Ten Years a Nomad

A Traveler's Journey Home

By: Matthew Kepnes

Narrated by: Ryan Burke

Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Part memoir and part philosophical look at why we travel, filled with stories of Matt Kepnes' adventures abroad, an exploration of wanderlust and what it truly means to be a nomad.

"Matt is possibly the most well-traveled person I know...His knowledge and passion for understanding the world is unrivaled, and never fails to amaze me." --Mark Manson, New York Times bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

Ten Years a Nomad is New York Times bestselling author Matt Kepnes’ poignant exploration of wanderlust and what it truly means to be a nomad. Part travel memoir and part philosophical look at why we travel, it is filled with aspirational stories of Kepnes' many adventures.

New York Times bestselling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day, Matthew Kepnes knows what it feels like to get the travel bug. After meeting some travelers on a trip to Thailand in 2005, he realized that living life meant more than simply meeting society's traditional milestones, such as buying a car, paying a mortgage, and moving up the career ladder. Inspired by them, he set off for a year-long trip around the world before he started his career. He finally came home after ten years. Over 500,000 miles, 1,000 hostels, and 90 different countries later, Matt has compiled his favorite stories, experiences, and insights into this travel manifesto. Filled with the color and perspective that only hindsight and self-reflection can offer, these stories get to the real questions at the heart of wanderlust. Travel questions that transcend the basic "how-to," and plumb the depths of what drives us to travel - and what extended travel around the world can teach us about life, ourselves, and our place in the world.

Ten Years a Nomad is for travel junkies, the travel-curious, and anyone interested in what you can learn about the world when you don’t have a cable bill for a decade or spend a month not wearing shoes living on the beach in Thailand.

©2019 Matthew Kepnes (P)2019 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Simple, solid travel memoir

As a long-term traveler in my later thirties (who has also made travel and adventure part of his livelihood), Matt's experiences reflected my own in significant ways, making this a pleasure to read. He tells his story in simple language and with almost no discussion of the politics (or privilege) of world travel.

Excellent adventure without having to learn the hard way

I enjoyed this title very much, I feel like I have learned a lot from Matthew and will not make similar mistakes in my travels which I am just beginning.

mostly a story of self discovery

had some interesting parts and good advice. if you're a normie matrix dweller it's a bit judgy. I think he forgot that is boring 401k owners created the systems that allows for his life style. there were a number of good insights however that would not have occurred to me.

Great Read!

I really enjoyed this book. I love to travel and this book feed to the wanderlust spirit in me. Great read!

mental health guide for an adventurer

At the age of 46 yrs old, I'm preparing to start a nomadic life this fall with my 19yr old son. This book answered a lot of questions/concerns I had about addressing mental health.

Doing it now

I have been a digital nomad the last 8 months. Listen to this book before your journey for some inspiration, then listen to it again after 8 months. It’s the most relatable book I have ever read. Thank you Matt. I have been following your journey for quite a while.

love this book, but

I love this book, wonder listen into the world of travel. anytime im thinking about my own trip I listen to this book. I love the insight, and I love following the journey.


but why can't you just say Barbecue? why do you do actually say "BBQ" instead of Barbecue? please. please just say Barbecue

Vulnerable & Relatable

I truly enjoyed this book!! I was a nomad for a year internationally and am nomading across the US now. This book spoke to my feeling like an alien at home after travel and the struggle between the road and desire for stability. A must read for everyone who has called themselves a nomad.

Glad he grew up

It is sad that it took ten years for him to realize that there is no experience or thing you can do / buy to bring true happiness. But yet, that is found by close relationships and community.

I’m a traveler myself. Oftentimes, solo. But I’ve met many people like Matt. People that commit so many years to globetrotting and end up realizing that one-off experiences, fleeting relationships, and casual romances are fun but equally unfulfilling to the soul. I hope he never stops traveling or being curious. Travel was never the problem here, it’s that it took precedence over building lasting relationships and planting roots.

an engaging narration

the narrator's ease with foreign words and talent with accents pulled me into a fascinating story that was hard to put down. a raw, insightful glimpse into a travelers journey through love and ife. I couldn't put it down. the writing was intelligent and lyrical. I enjoyed this book on many levels.