Tord Teichmann went from Dresden to New Zealand aged 18, six years later he’s still travelling the world and making a living from his adventures thanks to social media.

 

Tell us about your life journey. Any major turning points?

It all really started when I finished high school. The biggest step I took was deciding to travel. I left my hometown of Dresden, Germany, at 18, with a one-way ticket to New Zealand and a friend by my side in October 2019.

We had working holiday visas and planned to buy a camper van, travel, and work our way around the country. A few months in, COVID hit. While most backpackers flew home, Lucas and I stayed – the best decision we could have made. While the world stood still, we surfed, travelled, and lived freely in New Zealand, almost without tourists. With a major labour shortage, we landed jobs that paid up to €4,000/month working 50–60 hours a week – which later funded our travels.

After two and a half years, we left New Zealand with enough savings to explore Asia for nearly a year. To keep going, we worked again in Australia. Around then, I began taking Instagram seriously, growing from 300 followers to over 100K in just eight months. I returned home to Germany in December 2023 after four years abroad – seeing my family again was emotional and unforgettable.

I’d only planned to be away a few months, but one adventure led to another. I continued on, backpacking through Central and South America using money I’d earned installing solar panels. In 2024, I began earning from my content and was able to take on incredible adventures – from riding the Iron Ore train across Mauritania and skiing in Kazakhstan to sailing across the Atlantic.

My advice: start exploring right after school. Stepping out of your comfort zone teaches you more than anything. I funded my first four years of travel entirely on my own, starting with €5,000 in savings. That money got me through the first few months until I found work in New Zealand.

So in short – get out, explore, try new things, and follow what excites you. You’ll find your direction.

 

“Opportunities appear when you show up for yourself every day.”

 

It sounds like quite the adventurous life. Are you a risk-taker?

Definitely. I love going on all kinds of adventures. The last one? Sailing across the Atlantic in a 10-metre boat with two Germans I’d never met before. Of course, there are risks – but I take calculated ones. Over time, I’ve developed a good gut instinct. Risks are everywhere in life; the key is managing them wisely. That’s often where the best memories are made.

Words of wisdom?

A big one for me: listen to yourself. It sounds simple, but tuning into your gut is harder than it seems. Friends, family, and strangers will all give advice – usually with good intentions – but only you can decide what feels right.

Another thing I live by is “Opportunities appear when you show up for yourself every day.” Even when you’re uncertain, just start. Do what feels right with good intentions, and the rest follows. Plans don’t always work out – and that’s okay. Every setback has its upside, even if you don’t see it immediately. Go with the flow and don’t stress over what you can’t control.

Life motto?

Look for the good – always. That’s my way of living.

Favourite memories?

One that sticks with me: a sunset surf session on Rote Island, Indonesia, with three friends. The sky glowed red, the moon rose behind the palm trees, and we surfed perfect waves until it was dark. Just us, the ocean, and the moment. I’ll never forget it.

Another was mid-Atlantic, in the doldrums – calm seas, no wind, 5,000 metres of crystal-clear water below. Diving into that stillness, surrounded by nothing but ocean, over 1,000 kilometres from land, was an unreal experience.

Over time, I’ve realised the best memories aren’t just about the places – they’re about the people you share them with.

Favourite destinations?

Indonesia – hands down. And not just Bali. As a surfer, it’s paradise, but there’s so much more: volcanoes to climb, incredible diving, waterfalls, scooter rides through rice field and tiny villages. The people are some of the kindest I’ve ever met, and travel there is affordable if you get off the beaten track.

Anything on the bucket list?

My bucket list is long – but it’s about experiences, not just places. Surfing a barrel in Indonesia, road-tripping across the U.S., swimming with whales. It’s about the feeling, not just the location.

Expat or local?

I’m not sure yet. I definitely want a home base someday. Travelling constantly is incredible, but it can be tiring too. I still love Germany, and I’ll keep that connection. Maybe I’ll split time between places depending on the season – we’ll see. For now, I’m keeping my options open.

Are you living the dream?

I don’t believe in one dream life – it’s different for everyone. But yes, I’m living my dream. I’ve always wanted to travel the world, work independently, and follow my own path – and now I do. From sailing across the Atlantic to earning a skydiving license to epic surf trips, I’ve checked off so many dreams. I feel grateful every day.

In another life, I would have been…

I don’t know – I’m focused on making this one count.

Most used emoji?

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