My name is Ramon Stoppelenburg (1976). Let me tell you about the story of my life.

I traveled the world for almost three years without spending any money.


On May 1, 2001 - I was 24 - I left my journalism student dorm room in The Netherlands, with a backpack filled with clothing, a digital camera and a mobile phone.

Ramon Stoppelenburg:
The Man Who Traveled the World for Free


In the spring of 2001, as the world stood on the cusp of the digital revolution, I embarked on an adventure that would challenge the very notion of modern travel.

My name is Ramon Stoppelenburg, and at the tender age of 24, I left my small student room in the Netherlands with nothing more than a backpack, a digital camera, a laptop, and a mobile phone. My goal? To traverse the globe without spending a single cent.

For nearly two years, from May 2001 to July 2003, I journeyed across continents, relying solely on the kindness of strangers and the power of the internet. This was the time before YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter, a world where connection meant something entirely different. Through my website, I invited people to host me, and in return, I shared my experiences in daily online reports.

My unconventional approach to travel quickly caught the attention of global media. Soon, I found myself at the center of a whirlwind of publicity. Major television networks tracked my progress, newspapers and magazines featured my story, and millions of readers from around the world followed my adventures online. I shared popcorn with Geri Halliwell, shook hands with Steve 'The Crocodile Hunter' Irwin, and saw my name printed in any imaginable newspaper worldwide.

As I traversed 18 countries, I experienced a kaleidoscope of cultures, flavors, and landscapes. From the bustling streets of European cities to the vast expanses of Africa, from the sun-baked outback of Australia to the icy reaches of northern Canada, every day brought new experiences and challenges.

I slept in hundreds of different beds, shared countless meals with strangers-turned-friends, and captured thousands of moments with my camera.

But this journey was more than just a tally of places visited or people met. It was a profound exploration of human connection and the power of shared experiences. My hosts invited me into their homes for myriad reasons: out of simple hospitality, a love for Dutch culture, the ease of filing out an online form on this website, or a desire to be part of something extraordinary. Each encounter left an indelible mark on my soul, shaping my understanding of the world and my place in it.

Yet, as the journey progressed, I found myself grappling with the very fame that made my travels possible. The constant media attention, the pressure to produce daily content, and the expectations of my growing online audience began to feel like a cage of my own making. When I was late on my daily reports, I would receive over 1,000 messages.

By the time I returned home in July 2003, after a 22-week expedition through Canada, I was ready for a change.

In the years that followed, I channeled my experiences into new adventures. I wrote a book, "Letmestayforaday.com," offering readers a deeper look into my journey. I began organizing expeditions up Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. In 2010, my wanderlust led me to Cambodia, where lived for over 10 years while running three art house movie theaters, a dinner box delivery service and a vegan cheese factory. After this I touched base in Georgia (the country), Morocco and ended up living in Portugal at the moment (when I am not escaping to the tropics in the winter months).

My story is one of pushing boundaries, challenging conventions, and embracing the unknown. It's a testament to the incredible connections we can forge when we open ourselves to the world. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or someone dreaming of your first big adventure, I hope my journey inspires you to explore the world in your own unique way.

To learn more about my current projects and musings, visit my personal website at www.ramonstoppelenburg.com. Who knows? Perhaps my tale will spark your own incredible journey.

Regards,
Ramon Stoppelenburg




Check out more weekly videoreports I made while staying in Canada here on YouTube.