Today’s guest has embraced travel with open arms – at the risk of destroying other aspects of his lifestyle. It’s probably a story many of you will dismiss, and others will be intrigued. Regardless, Keith is a pretty interesting guy, so…read on and travel more. 
Could you introduce yourself?
My name is Keith Savage. I’m a traveler, writer, and seeker. I’m afflicted by a terminal case of curiosity and hopelessley addicted to learning. This combination of conditions also makes me prone to extreme cases of boredom and leads to dissatisfaction with 99% of “normal” jobs. Late this fall I toss the template out the window and embark on an unorthodox couple of years traveling and writing.
Somehow along the way I managed to meet and marry a beautiful and loving woman, my wife Sarah. We live just outside Madison, Wisconsin and currently work as writers at a large healthcare software company.
I’ve got the old American dream: a house in the suburbs, a two car garage, gadgets and gizmos galore, and zero kids (OK this last bit is part of my dream coming through). Somehow it’s just not that dreamy. It’s a comfortable, safe, predictable life, but it leaves little room for fire, passion, and excitement. And I’m tired of making excuses for their absence.
You call yourself a savage. Care to explain?
Yes, I am an uncivilized brute with little care for the cultural advances of the last several millenia. Actually, that’s only true on weekends. Most days, I’m blogging under the moniker Traveling Savage. It’s both a play on my name and a travel philosophy: to travel savagely is to embrace with open arms the present – to cast aside conceptions and smash barriers like fear, anxiety, and despair – so that you can find your savage and exuberant core.
Traveling Savage has become a travel blog dedicated to exploring the psychological, emotional, and philosophical impact of travel.
You are unique in your ‘travel situation’ (for lack of a better word). Can you tell us about how that works, and do you have any advice for people who are struggling to find a healthy balance of travel in their own life?
That’s right, it will be unique. In fact, a lot of people have scoffed at the idea. As I mentioned, I’m married. The plan this fall involves me quitting my job and traveling to a destination, on my own, and spending a month there three to four times per year. Sarah will continue to work and ensure we have a roof over our heads. I’ll be traveling on money that we’ve saved over the last eight months.
Believe me, it’s scary. We don’t know how it will go, just that you don’t argue too much with dreams if they’re within your grasp. You do what you can to make them happen. Ironically, the idea first came from Sarah and she’s been behind me 100% of the way. She’s my biggest cheerleader, and, since she’s a writer/editor, sometimes my biggest critic. I’m in awe of her support and sacrifice.
If traveling is in your soul, the first step is coming to terms with it. You cannot keep it in the closet forever, letting it out for two weeks of vacation one a year. You will burst at some point (you need only look at me to see the truth in this). It has never been easier or cheaper to travel the world. Experience the hospitality of people and give back. I really believe hospitality is the new currency.
Andy: I couldn’t agree more. Hospitality has always been a currency – long before we had these silver, shiny things that we often give more importance to than we really ought to…
Let’s talk about destinations. Where have you been, and what did you like the most?
I’ve traveled throughout the United States, parts of Canada including Toronto and Montreal, and around Western Europe to countries like Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, England, Ireland, and Scotland. Compared to many travelers, my breadth of travel is limited but it’s simply because I keep returning to places I’ve fallen in love with.
Scotland simply won’t let me go. Its natural beauty, fascinating history, friendly people, and delicious national drink win me over time and again. I find my mind wandering back to Scotland about three months after I return from a trip there. Secretly, I’m planning another trip. Perhaps I’ll spend a month among the Western Isles next year.
The history of a place plays an important role in where I choose to travel, and it will continue to play a guiding role in future destinations.
What’s been your most inspirational travel experience?
In 2006, my wife and I managed to orchestrate a six-week sabbatical from work. We spent three weeks in Scotland and drove a rental car from Kirkcudbright to Kirkwall, from Aberdeen to Arran. I experienced a lightness of mind born out of what felt like an endless vacation. We traveled when and where we wanted and on our own schedule. The freedom was inspirational and starkly different from the daily grind of office work. I started writing a book. My creativity stretched open like a moonflower at midnight.
What is on the top of your bucket list?
I don’t have a bucket list, but I’d really like to hike the West Highland Way in Scotland. It’s a 95-mile hike from just north of Glasgow to Fort William. This would push me far out of my comfort zone and the scenery would be incredible.
I’ve walked part of that route, Keith – bring boots and a raincoat, as it is not dry very often. Thanks for the insights into your interesting lifestyle. I’m also glad to see people doing what they feel is right for them, regardless of what other people think. Readers, to find out more about Keith and his travails, visit his website, Traveling Savage, or follow him on Twitter.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Great interview Andy & Keith. It is so important to do things that feel right to you. Although, it can be hard to ignore criticism from others.
Keith, I have to admit- I love Scotland. My great-grandfather was from Glasgow and it’s where I went on my first solo trip. It’s such a beautiful country. Reading this post made me miss it even more.
Nice interview, Andy.
Keith it sounds like you’ve landed yourself a good partner! I love your idea to stick around in places for a month at a time, a few times a year. It’s not something I’ve really come across before and I’m looking forward to reading more.
Scotland has me in its grips as well but I’m lucky because my dad’s from there and I have a lot of family there as well. I always feel like I’m going home when I visit Scotland.
Thank you Keith for sharing your travel addiction with us, and thank you Andy for the opportunity to read that travel-mania is not only about going to the most exotic places on earth. It is somewhat refreshing to read of someone so passionate about travelling to all the “usual” places with names we can recognise
Interesting idea. It is great to see people making their dreams and passions work any way that they can.
Agreed all – I think with passion you can do anything. No matter how ridiculous it sounds.
Thanks for the interview, Andy, and the comments everyone. This is a difficult path and the encouragement is appreciated. Passion, determination, perseverance – with these ingredients I’ve come much farther (already) than I could have hoped.
Kirsty – I do have a great partner! We’re both a little anxious to have the first trip out of the way, in a sense, so we know what to expect.
Excellent interview. I’d skip the West Highland Way and instead to the Great Glen Way from Fort William to Inverness. Either way, make sure you bring a raincoat!