We are Tyler and Mary! We have been on the move since we met back in 2017. We are passionate about new experiences and creating a sustainable life that doesn’t revolve around a typical 9-5. Our goal with A Bum and a Backpack is to share some of our experiences and lessons on our journey to keep life fun while still being able to prepare for the future.

My name is Tyler! I grew up in Southern California and traveled extensively as a kid and teen. When I was in college, I studied abroad in Italy and have been continuously traveling since then. I moved to Costa Rica in 2017, met my fiancĂ© Mary, and stayed until 2019 when I moved to Florida. Then on, I have crewed yachts ranging in size from 63′ to 130′ and have cruised throughout the Caribbean, the FL Keys, the east coast and all the way up to Maine (all total ~15k nm). I hold my USCG Master Mariners license and currently I am the skipper on a 63′ charter/private motor yacht. I enjoy challenging myself while still enjoying the relaxing times. You can find me working on the boat, looking for the next adventure, or just enjoying a cold beer on the dock!