March 14, 2023

Sailing Couple, Ryan and Sophie, on Culture Shock, Mental Health, and Living an Unconventional Lifestyle

1 hour 13 minutes

French-American couple, Ryan and Sophie, talk about the struggles and benefits of sailing the world and living an unconventional digital nomad lifestyle.

They shine light on why they left their jobs and home countries to travel, the challenges of dating someone from a different culture, and their experience buying and fixing up a sailboat to live in. Ryan and Sophie open up about the difficulty of navigating mental health issues amidst the chaos of living and traveling on a boat.

Despite the many challenges of sailing and even a reduction in income from transitioning to this location-independent lifestyle, Ryan and Sophie truly believe they made the right decision.

Curious to know what life is like onboard? Thinking of hitting the high seas? Tune in to see if the sailing nomad lifestyle is right for you!

Episode 198 Special Offers:

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NEW YOUTUBE VIDEOS:

Why Americans Move to Nosara, Costa Rica
Talking to Locals in Belfast, Northern Ireland

EPISODE 198 TOPICS DISCUSSED/WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

The story of how Ryan and Sophie met abroad.
Cultural differences in dating between the US, Sweden, and France.
Navigating the challenges of dating someone from a different culture.
The best parts of living in Sweden.
Working to live vs. Living to work.
Ryan’s firsthand experience with reverse culture shock as an American expat.
The biggest reasons why people want to leave the US.
Things people don’t realize until they travel.
Why they chose to live on a sailboat & What it’s like to live and travel on a sailboat.
Strategies they used to transition from regular jobs to remote jobs.
The chaos and cost of living on a sailboat.
Things to consider when buying a boat.
The most and least expensive places to sail.
Maintaining your mental health while living on the sea.
Top 3 things you need to do before starting boat life.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

How did you get jobs working abroad in Sweden?
Where did you choose as a homebase in the world?
What was your inspiration behind living on a sailboat?
How did you quit your job before starting to travel?
Have you been able to maintain your income while traveling full-time?
How do you care for your mental health during times of chaotic travel?
Were there any surprises when you bought your boat?
What is the annual cost of living on a sailboat?
How many hours per week do you work on the boat?
What is the best way to get the internet on a boat?
What underrated travel destination surprised you?
What is your morning routine living on a sailboat?
And more!

RESOURCES

Resources for Digital Nomads:

Sign up for Ryan and Sophie’s course: Sailing The World with Ryan & Sophie
SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Wise Bank Account

Books Mentioned:

Two Years Before The Mast by Richard Henry Dana

Related Podcasts:

Sailing the World With Sailing Ruby Rose
How To Make Money From a Sailboat With No Experience
Sailing the World as a Financial Trader and Family Man with Author Patrick Schulte
Dating as a Digital Nomad - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Loneliness Living in SE Asia (Part 2)
8 Things That Happen When You Travel Full-Time
Leaving Canada To Retire in Albania as a Solo Female Expat
Finding Job Opportunities Abroad as an Expat and Online Dating for Travelers with Fairytrail Founder Taige Zhang
Is It Possible To Fully Integrate With a Foreign Culture?