Escape and Explore: Navigating Safety and Opportunity as a Global Nomad

Redefining Safety: Is the World More Dangerous Than Before?

On the latest episode of ETMN, hosts Scott Paton and Scott explore an often-overlooked topic with guest Rob Kilpatrick: how safe is our world today for the global nomad? From Afghanistan and Iraq to Southeast Asia and beyond, Rob’s diverse adventures give him a unique vantage point. Scott initiates the discussion by questioning changes in global safety over the years—a question growing in relevance for anyone seeking a life beyond their homeland.

Rob’s journey began in the military, later transitioning to private contracts in conflict zones like Afghanistan and Iraq. “It was like stepping back 1500 years… eye opening, I would say,” Rob shares, underscoring the dramatic differences in culture and security awareness he encountered. Moving through Vietnam, Thailand, and eventually settling in Bali, Rob points out how vastly safety can vary, not just from country to country but even between neighborhoods within the same city.

What’s particularly insightful is the way Rob and Scott challenge the audience’s perceptions about safety. Scott describes a “bubble of paradise” within South Africa, highlighting how personal experiences can distort broader realities—many residents might feel secure, but high national unemployment and crime rates tell a different tale. Rob emphasizes that situational awareness is crucial: your experience in one neighborhood doesn’t necessarily represent the entire region or country.

Global Mobility: How Travel Changes Your Perspective

For Rob Kilpatrick, exploring the world alongside his wife has been about far more than just checking destinations off a list. Their approach—slow travel, establishing temporary roots, and actively engaging with their surroundings—transforms moving abroad from a holiday experience into a dynamic exercise in expanding one’s worldview. “It’s quite eye opening,” Rob reflects, “seeing different cultures and you really walk away with a different viewpoint.”

This immersion provides a rare authenticity, particularly when contrasting the highly structured environments of the United States with the fluid challenges of Southeast Asia and other regions. Rob and his wife have made a conscious effort to build a lifestyle that enables financial independence and flexibility. By spending focused time in each country, they’re able to gain deep cultural insights, build meaningful relationships, and broaden their understanding of security, stability, and community.

Scott, currently based in a serene enclave near Cape Town, South Africa, resonates with Rob’s insights. He recounts personal moments that highlight how quickly security perceptions can change depending on your immediate environment—whether it’s being warned against using his phone in Johannesburg or feeling utterly safe while hiking in his local neighborhood. This interplay of perspectives reinforces the importance of not letting a single viewpoint color your entire outlook on a place.

Staying Safe: Practical Security Tips for Every Traveler

The challenges of safety abroad are not only theoretical—they have practical implications for every traveler. Rob shares actionable advice borne from his years working in high-risk environments and training others, particularly women, in physical safety. One memorable takeaway is his “three seconds” rule: “If you go outside your place, you do a panorama... notice, observe things.” This habit, borrowed from security details, is about developing a quick situational assessment every time you step out, drastically increasing your awareness of potential threats.

Rob’s advice goes further with the “3ft, 360” rule: keep a three-foot radius and scan your surroundings whenever approached by strangers. Scams, pickpocketing, and street-level cons are universal, whether in Kuala Lumpur or Medellin. “You want to have arm’s length away,” he cautions, sharing stories where a simple map or an attempt to exchange money was a ruse for theft. The lesson is not about living in fear, but maintaining a “healthy paranoia.” With autonomy comes responsibility—the more alert you are, the more you can truly enjoy your environment.

Scott echoes the importance of these principles, reflecting on incidents where locals warned him about potential muggings, even in affluent areas. The consensus: while paranoia is unhelpful, consistent situational awareness is the best defense for anyone intent on thriving in a new place.

Navigating New Realities: How Global Events Shape Traveler Mindset

The world has undergone seismic changes in recent years: pandemics, shifting economies, wars, and evolving border policies. Rob is realistic: “You have to have—I would increase your awareness a level definitely because it’s a different situation in a lot of places.” He notes that scams and risks are often not the work of locals but foreign elements taking advantage of tourist hotspots. In places like Thailand, he found Eastern European networks operating scams targeting unsuspecting travelers, disproving the notion that the only risk comes from locals.

The landscape for travelers—particularly digital nomads—demands greater vigilance. It’s not about being afraid, but rather attuned to the different energies, scams, and social dynamics at play in unfamiliar environments. Scott points out that even within traditionally safer countries, certain urban centers or situations can be unpredictable. The key, as both men agree, is adaptability: learning the rhythms of new places, the subtle cues of danger, and the most reliable paths to safety.

At the same time, it’s crucial not to let anxiety restrict your explorations. With the right mindset and precautions, most dangers can be anticipated and avoided—enabling global nomads to fully embrace the benefits of cross-cultural living.

Building a Sustainable Life Abroad: Earning While Exploring

Safety concerns are just one piece of the global nomad puzzle. The other essential question: how can you fund a life of travel? Recognizing that traditional jobs may not transfer easily across borders, Rob and his wife have embraced the world of online freelancing, animation, and writing. “At first, we really had to hit it full throttle. But now we’re doing quite well with that,” Rob explains. Their success came through persistence and adaptation, not instant gratification.

Rob’s journey underscores the importance of staying power. Building new skills and establishing a business—whether it’s digital work or tapping into local real estate opportunities, as in Bali’s flexible lease options—takes time and resilience. He warns that being under-capitalized can quickly turn adventure into desperation. Their breakthrough only came after committing to a year of relentless effort, eventually leading to major animation projects and the achievement of industry awards.

For those with some capital, Rob highlights the opportunities in emerging markets: “You can get a land deal for 20 years, 30-year lease option on land here… you can rent that property out the next day for a different price, which... becomes an income in itself.” The lesson for aspiring nomads: combine creativity, an open mind, and a willingness to learn with practical financial strategies tailored to the realities of each new country.

Overcoming the Barriers: From Fear to Freedom

Despite its appeal, the nomadic lifestyle isn’t without challenges. Many potential explorers remain paralyzed by fear of the unknown, never leaving their home country, or sometimes even their neighborhood. Rob and Scott both lament this hesitation, reminding listeners that most Asian countries, for instance, have “minuscule” crime compared to global averages. The only way to overcome entrenched fears is to step beyond your comfort zone, embrace discomfort, and give yourself the chance to grow in unfamiliar environments.

Rob’s story is a testament to the growth that comes from pushing boundaries—be it geographical or personal. From a military contractor in ancient lands to a freelance creative in Bali, his path illustrates that adaptability, situational awareness, and self-reliance open a world of opportunity and safety that is inaccessible to those who remain rooted in one place.

For those willing to leap, the world is not just a dangerous place—it’s a limitless playground brimming with opportunity, as long as you know how to navigate it.

Share this episode of ETMN with anyone considering a global lifestyle. You never know—this could be the insight they need to take their first step into a larger world.

External Links

• Nomad List offers a comprehensive database of cities ranked based on factors crucial for global nomads, such as cost of living and internet speed.
• Approximately 65% of global nomads prioritize safety and stable internet connectivity when choosing their next destination.
• Remote work opportunities have surged by 40% since 2018, enabling more professionals to adopt a nomadic lifestyle.
• Travel + Leisure provides travel guides and tips essential for safe and enjoyable global exploration.
• As of 2023, over 50 countries have introduced digital nomad visas, facilitating easier relocation for global travelers.
• Global nomads contribute an estimated $150 billion annually to the economies of host countries through spending on accommodation, food, and services.
• The global nomad community has grown by 35% in the past five years, reflecting the increasing demand for flexible work environments.

How To Build a Professional Network Worldwide

Establishing a global professional network can enhance your career and personal growth as a nomad. Start by joining online communities and forums dedicated to digital nomads and remote workers. Attend local events, workshops, and meetups to connect with like-minded individuals in each destination. Utilize professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to maintain and expand your contacts. Collaborate on projects and seek mentorship opportunities to build meaningful relationships. Additionally, engage in coworking spaces where you can interact with professionals from diverse industries. A strong international network provides support, opportunities, and valuable insights, enriching your nomadic experience.

Navigate New Cultures with Confidence

Understanding and adapting to new cultural norms is a key aspect of successful global nomadism. Each country has its own unique traditions, social etiquette, and ways of life that can greatly enhance your experience if approached with openness and respect. Building cultural competence not only enriches your personal interactions but also fosters a deeper connection with the places you choose to call home. Gain insights and practical advice on cultural navigation by visiting www.escapetomexiconow.com, and move confidently into new cultural landscapes.