An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel

"Vagabonding" is an innovative, inspirational, intellectual, thought-provoking read. But it is also practical and the ideas entailed are approachable and logical. It exceeded my expectations by far and away. I purchased the book for a friend, and after reading it was loathe to part with it. I'm purchasing another for myself.
The book is loading with practical advice; Rolf Potts also puts a fresh spin on worldview in general and on life's specific conundrums, pleasures, and problems--all from an angle relative to long-term travel. Read this book, and you will be the better for it.

Rolf Potts' classic book is essential reading for every independent traveler. When my own travel musings seem trite, corny or contrived, Potts' words ring true. The collection of travel quotes (and recommended reading) is a valuable resource for any traveler. Plus, the helpful resources at the end of each chapter are a great jumping-off point for further exploration.

I heard about this book first by following Tim Ferriss's Podcasts and I know he talks about this is one of his favorite books.
If you are a traveler, a wannabe traveler, just dreaming to travel, thinking about traveling around to remote places on the planet, and want to see the world as a "local", meet locals, and love to be off the beaten path, this is a book for you. While it does have advice, links to sites online, it is still a very worthy read. This will inspire you to travel, maybe you can't for 6 month, but you could use some of the advice for 2 week get-away. Life is short, see the world!

Well-written book that really opened my eyes on how easy it is to travel without being a millionaire. Now I backpack as often as possible and as soon as my student loans are paid off I will be travelling full time!

i would recommend this to anyone and everyone who has curiosity about world travel. great travel quotes, inspirational, a great read overall.

instead of trying to explain to people why you are quitting your job to travel, just hand them this book. its a lot easier.

Good writing clearly made on a solid basis of knowledge on the subject. Written in a very relaxed style that makes it pleasant reading.
Inspires to go out an make own experiences and new solutions ... what more could one ask for.

If you know a recent high school or college grad, do them a favor and get this book for them. I only wish this book could have been in front of me when I was just out of school. I would have packed and left for somewhere after reading the first chapter - could have finished the book on the plane to who knows where. Oh, the things I have missed out on.

Very interesting information, and a worthwhile read. I would love to see an updated version. The world has changed a lot since this was written and undoubtedly makes a great impact on how to travel today as opposed to the late 90's.

A serious lifestyle choice correction is what this book recommends out of potential vagabonds. You are a vagabond if you will not want to travel in polished first class flights but happy with a local train, if you are ok with a bunk bed and not a starred accommodation .. & a lot more things that a vagabond is not. Great book written out of a lot of depth. If you love being alone then this is the book to help you discover / rediscover yourselves.

Excellent resource for finding out the why of travel and exercising your imagination and discovery muscles as you go. There's some good practical information here, but it's mostly about orientation... how you orient your mind, expectations and attitude as you go forth and engage the world. It's not a bad recipe for every day life at home, actually.

Overall, a very insightful book. Numerous references regarding additional resources (Gov. agencies, additional specialty books/guides, unique organizations etc.). HUGE kudos to Rolf Potts for throwing cation to the wind and following this less than common path in life! Let's just say I lived vicariously while reading.....

Amazing book! If you have every thought of travelling then this is a great read before you go. He breaks everything down and gives you a great blueprint to start your travels. The book has lots of great quotes as well.

Potts' book is revolutionary. His travel and life style are definitely an inspiration, even if you have no plan of digging so deep into the whole "long-term world travel" idea. This book is chock full of travel tips anyone can enjoy. I am really impressed it hasn't been published in other languages.

Rolf Potts has produced a good introduction to the world of vagabond travelling with lots of references. Well written and informative! However he never mentions the renowned vagabond Harry A. Franck who must have been the original true world traveller. Look him up, Rolf!

Reading this book may change your life...or at least your outlook on life. After putting the book down I was ready to leave everything behind and take a flight somewhere. I definitely like the focus on the philosophy/mentality behind long-term world travel. A great resource for anyone looking to spend some time abroad.

The book is fairly common sense.. the general idea is be open to things and not rush the experience. The book does have a few good links to websites, but chances are if you've been researching enough on your own you've probably ran into a good amount of the suggested websites in the book. I found the random quotes throughout the book distracting and not really that inspiring. Overall I'd say get the book if you haven't done much research on the topic otherwise I'd pass.

A terrific read - either for the armchair traveler or those (like me) who are seriously contemplating a long-term travel adventure. Rolf breaks down all the BS excuses that we make for ourselves not to travel, and holds out the lure of learning and self-discovery. Highly recommended. The only reason the book didn't get 5 stars is that it's too short - not a huge problem - and the various quotes from other travel writers are distracting and not always helpful.

Excellent book... Very similar writing style as Tim Ferriss and I can see how he was inspired by this book... I put this on the level of 48 laws of power, the game, the 4 hour work week, and introducing NLP. A must buy.

The hardest part of world travel is acquiring the mindset that nothing else matters as much as the journey. Getting to a place where you reduce your consumption of unnecessary stuff, commit your time, and leave your daily routine behind takes a fair amount of work, and it also takes a major shift in priorities. Vagabonding serves as the kick-start that gets you to that mental place --the "I can do it, and I can do it soon" reply to the siren call of world travel.
This book is inspiring, clear, and helpful. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to roam, but thinks they don't have enough money or time. I also recommend it for those, like me, who have gone vagabonding before, know what it takes, and just need a nudge of renewal in order to get back out there again. Great book!

As the American culture depletes I like many am seeking options. Vagabonding illuminates that there's a big and available world.
The price seems a bit high for a book produced with such minimal. I guess it's the content that counts. Quick delivery.

When you enjoy travelling, you don't care about things and stuff that you can buy or bring back home. All that matters is what you bring inside your heart.
This book is somehow trying to bring this subject in life as bring the same subject to how you travel.
The more light and easy going you live your life, more you enjoy it. Same as the sense of joy of travelling without worries.

If you are looking for a realistic, encouraging and helpful guide for long term traveling this is the one you need. It offers great practical advice and it coming from someone who actually traveled, so it is a very useful guide. I think it explores the emotional aspects of traveling, planning, budgeting and happenings while on the road (useful links and other sources of research) It will give you a fresh perspective in why to go out there and explore the world.

This book reads much like a college essay written in haste the night before a deadline. Most of the content were quotes from other authors, spans of resources that have the slightest relevance to the topic of the chapter, and what seem like snippets of emails from people that visit the author's blog. While it's a quick read, it doesn't seem like enough insight and preparation were put into the text. Here's to hoping the money I spent will go toward the author's next travels. I just wish I'd bought him a few beers and talked about his travels than spending the time reading a few of his thoughts while paging through lists of suggested books to read.