Over at www.nomadicmatt.com, perpetual traveler Matt recently offered a post in response to a curious visitor to his site who wanted to know what the “secret” is to being able to travel for life.

Matt’s answer? There is no secret.

Like Matt, I receive lots of questions about how I can afford to travel as much as I do. I also receive lots of questions about how to structure a life that isn’t dependent upon a boss rubber-stamping a vacation request. Here are a few of my responses:

*YOU can break out of the 9-to-5 world. You really can. But the first step is believing that you can, deciding how you will, and understanding the consequences of your decision, not only for yourself, but also for significant others in your life. For more on how to ditch your cubicle job, check out my article: How to Bag Your 9-to-5 Job and Write/Travel Full-Time.

*Surround yourself with people who are living the kind of life you want to live. Reach out to people like Matt or myself. Ask questions; most of us know there’s no secret to this kind of life, and we’re happy to share the nuts and bolts of our experiences with you. Follow other people’s stories on blogs and websites to see how they’re living a full-time life of travel. One great website is Christine Gilbert’s www.almostfearless.com.

*Recognize the possibilities of a work-life continuum. I work more now than I ever did when I had a 9-to-5 job, but I also enjoy everything I do much more. I only take the work that truly interests me and about which I feel passionate… that way, work never seems like work. Also, I only accept work that accommodates my frequent moves. Evaluate your skills and determine what kinds of work you can take or make on the road.

Have your own “secrets” to share? Leave a comment!

Photo: Raggedroses

If you’re the type of traveler who wants to get off the excursion bus and far from a guided tour, this is the guide for you!

Go to the movies. Mexico has a rich tradition of domestic filmmaking that extends back a century, and Mexico City has always been the heart of the country’s cinematic life. By 1906, more than 15 movie theatres had opened in the city and though many of the city’s oldest and grandest cinemas have since closed, the city continues to nurture a thriving passion for film. Whether you visit a commercial movie theatre (with tickets in many theatres as low as $23 pesos—approximately $2.00 US dollars) or find yourself in town during one of the city’s numerous film festivals, seeing a movie in Mexico is a great way to get a feeling for the creative life of this vibrant city.

Browse through the markets. Although mega-stores like Wal-Mart, Sam’s, and Home Depot have made their way into Mexico and have gained popularity among shoppers, the city is both big enough and sufficiently committed to its traditions to be able to continue sustaining the many markets that are spread across the city. Each market has its own personality, and many are famous for a signature item that may be difficult, if not impossible, to find anywhere else. The April 2008 issue of the magazine Donde Ir has a great guide to the city’s best markets, which, unfortunately, is not online as of this writing. The city government also maintains a guide and a history of the markets online.

Experience a Saturday morning tianguis. Tianguis, like markets, are a must-have Mexico City experience. While markets are fixed-station indoor stalls, tianguis are outdoor booths, tents, and parcels of sidewalk that are used by Saturday vendors to sell wares of all sorts. Like the markets, each tianguis varies in its offerings, ranging from antiques and collectibles to furniture and books. The best way to find a tianguis is simply to walk around the neighborhoods where they are popular. Colonia Juarez and Colonia Roma both have some great tianguis. One sure bet: Avenida Alvaro Obregon in Colonia Roma is lined with vendors each Saturday morning.

Witness a protest. “Nuestra ciudad de protestas”—“Our city of protests”—a taxi driver once said to me. As the capital, Mexico City is a hub of political activity, and not only for elected leaders. People come from all over the country to express their grievances with government, often installing themselves for days—and even months—at a time in tent communities around the city. You’re sure to encounter a protest on Avenida Reforma between Avenidas Insurgentes and Juarez. Witnessing the protests provides a window into Mexican political culture. From the unique exercise of voice by people who are powerless to the presence of police without firearms, there’s no faster way to get a grasp on political values from both sides of the fence.

Stay awhile. There’s no better way to get to know a place and experience it like a local than becoming a local… even if it’s only for a brief period of time. Is it possible for you to telecommute? Home swap? You’ll never know until you try.

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Need more Mexico City tips? Send me an e-mail at writingjulie@gmail.com!
Also, be sure to check out my Green Guide to Mexico City over at Matador!

Photo: zocalo2010