10/07/2026
Frequently Asked Questions About My Nomad Life 🌎 🚢
I have gained roughly 1000 new followers over this past month so I figured it was time to bring this post back, update it a little, and answer some of the questions I get asked over and over again.
I completely understand the curiosity. Traveling the world, living mostly on cruise ships, and technically having no permanent home isn't exactly a conventional way to live.
So...here are the answers to the questions I get asked most often.
What is your real name?
Genel.
Why is your nickname Jelly?
I have absolutely no idea. It's been my nickname since birth. Ask my mom. 🤣 That's a lie. I totally know but it's slightly embarrassing. 😆
Are you traveling alone?
Yes.
How old are you?
Tomorrow I officially turn 46. 😭
Do you have a spouse or significant other waiting for you back home?
Nope.
Do you have children?
No.
Are you working remotely while traveling?
Not in the traditional sense. I left my career before starting this journey. I now spend a ridiculous amount of time creating content, managing social media, editing photos and videos, and working on Jelly Untethered. It's beginning to generate some income, but this trip wasn't originally funded by social media.
Are you independently wealthy?
Absolutely not. I'm not rich, and I'm definitely not a trust fund baby. My parents aren't rich either. Unless they've been hiding something from me all these years, in which case we need to have a conversation. 🤣
Do you receive alimony?
That's funny. No. Almost the opposite, actually. 🤣
Did you retire early?
Nope. I stepped away from a career I'd been in for more than two decades to decompress, reconnect with myself, and figure out who I am outside of a career, marriage, obligations, expectations, and all the other boxes we're apparently supposed to check.
Originally, I assumed I'd eventually find another job somewhere and rejoin the rat race. Now? We'll see. This little Jelly Untethered experiment seems to have developed a mind of its own.
How do you afford this?
First of all, mind your business. 🤣 Seriously though, I am always amused by how comfortable people are asking complete strangers detailed questions about their finances. If someone pulls up next to you in a brand new Mercedes, do you roll down your window and yell, "HEY! HOW DO YOU AFFORD THAT?"
Probably not.
But, here are the answers...I have no on land expenses. I have no permanent home. So I do not have a mortgage, rent, electric, wifi, car payment, etc.
I never had kids. If you don't know, they are expensive!!!
And, I sail on casino offers. All I typically pay are port fees and taxes. If you have not heard of this or know how it works, please do not ask me all the questions. I am not an expert. There are plenty of facebook and reddit threads you can read and research. Simply Google it.
I also use airline miles, hotel points, credit card rewards, and other travel benefits whenever possible.
And lastly, I do not live like I am on vacation. I am not eating off ship very often. I do not buy drink packages, visit the spa for facials and massages, I rarely do specialty dining, I seek inexpensive hotels, I rarely do ship sponsored excursions or private tours. I use public transportation over taxis or Ubers. I have stayed in hostels and will again. I don't buy souvenirs or clothing with every country's name on it. I really try to mind my spending.
Do you travel insurance?
Yes. I have an annual plan with Allianz.
Do you have health insurance?
Yes. But it is not international health insurance.
What happens if you get sick or injured on ship or in another country?
I pay put of pocket and submit to Allianz for refund. Also, often times, healthcare in other countries is far less expensive than a monthly health insurance premium here in the United States. 🤷♀️ I know there are loopholes and I may be taking a risk. But thats okay. I'd rather take small risks and be happy than not do anything because I am living my life in fear of something that is unlikely to ever happen.
What about medications?
I get refills 3 months at a time when back in Massachusetts. If my rx is ready for refill, I ask someone to pick it up for me and hold it until I return home. Did you know many medications are actually over the counter in other countries? And, you can buy them for less than what you'd pay for an rx copay here in the states? So, if I need more and am in another country where it is over the counter, I can just walk into the pharmacy and ask for a supply to hold me over until I get back to Massachusetts.
What about doctor and dentist visits?
I schedule everything for when I am back in Massachusetts. It takes planning bit is not impossible.
Do I use a travel agent?
No. I used one a couple of years ago for my recent Princess trip and she was great. But I know the ins and outs of Holland better than most travel agents. So I just book on their website.
Do you pay a single supplement because you're traveling alone?
Not on my casino offers. With regular cruise fares, solo travelers often pay more because cabins are generally priced based on double occupancy. Some cruise lines and ships do have solo cabins and special solo fares.
Do you get lonely?
Sometimes. But I occasionally got lonely as a single woman when living on land. And, the way I look at it is I'm going to feel lonely once in a while, I might as well do it while staring at a glacier, sitting on a balcony in the middle of the ocean, or wandering around some beautiful European city.
What's the worst part about traveling alone?
Trying to put sunscreen on my back. 😅
Do you get bored?
Never. In port, I'm usually wandering around exploring, taking photos, looking for wildlife, getting lost, figuring out public transportation, or drinking a local b**r somewhere.
On sea days, there's always something happening. And if nothing interests me, I'm perfectly happy sitting on my balcony, listening to music, organizing photos, watching a movie, reading, or staring at the ocean. I genuinely enjoy my own company.
What do you do all day on sea days?
Watch the sunrise. Eat breakfast. Sit by the pool. Work on my tan. Swim. Nap. Organize photos. Edit videos. Work on social media. Read. Watch movies. Walk the track. Listen to music. Occasionally day drink. Doom scroll Instagram reels. 🤷♀️
Then eventually my brain wanders off and starts contemplating important scientific questions like who first watched a baby cow drinking milk and thought, "You know what? I should try that." We are the only species to drink another species milk regularly.
Don't you tire of the same entertainment on ship over and over?
No because I rarely go to shows. I have been to a few world stage performances or comedians and I just don't care for them. I will go see the BB King band and/or the Rolling Stone Lounge band most nights if I like them. And if on the same ship long enough, you will hear some repeat songs performed. But that’s ok by me!
Do you dine alone?
Frequently. I ate alone when I lived in Massachusetts too, so it doesn't feel awkward to me. Sometimes I eat with friends I've met onboard. Other times I prefer eating alone because I don't want to coordinate my schedule with anyone else's.
And shared tables in the dining room?
Hit or miss. There is VERY little middle ground. 🤣 So I do not do them often. Also, it's mostly couples. And normally I truly don't care but sometimes I feel awkward as the only single person at a table with 3 other couples.
Don't you get sick of eating the same food?
No. There are so many choices onboard that it would take forever to eat every possible combination. I also usually eat only two meals a day with maybe a snack somewhere in between. And anyone who has followed me for a while already knows I have a somewhat unhealthy emotional attachment to a really good custom salad from the lido.
Do you meet new people?
Constantly. Every single day. Some become friends. Some don't. Not everyone is my kind of person, and I'm certainly not everyone's kind of person. That's perfectly okay. One of my favorite things about cruising is how easy it is to meet people from completely different places and walks of life.
Do you get seasick?
Not yet! Sometimes the ocean gets a little spicy and the ship moves around more than usual, but most of the time it's just gentle rocking. I still carry motion sickness medication just in case.
Why Holland America? Isn't everyone old?
🤣 First, no. Second, the older demographic is actually part of what I like about it. I chose not to have children, so spending my travels surrounded by other people's children isn't particularly high on my bucket list. I'm also not looking for water slides, go-karts, surf simulators, arcades, or a floating nightclub.
I'm 46, but some days I identify as 76. Give me a comfortable chair, live music, good food, interesting conversation, a cocktail, and people with some life experience.
Are you afraid to visit new countries alone?
No. I'm street smart, use common sense, stay aware of my surroundings, research where I'm going, and trust my instincts. Sometimes I use public transportation. Sometimes I just wander around by myself with absolutely no plan.
One of the biggest things traveling has taught me is that most people around the world are far kinder and more helpful than the headlines would have us believe. Foreign countries are not a scary place and people do not hate Americans. They often have questions but certainly do not hate the citizens.
What do you do about your mail?
I barely receive physical mail anymore. As I don't have bills. Most of my mail was monthly bills associated with my home. Also, most of my life is electronic. I maintain a mailing address with family in Massachusetts, which is also where I stay when I'm back between adventures.
What did you do with all your stuff?
What stuff? 🤣
I sold, donated, gifted, recycled, or threw away most of it. I kept some practical belongings I'll eventually use again but truly not much. I've never been particularly attached to possessions, knick knacks or sentimental over things. I'd rather spend money collecting experiences than collecting stuff.
Aren't you worried about being out of your career for this long?
Not really. I have more than two decades of professional experience, a masters degree, skills, and a work history. If I decide to return to a traditional career someday, I'll figure it out. The difference now is that I'm no longer convinced a traditional career is the only possible ending to this story.
What happens when the year is over?
I have absolutely no idea. And I've become very comfortable saying that. Maybe I'll settle somewhere. Maybe I'll work again. Maybe I'll keep traveling. Maybe Jelly Untethered becomes much bigger and something I never expected. For the first time in my adult life, I don't need to know exactly what comes next. And that is I think what I love most about this journey. Its oddly very freeing.
What's your favorite place so far?
Impossible question. Every destination gives me something different. But Armenia and Alaska have a very special place in my heart.
What's been the biggest surprise?
The people. Without question. Complete strangers can become friends unbelievably quickly when you're traveling. Some of the people I've met during this journey have become people I genuinely can't imagine not knowing now.
What's the biggest thing you've learned about yourself?
That I'm far more capable and adaptable than I ever gave myself credit for. That having no long term plan can actually be incredibly freeing. That I'm not solely defined by my career or marriage or what society deems is "normal". That I can figure things out when things go wrong. And apparently people actually like me despite the sarcasm and complete lack of a functioning filter. 🤷♀️🤣
Do you ever regret leaving your old life?
Sometimes. But not often. And then I remember why I left. You can miss pieces of your old life without wanting the entire life back.
I miss my friends and family. I miss certain routines. I miss the Fall in New England. But I don't regret giving myself this experience.
Well, aren't you lucky?
I am fortunate to be able to do this. But it wasn't simply luck. I worked my entire adult life, often more than one job at a time. I lived within my means, saved money, avoided unnecessary debt, and made choices that eventually allowed me to take this opportunity.
And let's be realistic...
Being 46, divorced, single, child free, technically jobless, and technically homeless isn't exactly everyone's definition of hitting the lottery. 🤣
So there has been no luck involved. Lady luck is actually rarely on my side. Quite the opposite.
I think that covers most of the questions!
But with all the new people here, I'm sure I've missed something.
Drop your questions below. Chances are, if you're wondering about it, somebody else is too. 🌎🚢❤️
