Great Escapes - Location Independant and Free!

Location: Home Office – Reading Time: 5mins

This is a guest post by Brena Currelly, a fantastic photographer, frequent traveler and VBL fan. It’s not our usual guest post here, but Brena’s words and excellent photos just needed to be shared, as far as I’m concerned. Here we go…

I’ve had a recurring dream since I was a kid. It’s a simple dream and not a particularly exciting one, but I’ve always known what it meant.

In the dream I’m riding a beautiful strong white horse, galloping through the white sand of a deserted beach, sun on my face and salt water in my hair. I’m laughing. Ridiculously corny but it’s true. I’ve had this dream my entire life and when I was a little girl I thought for sure it meant that I was going to own a horse, so I took horse back riding lessons. I was 11 years old and thought I was fulfilling my destiny.

I realize now at age 30 that the dream symbolizes one thing I’ve been fighting for my entire life; freedom. I’m fiercely independent and stubborn and for this reason I’ve had about 40 jobs in life. Most of these jobs have been 9 to 5 and haven’t left me with too much spare time for what I truly love. I will be my own boss one day but for now I’m still working three part-time jobs and using whatever spare time I have to educate myself by reading blogs like this one (thanks, Chris!).

I know there are many people out there in the same boat as me but if I’ve learned one thing from life so far, it’s that passion will get you where you want to be. I have always had a fire in my gut to get out into the world and explore, whether it’s a relaxing beach vacation in Mexico, hiking in the Canadian Rockies or drinking wine on the shores of the Seine.

Working 9 to 5 for the rest of my life scares the hell out of me. Jetting around the world and the idea of being able to earn a living anywhere, anytime, gives me goosebumps it’s so exciting! Below are three of my top destinations for a dreamy virtual office. I don’t believe it’s a pipe dream to say that I will be returning to each spot, laptop in tow, feeling refreshed, inspired and free.

Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Across the bay from Cancun there is a tiny island named Isla Mujeres, literally the “Island of Women”. Approximately 8km long and 1 km wide, it’s a perfect island escape with fantastic restaurants, white sand beaches and friendly locals. It also boasts a very pleasant average air and water temperature of 27C. I’m not the type of traveler who enjoys package vacations so I wasn’t sure what to expect from an island located such a short boat ride away from the spring break destination of choice for most North Americans. Upon arrival I was blown away, Isla Mujeres was an absolute gem! You can choose to soak up the rays on Playa Norte, the islands’ pristine white sand beach, or if you prefer a bit of adventure, hire a scooter or golf cart and explore the islands’ quaint villages, coastline and the endless abundance of restaurants. The selection of accommodation on the island is sure to please most working vacationers, from basic apartments to comfortable hotels; and if what you’re seeking is a slow pace of life and beautiful sunshine, then I can’t think of a better place to start your work day.

Paris, France

I haven’t been to a Buddhist retreat in Nepal, or climbed to the summit of Kilimanjaro or even backpacked through central asia, however, I still would like to think that I am well travelled. I had my doubts about going to Paris, thinking the streets would be a sea of tourists lining up to see the next world famous attraction, cameras around their neck grabbing snapshots of every accordion player and street cafe in site. As I walked the streets with my own camera around my neck, I realized there is a reason this place is so popular. For seven days, Paris was everything the books and movies said it would be; romantic, alive, artsy and very very delicious. A city that oozes inspiration, Paris will make you feel alive, get those creative juices flowing and your business will prosper. Rent an apartment, become the cliche, and tell all your friends that, next week, your office will be located in Paris.

Banff, Canada

I left Toronto, Canada’s largest city, over 10 years ago. I drove west, stopped in Banff and never left. Now I’m going to share a secret with you: If you live in Banff, you don’t age. I believe this is due to the clean mountain water, the fresh air, or the laid back lifestyle, or all three combined. The people I met when I moved here actually look younger today. But you don’t need to live here to experience the anti-aging benefits of this small mountain town. If you enjoy the outdoors and can set your own work schedule then there’s no better place to be. Wi-Fi access at locally run cafes and hotels will ensure you get your pressing work done. Apres-work, get off Banff Avenue and explore Banff National Park’s incredible network of trails, go backcountry skiing or just put your feet up in front of the fireplace at one of the many cozy mountain lodges; one my favorites pictured here is Storm Mountain Lodge.

If you have a travel story that you’d like to share with the VBL Crowd, then please do let me know. I can’t promise it will make the blog, but it very well could be perfect for our Newsletter, which you can subscribe to by completing the quick form below; you’ll also get my free eBook!

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Comments

Tyler WebCPA says:

July 17, 2010 at 3:11 am

I’m making a dry run at working out of the virtual office while visiting family and friends in Antigua, Guatemala next month and I’m excited. If it goes well I’ll do the whole summer next year.

- Chris C. Ducker says:
  
  July 17, 2010 at 3:24 am
  
  Tyler
  
  Awesome to hear this from you. Good job, buddy!
  
  Please do give me an update – even if its personal, through the contact form on the blog here.
  
  I’d love to hear how you go on things.
  
  Cheers,
  Chris
  
Tony Ruiz says:

July 17, 2010 at 5:41 am

Nice escapes! Working from any location in the world is definitely powerful! Thanks for the guest post Brena!

- Chris C. Ducker says:
  
  July 17, 2010 at 11:53 am
  
  Hi Tony
  
  It’s what its all about, my man. The ability to work from anywhere in the world, whilst enjoying the freedom and the financial benefits, I believe, is the number one ‘want’ in the business world right now.
  
  It’s gonna be interesting to see how the next couple of years develop on this subject.It’s moved so fast in the last couple.
  
  Thanks for dropping by, buddy.
  
  Chris
  
Brena Currelly says:

July 22, 2010 at 12:24 pm

Tyler, working from Guatemala, sounds exciting! and Tony, I hope to find out sooner rather than later how powerful it actually is to be free to work from anywhere. I’m on the right path though, it’s all about passion and drive.

Chris, in my opinion the momentum is picking up on this subject because a lot of younger people are learning that they don’t need to rely on some one else’s business to pay their way through life. They’re realizing that if Mr.Boss man owns his own company than they can too. I think the internet, blogging etc has given people a voice that they didn’t have before, it’s a safe place (so to speak!) to voice your opinion and I think this has given a lot of people courage to try new paths in life and to believe in themselves. ( I may or may not be speaking from personal experience, ha)

Of course there are a lot of other factors playing into the popularity of this subject as well, that’s just my two cents!

- Chris C. Ducker says:
  
  July 22, 2010 at 3:50 pm
  
  Some great factors here, Brena. Youre very right.
  
  Thanks again for the great post, and you are more than welcome to submit another in the future, for sure.
  
  All the best,
  Chris