Are you eager to create a lifestyle that allows you the freedom to travel where and when you want? It’s a scenario that many dream of—and that is becoming a reality for more people all the time, it seems.

I’ve been thinking back over the steps that led me to the life I have today, and I thought I’d break it down to (hopefully!) show you that the lifestyle you want is within reach.

I’ve tried to keep the list simple, but I’ll be the first to acknowledge that although creating a life of travel is totally doable, it’s not always a walk in the park. Many of these things need to happen simultaneously, and each individual step has its own challenges. Some steps might take a lot longer than you’d like (believe me, I’ve been there).

My goal here is to provide a brief overview—and to have you correct me if I’ve forgotten anything! Each of the links below will take you to a more detailed post on that topic.

If you’re still figuring out what your Nomadtopia looks like, start with these two posts: How to Create a Lifestyle that Aligns with Your Values and Are You Chasing Somebody Else’s Dream?

Then, move on to the logistics:

1. Make a money plan: Save money and/or develop a solid plan for how you will make money while on the road.

2. Plot your escape: Pare down your possessions—everything you don’t get rid of will either need to go with you or be stored somewhere. If you’re renting, figure out when you’ll be able to move out, if you’ll need to break your lease, etc. If you’re a homeowner, decide if you want to sell your place, rent it out, or explore options like home exchange.

3. Sort out travel logistics: Decide where to go, research and buy plane tickets, buy travel insurance, etc. As your itinerary comes together, you’ll have a better sense of how much money you’ll need (see #1).

4. Start packing: Figure out what you’ll take with you, what luggage to use, and what equipment you’ll need if you’re planning to work on the road. Determine where you’ll leave anything you’re not taking with you.

5. Disengage and automate: Cancel, put on hold, or automate all your local expenses and accounts (gym membership, cell phone plan, banking, utilities). Find someone reliable to take care of your mail and any other business that might come up while you’re gone.

6. Prepare a soft landing: Do more research on where you’re going, and arrange preliminary accommodations in your first destination so you’ll know where you’re going when you first get there.

7. Hit the road!