The Nomadic Lifestyle: How One Man Found Freedom Living in Airbnbs

In an era where the cost of living in the UK is steadily climbing, many are reconsidering their housing situations. For some, the answer lies not in traditional renting or buying a home but in embracing the nomadic lifestyle. Adam Bradford, a young entrepreneur from Sheffield, did just that—spending four years living in Airbnbs across 30 countries, and discovering that it was far more affordable than staying in the UK.

Life on the move: Adam Bradford’s journey
Bradford, now 32, found himself paying an average of £600 a month for various Airbnbs, a stark contrast to the escalating rental prices back home. He mentions, “If you compare this to living in London and potentially paying £2,000 a month for rent, it’s a no-brainer.”

He started his adventure in 2017, realizing his business, Green Horizon Ventures, allowed him the flexibility to work from anywhere with an internet connection. This discovery was transformative. “It was more cost-effective and gave me a chance to experience living in so many different places,” he shared. His journey spanned from the vibrant streets of Brazil to the serene beaches of Thailand, where he recalls paying as little as $9 a night for a villa.

Disillusionment with the UK

As he traveled, Bradford became increasingly disenchanted with life in the UK. Rising living costs, increasing taxes, and bureaucratic hurdles led him to seek a more satisfying lifestyle abroad. “The UK was just becoming an unfriendly environment for people wanting to work hard,” he lamented. He decided to take a leap of faith and explore the world through the lens of Airbnb living.

Recognition for excellence: Adam Bradford at Buckingham Palace
Bradford’s path to entrepreneurship began in his teenage years, where his technical prowess enabled him to assemble computers. Winning a school-based entrepreneurship competition bolstered his resolve to pursue a business career. Instead of following the traditional route through university, he opted for a more hands-on experience at an enterprise academy sponsored by Peter Jones of Dragon’s Den. This early independence set the tone for his self-sustaining career.

The Financial Safety of Freelancing

In tandem with stories like Bradford’s, the ongoing cost-of-living crisis is putting financial pressure on many freelancers in the UK, compelling them to adapt their spending and accounting strategies. Expert advice has surfaced regarding how to manage self-assessment accounts and track business spending effectively. According to David Maslen, head of tax at Old Mill, “Profits from the business will be subject to income tax and class 4 NICs,” stressing the importance of financial foresight in a climate of uncertainty.

For freelancers, the first rule is clear: always set aside money for tax bills. Failure to do so can lead to penalties and interest charges. Emma Lunn from the Guardian warns, “The number one rule of freelancing is to put money aside for your tax bill.”

Staying on top of finances: freelancers adapting to the new normal
Setting up a business and properly reporting income isn’t just about compliance; it’s also a key element in securing loans and managing financial health. James Shaw from Sapphire provides additional insights, saying, “Hiring an accountant allows you to focus on running your business while they take care of the complex, time-consuming details.”

Young entrepreneurs like Bradford, who have opted for a nomadic lifestyle, are reimagining traditional work ethics by seeking new opportunities abroad while avoiding the pitfalls of urban living in the UK.

Home is Where You Make It

After traveling extensively, Bradford found a new home in Rwanda. His move was unexpected but rooted in a desire for fresh opportunities and a new perspective on life. He established his office there as a response to the frustrations he felt while living in the UK. “There’s been a lot of controversy about Rwanda, but much of that is entrenched in political fighting. We have always had a foot in Africa in terms of our business, and now we’re fully committed here.”

This sentiment reflects a broader trend of individuals seeking to shed the burdens of high living costs and political discontent. Bradford expressed hope in the safety and potential he felt in Rwanda, stating, “I feel happy here and have a good future ahead.”

As more young professionals and freelancers consider alternatives to life in the UK, Bradford’s journey embodies a significant shift. He notes, “Many businesses are looking to emigrate out of the UK. I’m one of those individuals who was disillusioned and decided to make a change.”

Conclusion: A New Outlook on Life

Bradford’s story illustrates a paradigm shift in how we view work, lifestyle, and the role of money. For many like him, the traditional narrative surrounding home, employment, and opportunity is evolving. There’s a growing desire for flexibility, control, and exploration. The challenges posed by the rising cost of living can lead to innovative solutions, like embracing a lifestyle where one can work anywhere while enjoying the richness of diverse cultures.

“Politics doesn’t connect to young people at all in the UK in my opinion,” Bradford concludes, highlighting the need for a rethink not just of individual lifestyles but of the entire societal framework within which these choices are made. As the landscape continues to change, the future of living—be it in Airbnbs or elsewhere—may offer thrilling new possibilities for those ready to explore them.

Exploring the world: living freely while working remotely
Topics: Airbnb, Expats, Money, Mortgages, Property, Property Prices, Renters, Renting.