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After Almost Losing My Life In 2016, I Made Sure 2017 Was The Best Year Of My Life

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At the very end of 2016, I was hit by a drunk driver in Thailand and ended up going through a 4 hour-long plastic surgery that cost over $10,000, which saved my life…

Lying in the hospital bed I realized this was one of the best things that could have ever happened to me, because it made me realize how short and wonderful life was and that I should live every day of my life as if it was my last.

So once I left the hospital, I decided to make the most of every single day I get to spend living my life and… that made 2017 the best year of my life!

More info: Instagram

RELATED:

At the end of 2016, I was hit by a drunk driver in Thailand and ended up going through a 4 hour-long plastic surgery that saved my life…

After Almost Losing My Life In 2016, I Made Sure 2017 Was The Best Year Of My Life

It was one of the best things that could have happened to me, because it made me realize I should live every single day as if it was my last

After Almost Losing My Life In 2016, I Made Sure 2017 Was The Best Year Of My Life

So once I left the hospital, I decided to make the most of every day I get to spend living my life and…

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After Almost Losing My Life In 2016, I Made Sure 2017 Was The Best Year Of My Life

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That made 2017 THE BEST YEAR OF MY LIFE!

After Almost Losing My Life In 2016, I Made Sure 2017 Was The Best Year Of My Life

I fulfilled my childhood’s dream and hiked to the basecamp of Mt. Everest

After Almost Losing My Life In 2016, I Made Sure 2017 Was The Best Year Of My Life

Spent time chilling in the gorgeous deserts of Iran

After Almost Losing My Life In 2016, I Made Sure 2017 Was The Best Year Of My Life

Went skydiving in New Zealand with some breath-taking views

After Almost Losing My Life In 2016, I Made Sure 2017 Was The Best Year Of My Life

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Got myself into crazy snowstorms motorbiking in India

After Almost Losing My Life In 2016, I Made Sure 2017 Was The Best Year Of My Life

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Had a blast driving over 3,000 kilometers all around Oman

After Almost Losing My Life In 2016, I Made Sure 2017 Was The Best Year Of My Life

Climbed dozens of mountains and volcanoes

After Almost Losing My Life In 2016, I Made Sure 2017 Was The Best Year Of My Life

Spent 3 days camping in the so-called “Mars On Earth”

After Almost Losing My Life In 2016, I Made Sure 2017 Was The Best Year Of My Life

Couldn’t believe my eyes witnessing sunsets like this

After Almost Losing My Life In 2016, I Made Sure 2017 Was The Best Year Of My Life

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Took some of ’em touristy pictures in Hobbiton

After Almost Losing My Life In 2016, I Made Sure 2017 Was The Best Year Of My Life

Spent 5 days living in the slums of Mumbai

After Almost Losing My Life In 2016, I Made Sure 2017 Was The Best Year Of My Life

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Had some epic corn drinks in South Korea

After Almost Losing My Life In 2016, I Made Sure 2017 Was The Best Year Of My Life

And simply had an absolute blast living every day as if it was my last!

After Almost Losing My Life In 2016, I Made Sure 2017 Was The Best Year Of My Life

See it all in the video below!

29Kviews

A location independent entrepreneur traveling the world. Life's short. Why waste a second?

A location independent entrepreneur traveling the world. Life's short. Why waste a second?

What do you think ?

Molly Tallmadge 6 years ago

In 2015, my friends mom was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Due to the low chance of survival, she is now traveling the world and beating the odds! She was expected to die last month as it progressed. But she still lives on. My friend is in Peru with her, and it's so beautiful!

17points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Molly, wow! That mom is SO INSPIRING! I wish her all the best and hope that she keeps living her life on her own terms beating all the odds. Forwarrrd!

10points

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John L 6 years ago

I'm still trying to decide if your companion was a human, or a tripod. Of course the skydiving picture is obvious there.

11points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

It'd either be friends I'd make on the road or a tripod haha!

8points

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Mixedupste 6 years ago

Wow!! Its great you have done all this but how can you afford to do it??

5points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

I have a couple of online businesses that I work on while traveling. Works out quite well :)

3points

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Johnny Šuník 6 years ago

Same here... Last year I was hit by a car and ended up im-mobile for half a year... a big reset both physicaly and mentaly as I re-evaluated all my aims and life goals... after I re-learned how to walk again I am enjoying every step I make more than ever... every step and every day...

4points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Awesome to know that, Johnny! Whatever doesn't kill us, makes us stronger - forwarrrd! :)

2points

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Painted Baer 6 years ago

Good for you! I feel the exact same day about life as you ~ always have! I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2001 ~ the good thing about that was friends actually started doing their bucket lists with me! Funny thing is we are all dying, it is the only guarantee we have in life. Life is so amazing...I could live a thousand lifetimes and still never do everything I would like, but I am working on it... ;-)

4points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Wow, I'm really happy you see everything this way - I'm with you 100%! Let's make the most of our limited time here :)

2points

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SanchaTheSeeker 6 years ago

You are a very inspirational man. You are inspiring others to keep going no matter the obstacle. We are all fighting our own battles whether it is a 10000 word paper or a fight to live, keep going. Thank you for sharing this amazing story!!!

3points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Thank you very much for your support - it truly means a lot to me! Good luck with that 10,000 word paper - YOU CAN DO IT!

1point

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UniversalMel 6 years ago

Good job!

3points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Thanksss!

2points

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Beatz Girl (Erica) 6 years ago

This is amazing! One of my favourites quotes is "sometimes something bad has to happen because you can experience the good" and this is an excellent example of that. I'm so glad your accident gave you the opportunity to go on such amazing adventures. It looks like a dream come true!

2points

Beatz Girl (Erica) 6 years ago

*before

2points

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Kizito 6 years ago

Bruh, who paid for all these?

2points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Working remotely paid for this :)

1point

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PyroarRanger 6 years ago

That's amazing! I bet you could travel to more places in 2018, and experience amazing places and things!

2points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

That's the #plan haha :)

2points

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Elizabott 6 years ago

Bad. A*s. Dude. I can't even imagine the endurance power you must have. Come to Canada sometime!!!

2points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

I'd love to - it's one of those countries I've wanted to visit for years, hey! :)

2points

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Carol Williams 6 years ago

I can't afford to leave a 50 mile radius...

2points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

If you find a remote job, you can!

0points

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باندا 6 years ago

You replied 😍 hehe

1point

MayaD 6 years ago

How can a plastic surgery save someones life? It's called 'plastic' for a reason, It's only for aesthetics. I call b******t, you're just promoting your stuff.

1point

Gayle Bynum Cardosa 6 years ago

With you 100% on that. The "hospital" photo is so lame. I also suspect that poster "Panagiotis Nikas" is either him or someone connected with him. This is ridiculous.

0points

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Andrew Moore 6 years ago

This is really inspiring. Great photos by the way!

1point

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Thank you very much, Andrew! Means a lot to me!

1point

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Panagiotis Nikas 6 years ago

Jacob Laukaitis i just downloaded your free book about digital nomads and it is very useful, thank you for sharing it with us! So many good ideas about how to work remotely, propably i will do something of them! Thank you again! (((: Pandas download his book it is awesome!

1point

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Thank you very much - I'm really happy to know that :)

0points

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Sheila Belo 6 years ago

Where did you get the money to do all of that? Even if you stayed in tents the flights alone are so expensive

1point

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

I have a couple of online businesses, meaning I can work from absolutely anywhere as long as I have my computer and a Wi-Fi connection. Because remote work allows me not to lose my income, financially speaking, traveling is very similar to staying in one place - you make some money each month and you spend some money each month. You can do this too!

2points

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Irit Juviler 6 years ago

that's nice... i would do that even without a near death experience, only it requires money...

1point

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

If you find ways to earn money remotely, you can work from anywhere, as long as you have your computer and a Wi-Fi connection. Go for it!

0points

Load More Replies...

Rachael Marrast 6 years ago

This would be me now if it were not for bills and my kids having to go to school and the lack of money. So good on ya mate.

1point

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

I hope you can do this in the future as well!

1point

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Shruti Naik 6 years ago

This is what I'm gonna do. Someday. When I have enough money to travel the world. For now I'm gonna study.

1point

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Go for it! And if you find a remote job, you'll be able to do it indefinitely :)

0points

Load More Replies...

Jennifer Voss 6 years ago

How did you pay for everything? I hope you got some money from the drunk driver, but that would be to good to be true.

0points

MissAnthrop 6 years ago

If only i xould do that but i dont have enough money to travel around the world and also the depression is killing me inside slowly...

0points

Kasia Kozakiewicz 6 years ago

SOOOOOOOOO inspirational <3 I still have few months to go for my own adventure so keep watching those kind of articles to help me go through this time! :D:D Amazing! Sometimes people just need some kind of shock for their eyes to open up!

0points

Arindam Bhattacharjee 6 years ago

WHERE DO YOU GET THE MONEY FOR IT ?

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

I work remotely. Here's an explanation of how I manage to do it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVjAE0AQdI4 :)

0points

Load More Replies...

Melody Lanzatella 6 years ago

Its all great! CONGRATS! However, I must say, the deserts of Iran??? That decision was questionable...at best.

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Why? :)

1point

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Tiago Mesquita 6 years ago

I want too, but my money don't let me.

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

If you work remotely, you'll have the money and the time to do it, trust me :)

0points

Load More Replies...

Miroslava Simeonova 6 years ago

Awesome! Amazing adventure, keep going and thanks for the inspiration! <3

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Thank you for the kind words, Miroslava! Glad you enjoyed my story!

1point

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Hamdhaan Hassan 6 years ago

thats amazing i would love to do all those things

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

I'm sure you can!

1point

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A dose of reality... 6 years ago

Great pictures, but I always wonder why people somehow need an "almost-dying-experience"?

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Well... I was traveling for years prior to this near-death experience and even though I really did appreciate my life, when you get so close to death, you just start appreciating everything a lot more. So we don't 'need' that experience per se, but it definitely puts things into perspective - which is really useful :)

-2points

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Симеон Тодоров 6 years ago

You're absolutely adorable. I can't imagine what you went through, it's great you didn't give up.

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Thank you very much for the kind words - they mean a lot to me!

0points

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iblowsheep 6 years ago

SO, how do you manage to fund all of this traveling?

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

I work remotely - there's a video about how to do that on my YouTube channel as well if you're interested :)

-2points

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HappyLilHobbit 6 years ago

Hobbiton! YAY! It's always been a dream of mine to go there!

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

It's a very touristy place, but super fun at the same time - definitely go visit whenever you have the chance!

0points

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Hans Kaiser 6 years ago

where did you get the money and time to do this?

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

I can work from anywhere as long as I have my computer and a Wi-Fi connection, so that's how I can go from place to place without stopping :)

-2points

Load More Replies...

Constance A 6 years ago

Wow! Where did you take that picture for South Korea? I'm visiting there in 2 weeks. Would love to be able to see that view and enjoy a corn drink :)

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

That was in this beautiful city called Busan - on top of a hill in the city. Definitely check it out!

1point

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Captain Planet 6 years ago

Looks awesome. Might I ask what you do for a living? I mean a location independent entrepreneur doesn't really say anything haha.

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

I have a couple of online businesses that I work on while traveling (there's a video about that on my YouTube channel too if you're interested), but most people working remotely either have full-time remote jobs or freelance doing software engineering, web design, translations, etc. - it's easier than ever to do it!

-2points

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باندا 6 years ago

This is so awesome!

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Haha thanksss!

0points

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Shubham Vedpathak 6 years ago

This guy is my Hero!

-1point

Molly Tallmadge 6 years ago

In 2015, my friends mom was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Due to the low chance of survival, she is now traveling the world and beating the odds! She was expected to die last month as it progressed. But she still lives on. My friend is in Peru with her, and it's so beautiful!

17points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Molly, wow! That mom is SO INSPIRING! I wish her all the best and hope that she keeps living her life on her own terms beating all the odds. Forwarrrd!

10points

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John L 6 years ago

I'm still trying to decide if your companion was a human, or a tripod. Of course the skydiving picture is obvious there.

11points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

It'd either be friends I'd make on the road or a tripod haha!

8points

Load More Replies...

Mixedupste 6 years ago

Wow!! Its great you have done all this but how can you afford to do it??

5points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

I have a couple of online businesses that I work on while traveling. Works out quite well :)

3points

Load More Replies...

Johnny Šuník 6 years ago

Same here... Last year I was hit by a car and ended up im-mobile for half a year... a big reset both physicaly and mentaly as I re-evaluated all my aims and life goals... after I re-learned how to walk again I am enjoying every step I make more than ever... every step and every day...

4points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Awesome to know that, Johnny! Whatever doesn't kill us, makes us stronger - forwarrrd! :)

2points

Load More Replies...

Painted Baer 6 years ago

Good for you! I feel the exact same day about life as you ~ always have! I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2001 ~ the good thing about that was friends actually started doing their bucket lists with me! Funny thing is we are all dying, it is the only guarantee we have in life. Life is so amazing...I could live a thousand lifetimes and still never do everything I would like, but I am working on it... ;-)

4points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Wow, I'm really happy you see everything this way - I'm with you 100%! Let's make the most of our limited time here :)

2points

Load More Replies...

SanchaTheSeeker 6 years ago

You are a very inspirational man. You are inspiring others to keep going no matter the obstacle. We are all fighting our own battles whether it is a 10000 word paper or a fight to live, keep going. Thank you for sharing this amazing story!!!

3points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Thank you very much for your support - it truly means a lot to me! Good luck with that 10,000 word paper - YOU CAN DO IT!

1point

Load More Replies...

UniversalMel 6 years ago

Good job!

3points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Thanksss!

2points

Load More Replies...

Beatz Girl (Erica) 6 years ago

This is amazing! One of my favourites quotes is "sometimes something bad has to happen because you can experience the good" and this is an excellent example of that. I'm so glad your accident gave you the opportunity to go on such amazing adventures. It looks like a dream come true!

2points

Beatz Girl (Erica) 6 years ago

*before

2points

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Kizito 6 years ago

Bruh, who paid for all these?

2points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Working remotely paid for this :)

1point

Load More Replies...

PyroarRanger 6 years ago

That's amazing! I bet you could travel to more places in 2018, and experience amazing places and things!

2points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

That's the #plan haha :)

2points

Load More Replies...

Elizabott 6 years ago

Bad. A*s. Dude. I can't even imagine the endurance power you must have. Come to Canada sometime!!!

2points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

I'd love to - it's one of those countries I've wanted to visit for years, hey! :)

2points

Load More Replies...

Carol Williams 6 years ago

I can't afford to leave a 50 mile radius...

2points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

If you find a remote job, you can!

0points

Load More Replies...

باندا 6 years ago

You replied 😍 hehe

1point

MayaD 6 years ago

How can a plastic surgery save someones life? It's called 'plastic' for a reason, It's only for aesthetics. I call b******t, you're just promoting your stuff.

1point

Gayle Bynum Cardosa 6 years ago

With you 100% on that. The "hospital" photo is so lame. I also suspect that poster "Panagiotis Nikas" is either him or someone connected with him. This is ridiculous.

0points

Load More Replies...

Andrew Moore 6 years ago

This is really inspiring. Great photos by the way!

1point

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Thank you very much, Andrew! Means a lot to me!

1point

Load More Replies...

Panagiotis Nikas 6 years ago

Jacob Laukaitis i just downloaded your free book about digital nomads and it is very useful, thank you for sharing it with us! So many good ideas about how to work remotely, propably i will do something of them! Thank you again! (((: Pandas download his book it is awesome!

1point

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Thank you very much - I'm really happy to know that :)

0points

Load More Replies...

Sheila Belo 6 years ago

Where did you get the money to do all of that? Even if you stayed in tents the flights alone are so expensive

1point

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

I have a couple of online businesses, meaning I can work from absolutely anywhere as long as I have my computer and a Wi-Fi connection. Because remote work allows me not to lose my income, financially speaking, traveling is very similar to staying in one place - you make some money each month and you spend some money each month. You can do this too!

2points

Load More Replies...

Irit Juviler 6 years ago

that's nice... i would do that even without a near death experience, only it requires money...

1point

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

If you find ways to earn money remotely, you can work from anywhere, as long as you have your computer and a Wi-Fi connection. Go for it!

0points

Load More Replies...

Rachael Marrast 6 years ago

This would be me now if it were not for bills and my kids having to go to school and the lack of money. So good on ya mate.

1point

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

I hope you can do this in the future as well!

1point

Load More Replies...

Shruti Naik 6 years ago

This is what I'm gonna do. Someday. When I have enough money to travel the world. For now I'm gonna study.

1point

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Go for it! And if you find a remote job, you'll be able to do it indefinitely :)

0points

Load More Replies...

Jennifer Voss 6 years ago

How did you pay for everything? I hope you got some money from the drunk driver, but that would be to good to be true.

0points

MissAnthrop 6 years ago

If only i xould do that but i dont have enough money to travel around the world and also the depression is killing me inside slowly...

0points

Kasia Kozakiewicz 6 years ago

SOOOOOOOOO inspirational <3 I still have few months to go for my own adventure so keep watching those kind of articles to help me go through this time! :D:D Amazing! Sometimes people just need some kind of shock for their eyes to open up!

0points

Arindam Bhattacharjee 6 years ago

WHERE DO YOU GET THE MONEY FOR IT ?

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

I work remotely. Here's an explanation of how I manage to do it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVjAE0AQdI4 :)

0points

Load More Replies...

Melody Lanzatella 6 years ago

Its all great! CONGRATS! However, I must say, the deserts of Iran??? That decision was questionable...at best.

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Why? :)

1point

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Tiago Mesquita 6 years ago

I want too, but my money don't let me.

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

If you work remotely, you'll have the money and the time to do it, trust me :)

0points

Load More Replies...

Miroslava Simeonova 6 years ago

Awesome! Amazing adventure, keep going and thanks for the inspiration! <3

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Thank you for the kind words, Miroslava! Glad you enjoyed my story!

1point

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Hamdhaan Hassan 6 years ago

thats amazing i would love to do all those things

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

I'm sure you can!

1point

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A dose of reality... 6 years ago

Great pictures, but I always wonder why people somehow need an "almost-dying-experience"?

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Well... I was traveling for years prior to this near-death experience and even though I really did appreciate my life, when you get so close to death, you just start appreciating everything a lot more. So we don't 'need' that experience per se, but it definitely puts things into perspective - which is really useful :)

-2points

Load More Replies...

Симеон Тодоров 6 years ago

You're absolutely adorable. I can't imagine what you went through, it's great you didn't give up.

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Thank you very much for the kind words - they mean a lot to me!

0points

Load More Replies...

iblowsheep 6 years ago

SO, how do you manage to fund all of this traveling?

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

I work remotely - there's a video about how to do that on my YouTube channel as well if you're interested :)

-2points

Load More Replies...

HappyLilHobbit 6 years ago

Hobbiton! YAY! It's always been a dream of mine to go there!

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

It's a very touristy place, but super fun at the same time - definitely go visit whenever you have the chance!

0points

Load More Replies...

Hans Kaiser 6 years ago

where did you get the money and time to do this?

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

I can work from anywhere as long as I have my computer and a Wi-Fi connection, so that's how I can go from place to place without stopping :)

-2points

Load More Replies...

Constance A 6 years ago

Wow! Where did you take that picture for South Korea? I'm visiting there in 2 weeks. Would love to be able to see that view and enjoy a corn drink :)

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

That was in this beautiful city called Busan - on top of a hill in the city. Definitely check it out!

1point

Load More Replies...

Captain Planet 6 years ago

Looks awesome. Might I ask what you do for a living? I mean a location independent entrepreneur doesn't really say anything haha.

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

I have a couple of online businesses that I work on while traveling (there's a video about that on my YouTube channel too if you're interested), but most people working remotely either have full-time remote jobs or freelance doing software engineering, web design, translations, etc. - it's easier than ever to do it!

-2points

Load More Replies...

باندا 6 years ago

This is so awesome!

0points

JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago

Haha thanksss!

0points

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Shubham Vedpathak 6 years ago

This guy is my Hero!

-1point

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