About Me: Lust For The World Travel Blog

 

Hi, I’m Marteen and I’m a travel and adventure blogger. 

I use this blog to influence people to explore the outdoors and teach them that an adventurous life is both possible and attainable with a full time job. I also encourage others to travel solo and promote sustainability, positivity and healthy living. 

So how did I get here? Now for the juicy stuff…

5 years ago, I was working a 9-5 job in an office with an hour commute. I worked up the courage to ask my job to let me work remotely, and to my surprise they said yes. Well, that’s the short story any way. 

And now I spend all of the time I want wherever I want. I’ve backpacked through Patagonia, ran out of all money in Cuba, had a panic attack 100ft under water on the Vandenburg wreck, swam atop Victoria Falls while being held by my ankles, and hiked to the highest mountain in the continuous US. 

I’m able to do all of this while still holding a full time job (and so can you).

I started Lust For The World in 2013 and have been splitting my time between working in the real world, blogging and traveling ever since.

 

 

PS. If something good happens, it’s a story. If something bad happens, it’s probably a better one. 

 

Yes, I started out with an entry level salary and student loans. Yes, I still have a full time job. No, I don’t have a trust fund or an unlimited cash supply.

I travel as much as I do while still holding a full time job, so my blog is best for people that are looking to do the same.

I have a ton of 1-2 week itineraries, a lot of advice on how to find a career that involves travel, and a full article on how me and my friends travel so much.

 

What to work with me?

Visit our work with us page or email your ideas to Business@lustfortheworld.com

18 Comments

  • Aaron says:
    August 8, 2024 at 9:36 pm

    Hi Marteen,
    I’m entertaining the idea of a 1-2 week road trip. And google sent me to you! Just thought I’d say hello and say thanks for the content you’ve built here! Cheers!

    -Aaron

    Reply
  • Michael Arndt says:
    December 19, 2017 at 10:53 am

    Hello Marteen came upon your blog from a mutual friend of ours. Someone you grew up with by the first name of Leigh and she told me all about your blog and travels…. I am planning on my first backpacking trip. I decided on Southeast Asia. I will be going for a total of 93 days(3 months) Travelling through Thailand into Laos then into Vietnam finally into Cambodia…

    I wanted to know if you have been to Vietnam and what was your experience there? I have read from multiple blogs that they are not very friendly to the backpacking crowd and most backpackers never return there. If thats the case mayby I can perhaps shorten my Vietnam part and head on over to the Phillipines for a hot second although that can be a bit costly? Just wondering what your experience was with that area.

    Any help or insight would be awesome Thank you….. Mike A

    Reply
    • LustForTheWorld says:
      December 23, 2017 at 6:45 pm

      Hi Mike,

      Thanks for commenting! I’m so excited for you, Southeast Asia was one of my favorite trips of all time (I’ll actually be returning this year). When are you planning on going?

      Unfortunately I have not visited Vietnam, but I have visited Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and Singapore. However, I can say that I understand where people are coming from when they say they didn’t like Vietnam as much. I felt the same way about Cambodia. I absolutely LOVED Thailand, it is one
      of my favorite countries. The people were so nice and amazing during my visit there, which is why my visit to Cambodia wasn’t the best. I found that people there looked at me more as a target with a money sign attached to my head than an actual human, my friend and I were subject to a lot of scams and it kind of ruined our experience there (although we did see a lot of amazing things). Even though that was my experience, I would still encourage you to visit because everyone’s experience is different. I’ve met some people that disliked Cambodia and/or Vietnam, but I’ve also met a lot of people that absolutely loved those countries. Both countries have a lot to offer (amazing scenery, delicious food, etc.) and I would hate for you to miss out because of what happened during my time there. Just keep an open mind!

      I’ve also never been to the Philippines, but I’ve heard all good things. I actually plan on visiting myself this Spring. I would definitely try to make it there if I were you and I would also recommend plenty of time for Thailand. Thailand is a lot bigger and more diverse than many people realize. It has a lot of history, but also tons of islands in the south and mountains in the north. If the options open, I would recommend on not planning everything out ahead of time, so you have the chance to change your route depending on how much you are enjoying a place at that time. Also, I can connect you with people that have visited both the Philippines and Vietnam if you’re interested! If you have any questions regarding Thailand, I’d be happy to help with those 🙂

      Thanks for reading and happy travel planning!
      Marteen

      Reply
  • Zubin says:
    July 25, 2017 at 4:17 pm

    Aweosme….. Keep it going.. Wish i could speak czech and spannish.
    Are you guys on pinterest?? Instagram…

    Reply
  • Sunil Dhungana says:
    July 18, 2017 at 1:37 am

    Very good Job. VEry excited and inspired from you.Have you been to Nepal as well?

    Reply
  • Harriet says:
    March 27, 2017 at 9:40 am

    I absolutely love this blog! I started travelling (like you) when I was very young and now at the age of 18, my days of adventuring with my family seem somewhat numbered. Reading about your experiences always brings a smile to my face, it’s wonderful to see other young people finding the time to travel whilst still living in the ‘real world.’ It would mean a lot if you could take a look at my blog (globetrottingteen.wordpress.com) and let me know what you think, I’m more than open to any tips you might have! One of my favourite things about travel blogging has become the connections I have made with others like me, if you are ever looking for a guest blogger, I’d be thrilled to help!

    Reply
  • Brian says:
    November 12, 2016 at 11:48 pm

    This is soo awesome. God bless keep up the travels

    Reply
  • Laura says:
    April 21, 2015 at 1:15 am

    Love your blog!! I feel like I can relate to a lot of your stories !! (And the 9-5 and limited vacation time!!!) Keep up the good work!! 🙂

    Reply
  • julia says:
    May 7, 2014 at 7:27 pm

    how do you get so much time off from your 9-5 job, & afford to go to all these places? 2 weeks is never enough. and a weekend trip out of the country is nearly impossible. can you write a post on this plz.

    Reply

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