Hi, my name is Anil Polat, a blogger and digital nomad on a journey to every country in the world and you’re invited to join the adventure! foXnoMad is where I combine travel and tech to help you travel smarter.
You can keep up with me through my newsletter and I also upload weekly videos about travel, food, culture, plus tech over here on YouTube.
In addition to writing and making videos, I also develop apps to help you get around common travel problems I’ve come across frequently too. WiFox [Android/iOS] keeps you connected to the Internet around the world, DroneMate [Android/iOS] is for travelers using drones, FaucetSafe [Android/iOS] can reduce your environmental impact, and GrassFox [Android/iOS] is for adults who might enjoy something other than a glass of wine for recreation.
This is where I’ve been – I’m currently around 90 countries – and where I may be headed. (Do get in touch if we might be crossing paths!) I have traveled to places from Cuba, Yemen, to Iceland and began this blog as a way to share the tips and tech you can use to travel smarter.
Traveling From An Early Age
I started traveling at a very early age, moving back and forth between Turkey and the United States tagging along with my journalist parents to other destinations as well. Before I began traveling nonstop, I was a full-time computer security consultant for 6 years, traveling very often for my job.
Then, I decided to sell most of my stuff, live out of one suitcase (my closet) and a carry-on bag (my office), on a mission to visit every country in the world.
A few things have happened since, like being featured on Travel Channel and New York Times, getting published by the likes of WIRED, Lifehacker, PC World, appearing in Nokia commercials, being given a car by Ford, developing several top 10 travel apps, and intentionally falling for every scam in India – with so much more you can catch up on here.
And I haven’t regretted it for one moment.
As for what’s to come? That’s an adventure you’re invited to join. I write twice a week – on Tuesdays and Thursdays – and you can keep up with me on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If inboxes are more your thing, subscribe via email or monthly newsletter.
Over the years I learned to minimize my belongings, adapt to frequently changing environments, and make the most out of my tech gadgets. You can also learn to become a traveling hacker on any trip – saving money, seeing more of the world, and using your laptop as the wonderful travel companion you never knew you had.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, it is because of you a small, irresistible but slightly crazy idea became possible. Perhaps we’ll cross paths for a drink or I’m always available digitally if you would like to say hello, have any comments, or share some of your stories with me too.
Travel smarter,
-Anil
Thanks for showing me what a great site should look like and for showing me what great content should be.
Reply
I appreciate that very much, thank you!
Reply
Dude you are awesome, really !!
Reply
Hey, 70 countries is awesome!
Will you also travel to dangerous places, like conflict zones? You might not need to visit all countries… some are very dangerous right now.
Personally, I’m at 20 countries in the list, but adding more and more 🙂
Reply
I’ll go to them all. I’m not sure I “need” to but it’s the goal I set for myself some years ago.
Reply
keep up good work pal 🙂
Reply
Teşekkürler Gökhan, seninde yolun açık olsun.
Reply
You are my idol. Are you single? Heheheh
Reply
I am in a very serious relationship with travel 😉
Reply
80 countries, and I’ve just been to 19! Seriously awesome. Been reading a lot of your travels, and getting lots of tips. Good luck!
Reply
Thank you and best of luck on your travels as well!
Reply
Love the photo and your blog is great!
Reply
Thank you very much!
Reply
Hey Anil, i must say that i love your blog and it has taught me some very interesting things, i just subscribed to it aswell as I’ll be needing a lot of tips in the future too.
Bro i need some advice, would you know if I can apply for a Portuguese passport with a different name (I hold an Indian passport already) or would that be considered illegal.
Reply
Thanks very much Aneesh, feel free to post your question here:
http://foxnomad.com/2012/06/07/how-to-travel-with-two-passports-if-youre-a-dual-citizen/
It’s a pretty active thread and more on topic. I’ll be happy to reply there. Thanks..
Reply
Love the links you share! I’ve been to 87 countries and counting… slowly, now that I have a 1-year-old. It’s nice to reminisce about my backpacking days, which I hope to resume when my son is older. He has dual Turkish-U.S. citizenship, and has been to 6 countries in his first year, so maybe he’ll end up like you! 🙂
Reply
Thank you Laura, that’s very nice of you to say – I have a feeling you and your son have a lot of travels ahead 🙂
Reply
just curious about something.. I happen to run into site talking about citzens with two passports.It’s one of those questions that I wanted to ask just to make sure… I have dual citizenship with both U.S. and Canadian passports..I’m planning on flying to the u.s. in July.. When I approach the customs border which passport should i present to the customs agent the U.S. or Canadian passport..By the way good site and info..
Reply
Feel free to post your question here:
http://foxnomad.com/2012/11/16/the-fast-answers-to-your-questions-about-traveling-as-a-dual-citizen/
Reply
Wow, you are exactly who I want to be in the future! I’m hoping to somehow combine my love of travel and future career as a network engineer, but am not sure if it’s feasible to do so.
Reply
Thank you so much. Anything is possible really especially if you have an expertise in the digital world.
Reply
Do you have a post that shows everything that you have in your backpack? I’m curious to know. I’ve been back reading your blog. It’s very interesting!
Reply
This is as close as I have!
http://foxnomad.com/about/tech-gear-and-gadgets-i-travel-with/
Reply
Hello, Anil!
I found your site just by chance.
First of all, I’m Brazilian and Canadian Citizen…
I’ve lived i Canada for 11 years, and before getting the Canadian Citizenship, I was using the brazilian Passport to re-enter Japan, as have JPR(Japanese Permanent Resident) Visa…This JPR Visa requires Re-entry Permit if if go outside of Japan…
I’ll be goig to Japan this soon, because I’m re-entering Japan, I have to use the Brazilian Passport, with the Re-entry Permit…and because I want to buy JR RailPass(gives us discounted fares for bus, train and ferries run by JR Transportation)in that country, I have to use the Canadian Passport. Because brazilians re-entering Japan with Re-entry Permit, are not eligible to use JR RailPass.
My question is: Can I use both, the Brazilian Passport(with Re-entry Permit), and the Canadian Passport(Immigration has to stamp the Temporary Visitor Status)to enter Japan?
Thank you if you read my concern, and hope to hear from you soon.
Reply
Feel free to ask your question here:
http://foxnomad.com/2012/11/16/the-fast-answers-to-your-questions-about-traveling-as-a-dual-citizen/
Reply
Anil
Wonder if my passports have two different names. One married and one maiden name. What concerns does this raise?
Reply
You might be able to find the answers you’re looking for in the comments here: http://foxnomad.com/2012/06/07/how-to-travel-with-two-passports-if-youre-a-dual-citizen/
Reply
93 countries and counting !!! will hit the 100 mark in 2016 !!!
Reply
Sweet, good luck and happy travels!
Reply
You are an inspiration. My husband and I meet in Tokyo 20 years ago. We are raising a global family. Our kids are bi-lingual and bi-cultural. I’v moved 14 times in 22 years and lived in five countries. I hope my kids turn out like you. They are well on their way. Keep up the good work!
Reply
Interesting story, thanks for sharing and the kind words!
Reply
Hi Anil, just came across your blog. I like your passion for travel and 80 countries is amazing! Good luck with your future travels. Will follow your blog.
Reply
Sweet, thanks!
Reply
Spiffy new website Anil, I kinda miss the old fox though! 🙂
Reply
Thanks! It was hard for my eyes to adjust at first too 🙂 Maybe I’ll do a throwback at some point for fun!
Reply
Heinz Stücke, between 1962 and 2010, cycled more than 609,000 kilometres and visited 195 countries and 78 territories.
Reply
Strong legs! 🙂
Reply
I’ve known Anil for at least 12 years and know how much he loves to travel and takes his blog very seriously. I’m just so excited and happy for him that his new app is booming around the world. O haven’t had the chance to use it yet but have recommended for quite a few friends that I’m sure have used it. Much more success your way, my friend!
Reply
Thank you so much for the support as always!
Reply
I just saw on fbook About the “free” WiFi on the AirPort. And they added your name.
So i see that u are travelling around And thats what iam wanne to do next year!
Always wanted iT my whole life. And iam 41 now And thinking i have to do iT now before i will be sorry for not doing iT. I will follow u on fbook 😃.
Good luck with Your travel! Enjoy to world!
Reply
Thank you very much and good luck on your own adventures! Keep in touch 🙂
Reply
You are really rushing through countries 🙂 Our count is about the same, but we have been procrastinating for 13 years now.
Reply
It’s a slow rush for sure!
Reply
hello anil
Your name is Indian. Are you Indian or is your father indian or none of these?
BTW i see you have uploaded one video of scams in india. I want to tell you that scams happen in every countries. You should watch videos made by indians on youtube regarding scams in egypt, turkey, russia ,etc. I’m sure there are scams in european countries, america, aus/nz too but most of those countries are not that favorite as tourists spots as many people migrate there instead of doing tourism.
There are already many foreigners especially white people flocking india and also making videos regarding scams which is giving a bad reputation to india. People are interested in seeing negative aspect. As you can notice your other videos regarding india have nearly no views but your scam video has attracted lots of views. So i advice you to remove such videos from youtube.
Hopefully u will consider my advice.
bye
Reply
Hi, you can read in the description above, my name is Turkish, though I’m very familiar with how common a name it is in India too.
To your point, I did make a response video: https://youtu.be/6RohlQnc_cQ
Yes, there are scams most places, one of the points of the (tongue-in-cheek) video is how generally innocuous the scams in India are. It gives travelers an idea of what to expect, how to avoid, but also shows that in many parts of the world this video would not be possible, as the scammers/scams might actually put me in danger.
There’s really not much editing or false perspective here – we literally took the camera and went out with the idea we would say yes to everyone who came up to us – the video shows exactly that.
I don’t believe the video discourages travel to India (here’s more of what I’ve written about the country: https://foxnomad.com/countries/india-travel-information/), a place I’ve been ~7 times. For the most part, I try to focus on the positive aspects of the places I visit without hiding the whole story. People will decide whether or not to visit a place based on a lot of factors, as well as the positive and negative – I’ve said I don’t like plenty of places but that’s all my opinion.
I appreciate your thoughtful feedback.
Reply
I just stumbled across your site, and of course no time right now to have a closer look, but am looking forward to reading more!
Reply
Hey Anil,
I came across this map of wifi passwords you had developed? Really useful. Thanks man.
Is it regularly updated? Inrun a facebook group for Indians Travelling abroad and want to share the map in the group.
Reply
Yes, it’s updated very regularly, the last update date is on the map and page. I’ve also developed an app version as well for offline use:
https://foxnomad.com/wifox-continuously-updated-map-wireless-passwords-airports-lounges-worldwide/
Reply
I hope you soon continue traveling after this #coronavirus stuff.
Please edit this page to better sort posts/reply by date and make new one be on the top 😉
Reply
You mean something like this? 😉
https://foxnomad.com/blog/
Reply
Sooooooo Great!
Reply
Your journey is a thrilling ride. I’m excited to follow through with your engaging blog and captivating videos. Your insights redefine the art of travel.
Here’s to a future filled with even more remarkable explorations and revelations!
Reply
Hello Anil, Love the way you present. Very thoughtful & well researched. I have a question about security regarding pickpockets. Primarily clothing choices with zippered pockets versus choosing an EDC (every day carry). I’ve been shopping for zippered pockets in pants and shorts as a deterrent. hard to find just what I want. I’ve also seen where someone on Reddit said to never use your backpockets for anything while travelling, front only. Makes sense. I am a late bloomer to the travel world, (64M). Is an EDC a viable alternative to finding clothing with secure pockets? I’ve seen clothing can get quite pricey for zippered protection where an EDC depending on size and where it’s carried (ideally on chest) seems to me like a pretty decent alternative especially in a crowded area. I will definitely take your backpack advice and keep the zippers at the top, but when roaming the streets of Paris with a smaller backpack or just a small camera bag. Will try our best not to look like tourists (Europe 11 days) Hopefully an idea for a video… Thanks for the video’s!
Reply
Hi Kim, I think that an EDC is a good addition to smart pocket use. For your money, wallets, smaller items, front pockets are a good place, especially with jeans where the pockets are facing up. An EDC like a belt back around the shoulder/chest can also work for such items but in both cases best to be aware of your surroundings and valuables. Personally, I like to go with pockets vs. the EDC belt because it’s one less thing to carry and potentially forget somewhere. I hope this helps but feel free to let me know if you have any other questions. Happy travels!
Reply