Trading Empty for Open: The Ultimate Radio Vagabond Adventure

Are you ready to flip the script on aging and discover a life wide open? On this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, hosts Tessa and Amir welcome back a true legend of the open road, Palle Bo. Palle is the definition of an "Open Nester"—someone who decided that once the kids flew the coop, it was time to open the door to endless possibilities. 

Known as the "Radio Vagabond," Palle traded his secure life in Denmark for a global adventure that has taken him to over 100 countries. Whether you are dreaming of selling it all or just taking a longer vacation, his story is bound to inspire your inner nomad.

You might assume that traveling the world requires a massive bank account, but Palle busts that myth right away. Back in 2016, after his youngest child moved out, he sold his house, car, and furniture to live out of a suitcase. Surprisingly, he spends about half of what he used to spend living a "normal" life in Denmark. 

He isn't retired; he’s a digital nomad who runs a production company from his laptop, proving that you really can work from anywhere—whether that’s a cafe in Colombia or a road trip through Saudi Arabia.

However, Palle is quick to point out that this lifestyle requires a bit of mindfulness to truly enjoy it. He talks candidly about "travel fatigue" and the importance of slowing down to "get the hunger back". If he finds himself staring at a beautiful waterfall and not feeling the magic, he knows it’s time to check into a hostel and do absolutely nothing for a while. As Tessa notes, meaningful travel isn’t about rushing through a checklist; it’s about staying long enough that the local coffee shop guy knows your name.

One of the biggest fears Open Nesters face is losing touch with their children, but Palle’s experience has been the exact opposite. He reveals that he actually speaks to his kids more now than he did when they were all living under the same roof. They think it's pretty cool to have a dad out exploring the world, and they even plan epic meet-ups, like an upcoming road trip across the UK. It turns out that distance doesn't have to mean disconnection; in fact, it can spark a whole new kind of adult relationship.

Before you rush to pack your bags, Palle offers some honest advice: this life isn't for everyone. If you love your own bed and the convenience of next-day Amazon deliveries, you might prefer a home base. But if you are curious, he suggests testing the waters by renting out your place for six months before burning any bridges. To hear more about his incredible journey—from Maasai villages to digital nomad conferences—be sure to check out Palle Bo's own show, The Radio Vagabond Podcast. Safe travels!