About Michael Tieso

Contact: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Blog, Email

I left the corporate world May 2009 to take on an epic journey to travel around the world. I realized though that the world is pretty big and that this journey would take much longer than expected. Since then, I’ve lived a nomadic life in different parts of the world.

I’m Michael Tieso. I’m 26 years old and I love to travel. I was born and raised in New Jersey, USA. My half Argentinean and half Italian background brought me back and forth between New Jersey and Buenos Aires, Argentina as a child multiple times. I’m also a music fanatic.

I started Art of Backpacking in December 2008 after a short backpacking trip that I had made to Canada. I felt inspired to share my experience of backpacking and to prepare for a complete lifestyle change.

Dream Destination?: Since I was a kid, I had always dreamed of traveling throughout Japan.

Favorite Food?: Ceviche, Argentinean Pizza and Steak, Sushi, and all around Thai and Chinese food. Food addict…

Favorite Quote: ‎”A man is not where he lives but where he loves.” -Proverb

What am I doing?

Enjoying what life has to offer. Making every day worth living for. I’ve been traveling and living in different parts of the world since May 2009. I attempt to make a living off the internet doing whatever it takes to make a few extra dollars.

How?

Looking back at everything I did to make this happen, it really wasn’t all that hard. I saved about $15,000 USD (which is now all gone). I sold everything I owned before I left.

How much did I spend?

Not much! On average about $1,500USD per month. It really depends where I am. From May 2009 to April 2010, I spent roughly $19,500USD. As a minimalist, I don’t really need much.

How do I spend so little?

I travel cheap. For example, bottled water instead of coke. I don’t stay in hotels and instead stay at Hostels, Guesthouses, and couch-surfing. No taxi’s and mostly public transportation or walking (what’s the rush?). In countries like Australia, I always cooked. Finding every possible bargain in all transportation, food, activities, etc. It does take some work but it all becomes natural where the better deal is.

Other Projects

Art of Travel Blogging: A resource of information for those looking to start a travel blog or already have one. It’s for both beginners and experts. Launched in March, 2011.
Everywhere Connection: Documentary exploring the way we travel with todays technology.
Hoi An Tailor Reviews: The only website dedicated to the tailors of Hoi An, Vietnam with reviews and guides.
Nightlife Vibe: No longer active. Use to be an active community of dance music lovers.
Spanky’s Grill: Food cart my parents own in Pennsylvania. If you’re in the area, you should definitely go.