Escape and Explore: Navigating Safety and Opportunity as a Global Nomad
In this episode of "Escape to Mexico Now," Scott Paton and Rob Kilpatrick dive into the realities of living and working abroad, from security tips to building remote careers and embracing the adventure of slow travel.
A Changing World: Is Travel More Dangerous Now? How safe is the world today compared to a decade ago? Host Scott Paton kicks off this episode with the age-old question on many would-be expats’ minds: is it riskier to travel and live abroad than it used to be? Rob Kilpatrick, a seasoned traveler with a background spanning Afghanistan, Iraq, Southeast Asia, and more, brings a uniquely nuanced perspective on this issue.
Rob’s journey began with stints in the military and law enforcement, which later took him on contracts in some of the most dangerous regions on the globe. Yet, as he points out, your perception of safety is often tied to where you are and what you see. As Scott recounts from his own life in South Africa—a place that can feel like a “bubble of paradise” until you cross the wrong street, or simply take out your phone in Johannesburg—the realities of security are always contextual.
Safety Abroad: Awareness is Your Best Tool Rob shares practical, actionable advice honed from years of navigating high-risk areas. His go-to tip? The “three-second rule.” Whenever you step outside, take a panoramic scan of your environment, noting anything or anyone that seems out of place. “Practice it a few times, and soon your brain will automatically pick out what doesn’t fit,” he says.
He also recommends maintaining a three-foot, 360-degree bubble when approached by strangers, particularly in popular tourist areas where scams are common. Whether someone’s asking for directions or offering to exchange currency, keep an arm’s length—literally—between you and them. “Vacation is great, but don’t throw away your awareness,” Rob cautions.
Scott’s story of being targeted by a pickpocket in Medellin, Colombia, proves the importance of staying alert: “I realized he was trying to get at my wallet, so I took a step back and swore at him. Sometimes, healthy paranoia is a good thing.”
Shifting Strategies: Making Money as a Global Nomad With safety covered, the conversation pivots to a question many travelers and expats face: how do you fund a life abroad? Rob and his wife chose the freelance route, building up work in writing and animation over several years. It wasn’t easy, Rob admits—success required relentless effort and a willingness to learn. But investing in new skills paid off in the end.
For those with a bit of capital, Southeast Asia offers investment opportunities, such as Indonesia’s 20- or 30-year land lease programs. These allow foreigners not just to live in places like Bali, but to rent out their properties for additional income. The keys are patience, staying power, and self-reliance—conquering the steep learning curve of both remote work and local regulations.
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By: Escape to Mexico Now Title: Escape and Explore: Navigating Safety and Opportunity as a Global Nomad - #EscapeToMexicoNow Sourced From: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oi6_XZrIhZ4
