Chapter Three

Walden, by Henry David Thoreau
The philosophical account of Thoreau's experiment in anti-materialist living. An American literary classic for over 150 years.

Your Money or Your Life: Transforming Your Relationship With Money and Achieving Financial Independence, by Joe Dominguez, Vicki Robin (Penguin USA, 1999) 
A best-selling book that uses a nine-step process to demonstrate how most people are making a "dying" instead of a living. Practical pointers for achieving financial independence by altering your lifestyle.

Voluntary Simplicity: Toward a Way of Life That Is Outwardly Simple, Inwardly Rich, by Duane Elgin (Quill, 1993)
First published in 1981, this is a popular reference and inspiration for those looking to live a simpler life. Strongly themed toward environmental sustainability.

The Simple Living Guide: A Sourcebook for Less Stressful, More Joyful Living by Janet Luhrs (Broadway Books, 1997)
Luhrs is the founder and publisher of The Simple Living Journal (and the companion website). Book contains tips for living fully and well through simplicity.

Less Is More: The Art of Voluntary Poverty: An Anthology of Ancient and Modern Voices Raised in Praise of Simplicity, edited by Goldian Vandenbroeck (Inner Traditions, 1996) 
Quotes and essays on the value of simplicity, from the likes of Socrates, Shakespeare, St. Francis, Benjamin Franklin, and Mohandas Gandhi — as well as the Bible, the Dhammapada, the Tao Te Ching, and the Bhagavad Gita.

Dematerializing: Taming the Power of Possessions, by Jane Hammerslough (Perseus Books, 2001)
An examination of "possession-obsession", and how it negatively affects our personal growth, creativity and relationships. 
 

Budgeting and money management

The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Living on a Budget by Peter J. Sander, Jennifer Basye Sander (Alpha Books, 1999)
A concise guide to planning and abiding by a day-to-day budget.

The Budget Kit: The Common Cents Money Management Workbook, by Judy Lawrence(Dearborn Trade, 2000)
Easy-to-use tips for managing your finances and getting the most out of your income.

The Complete Tightwad Gazette: Promoting Thrift As a Viable Alternative Lifestyle by Amy Dacyczyn (Random House, 1999)
Nine hundred pages of compiled tips for frugal living. 

The Dollar Stretcher
An online resource for saving money in day-to-day life. Weekly columns on thrift and simplicity.
 

Vagabonding for seniors

Travel Unlimited: Uncommon Adventures for the Mature Traveler, by Alison Gardner (Avalon Travel Publishing, 2000)
A worldwide menu of active travel opportunities for older adventurers. An emphasis on "vacation" travel, but a good starting point for seniors wanting to know about alternative travel opportunities, including volunteering and "eco-tourism".

Marco Polo Magazine
"Dedicated to adventure travelers over 50." Down-to-earth articles about older travelers making their own way on the road. $10 for a one-year (four-issue) subscription. 

Elderhostel
The world's largest educational and travel organization for adults 55 and over. Offers 10,000 programs a year in over 100 countries. A good way for traveling seniors to get a taste of other cultures before striking off on their own. 

State Department Travel Tips for Older Americans
Posted online, this tipsheet is a useful primer for older independent travelers. Topics covered include trip preparation, passport and visas, health, money and valuables, safety precautions, and shopping.
 

Vagabonding with children

Lonely Planet Travel With Children, by Cathy Lanigan, Maureen Wheeler (Lonely Planet, 2002)
A practical guide to the challenges and joys of traveling with children, including trip preparation and kid-friendly destinations.

Gutsy Mamas: Travel Tips and Wisdom for Mothers on the Road, by Marybeth Bond (Travelers' Tales, 1997)
Inspirational and informative advice on staying healthy on the road, traveling to third world countries (and close to home), and keeping children of all ages entertained and adults energized.

Your Child's Health Abroad, by Jane Wilson-Howarth, Matthew Ellis. (Bradt Publications, 1998)
Accessible and practical health information for parents traveling with children to far-flung areas of the world.

One Year Off: Leaving it All Behind for a Round-the-World Journey With Our Children, by David Elliot Cohen (Simon & Schuster, 1999)
When David Elliot Cohen turned 40, he quit his job, sold his house and car and left to travel the world — with his wife and three kids (aged 8, 7, and 2) in tow. A first-hand account of how vagabonding exotic lands can be a family experience.

Worldhop: One Family, One Year, One World
Online journals and inspiration from an Alaska family (ages 49, 48, 14 and 7) who sold and stored their possessions, quit work and school, and spent a year traveling around the world.

Family Travel Forum
Online information on worldwide destinations for adults and children. Features discussion boards and advice for all manner of family travel issues.

Traveling Internationally With Your Kids
Online resources for traveling overseas with children. Features guidebook recommendations, trip preparation tips, and activity suggestions.