Hello,
We are Deepti and Ritik, and our insatiable appetite for exploring the world has been a driving force in our lives!
Before the pandemic, when we were tied to the regular 9-5 grind, commuting to the office every day, our vacations looked markedly different. We were invariably confined to a few short trips each year, dictated by the limited time off we could secure from work. Little did we know that our lives were about to take an exhilarating turn.
When the pandemic hit and our jobs transitioned to full-time remote, we realized that we were no longer bound by location. The freedom to work from anywhere ignited a spark within us. It was an opportunity to break free from the monotony and embrace a nomadic lifestyle. In July 2020, with our trusty mid-size car packed to the brim, we embarked on an epic 3.5-day road trip from Maryland to Montana, not knowing what lay ahead.
As we set off on this uncertain adventure, I distinctly remember the conversation with my boss. I told her that I could be gone for the entire week or back in the office the next day, as the success of our venture was far from guaranteed. It was a daring leap into the unknown, fueled by equal parts excitement and trepidation.
In those early days of the pandemic, with limited information about the disease, we decided to minimize human contact as much as possible. Our solution was to sleep in a tent at KOA sites along the way and pack our own food, bypassing the need for restaurant stops. Now, I must admit, camping was never on my list of bucket list vacation experiences. As creatures of comfort, the idea of sleeping in a tent seemed daunting. Running water ranked even higher on my list of priorities than food! Nevertheless, we embraced the challenge, and it turned out to be a life-altering journey.
The moment we arrived in Red Lodge, Montana, marked a significant turning point in our lives.
What was initially intended to be a two-week vacation unexpectedly evolved into a three-month work + leisure adventure. We explored numerous State and National Parks in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah, immersing ourselves in the awe-inspiring natural beauty of these regions.
Inspired and invigorated by the unexpected success of this trial run, we returned home to Maryland in October 2020 and made a life-changing decision. We sold more than half of our belongings and relocated the remaining possessions to a storage facility. Our grand plan was to embrace a full-time travel lifestyle while working remotely, allowing us to continually explore new destinations every few weeks. Since then, we have never looked back and continued our downsizing efforts. By May 2023, we sold the remainder of our belongings, and now live with just four pieces of luggage between the two of us.
While the initial shift to minimalism may have been born out of necessity, we have discovered that the freedom and simplicity it brings has opened up vast new spaces in our minds for unforgettable experiences. The minimal aspect of our lives has proven to be incredibly liberating, enabling us to fully immerse ourselves in the richness of each new adventure that awaits us.
Despite embracing a nomadic lifestyle for almost four years and adopting minimalism, I must admit that camping remains my least favorite activity. Even after all this time, having access to running water continues to be a top priority for me. As a result, our preferred mode of accommodation is Airbnb. I must note that this is not a sponsored post—my appreciation for Airbnb is genuine. The platform has truly revolutionized the way we travel, providing us with a comfortable and convenient alternative to traditional camping or hotel stays.
For this nomadic lifestyle to be sustainable in the long term, basic amenities like a proper bed and access to a kitchen are essential. Airbnb has consistently offered us a wide range of beautiful homes and breathtaking views throughout our journey. I eagerly look forward to sharing more about the incredible places we have had the pleasure of staying in along the way. For now, here is sneak-peek (add some pictures with views out of windows preferably):
We wholeheartedly invite you to join us on this blog as we share glimpses of our travels and offer insights into our minimalist lifestyle. Your presence and engagement mean the world to us, and we are eagerly looking forward to receiving your feedback, advice, and questions. Your input will not only enrich our journey but also foster a sense of community and connection. Together, let’s embark on this adventure of exploration, discovery, and shared experiences!
Cheers,
Deepti