Creative Travel

Many of us daydream about packing up and travelling the world. Often life and responsibility prevents it, but for one Croatian man, he has turned his wanderlust into books and motivational speaking.

Tom Perko gave up his job as a stockbroker and decided to see how far he could travel, while spending as little as possible. Five years later, he is in New Zealand, and is finally wondering about settling down for a while. “I feel like I know the world now,” he says. “Lots of people are bored by routine, but I am ready for it after five years of moving so fast.”

Tom has featured on a TEDX talk, about how to travel the world on almost no money. Not everyone is cut out to travel that way, but his enthusiasm and attitude are really inspiring. He hitchhiked, walked, couch-surfed, slept outdoors and traded his time and skills. Funnily enough, of all the places he has been, the only time he felt nervous was in his home city, when a group of football fans thought he was supporting the rival team!

“99% of my travelling has been a beautiful experience,” he says. “Most people are good and helpful and I have not felt threatened. It seems that people from every country have another country that they want to warn you about, and when you get there, they warn you about somewhere else. It’s just about being sensible.”

Tom’s way of travelling may not appeal to everyone, but he has settled in New Zealand with his girlfriend for the meantime and is now and ambassador for HomeExchange.com.

The idea of swapping homes as a way to cut travel costs is one he sees as brilliant. “Over a million exchanges have been made,” he says. “It is all about making a connection and an agreement with someone else who also loves travelling.” Anything is possible, it just depends on the agreement you make – some people exchange their primary home, others a holiday home, still others their yacht or camper van. 

One makes contact through the Home Exchange site, then meets via Skype of email to discuss the details. “It is a good idea to let your insurance company know that you will be travelling and having guests in your house, or driving your car, if that is what you agree,” says Tom. “Exchangers will also leave information about how the house works – there are often Post-its all over the fridge!”

Most of the 65,000 homes in listed are in developed countries (New Zealand, Australia, North America for example), but there are listings in 150 countries. Tom was ready for a change in lifestyle when the perfect opportunity presented itself – in the form of a working holiday visa. “New Zealand is a very friendly place,” he says, “there is no corruption, so it is easy to learn the rules. My girlfriend and I have spent time in Auckland Wellington and Queenstown, and we plan to see more of the country by doing car relocations etc.”

Tom’s family are just like everyone else’s – they have worried about him being away in strange places – “I have a deal with my Mum where I make contact with her every day – I send a text or email or I call her,” he says. “Of course she would prefer if I wasn’t on the other side of the world, but I think she is a little bit proud too!”

HomeExchange.com  is offering three free memberships ($190 each) to GrownUps members. Visit their website for more details. We’d also love to hear your stories about swapping homes!