The Social EXPERIMENT

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At the heart of all this… is one simple idea:

Seeing the world isn’t just for the young — or the rich.

This project is proof that you don’t need to be 25, wild, or loaded to travel well.

I’m 64. I’m traveling solo. And I’m doing it on about $2,500 a month.

This blog, this channel — it’s meant to be your travel buddy.

I’m sharing the real stuff: what works, what doesn’t, and why the old rules about senior travel are outdated.

The big question I’m chasing is this:

Can a guy my age — solo, budget-conscious — not just get around… but connect, laugh, and live the hell out of life while doing it?

I believe the answer is yes.

Because age is just a number — and curiosity doesn’t retire.

It’s about resilience. Going with the flow. And honoring that deep human pull to discover, to explore, to keep moving.

This is Boomer Nomad.

Let’s walk the earth. Together.

 Alright, so how's this whole travel thing going to work? Well, each month, I'll be picking a new spot – ideally somewhere that won't break the bank and is pretty safe for someone traveling solo. When it comes to places to stay, I'm thinking budget all the way: Airbnbs, homestays, maybe even some house-sitting gigs to really stretch that budget. Getting around will mostly be by public transport, my own two feet, and whatever cheap and local options are available. Every day will be about diving into the local culture, meeting people, and finding cool things to do that don't cost a fortune. I'll be keeping a journal and writing regular blog posts to share everything – the good, the bad, the unexpected, and how this whole adventure is actually making me feel. It's going to be the real, unfiltered story. And the 'social experiment' part? That's about paying attention to how people in different places react to an older guy traveling solo without a ton of money. I'll be taking notes on what I see and experience 

So, the budget is pretty tight – $2500 a month, max. That's gotta cover everything: a place to sleep, food, getting around, things to do, even visas and a little bit extra in case something unexpected pops up. That means I'll need to be super careful about tracking my spending and making smart choices about where the money goes. I'll be keeping a daily record of what I spend, and I'll share it on the blog so you can see exactly where the money's going. Hopefully, that'll give you a real picture of how it works.

With a limited budget, I'm going to have to get creative – think cooking my own meals and checking out those awesome night food markets I've heard about. One thing I won't  need to skimp on is travel insurance –  I'm lucky to  have military retirement benefit health insurance and I have bought an annual travel insurance package that's a must! Forget about loads of souvenir shopping. I mean, who wants to lug trinkets around for three years, right? It'll be mostly just buying what I need, like toiletries or maybe a new shirt if mine gets too holey.

The blog will also be full of tips on how to save money without missing out on the real travel experiences. It's all about being smart with your cash so you can actually make those big travel dreams happen.

When it comes to what I'll actually do on these travels, it's going to be a real mix. Think hitting up those famous landmarks everyone talks about, but also finding those hidden gems, those nature spots that aren't packed with tourists. A big thing for me is to really get into the local culture – trying to pick up a few words of the language, joining in on traditions, and just hanging out with the people who live there.

That 'social experiment' idea? It's really about making an effort to connect with people from all walks of life, see how they react to an older fella traveling solo on a budget, and just see what kinds of connections pop up. Maybe it'll be sharing a meal, having a proper chat, or just striking up a random conversation.

I'm also planning to share my own personal journey – those moments where I learn something new about myself, the kindness of strangers I meet along the way, and those simple, human moments that remind us we're all connected, no matter where we're from or how old we are. Of course, it won't all be smooth sailing, so I'll be honest about the bumps in the road too, showing how I deal with things and keep going. Ultimately, it's about putting my money into making memories and having awesome experiences, not just buying stuff.

Alright, let's talk food – because that's a HUGE part of any travel adventure, right? For the budget, I'm planning to mix things up. I'll be hitting up local markets to grab ingredients and cook some meals myself in whatever little kitchen my accommodation has. But definitely count on me diving into those cheap and cheerful local eateries and street food stalls – that's where the real magic happens! I'm thinking of making lunch my main splurge meal since you usually get more bang for your buck.

On the blog, I'll be all about sharing the amazing food I discover – those local dishes that don't cost an arm and a leg, and all my tips for eating well without blowing the budget in different countries. And you know, food isn't just about what you eat, it's about who you eat it with. I'm hoping to share meals with locals, because that's where you really connect, and wandering through local food markets? That's like getting a backstage pass to the culture. I'm kind of hoping to channel my inner Anthony Bourdain a bit here! The goal is to show that you can have seriously delicious and authentic food experiences without spending a fortune, and that often leads to the best, most memorable moments.

This is really the heart of the whole adventure, you know? It's all about the connections you make with people, diving into different cultures, and soaking up the beauty of the natural world – and showing that you can do all that without a ton of money, even when you're traveling solo at my age.

The people I meet along the way – whether it's other travelers, the folks selling fruit at the market, or just locals I chat with while trying out new foods – they're going to be a huge part of the story. I'm really curious to see how these interactions shape my view of things and challenge any assumptions I might have. I'm expecting lots of unexpected kindness and those moments where you realize we're all pretty much the same, deep down.

When it comes to culture, I'm not looking for fancy tours. I want to experience it by jumping into local traditions, seeing how people live day-to-day, and finding those cool little things that don't cost much – maybe a local festival or just hanging out where the community gathers.

And nature? Forget those super expensive expeditions. I want to show that you can find incredible beauty just by hiking in local parks or taking a bus to see amazing landscapes. It's about really appreciating what's around you and being mindful as you explore within my budget.

These three things – people, culture, nature – they all weave together to make the whole trip so much richer and more personal. That's what I'm really hoping to capture and share..