TravelDOM

About me

Who am I?

Hey there! My name is Matthew Karsten (you can call me Matt). I’m a full-time adventure travel blogger & photographer who’s been exploring the world for over 6 years, with no plans to stop anytime soon. Welcome to my travel blog! This is where I share entertaining stories, useful travel tips, fun videos, amazing photography, and crazy adventures with you from my perpetual travels around the world. It’s a place for people like you who are looking for daily inspiration & motivation to live a life full of adventure. I want to show you how to travel the world, to seek experiences over possessions, and open your mind to new possibilities.

My Journeys

Here are my current travel milestones - always looking forward to improve them!

Countries visited 16
Continents been to 3
Cities visited 81
Miles travelled 28,998

What’s A Vagabond?

Vag·a·bond

Wandering from place to place without any settled home; nomadic.
Leading an unsettled or carefree life.
Travelling the world!

That pretty much sums-up the last 6 years of my existence!

Why Travel For So Long?

Because I’m curious about our planet. I want to take risks, meet interesting people, challenge myself, see amazing things, explore the world, and learn as much as a can.

Not to mention have a bit of fun along the way!

Travel doesn’t have to be expensive.
Adventure is worthwhile.
The world isn’t as dangerous as you think.

Maybe I can show you something you’ve never seen.

Inspire you with new ideas for your next vacation.

Attempt to put a smile on your face.

Help you learn from my mistakes.

Challenge your assumptions about the world.

How To Travel The World

I haven’t always been a world traveler though. With a college degree in business, I found myself working as a freelance nightlife & event photographer in Miami. It was fun, but something was missing…

I dreamed of more — a life filled with adventure.

One day I just decided to stop dreaming, and start doing.

I spent a year saving money like crazy, sold my car, bought a bicycle, stopped going out to clubs, cooked food at home, and spent all my free time building a small online business selling eBooks.

In the fall of 2010 I quit my job, sold everything I owned, and bought a plane ticket to Guatemala.

My family & friends didn’t understand what I was doing. They thought I was losing it — and I wasn’t sure either. Following my dreams at all costs was my new goal. Becoming wealthy with new experiences was my mission.

My Travel Tools

Booking

For accomodations

Skyscanner

For flights compare

Tripadvisor

For things to do / see

Tips & Tricks

Local Transportation

In most cases, booking in advance is the best option you could think of. Prices go up as departure day gets closer. Booking online (where available) saves you a lot of time and in this way you're sure of having a seat for your journey. Consider also buying return tickets to save some money.

Saving for travel

Saving money for your travels should not be the hardest thing you might think of. Try using meta search websites, for both flights and accomodations, in this way you'll be sure about always finding the cheapest option available. Book in advance and get discounts!

Where To eat

Always try the local food and drinks! It's a must wherever you're travelling to. If you're a backpacker type of traveller, search for local shops / supermarkets, they will be handy, especially when getting low on money.

Best Viepoints

Wherever you're going, make sure to search for the best sightseeing places from around the area. You might not want to get home after a long journey and discover you've missed the most stunning places, that were just a mile away from you.