Sure. I could also make my own clothes and learn to read Braille. Why not add writing a book to the list? Personally I felt I was doing quite well in the “stretch goal” department just being a 60 year-old full-time traveler criss-crossing Europe with a husband who’s idea of fun is a visit to Chernobyl.
But when the suggestion to tell our story in book form came up more and more often - especially in the last year, I began to consider the idea. Maybe I
could
put our story down on paper. Michael was certainly enthusiastic about the idea - and he was all set to be the Project Manager (and head cheerleader) in additional to his role of Chief Travel Planner. I hope he isn't expecting a raise.
As we scribbled several outlines of what a book might look like it became clear that the story we wanted to share was about living our daily lives in Airbnb rentals throughout Europe and beyond for over three years! We’ve had so many adventures that it was easy to fill the pages, and it was enjoyable to share with hosts the difference they’ve made by opening their doors to travelers like us.
The end result is
Your Keys, Our home
. While the book was written with Airbnb hosts in mind, we hope anyone who enjoys a good travel story and anecdotes about living like a local will find inspiration for their own travels through our story.
From the foreword by Chip Conley, Head of Airbnb Global Hospitality and Strategy:
“…The Campbell’s have so much to share, we believed it was time for them to write a book especially for our attendees of the Airbnb Open in LA. Given their beautiful stories and helpful wisdom, this book is perfectly-suited to wanderlusting Airbnb guests, couples imagining how they can travel better together, and those in the second half of their life wondering what’s next.”
Excerpt from the New York Times, February 2015:
“What does it take to be a Senior Nomad? Should you want to become one, a few requirements: Be willing to cast off your stuff and accumulate no more; have a flexible definition of what it means to be at home; master the Excel spreadsheet; accept, and even grudgingly appreciate, the ubiquity of Ikea.”
It's hard to imagine, but the book is now available on Amazon and iBooks! For more information about the Senior Nomads and to purchase the book visit our new website
Thanks for following along,
Debbie and Michael Campbell
The Senior Nomads