The Emanation of Their Travel Dream From a Discussion
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It was in the year 2015 when the couple stopped discussing travel and decided to go for it. There was something different and unconventional about that conversation that made them contemplate about the full-time goal.View this post on Instagram
"We were seriously discussing what it would take to make it a reality, and not just dreaming about what-ifs."
No, their dream wasn't unreasonable! They were well aware of the fact that in theory, the rosy scenarios will drift apart, but they knew that there wasn't a better time to kickstart, come what may! They finally decided to travel full-time and see as much of the world as possible before they settled down.
Kicking Off Their Expeditions
Kara says, "I will always remember sitting at our kitchen table, spinning a globe and asking ourselves, "Where to?" They began their world voyage in the year 2016 with Japan and hit-up the road for 9 months straight with no plans to put a full stop to their journey.View this post on Instagram
Their master plan was originally set for a year which was remodelled to travel to over 100 countries which they have effectively completed this year in 2020!
Their Travel Motto
The couple has not hustled through their dreams in solitude, but they also tell their story via their vlogs. "I think the easiest way to tell you where we've been is to show you." The two impart all their travel wisdom through their vlogs, show the audience what they are up-to. They also interview a new world traveller every week to encapsulate their experiences, learn about their financial plans and trip management and earn tips as well.View this post on Instagram
From Living in a Small House in Tennessee to Travelling to Their 100th Destination
Crossing continents, living the backpacker's life and treading to 100 countries, they have come a long way. Commencing with Tokyo with a 20 + hour vlog to hitting-up India, Peru, Thailand, Bolivia, Bhutan, Indonesia, Chernobyl, Sydney, Venice, Iraq, Paris, Egypt, Cuba, Amsterdam, Switzerland, Vietnam, Budapest and the list is unending till about they landed in their 100th destination.View this post on Instagram
From what we can tell, the two are not here to restrict their boundaries or turn conservative anyway. From sleeping at a mountain edge, taking the ice-chamber challenge, living in capsule trains, taking train journeys across the world, treading the off the beaten track, voyaging with cruises and free-walking, they sure don't demarcate themselves as travellers, and that's what sets them apart!
They Hit a Fan Base of 1 Million With Their 100th Visit
Turning teary-eyed on reaching 1 million on Youtube, their fans too wept along with them. Major speculation remained as to whether or not this would be the last vlog. A plethora of viewers unleashed their grief in their engagement comments over them putting an end to their vlogs and travel life, which we're guessing they won't!On Managing Finances For Their Full - Time Travel Tales
Nate & Kara heavily rely on Youtube to sustain themselves. "We're super grateful for YouTube because without the platform we wouldn't have been able to grow the audience that now sustains our travels. But we're trying to move our audience to our own platforms where we have more control. That includes growing our email list and being more consistent on the blogging front to give people a reason to continually come back to our website."View this post on Instagram
To enlighten their followers, they also publish an income and expense report on their website detailing down to the dollar, how much money they have earned and spent in the preceding quarter. Their income has depended on YouTube Ad Revenue, Patreon, Course Sales, Affiliate Income, and Video Licensing. It was with earning the frequent flyer miles that they effectively travelled 100 countries and managed their finances judiciously.
"We started the year with almost 1.8 million miles and points, and after visiting over 27 countries this year, we still have over 800,000 left. I thought we would have burned through the majority of our points at this point in the year, but we've been very strategic about our redemptions."
Speaking Of Personal Rewards And Accolades
Travel is not just fulfilling, but it has more to offer for them. The two never anticipated the mass response, love and endearment they would receive over their travel journey. Sharing their experiences online turned tables and making a digital family was overwhelming for them. "We receive comments every day that continue to blow us away. We've had people tell us that our positivity has helped them get through a time of depression. We've had people tell us that we encouraged them to travel to a new country for the first time ever. And we've had people tell us that we've encouraged them to do more with their life."View this post on Instagram
All we'd want for them is more travel and unending vlogs for us! The two have certainly set travel goals for aspiring as well as budding travellers. Their personal anecdotes, travel wisdom, financial tips and nitty-gritties of their globe-trots are super insightful. We need more such travel bloggers in the world! Nate & Kara, you two are setting a benchmark for all travel vloggers and bloggers out there!
Have you checked out their vlogs yet? Leave us your reviews on the couple in the comments below!
