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Ten Years a Nomad: A Traveler's Journey Home Hardcover – July 16, 2019

by Matthew Kepnes (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 473 ratings
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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.

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.

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 a heartfelt comprehension of the insatiable craving for travel, unraveling the authenticity of being a vagabond, not for months but for a fulfilling decade.

Previous page
  1. Print length
    240 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    St. Martin's Press
  4. Publication date
    July 16, 2019
  5. Dimensions
    5.65 x 0.9 x 8.67 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1250190517
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1250190512
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book isn’t just for travelers; it’s for anyone who has wanted more and has taken off to find it." ―The Los Angeles Times

"[These] stories will have readers plotting trips of their own. Fans of Kepnes and travel enthusiasts will enjoy taking this adventure with a reliable, amiable guide."―Publishers Weekly

"His story is one of heartbreak, self-discovery, and the constant travel itch he had to scratch in order to become the man he was supposed to be. An entertaining, quick read by a man who did what many of us only dream about."―Kirkus Reviews

"With hard-won experience, wide-open eyes, and the spirit of a dedicated wanderer, Kepnes encourages his readers to find their own adventures, and his story provides a road map for anyone opting to follow their dreams, wherever they may lead."―Booklist

"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

"Matt is living the dream. The dream is: quit your job, live wherever you want, live without compromise, figure out how to do it cheaply while still making a good living, and live the life you choose, not what society will choose for you. In other words, read this book." ―James Altucher, entrepreneur, investor and bestselling writer

"In his heartfelt explanation and exploration, Matt runs through just why he’s been out there, backpacking the world for 10 years. By the end we’ve definitely realized, like Matt, how important travel is and how getting out there, on the road, can make you, me and the world a better place. It’s a great pity certain people at the very top of the world’s power pyramid never had just a little taste of the nomadic experience."―Tony Wheeler, founder of Lonely Planet

"Ten Years A Nomad is an inspiring memoir from an unconventional person. His book engrosses you in the nomad mindset: that you are never stuck in one identity, that you can always change and the world has so much more to offer you than you know."―Booktrib

About the Author

MATTHEW KEPNES is a New York Times bestselling author, and runs the award-winning budget travel site Nomadic Matt. His writings and advice have been featured in The New York Times, The Guardian, Time, and in countless other publications. He is also a regular speaker at travel trade and consumer shows. When he's not on the road, he's usually found in Austin, Texas.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin's Press (July 16, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250190517
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250190512
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.65 x 0.9 x 8.67 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 473 ratings

About the author

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Matt Kepnes

Matt Kepnes

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Matthew Kepnes runs the award winning budget travel site, Nomadic Matt. After a trip to Thailand in 2005, Matt decided to quit his job, finish his MBA and head off into the world. His original trip was supposed to last a year. Over a decade (and nearly 100 countries) later, he is still out roaming the world. He's scuba dived in Fiji, was a poker player in Amsterdam, taught English in Thailand, got lost in a jungle in Central America, and broke down in the middle of Australia's outback.

His writings and advice have been featured in The New York Times, CNN, The Guardian, Budget Travel, BBC, Time, The Wall Street Journal, and countless other publications. He regularly speaks at travel trade and consumer shows and launched a non-profit called FLYTE, which sends students abroad to bring their classroom experience to life. He is also the founder of the travel media school, Superstar Blogging.

When not traveling the world, he lives between New York City and Austin.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
473 global ratings
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5 Stars
A Great Read!
This book is a great read! It is happy, sad, refreshing, and informative at the same time. Great book for the true travel enthusiast!
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Top reviews from the United States

Devin Jones
5.0 out of 5 stars Very very inspirational
Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2024
Verified Purchase
From someone who is traveled, not nearly as not as much as the author, but has traveled… This is very inspiring, and makes me want to get out there again ASAP. Never listen to your haters, the people that ask WHY you’re doing this… Just do it and live life.
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Lyn Marie
4.0 out of 5 stars Not what I expected
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2023
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I was expecting a ten year travel log but this book was much more interesting. It is a philosophical tome about life and getting to know one’s self.
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Sylvia Seven
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful insights all the way through
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2023
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There are travel books that describe destinations and ways and means of going, and then there are travel books that explore what it means to be human. "Ten Years a Nomad" looks at the experience of travel first and foremost as an inside job. In candidly sharing his thoughts, feelings, and states of mind as they arose, shifted, and transformed in the course of his travels, Matt Kepnes offers the reader gifts of understanding and compassion that will resonate with anyone who has questioned their own direction, purpose, or values in life.

Whether you plan to see the world firsthand or stay home and cultivate your own garden, if you'd appreciate the story of how a shy, insecure, "nerdy" guy gradually discovered the secret to achieving his heart's desire -- and grew into the life that was right for him -- this book is for you. And I'll bet you'll want to read it more than once. It's that good.
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Wesley Angel
5.0 out of 5 stars If you are considering whether or not to buy this book, you probably should do it already.
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2020
Verified Purchase
I have been dreaming of travel since childhood. I even enlisted into the military, thinking of following in familial footsteps and seeing the world. I have done some travelling after leaving the military as well, and what I found, was I really wanted more...on my terms. I picked up Matt's 1st book (How To Travel the World on $50 A Day) at random, because I thought going that route would get more "bang for my buck" per se. Then, I was crippled and paralyzed by fear. Fear of letting people I love down and disappointed. Fear of not "making it" in the world outside my comfort zone. This is where this book came in.

This book covered every question I had and then some. It was well articulated and Matt bared his soul and sources of knowledge and sacrifices in life within the pages. If only I had a book like this years ago! DO NOT waste time, get the book, get the answers, and get the courage to leave and follow your dream of travel. Start here, then start planning your adventure. Enjoy the journey, I know I am! Thank you, Matt!
6 people found this helpful
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Hana Pika
3.0 out of 5 stars Imteresting to view the world through Matt's lens
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2019
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed reading this book and sharing Matt's journey as he started to travel, built his business and ultimately followed it to his present situation. It was fun to compare notes on our shared experiences and to reflect on my own learnings along my journey.
Thanks for sharing your story in such an open and honest way!
One person found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 stars Great perspective
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book is well written. Every individual embarking on a life journey in his 20s should read it. Especially for individuals who are still embedded in culture and traditions and who want to break the chains of times . The one who wants to experience the world with curiosity , openness and adventure .
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Gina Mahoney
4.0 out of 5 stars A very true and honest account of life as a nomad...
Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2020
Verified Purchase
I’ve been a fan of Matt Kepnes as his book, “How To Travel The World on $50 A Day,” inspired my own nomadic life and travels. I read “Ten Years a Nomad” 1/2 way through and didn’t want to read the end, as I know this nomad returns home and starts a new chapter. Picking the book up and finishing it, I have to applaud Matt for his brutal honesty about life as a nomad and conquering his own crippling shyness, social awkwardness and heart ache to live his one best life. There are no magic answers in this book, just the author’s heartfelt account on what motivates him to step out of the “normal American life” and live by the beat of his own drum. There are parts that truly inspire as it’s an extremely honest portrayal of his life. Take what you will to empower yourself and live YOUR own best life. What do you have to lose?
3 people found this helpful
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Lisa D
5.0 out of 5 stars Honest Book About Long-Term Travel
Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2019
Verified Purchase
Matt Kepnes’ Ten Years a Nomad was a fascinating read that kept me wanting to learn more with each page I read. In the introduction, Matt says he didn’t come from a family that took exotic vacations or even traveled much around the country. This introduction made me want to buy the book and finish reading the story since I had assumed he had been a traveler all his life.
After graduating from college, Matt grew tired of the daily routine of his life and saw boredom and regret when he thought about his life decades down the road. He made the decision to stop waiting around for his two-week annual vacation and make traveling his full-time “work.” He received little support from friends, family, and co-workers when he told them his plans, but this discouragement didn’t deter him.
As he traveled, he learned how to navigate through challenges. Because he was shy and introverted, approaching people and starting conversations with new people didn’t come naturally to him. He shares how he was able to make friends by being himself and forge ahead in his travels.
The more I read the book, the more I saw that Nomadic Matt is more than a catchy name for his travel blog. He really is a nomad who who was born to travel. Hitting the road, making new friends, eating different types of food, bar hopping, exploring unfamiliar surroundings, and connecting with others in hostels were things that attracted him. He didn’t feel right when he returned to the States. His travels did help him, however, become comfortable with the more ordinary things of home. He discovered there’s adventure waiting even in one’s own hometown or country.
Matt doesn’t make the world of travel sound like one big, exciting adventure. He talks about the loneliness and frustration that come with it. For instance, because he was always moving on to other destinations, he didn’t always keep in touch with people he met and experienced heartaches and lost romances. After reading Matt’s honest accounts of his experiences, I came away from this book with a better understanding of both the good and bad aspects of long-term international travel.
21 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

James Thompson
5.0 out of 5 stars Great travel memoir for travel addicts
Reviewed in Canada on June 12, 2020
Verified Purchase
I liked Matt's personal reflections and comments on travel and how it's affected him. Warning: if you love to travel and have a travel addiction (like me)... this book may reignite the desire to get out into the world and keep going! I've recognized the 'burnout' phase that Matt talks about in two of my personal trips, and yet his book still stirred a desire within me to hit the road again, even being aware of the burnout. Read it if you are a travel addict or you want an inside scoop look into the mind of a compulsive wanderer :)
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Charlotte Beauvoisin Diary of a Muzungu
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent read, more personal than travel memoir
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 20, 2020
Verified Purchase
I’ve been a follower of Nomadic Matt for many years. Not bought his first book because I’m not a backpacker. However I like his style so will rethink that.

This book is well written and an easy read. I had expected a lot more travel stories but the book deals mostly with his decisions for traveling, how he felt at various times during his ten years away from the US and essentially how he developed as a person during that time. It was surprisingly personal, and more interesting for that reason. Recommended.
One person found this helpful
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Harry mclellan
5.0 out of 5 stars This book changed my life
Reviewed in Australia on December 31, 2019
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This book changed my life This book changed my life This book changed my life This book changed my life This book changed my life thank you
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Sam
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, amazing and real
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 28, 2021
Verified Purchase
I am looking to do some travelling to Colombia this year. I’ve been doing reading and watching a lot of YouTube videos. I wanted to learn from someone who has done a lot of travelling and came across Matt’s blog. I enjoyed this book because it really spoke to the mixture of feelings and thoughts that I currently am going through at the moment.
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars For nomads young and old
Reviewed in Canada on August 24, 2019
Verified Purchase
As someone with nomadic tendencies, I enjoyed Matt's book. Although it appears to be aimed at younger adults and I am now retired, I could relate to his pull toward a nomadic life. It was interesting to read about the experiences and perspectives of someone who followed that pull for an extended period of time. Matt's book is helpful to young and old who are considering a nomadic lifestyle.
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