I had no idea how it would evolve, I just went all in and I had no expectations, and I think that’s the best way to do it.

In this week’s Nion highlight, I want to introduce you to a friend of mine that I met in Antarctica last year, Mark Van Der Heijden. When we met in Antarctica, Mark was doing a really cool project called The Backpacker Intern. For two years, Mark traveled around the world trading his copywriting skills for room & board. He got to see so many incredible places and has some amazing stories.

If you’re a creative and want to travel more, Mark has some great advice. Plus he has just launched a new company called Wanderbrief that allows anyone to do what he did. I love this concept because, as you know, I’m a huge fan of travel and of interning, and combining these two things to adventure around the world while gaining work experience is such an incredible idea.

Listen in to hear how Mark started his journey, how he ended up in Antarctica where we met, and why you have to think less and do more.

You can always keep fighting and hustling.

[smart_track_player url=”https://soundcloud.com/nickonken/mark-van-der-heijden” title=”How to Travel the World Using Your Talent” artist=”Mark Van Der Heijden” image=”https://nionlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/104_MarkVanDerHeijden_NIONradio_02.jpg” color=”#de4b9b” ]

Some things we learn in this podcast:

• How Mark came up with The Backpacker Intern [4:30]
• The value of personal projects [3:20]
• Why you should live in the moment [8:15]
• The importance of networking [10:15]
• How Mark ended up in Antarctica [18:30]
• Why you have to think less and do more [21:45]
• What is Wanderbrief [22:05]
• Why he values cross-cultural exchange [26:40]
• How to stay positive [27:45]

Links mentioned:

• Check out The Backpacker Intern
• Learn more about Wanderbrief and sign up
• Watch Mark’s Ted talk
• Music Credit: Rainbow by FEWZ

Connect with  Instagram | Twitter | Website