INTENTIONAL LIVING
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

Actionable tips, practical advice and honest opinions. From a couple that walks the talk.

Couple enjoying travels, Northern Lights, joyful moments, and passports.

About Us

Hi there, we are Paul and Sandra, a Gen X couple passionate about life and our beautiful planet. Location-independent since 2016, we share what it takes to

create a simpler, more sustainable and balanced life, and
travel more authentically and respectfully.

Come and join us and experience more (of life and our world)
by living with less (stuff / distractions / waste)
and choosing better (that is, ethically and sustainably).

Latest Posts

Reviews

How to gift stories, not stuff: Our honest review of Tinggly

Unearth What Matters

50+ simple and effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint in 2024

Unearth What Matters

How to have the most amazing wedding without breaking the bank

Achieve FI

40+ ways to cut your spending and reduce your household budget

Unearth What Matters

Gift like a minimalist: 16 meaningful gift ideas for any occasion

Achieve FI

How to take control of your finances and get out of debt (as quickly as possible)

Unearth What Matters

Eight reasons why travel makes you a better person

Travel Money

How to make your travel dreams come true

Van Life

Van Life: How much it cost us to get started

Exploring New Zealand

Van Life: How much does it cost to explore New Zealand?

Unearth What Matters

What is minimalism? A no-nonsense definition that busts common myths

Work From Anywhere

Mail Forwarding New Zealand / Australia: How to get mail when you travel in 2025

Unearth What Matters

Digitise your old photos, negatives and documents with this step-by-step guide

Unearth What Matters

Could you gift differently these holidays?

Unearth What Matters

Thought you can’t embrace minimalism because you’ve got kids? Think again.

Unearth What Matters

How to adopt minimalism: 4 Practical steps that may transform your life

Unearth What Matters

7 Steps To Writing a Commitment Statement That Works

Unearth What Matters

Ten things I can't live without in 2025

Unearth What Matters

Not ready to die – a letter to my former self

Unearth What Matters

Tired of the daily grind? How adopting minimalism has changed our lives

Live With Less

Less stuff = healthier planet? Why minimalism is good for us all

Reviews

Healthy and plastic-free: Coconut Matter deodorants will put you in the mood

Unearth What Matters

An Intentional Life: Be inspired by these must-watch documentaries

Sustainability

Goodbye Fast Fashion: How sustainably and ethically made is what you wear?

Achieve FI

Demystifying credit cards: How to make them work for you and avoid debt

Work From Anywhere

What is cheaper: to travel full-time or live in an expensive city like Sydney?

Unearth What Matters

How our lifestyle choices impact our carbon footprint

Unearth What Matters

Our Five Shared Values – How We Live Our Lives

Achieve FI

Your money as a force for good in 2025: How to save and invest ethically and sustainably

Live With Less

How a global pandemic reshaped this lifelong minimalist’s views of his city, home and life

Unearth What Matters

11 Life-Changing Podcasts For Aspiring Minimalists in 2025

Exploring Yemen

Exploring Socotra in 2025: How to find the best tour for your needs

Exploring Yemen

Socotra: What's the price tag of an unforgettable adventure?

Exploring Yemen

Socotra Travel Guide: 21 Essential Insider Tips To Know Before You Go

Exploring San Marino

Tiny nation, big spirit: How to experience the best of San Marino

Exploring Italy

Offbeat Tuscany itineraries: How to explore the best of the region with(out) a car

Exploring Europe

Keen to take the Night Train from Budapest to Romania in 2025? Here's everything you need to know

Roam Responsibly

Socialbnb: Support communities (not gentrification) on your next holiday

Exploring Italy

Experience the true essence of Tuscany with an Impact Stay at Podere Montisi

Reviews

How to gift stories, not stuff: Our honest review of Tinggly

Reviews

Exploring the scenic Lake District: Eight Lakes in a Morning Tour Review

Exploring Morocco

Morocco Travel Costs: Budget Guide for an Affordable Trip

Exploring Morocco

Atlas Mountains and Desert Adventure: Morocco Self-Drive Itineraries from/to Marrakesh

Exploring Morocco

Heading to Morocco? Here are 10 important things to know before you go

Packing Lists

My Minimalist Travel Running Gear: Your Essential Guide

Reviews

How to run a marathon in Africa: Your 2025 Marrakesh Marathon guide

Reviews

Red Whale Review: What it's like on a day trip around Komodo National Park

Exploring Indonesia

Komodo National Park Guide: How to visit and what to expect in 2025

Exploring Indonesia

Travel Money: How much to budget for your 2025 Indonesian adventure?

Exploring Montenegro

Offbeat Travel Itinerary: How to spend 3 magical days in the Bay of Kotor

Exploring Morocco

Discover Moroccan street food safely with this Marrakech food tour powered by Eatwith

Exploring Indonesia

After a sustainable hiking adventure off the beaten path? Join Green Rinjani

Exploring Indonesia

The best hikes on Mt Rinjani no one tells you about

Exploring Indonesia

After a unique cooking class in Lombok? Head to Anggrek Putih

Exploring Indonesia

Top 8 Western-Style Breakfast Spots for Early Risers in/around Kraton/Yogyakarta

Exploring Indonesia

Overnight train Yogyakarta to Malang: What to expect and how to book

Exploring Indonesia

How to experience the Ramayana Ballet Prambanan - An Insider's Guide

Exploring Indonesia

Borobudur Guide 2025: How to visit the Temple as an Independent Traveller

Packing Lists

Essential resources and clever tools to boost your small / remote business

Packing Lists

Pack Like a Pro: The Ultimate Carry-on Essentials for Female Travellers

Packing Lists

Discover the Joy of Minimalist Travel: The Ultimate Carry-on Packing List for Men

Travel Wisely

Essential Travel Planning Tools for Responsible, Budget-Minded Independent Travellers

Exploring Japan

Travel Budget Japan: How much it costs and how to save

Exploring Slovenia

How much does it cost to explore Slovenia?

Roam Responsibly

How to Choose The Best Foreign Language School Abroad

Exploring Japan

Unwind and recharge with a (multi)day trip to the stunning Kerama Islands

Exploring Japan

3-Day Naha/Okinawa itinerary: Off-beat (winter) adventures in the South of Japan

Exploring Japan

No single-use: How to limit your plastic waste as a traveller in Japan

Exploring Japan

Nakasendo Hiking Adventures: Your Ultimate Travel Guide for Japan's Historic Postal Trail

Exploring Japan

Ready to hike the Nakasendo? Here are the best itineraries for 1, 2 and 3 days

Reviews

Want to run a marathon in Japan? Here is your 2025 Nagano Marathon guide

Exploring Portugal

Lisbon and Sintra beyond the beaten path? Here are 10 budget-friendly options in 2025

Exploring St Vincent and the Grenadines

Explore St Vincent and the Grenadines as an independent traveller

Exploring Japan

Beyond the famous beef: How to spend 24 hours in Kobe

Exploring Japan

Nara's hidden treasures: A 1-3 day itinerary for the offbeat traveller

Exploring Japan

One Day in Himeji: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers

Exploring Japan

Experience the Best of Hiroshima and Miyajima in Three Days

Exploring Portugal

One Perfect Day in Porto: An itinerary that will make you fall in love with this city

Exploring Croatia

Five simple tips to avoid the tourist crowds in Dubrovnik

Exploring Croatia

The best views over Dubrovnik and where to catch them (largely) for free

Exploring Spain

How much does it cost to hike the Camino de Santiago AND then explore Barcelona?

Safety Advice

How to protect your personal data and avoid online identity fraud

Exploring Slovenia

One week in Western Slovenia: Cool things to see and do beyond Lake Bled

Exploring Trinidad and Tobago

How much does it cost to explore Trinidad and Tobago?

Travel Money

How much money do you need to travel?

Exploring Japan

Kumano Kodo/Nakahechi Route: Choose your perfect self-guided itinerary from 2 to 5 days

Exploring Japan

Budget like a pro: How much does it cost to hike the Kumano Kodo?

Exploring Japan

Kumano Kodo Guide: All you need to know to hike Japan's ancient pilgrimage trails

Safety Advice

What to do if you are robbed while travelling

Safety Advice

10 Essential Travel Safety Tips for the Independent Traveller

Roam Responsibly

How to explore the Caribbean independently and affordably

Exploring Slovenia

48 Hours in Ljubljana: The perfect getaway for history and nature lovers

Exploring Curaçao

How much does it cost to explore Curaçao?

Exploring Montenegro

Cetinje, Montenegro: Why you should visit and what not to miss

Exploring Lithuania

Discover the Baltics: One week in Lithuania

Roam Responsibly

Three weeks in the Baltics – An itinerary for independent travellers

Roam Responsibly

12 Things You Should Know Before You Visit The Baltics

Roam Responsibly

80 inspiring travel movies that bring the world to you

Exploring Japan

Discover Japan's Winter Magic: Sustainable Guide to the 2025 Sapporo Snow Festival

Exploring Japan

21 surprising things about Japan - Know before you go

Exploring Croatia

How much does it cost to explore Croatia?

Exploring Estonia

How much does it cost to explore Estonia?

Exploring Lithuania

How much does it cost to explore Lithuania?

Exploring Nicaragua

Nicaragua: León or Granada – Take your pick

Exploring Slovenia

More than a day trip: How to experience Lake Bled without the tourist crowds

Exploring St Vincent and the Grenadines

How much does it cost to explore St Vincent and the Grenadines?

Exploring Slovenia

Top Traditional Slovenian Foods You Must Try: A Culinary Journey Through Slovenia

Exploring Slovenia

How to explore the Julian Alps in 3 days: An itinerary for first-timers

How to have a delightful short-term rental experience: Key tips for guests and hosts

Exploring Estonia

Discover the Baltics: One week in Estonia

Exploring Croatia

Plitvice Lakes – Your ultimate guide to beat the crowds and find the best trails

Sustainability

How to travel (more) responsibly: Sustainable Travel 101

Unearth What Matters

Eight reasons why travel makes you a better person

Travel Money

How to make your travel dreams come true

Exploring Greece

Vioma organic farm visit: Get a taste of the real Mykonos

Exploring Croatia

Three gorgeous, less crowded and more affordable alternatives to Dubrovnik

Travel Money

Curated Money Tips for Independent Travellers

Van Life

Van Life: How much it cost us to get started

Van Life

Important basics for a safe road trip around New Zealand

Exploring New Zealand

18 Must-Have Travel Apps for your New Zealand Road Trip

Travel Planning Tools

The ins and outs of touring New Zealand: Tales of a local guide

Exploring New Zealand

New Zealand Highlights: What to see and do on the North Island

Exploring New Zealand

New Zealand Highlights: What to see and do on the South Island

Exploring New Zealand

Your Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

Exploring New Caledonia

New Caledonia is OPEN: How expensive is it really, and why is it worth visiting?

Exploring Latvia

Discover the Baltics: One week in Latvia

Exploring New Zealand

Van Life: How much does it cost to explore New Zealand?

Travel Planning Tools

Campervan relocations: What to expect and are they worthwhile?

Travel Planning Tools

Want to get away from it all? Check out these unique, eco-friendly destinations

Travel Money

How to withdraw cash when travelling overseas in 2025

Travel Money

What bank fees can you expect when travelling overseas in 2025

Travel Money

Which card/s to use when you travel overseas in 2025

Travel Money

How to exchange cash for your overseas trip in 2025

Exploring Latvia

How much does it cost to explore Latvia?

Work From Anywhere

Mail Forwarding New Zealand / Australia: How to get mail when you travel in 2025

Unearth What Matters

Digitise your old photos, negatives and documents with this step-by-step guide

Exploring Montenegro

How much does it really cost to explore Montenegro?

Exploring Montenegro

Highlights of Montenegro (without a car) – Travel guide and 14-day itinerary

Roam Responsibly

Traditional food and drinks you must try when visiting the Baltics

Exploring Croatia

Visit Krka without the crowds (or a car) – Sustainable Travel Advice

Exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina

Never forget Srebrenica: A visitor guide to the Genocide Memorial

Work From Anywhere

Will long-term travel hurt your career prospects?

Work From Anywhere

What is cheaper: to travel full-time or live in an expensive city like Sydney?

Travel Wisely

Reflecting on a life of travel – An interview with Nomadic Matt

Roam Responsibly

Embrace your own Way: How to walk the Camino (Portuguese) in shorter stages

Roam Responsibly

How much does it really cost to walk the Camino de Santiago?

Exploring Spain

Resting in Santiago: 5 tips for a gentle transition to post-Camino life

Exploring Spain

15 things we wish we had known before walking the Camino de Santiago

Reviews

Dental tourism: How to find the best dentist and why consider Türkiye

Travel Planning Tools

Bar Belgrade Railway: One of the coolest (and most affordable) train trips in Europe

Roam Responsibly

Socialbnb: Support communities (not gentrification) on your next holiday

Exploring Italy

Experience the true essence of Tuscany with an Impact Stay at Podere Montisi

Reviews

How to gift stories, not stuff: Our honest review of Tinggly

Reviews

Exploring the scenic Lake District: Eight Lakes in a Morning Tour Review

Reviews

How to run a marathon in Africa: Your 2025 Marrakesh Marathon guide

Reviews

Red Whale Review: What it's like on a day trip around Komodo National Park

Reviews

Unbound Merino Crew Neck: Could this be the last t-shirt you'll ever need?

Exploring Morocco

Discover Moroccan street food safely with this Marrakech food tour powered by Eatwith

Exploring Indonesia

After a sustainable hiking adventure off the beaten path? Join Green Rinjani

Exploring Indonesia

After a unique cooking class in Lombok? Head to Anggrek Putih

Packing Lists

Pack Like a Pro: The Ultimate Carry-on Essentials for Female Travellers

Reviews

Want to run a marathon in Japan? Here is your 2025 Nagano Marathon guide

Buyer's Guides

The Ultimate Travel Companion: How to Find Your Perfect Carry-On Travel Pack

Buyer's Guides

Need insurance? Find a policy that suits your needs

Buyer's Guides

HUNU Cup: Goodbye single-use with this handbag-friendly alternative

Travel Planning Tools

Campervan relocations: What to expect and are they worthwhile?

Reviews

How to never miss your medication: Medisafe App Review

Work From Anywhere

Mail Forwarding New Zealand / Australia: How to get mail when you travel in 2025

Reviews

Healthy and plastic-free: Coconut Matter deodorants will put you in the mood

Unearth What Matters

An Intentional Life: Be inspired by these must-watch documentaries

Reviews

Unbound Merino Boxer Briefs: The perfect underwear for your travel adventures?

Sustainability

Goodbye Fast Fashion: How sustainably and ethically made is what you wear?

Reviews

Xero Shoes HFS II Review: Could this be the best minimalist running shoe yet?

Reviews

Dental tourism: How to find the best dentist and why consider Türkiye

Buyer's Guides

Best ultralight packable daypack for minimalist travel and everyday in 2025

Unearth What Matters

INTENTIONAL LIVING SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL