John & Erica. One kid launched.
Infinite possibilities.

The only thing consistent in life is change

It actually hit us a year before the graduation cap went in the air — standing in a college dormitory during our daughter's first campus visit, looking at each other with that unspoken realization: this is really happening.

The truth is, the transition happens gradually. Teenagers do what teenagers are supposed to do — they pull away, fill their lives with friends and school and their own story. You cheer them on while quietly doing the math on what comes next.

We're writing this because we know we're not alone in it. Our daughter still lives at home for now — but the dynamic has shifted, the countdown is real, and the next chapter is closer than it's ever been. The mix of pride and "now what?" is already setting in. If any of that sounds familiar, you're in the right place. This is our story, but we want to hear yours too.

For a lot of people, that question feels like a loss. For us, it felt like a starting gun.

Who we are

We're John and Erica, based in Missouri. We're a working couple with real jobs, a mortgage, and a very real life — but we're building toward something different. John is entrepreneurial at heart and is quietly working on projects that could one day replace the 9-to-5 entirely. Erica is the grounded, practical half of the operation who keeps things honest and moving forward.

John has been a runner for years and travel has always been part of his DNA. Erica is newer to the travel bug — but it's biting. We love our daughter and are soaking up every moment we still have with her at home. But we're also at a stage in life where we're rediscovering each other, dreaming a little bigger, and starting to plan what the next chapter looks like — one trip at a time.

Why "Youngish Nomads?"

We're not twenty-something backpackers living out of hostels. But we're not ready for a cruise ship itinerary either. We're somewhere in the middle — experienced enough to travel smart, young enough in spirit to still take the road less traveled.

"Nomads" is a little aspirational for now — we still have jobs, a mortgage, and a very real life in Missouri. But the goal? Walk away from corporate America, see the world, and build something that funds the adventure. We're honest about where we are and transparent about where we're headed.

What you'll find here

• 🌍 Honest travel stories — the good, the expensive, and the unexpected
• ✈️ Destination guides written for people who aren't 25 anymore
• 💪 Staying active and healthy on the road
• 💸 The real cost of travel and how we make it work
• 🧭 The bigger journey — building a life that doesn't wait for retirement