ABOUT US
The Senior Nomads
We are Michael and Debbie Campbell, and since 2013 we’ve been traveling the world, living almost exclusively in Airbnbs. It wasn’t our plan to be away for over a decade, but our curiosity about history and other cultures just kept growing — so we kept going!
Our story began as we neared retirement. We felt we had “one more adventure” in us before settling down, but we weren’t sure what that would be. In the winter of 2012, our daughter, who was visiting from her home in France, had this brilliant suggestion: Why don’t you retire early and travel full-time, living in Airbnbs? We loved to travel, but that seemed crazy! However, after we learned more about Airbnb, and Michael tinkered with a dozen spreadsheets, he announced that if we sold everything we owned (including our house, sailboat, and cars) and lived frugally, we could make it work! Six months later we bid farewell to family and friends and set off to explore the world.
Along the way, we called over 330 Airbnbs “home” in more than 95 countries. Our travels took us to every corner of Europe as well as Turkey, Israel, India, Russia, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, and Cuba. We traversed South America. Toured the Middle East and explored Egypt. We spent time in Africa, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. And, we are particularly proud of having visited all 17 former Soviet Republics including the “The Stans.”
We may have traded experiences for things, but we’ve brought home a lifetime of memories — and now we’re unpacking and reflecting on our incredible journey. Even though we’ve set down our suitcases, we will continue to follow our curiosity wherever it takes us! Even if that’s closer to home.
Join our Senior Nomads Facebook Group where you’ll find over 18,000 members who share their stories, tips, and inspiration!
We write books
12 Lessons from Twelve Years of Travel
What if one decision could change the course of your life?
In 2013, Debbie and Michael Campbell sold their possessions, including their home, packed two suitcases, and set off on what they thought would be a one-year adventure. Instead, that single decision led to twelve extraordinary years of travel across 95 countries, and six continents.
Along the way, the Campbells learned lessons about courage, curiosity, gratitude, resilience, generosity, and the surprising kindness of strangers. They discovered that the greatest rewards of travel aren't found in famous landmarks — they're found in the people you meet, the risks you take, and the person you become.
Available in ebook or paperback format.
Learn more about the Senior Nomads and their incredible Airbnb journey in their first book, Your Keys, Our Home.
Our Travels
Stating July 2013, we began traveling the globe living almost exclusively in Airbnbs. Our goal was to live in other people’s homes around the world just as we would in our own home in Seattle.
We’ve created a full list of every Airbnb apartment, room, flat, bungalow, condo, suite, and house we’ve stayed in during our travels.