was diagnosed with tuberculosis — caught early and fully treatable with antibiotics, but still requiring prolonged quarantine and medication. I’ve also experienced age-related muscle concerns and ongoing gut health adjustments.

Yet with the book wrapped up and most health matters stabilized, I feel like I’m stepping into a fresh chapter.

I’m currently traveling across Europe for the rest of the summer. Though I’ve visited the continent many times before, this trip focuses on unexplored regions. I’m now in Barcelona, then heading to Provence and Germany. After that? The path remains open — I won’t receive final book edits until month’s end, so for now, I’m embracing the freedom of the open road.

All of which is my long-winded way of saying I’ve decided to resume regular blogging with Route for Less. You’ll soon see new stories — plus fresh perspectives on travel philosophy, the evolving creator economy, and how AI is reshaping how we explore and share our journeys.

My schedule remains fluid, and I plan to refine that once back in NYC. I tend to overcommit — but that’s a fall problem! Right now, the road calls, and I’m answering.

Expect the blog at routeforless.com to come back to life shortly!