Some people only dream of leaving behind everything that is familiar to them in order to travel the world. Teresa actually did it! For the past eight years, she has been leading a very unconventional life.
For 27 years, she was first a fifth grade teacher and a principal of a large elementary school in the lovely state of Maine. Taking a hit to her pension, she retired at 54 years old in order to live life on her own terms. She has never regretted it!
Taking a Break in Prague
Her first published book, Finding the Gypsy in Me – Tales of an International House Sitter, is about her world travels and the international house-sitting business that helps to make these travels possible. It is also about a different way of looking at time, money, and travel. Once Teresa was able to imagine what she wanted her new life to look like, she started exploring ways to make that happen. Ultimately, she discovered a most extraordinary method to make her dreams come true.
Never looking back, she has lived for up to 90-day stretches in Malta, Prague, Ireland, England, Spain, Mexico, the isle of Saba and more. She even lived on a 57-foot boat in a marina in Baja California. She is a proud “untourist” who feels qualified to be the poster girl for adventurers of any age on any income. Teresa published her second book, Creative Paths to Freedom – How to Live Your Dream Life ASAP, in 2012. She has met lots of people, all over the world, who have also designed a most uncommon life of adventure. Many of those people’s stories are featured in her book.
Teresa continues to be fascinated by creative living. If you think that you have found a path to freedom that is inspiring and interesting, please feel free to contact Teresa. She would be happy to share your story on her website. May we all celebrate the lives we were intended to live!
From the Cliffs of the Isle of Saba
2 Comments
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Hi Teresa,
I too am a full time house sitter, though only in the Pacific NW for now. I started in 2007 (age 48) while working full time near Portland Oregon. My day job was my income and house sitting was my housing.
I learned also that I could downsize and “let go” of most of my belongings as you have. I didn’t have a home to sell, but it’s great not paying rent, etc. Like you, I too want to travel…starting with with United States, Canada and Alaska. That alone could keep me busy for years.
I’m currently in the midst of a major overhaul to my house sitter training website and would be very interested in collaborating with you in some way. Possibly an interview to start, then a link to your book, especially when it comes out in paperback form. Also, international travel tips could be extremely beneficial to the future of my training site.
I’m eagerly waiting for your paperback book since I don’t have a kindle.
You may contact me via [email protected] or my personal website at housesittingnw.com
Sincerely,
Betty Santoyo
PS. My first blog was called “Urban Gypsy Lives Rent Free”
Congratulations! You have figured out that “less is more”. I love living an uncluttered life! Whether traveling abroad or living back home in my own community, the “less is more” concept is the “new black”. Looking forward to talking to you!