Staying Unsettled — The JD Story

Hi, I’m JD — the explorer behind Unsettled JD.

I’ve been traveling the world for 15 years, and I’m still not done. What started as a simple move abroad has turned into a lifestyle — one that’s taken me across 53 countries and lived in 8 different countries around the world.

I’ve taught English in Asia, bartended in Australia and the U.K., volunteered in Central America, and hiked through jungles, temples, and ancient cities. I’ve watched the sunrise from beaches, the stars from mountain camps, and even stood beneath a pyramid in Egypt.

My roots are in a small village in rural Canada — but I always felt the pull of something more. Unsettled JD is my way of sharing everything I’ve learned: the highs, the hiccups, the helpful tips, and the hilarious moments that come with long-term solo travel.

This space is for anyone who’s felt that tug to go — to wander, to explore, to live life on your own terms. Whether you're dreaming of your first passport stamp or planning your next big leap, I hope you find stories here that make you feel a little braver, a little more curious, and a whole lot more unsettled — in the best way.

— JD

🌍 I’ve been to:

  • 54 of 206 countries (I go by the Olympic count — including regions like Puerto Rico, Hong Kong, and the Cook Islands)

  • Lived in 8 countries, taught ESL across Asia, and bartended my way through Australia and the UK 🍻

  • Backpacked across 4 continents, from the temples of Thailand to the castles of Romania

  • Planned almost every trip myself — booked the buses, found the hostels, dodged the scams, and still got lost (in the best way)

  • Swam with manta rays, climbed volcanoes, rode camels, and ate things I still can’t pronounce

Want to explore the chaos?
Click the country buttons below to see my real, honest travel guides — no fluff, no filters, just lessons learned and memories made. ✈️👇