VeShannah Lovelace, better known as the Boujee Nomad, exemplifies a life untethered by traditional expectations. A retired U.S. Army veteran and master strategist, she has transformed her passion for travel into a full-time lifestyle that’s as inspiring as it is unique. Her story is about traversing borders and defying limits, embracing change, and meticulously crafting a life that suits her dreams.
A Journey of Reinvention
After serving in the U.S. Army for 20 years, VeShannah retired in 2016. While many might have settled into a quieter chapter of life, she sought new challenges and purpose. She returned to school and earned a master’s degree in international hospitality and tourism management, which led to a fulfilling role as an event planner. For two years, her job allowed her to explore new places, but when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted travel, she found herself at a crossroads.
Realizing her deep desire to continue traveling, VeShannah made a bold decision in July 2022: she retired once more. This time, she chose to live a nomadic lifestyle, committing to spending each month in a different country. Her journey began domestically, largely due to her aging dog, who accompanied her on housesitting assignments across the U.S. These early experiences helped her build a financial buffer and reinforced her commitment to a nomadic lifestyle.
Since embracing international travel in November 2023, VeShannah has ventured across Scandinavia’s stunning landscapes—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland—delved into the Baltics’ charm with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and explored Eastern Europe’s vibrant cultures in Poland, Croatia, Montenegro, and Slovenia. Along the way, she savored wine tastings while driving through the vineyards of France and uncovered the rich histories of Antalya and Istanbul, Türkiye.
Her travels have taken her to destinations like Mexico and Ireland, with Ireland holding a special place in her heart. The country’s dramatic cliffs, charming stone houses, and sheep-dotted landscapes offer endless inspiration for her photography. She has also wandered through the historic streets of England, explored the rolling green hills of Scotland, and ventured to distant corners of the globe, including Korea, Japan, and Tahiti. For VeShannah, this journey is more than just travel—it’s a bold declaration of freedom from traditional living.
The Art of Planning
Living as a nomad requires more than just a sense of adventure—it demands meticulous planning, and VeShannah excels in this domain. Her lifestyle is governed by structure and foresight. She plans her itinerary at least six months in advance, ensuring that all her accommodations are booked and confirmed.
Her method for deciding where to travel is both practical and creative. VeShannah keeps a running list of interesting places on her iPhone, inspired by books, articles, and conversations. She cross-references her notes with maps and logistics, always aiming to visit two cities per country per month. Shorter stays, she finds, are too exhausting and costly, while her method of booking Airbnb for 30-day stays aligns perfectly with her budget.
With her travel plans mapped out until August 2025 and a broader vision extending to 2029, she embodies the essence of an “obnoxious planner,” as she humorously describes herself.
Budgeting for the Boujee Lifestyle
VeShannah’s financial acumen ensures her travels are sustainable. She adheres to a strict rule: lodging must not exceed 25% of her income. To maintain financial stability, she reconciles her finances daily and reviews her budget monthly. This discipline allows her to build a financial cushion for unexpected expenses, an essential component of her nomadic life.
Her accommodations are carefully selected to balance comfort and cost. While she occasionally indulges in luxurious stays, such as an overwater bungalow in Tahiti or a chateau in France, she offsets these splurges by staying in more budget-friendly options in other destinations.
The Nomad’s Essentials
Packing light is a non-negotiable for VeShannah. Her travel gear is carefully curated to include only the essentials: packing cubes, a 40-liter backpack, and a capsule wardrobe that prioritizes versatility over bulk. She avoids carrying toiletries, instead opting to purchase them at her destinations and always ensures she has her hair products, electronics, and a Favorito blanket.
Her minimalist approach is not just about convenience—it’s a philosophy that reflects her adaptability and focus on experiences over possessions.
The Emotional Landscape of Nomadic Life
For VeShannah, being a nomad is as much about inner strength as it is about external exploration. Her travels have taught her resilience, particularly in places where language and cultural barriers presented challenges. One memorable experience in Korea highlighted her ability to adapt and thrive, even in unfamiliar environments.
Her journey is also defined by the connections she builds along the way. Although she avoids hostels, preferring the privacy of Airbnb, she values the friendships she’s formed during her travels. These relationships enrich her experience and serve as a reminder of the kindness and hospitality that exist worldwide.
Boujee and Practical: A Unique Blend
The term “Boujee Nomad” perfectly encapsulates VeShannah’s lifestyle. She enjoys the finer things in life—staying in castles, indulging in wine tastings, and experiencing overnight ferries in Scandinavia—while maintaining a pragmatic approach to budgeting and planning. This balance allows her to live out her dreams without compromising financial security.
Challenges and Triumphs
Nomadic life is not without its hurdles. Cultural differences, such as locating distilled water or adapting to varying cleanliness standards, require patience and resourcefulness. Despite these challenges, VeShannah maintains a positive outlook, emphasizing that the world is not as dangerous as many perceive. Her sensible approach to safety ensures she remains mindful of risks while embracing new experiences.
Healthcare is another priority for VeShannah. She schedules physical exams and stocks up on medications as part of her travel itinerary, ensuring her health remains a top concern.
Advice for Aspiring Nomads
For those considering a nomadic lifestyle, VeShannah offers invaluable advice: start small. Housesitting or shorter trips can help determine whether the lifestyle suits you. And if it doesn’t, there’s no shame in quitting. Her approach underscores the importance of self-discovery and flexibility.
Looking Ahead
While VeShannah currently thrives on her monthly country-to-country rhythm, she envisions a possible shift by 2030, perhaps living in four different countries each year. This evolution reflects her ever-adaptive nature and willingness to embrace change.
Her journey as the Boujee Nomad is far from over. With plans extending years into the future, she continues to inspire others to dream big, plan meticulously, and live boldly.
VeShannah’s story is a testament to the power of reinvention, the joy of exploration, and the strength of the human spirit. Whether she’s exploring the cliffs of Ireland, sipping wine in a French chateau, or navigating cultural nuances in Korea, she embodies the essence of a life well-lived. As her travels continue, the Boujee Nomad reminds us all that the world is vast, beautiful, and full of possibilities for those courageous enough to seek them.
To follow VeShannah’s incredible journey and see where her adventures take her next, connect with Boujee Nomad on Facebook and Instagram.