DiscoverDigital Nomad Nation - Inspiring Stories From the Location Independent Lifestyle20 Years of Full-Time Travel: From Crossroads in Toronto to Wild Encounters and Hard-Earned Lessons with Nora Dunn, "The Professional Hobo" | EP 56
20 Years of Full-Time Travel: From Crossroads in Toronto to Wild Encounters and Hard-Earned Lessons with Nora Dunn, "The Professional Hobo"  | EP 56

20 Years of Full-Time Travel: From Crossroads in Toronto to Wild Encounters and Hard-Earned Lessons with Nora Dunn, "The Professional Hobo" | EP 56

Update: 2025-11-18
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What if living around the world for two decades could actually cost you less than staying in one place?

Back in 2006, when "digital nomad" wasn't in anyone's vocabulary, today’s guest sold everything and hit the road with nothing but a dream to understand how people actually live in different corners of the world. 

Ryan sits down with this OG nomad Nora Dunn also known as the Professional Hobo. After traveling to over 50 countries and spending nearly 20 years on the move, she's sharing the real story behind making this work long-term. 

Chapters:
03:05 – Nora’s Wild Kangaroo Experience
08:15 – New Zealand vs Australia First Impressions
10:58 – Scorpions, Snakes, and Jungle Fears
15:47 – Leeches and Cave Nightmare in Thailand
19:58 – The Origin of the Professional Hobo
22:41 – Life After 12 Years of Nonstop Travel
26:05 – Why Digital Nomads Flock to Bansko
35:29 – Biggest Lessons From 20 Years on the Road

Nora breaks down exactly how she spent less than $25,000 a year while traveling full-time, how much she was able to save on free accommodation, and eventually found her people after 12 years of searching.

Whether you're stuck in the planning phase wondering if you can actually afford this lifestyle, or you're already on the road but feeling pulled in too many directions, this conversation cuts through the Instagram highlights to show you what sustainable nomad life actually looks like. 

By the end you will hear the lessons Nora has learned and wild stories that prove that this lifestyle is so worth it!

Listen and learn how to turn temporary travel into a life that actually works long-term.

Connect with Nora: https://www.theprofessionalhobo.com 

Grab Your FREE Guide - 7 Steps To Launch Your Digital Nomad Journey - https://www.thedigitalnomadcoach.com/

MORE FROM RYAN MELLON :

Join the Digital Nomad Masterclass: https://www.digitalnomadnation.com/masterclass

Connect with Ryan: https://allmylinks.com/thedigitalnomadcoach

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DISCLAIMER:
Listening to stories of beachside zoom calls, mountainside work views, and island-hopping entrepreneurs may cause severe wanderlust and an irresistible urge to turn your laptop into a passport to freedom. Side effects include daydreaming about tropical co-working spaces, working with Ryan to learn how you can start working and traveling and buying a one-way ticket to Bali. Get ready to start living your dream life today!



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20 Years of Full-Time Travel: From Crossroads in Toronto to Wild Encounters and Hard-Earned Lessons with Nora Dunn, "The Professional Hobo"  | EP 56

20 Years of Full-Time Travel: From Crossroads in Toronto to Wild Encounters and Hard-Earned Lessons with Nora Dunn, "The Professional Hobo" | EP 56

Ryan Mellon | Serial Entrepreneur