Chapter Three

Resources for Lifestyle Simplicity

Walden, by Henry David Thoreau (available in ebook and print)
The philosophical account of Thoreau’s experiment in anti-materialist living. An American literary classic for over 150 years.

Journeys of Simplicity: Traveling Light With Thomas Merton, Basho, Edward Abbey, Annie Dillard & Others, by Philip Harnden (Skylight Paths, 2007, ebook and print)
This is a short book containing lists of items purported to have been carried by 40 prolific people such as Edward Abbey, Thoreau, John Muir, Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, and others. The lists are more about proving a point (we don’t need much to live) than providing practical advice for what to carry.

Voluntary Simplicity: Toward a Way of Life That Is Outwardly Simple, Inwardly Rich, by Duane Elgin (Harper, 2010, ebook and print)
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 (Harmony, 1997, ebook and print)
This timeless book contains tips for living a full life 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, print)
Quotes and essays on the value of simplicity from the likes of Socrates, Shakespeare, Leonardo da Vinci, St. Francis, Thoreau, Rumi, and others. Some of the citations come from the Bible, Dhammapada, Tao Te Ching, and Bhagavad Gita.

Becoming Minimalist
Joshua Becker’s books and blog are about living more with less.

The Joy of Less, by Francine Jay (Anja Press, 2010, ebook and print)
A text on the joys and rewards of achieving a minimalist way of thinking.

Budgeting and Money Management

The Ultimate Guide to Frugal Living: Save Money, Plan Ahead, Pay Off Debt & Live Well, by Daisy Luther (Racehorse, 2020, ebook and print)
A book about enjoying life while remaining frugal and saving for goals.

The Budget Kit: The Common Cents Money Management Workbook, by Judy Lawrence (Kaplan, 2011, ebook and print)
A workbook for creating budgets, tracking expenses, and finding financial “leaks.”

Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending, by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton (Simon & Schuster, 2013, ebook and print)
The science behind choosing experiences over stuff and how it relates to happiness.

How to Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt, and Live Prosperously, by Jerrold Mundis (Bantam, 2012, ebook and print)
This book helps you get out of debt, stay out of debt, and live prosperously.

The Latte Factor: Why You Don’t Have to Be Rich to Live Rich, by David Bach (Simon & Schuster, 2019, ebook and print)
This popular book uses a fictional parable to teach taking control of money habits.

The Balance
One of the largest personal finance sites on the web.

Get Rich Slowly
J.D. Roth’s popular blog has been helping people achieve financial stability since 2006.

Nerd Wallet
Advice for managing personal finances.

Cash Money Life
A site dedicated to helping people achieve financial freedom.

FTC Consumer Information
The Federal Trade Commission offers advice on debt, scams, credit scores, and more.

Punch Debt in the Face
A site that’s been helping people get out of debt since 2009.

Budgets Are Sexy
“A personal finance blog that won’t put you to sleep.”

Depression Era Frugality: Tips, Tricks & Life Hacks from the Great Depression Era That We Can Use Today, by Deborah Harold (Independently Published, 2020, ebook and print)
Practical tips and life hacks for cutting waste and expenses.

Mint
Mint is a powerful smartphone app that helps with budgeting and goal tracking.

The Penny Hoarder
An informative website for all things money related.

PayPal
The most popular way to transfer money online.

XE Currency Converter
Currency tools and exchange rates.

Vagabonding for Older Travelers

Road Scholar
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 older travelers to get a taste of other cultures before striking off on their own.

Transitions Abroad’s Senior Travel Guide
Includes articles, travel programs, international tours, volunteer vacations, and useful resources.

The Active Seniors Guide to Budget World Travel, by Rachel S. Imper (BookBaby, 2017, ebook and print)
Resources for deals and tips, sightseeing, traveling with family, and health topics.

Over 50 and Overseas
Volunteering resources for senior travelers.

International Living Magazine
Although the primary audience may be older expats who are retiring overseas, the destination-specific advice can be applied to slow travel.

AARP Travel
Products, services and discounts for travelers ages 50 and over.

Vagabonding with Children

Your Child Abroad: A Travel Health Guide, by Jane Wilson-Howarth and Dr. Matthew Ellis (Bradt Publications, 2005, ebook and print)
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 (Travelers’ Tales, 2001, ebook and print)
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 (ages 8, 7, and 2). This is a firsthand account of how vagabonding in exotic lands can be a family experience.

Grab the Kids & Go: A Practical Guide to Your Family’s Gap Year, by Taryn Ash (independently published, 2017, ebook and print)
Advice for enjoying serious adventure and world travel with kids.

Let’s Leave the Country!: A Guide to Your Family Year Abroad, by Jacqueline Jannotta (Becoming Better People Press, 2019, ebook and print)
Tips and insights for taking your family on an extended trip abroad.

We Came, We Saw, We Left: A Family Gap Year, by Charles Wheelan (W. W. Norton & Company, 2022, ebook and print)
A humorous travelogue of adventures on a family gap year.

WorldTrek: A Family Odyssey, by Russell and Carla Fisher (Rainbow Books, 2007, print)
A family of four spends a year traveling the world.

Travel Mamas
This family travel blog has been sharing tips and advice since 2009.

Families on the Road
For families who want to travel full time, especially those who plan to go by RV or camper.

Lonely Planet Family Travel
Articles and advice related to family travel.

Vagabond Family
All about vagabonding with kids. Covers topics such as road schooling and budget travel.

Ytravel Family Blog
Tips, stories, and inspiration for nomadic family travel.

How To Travel With Kids (Without Losing Your Mind), by Natasha Sandhir and AJ Ratani (2 Idiots Travel Blog, 2019, ebook and print)

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