11 Years Living Off-Grid On A Self-Built Island (full tour)
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11 Years Living Off-Grid On A Self-Built Island (full tour)

There is a quote that perfectly sums up today’s story.

“Some people look for a beautiful place, others make a place beautiful.”
― Hazrat Inayat Khan

Tonga is a beautiful Island Country, but rarely does a destination wiggle its way into our hearts forever…it’s people that have that effect. And we’ve been friendship rich here in Tonga!

Luckily, we’ve been able to share some of these beautiful friendships with you. First, it was Kjell and Adriana, then Johnny and the boys at the boatyard, Marty the ReWilding man, John (the Kiwi Al Pacino), and now Ben and Lisa. (Just typing out all their names floods my mind with memories and makes me smile.)

But it was meeting Ben and Lisa that answered a gnawing question that enters my mind every time we sail into a new port. What happens if we love it so much, we don’t want to leave? According to our new friends, the answer is obvious: You build out a tiny island like it’s a boat…but toss in a couple of really cool treehouses for that je ne sais quoi.

Join us for a trip to the island of Fetoko, a tour of a magical homemade resort, and what is no doubt one of the most beautiful sunny days we’ve had in weeks!

A big thanks to Ben and Lisa for letting us share their island home and their story. If you couldn’t tell, they are pretty low-key people, so they don’t have social media accounts. But should you find yourself in Tonga once the borders open again, you can always say hello (or stay with them) at the resort: https://www.trade-winds.com/destination/vavau-in-tonga/23#product_tabs

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🙏 THANK YOU!

Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of FREE ways you can show your support.

Our journey is ever-evolving but the mission remains the same: CULTIVATE CURIOSITY

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We’re utterly addicted to new experiences and obsessed with searching out Indiana Jones style adventures.

There are plenty of opinions about how one should go about life, travel, adventure, and everything in between. Variety, it’s the spice of life, right? As for us, we like to travel with the comforts of home.

Self-reliance is what lets us wander far from easy access, cell service, and well-worn paths. It's not about doing everything alone, it's about having the confidence to figure things out as we go. That's when remoteness stops feeling risky and starts feeling like freedom. A lesson we’ve learned time and again from the people and communities we’ve met along the way.

Exploring the world like its 1492.

These are people who are doing things differently. Forgoing the mainstream, seeking freedom and living on the margins. Creative, unique and inspiring people who challenge our ideas of home and community.

Each day we set off into the world with curiosity as our guide and compass. We talk to strangers and accept invitations without fear or reservations.  But people are busy (even on remote islands) and travelers are a dime a dozen.  It takes time to talk to strangers, and even more time to have a real connection.  Going the extra mile to get to know someone is a commitment. Which is why these are our most treasured experiences.