Kristina Escortell (33 years old) and Javier Godínez (41 years old) are about to board a ship to the Maldives: just another stop on their unpredictable itinerary. But how do you go from a conventional life to a nomadic one? Both explain that it wasn't a sudden turn: "It's not like one day we had a fixed roof and the next day we didn't. It's a process," they explain. "We say we live 'without house keys', because we really don't have a door to open when we return. We don't know when we'll be back or what the next route will be."
For Javi, the adventure began after a motorcycle accident that, although minor, made him wonder what would happen if he died the next day. Was he living the life he wanted? The answer was no. So he left his stable and successful job as a computer scientist —which already took him from one place to another between Mexico, the U.S., Mallorca, or Andorra— and decided to become completely nomadic in 2013. "Since then, I don't have a fixed address. But I do have a fulfilling existence."
Kris, on the other hand, grew up with travel in her DNA. With a Polish mother raised in Canada and a father who, back in the 80s, explored Thailand or Brazil on his own, her life was always international. "I spent summers in Canada and left home to study at just ten years old." In the midst of the 2012 crisis, what the Spanish job market could offer her didn't convince her, so she decided to start her own digital business: the Instagram account Buscando al Sol, where she began sharing her travels.
Japan is one of Kris and Javi's favorite destinations.
"We don't miss a physical home because we are building our own along the way," Kris says. Whether it's a beachfront cabin in Bali or a temporary apartment in the Maldives, they have learned to create routines and personal spaces wherever they land. "It's where we cook, watch movies, store our things for a while. And that, even if fleeting, is home."
They don't miss their own beds or sofas. What weighs —and hurts— is being far from loved ones, especially when they miss irreplaceable moments. Javi tearfully recounts how distance prevented him from saying goodbye to his grandfather on time, and later to a very close friend in Mexico. "When you return home and someone is missing, it really hits you. And since you're not there in the day-to-day, you don't realize it until you're there."
Technology helps them maintain the bond: WhatsApp groups with family, constant video calls, birthday photos sent from the other side of the world. "It's true that when we go, we spend quality time with our loved ones. Real time, without rush," Kris says. "And that, sometimes, is worth more than being close but with your mind elsewhere."
Although it may seem that not having a fixed address implies fewer expenses, a large part of this couple's budget is allocated to accommodation and transportation. However, they have found a way to make their lifestyle economically viable: they avoid peak seasons, take advantage of the flexibility to travel during the week, and combine work assignments with longer stays to explore places calmly.
Javi participating in a Hindu ceremony in Sri Lanka.
"We live traveling, but we also work while traveling", explains Javi. Many of their destinations are funded through collaborations with tourism offices or by the accommodations they promote on social media, although they also pay out of pocket for breaks between projects. "We estimate that about 40% of the accommodation is covered by work; the rest comes out of our own pocket. And still, living while traveling is cheaper for us than residing in Madrid," Kris comments.
But for them, trotting around is not just changing scenery, but a way of living fully. Javi defines his philosophy with the expression "living to travel": traveling the world is the driving force of his life, not a break from work routine. "Traveling has taught me that I know nothing —he comments—. Each place has its own way of doing things, and that forces me to unlearn and open my mind."
Kris diving in the Maldives.
In an era where remote work and new technologies allow for more geographical freedom, this couple is a clear example of how to combine passion and work. Kris emphasizes the importance of having a plan: "It's not about leaving everything behind without a safety net. It's essential to understand that it's not about living without working, but about doing it differently, being your own boss and taking on all the responsibilities that come with it."
Javi adds that remote work has opened many doors: "We have met remote working computer scientists and yoga teachers giving online classes. But it's crucial to prepare financially to have time and flexibility. Also, we tend to focus more on the risks than the opportunities; however, the good things often surprise us much more than the problems."
They acknowledge that sustainable tourism is challenging, but they do everything possible to minimize their impact: "We consume local food, buy at markets, book accommodation directly with owners to avoid platform commissions, and use environmentally friendly products. We try to ensure that the money we spend stays in the communities we visit," Kris explains.
The couple in Ecuador, in a community in the Amazon, where they traveled to deliver water filters.
Beyond travels: social commitment
Javi and Kris not only create travel content. "Being an influencer may seem very superficial, but it also has a useful and human side," they say. A trip to Ecuador, where Javier was involved in an operation coordinated by Ayuda en Acción, raised his awareness about the serious water problem. This led to the creation, in 2021, of The Social Water, a foundation created and led by him to ensure access to this precious resource in vulnerable communities worldwide. "We distribute filters that purify water from a natural source like a river, a well, or rain, so it can be consumed safely."
Javi explains what motivated him to take this step: "I am very aware of how fortunate I am. Being born in Spain gives me privileges that others don't have, and being from the south, I know that if I had been born 100 km further south, my opportunities would be very different. I have been traveling for 20 years and I wanted to give back some of all the good I have received from so many people."
Clean water for all, that is the foundation's motto. "In almost every country we visit, there is the same advice: don't drink tap water, be careful with water... That made me think about how to create a project to address this global issue," Javi comments.
Communication is another essential pillar for The Social Water. They use social media, such as Instagram and YouTube, to document their actions and bring the cause closer to those who wish to collaborate from home. "We live in a visual world, and it's essential to show the real impact to motivate more people to join," Javi explains.
Regarding the challenge of separating the image of an influencer from social commitment, they both acknowledge the difficulty. "Many associate social media with frivolity, and that's why we keep the accounts of Buscando al Sol (travel) and The Social Water (foundation) completely separate to avoid confusion. Additionally, all members of the foundation are volunteers and no one receives a salary for this social work," Kris clarifies. "We work on Buscando al Sol to generate income that we then allocate to the foundation. For us, The Social Water is the emotional salary," he adds.