Hi! I'm Ian
I’m from Quebec City in Canada, and at a very young age, I had dreams to discover the world. I imagined a life of endless travel, off the grid, out of the ordinary… In 2002 I designed a system to make it possible through online income. Little did I know, this new form of lifestyle would later become widespread with thousands of new adepts, known as digital nomads.
Fast forward today, more than 20 years on the road, non-stop and counting, I how visited 230 countries, including every one of the 195 recognized by the United Nations. I’ve circled the globe more than 6 times and filled 11 passports on the way… My digital nomad lifestyle is now deeply encrusted in me and I pride myself every day to have inspired travelers from around the world to grab their backpacks, and embark on their own journey on the open road!
Countries I've Been: 230, including 195/195 U.N. Countries
Latest Articles
The “Marathon of the Seas” Expedition: KiteSurfing 350 km of Ocean Stretch Off the Brazilian Coast
Just imagine for a second undertaking the challenge of traveling on the ocean on a surfboard for an average of 90 km per day for 4 days in a row, reaching some of the most beautiful scenery available in Brazil, sleeping in small fishing village to recharge your batteries before hitting the waves again and again for over 6 hours daily. This is what I’ve been signing in for on this incredible journey of downwinder KiteSurf trip that took me on an adventure of more than 350 km of surfing in August 2020. The prospect of such a challenge seemed overwhelming at first when a friend invited me to take part in Lagartixa kite trip, but it undoubtedly turned out one of the most amazing experience I have done in the past years! In This Article…1 KiteSurf Downwinders2 Freeride Kitesurfing vs Downwind KiteSurfing3 The Ironman of the oceans4 Four days of Surfing5 How to join a Downwind6 Video Summary of the Trip7 More in Pictures8 […]
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Surfing the Pandemic in Paradise… Life in a North-Eastern Brazilian town during Covid-19 times
The pandemic has had a devastating effect on the tourism industry around the world and digital nomads have been particularly affected by the events. In an instant, people living on the road had to find shelter and morph into a sedentary lifestyle. In my case, I chose to spend these hard times in my favorite country, even though it was one of the hardest hit by the virus. To keep my moral high, I needed to be near the ocean, connect with nature and surf my days away while waiting for the world to fix itself. What else could I do? I was asked to stay home… Might as well isolate in the ocean on a surfboard riding the waves! In This Article…1 Stuck in South America with borders closed2 Kitesurfing in Cumbuco, Ceara3 Life routine in Ceará during Covid4 Living in paradise!5 The Ocean and Kitesurf were my saviors6 A few selected pictures7 Pin to Pinterest Stuck in South America with borders closed Living […]
Read More...196 or 195 Countries in the world? Why I readjusted my count
For as long as I could remember, I had been counting the world as 196 countries. This number is usually considered one of the most popular counts by the travel community as a means of measurements. It amounts to the 193 countries recognized by the United Nations, plus 2 observer countries (Vatican and Palestine) and Kosovo which s part of the IMF and World Bank. Some even include Taiwan as a 197th. But once I got closer to finishing the world, I decided to backtrack and use another popular count: 195. This comprises the 193 and the two observers, but not Kosovo. It is not recognized as an observer and thus, not really qualifies as a full country. This seems to be the most accepted convention as of 2021. I have been twice to Kosovo and really enjoyed my time there. But I have decided that until it strikes the observer status, I would not count it in my official count of countries visited. Some […]
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One Day in Rio de Janeiro
Here’s a little snapshot I wanted to share where I am at the moment. Spending time home in quarantine isn’t easy. At least I have the beauty of the marvelous city of Rio de Janeiro to keep my morale up while I can’t continue traveling around the world. I decided to have a little fun today. I took pictures of the view from my window at different times to compare them together, to show how the beauty of this city changes through time. I am constantly blown away by Rio which never ceases to impress me year after year, every single day, every single hour. The pictures are taken from my Lagoa apartment rental I found to spend the quarantine, overlooking the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. I took the first picture early in the morning at 7:00, where the sun wakes up from behind, lighting up Ipanema on the left side, where we see a little bit of the Atlantic ocean, and the Morro Dois […]
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My Favorite Town in Cuba is… Trinidad!
Even better than Havana in my opinion, it is a perfect little picturesque and authentic village to spend two to three days while in Cuba. I felt transported back in the 19th century walking around its cobblestone streets and its colorful houses. The setup is just magical and nature as well. But be quick to come because I predict that its authenticity will disappear very soon as it is booming with construction at the moment. Hotels are popping everywhere and tourist traps will arrive soon after. If they say Cuba must be visited before it becomes developed, then Trinidad is to be number one on your bucket list. In This Article…1 What should you do there?2 Any restaurants to recommend?3 How to get to Trinidad?4 Trinidad in pictures… What should you do there? I enjoyed just walking around the old town. It’s so nice and feels so good to just observe how people are living. It just feels so colonial at the same time so […]
Read More...Latest Cruise Articles
A Beginner’s Guide to River Cruising
River cruising is a unique and immersive travel experience that allows you to explore the heart of a destination by navigating its waterways. According to the search results, here is a beginner’s guide to planning a river cruise. The first step is to decide on a destination for your river cruise. Popular river cruise destinations include the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, the Nile River in Egypt, the Danube River in Europe, and the Amazon River in South America. Consider what type of scenery, culture, and activities you’re interested in when selecting a destination. Next, research and compare different river cruise lines to find one that fits your preferences. Factors to consider include the size of the ship, amenities, dining options, and shore excursions offered. Some cruise lines are more family-friendly, while others cater to adults. In This Article…1 How to Chose your River Cruise2 The Benefits of River Cruising3 Popular River Cruise Destinations4 Choosing the Right River Cruise Line5 Essential River Cruise Packing Tips6 […]
Read More...Best All-Inclusive European River Cruise Lines
When it comes to experiencing the beauty and charm of Europe, few travel options rival the allure of an all-inclusive European river cruise. Combining the convenience and luxury of a floating hotel with the opportunity to explore some of the continent’s most picturesque destinations, these cruises offer a truly unforgettable experience for travelers of all ages. One of the most appealing aspects of an all-inclusive European river cruise is the convenience it offers. From the moment you step on board, everything is taken care of for you, allowing you to relax and enjoy your journey without the hassle of planning or logistics. All meals, beverages, and onboard activities are included in the price of your ticket, ensuring that you can indulge in gourmet cuisine, fine wines, and top-notch entertainment without having to worry about any additional costs. In This Article…1 The Best All-Inclusive European River Cruise Lines2 The Best All-Inclusive European River Cruise Itineraries3 Conclusion The Best All-Inclusive European River Cruise Lines Title: All-Inclusive European […]
Read More...Best Asian Cruises: River Cruises on the Mekong River
Asia is a continent teeming with cultural diversity, historical richness, and natural beauty. One of the best ways to experience the essence of Asia is through a river cruise on the majestic Mekong River. Flowing through six countries, including China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, the Mekong offers a unique and immersive journey that allows travelers to witness captivating landscapes, ancient temples, bustling cities, and vibrant local cultures. Embarking on a Mekong River cruise promises a mesmerizing voyage through some of Southeast Asia’s most enchanting destinations. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to the serene countryside of Cambodia, each stop along the Mekong unveils a tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavors waiting to be discovered. In This Article…1 The Mekong River Cruise Experience2 The Best Companies that offer Asian River Cruises3 The Top 5 Best River cruises4 Conclusion The Mekong River Cruise Experience The Mekong River cruise offers a unique and immersive experience in the heart of Southeast Asia. […]
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Bordeaux Wine Region River Cruises – Garonne River, Dordogne River and Gironde River Cruises
The Bordeaux region, located in southwestern France, is a dream destination for wine enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers alike. With its picturesque vineyards, stunning châteaux, and rich cultural heritage, it’s no wonder that Bordeaux is often referred to as the wine capital of the world. One of the best ways to explore this enchanting region is through a river cruise along the Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde rivers, which offer a unique and unforgettable experience. A Bordeaux river cruise provides an intimate and luxurious journey through the heart of the region, allowing you to discover its many treasures at a leisurely pace. As you glide along the waterways, you’ll be treated to ever-changing vistas of rolling hills, lush vineyards, and charming villages. Most river cruises in Bordeaux last between seven and ten days, with itineraries designed to showcase the region’s highlights. These may include visits to renowned wine estates, guided tours of historic sites, and opportunities to sample local cuisine. Find special deals, Browse Viking Routes […]
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What’s Best Between Cruising the Upper Danube vs Cruising the Lower Danube? A Complete Danube Cruising Guide.
Both the Upper Danube and the Lower Danube have their own unique attractions, so the “best” one really depends on what you’re interested in. The Upper Danube is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic cities, and cultural sites. It flows through countries like Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Highlights include the historic city of Regensburg in Germany, the beautiful Wachau Valley in Austria, and the vibrant cities of Budapest in Hungary and Bratislava in Slovakia. The Lower Danube, on the other hand, flows through countries like Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine before emptying into the Black Sea. This part of the river is less developed and offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience. Highlights include the Iron Gates gorge between Serbia and Romania, the ancient city of Vidin in Bulgaria, and the Danube Delta in Romania, which is a biosphere reserve and a haven for birdwatching. So, if you’re more interested in well-known cultural and historic sites, the Upper Danube might be more appealing. If […]
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