A 17-year-old teenager has recently shared the motivations behind his decision to make trains his permanent living space, despite the cost of $6,300 per year.
This unusual choice has sparked debate and ignited curiosity among many.
Lasse Stolley, a young resident of Germany, took on this unique lifestyle almost two years ago.
Although his parents initially expressed concerns due to his lack of travel experience, Stolley courageously ventured forth with just a backpack, finding solace aboard the country's national trains while continuing his programming job.
Stolley can live on trains permanently because he joined a discount program called BahnCard 100.
It is offered by Deutsche Bahn, the national railway company of Germany.
At first, he bought a yearly second-class youth ticket for $2,800. This ticket gives him a 25 percent discount on flexible and saver fares for long-distance trips.
Over time, Stolley upgraded to a first-class ticket for $6,300, providing him with more spacious and comfortable seats, a quiêtr environment, seat reservations for flexible fares, access to DB Lounges, and amenities like free Wi-Fi and occasional complimentary food and beverages on ICE trains.
Germany's conveyance obligation law allows him to travel unlimitedly, enabling his nearly two-year-long journey on the country's trains.
Why did he decide to live on a train permanently?
When questioned about his choice, Stolley reflects on the possibility of renting an apartment but sees little reason to do so when he has numerous friends to visit and never feels lonely.
Embracing minimalism, he appreciates the freedom that comes from having fewer possessions, allowing him more time to cherish life's beautiful moments.
Since August 2022, Stolley has traveled an astonishing 600,000 kilometers, equivalent to circling the Earth 15 times.
His nomadic lifestyle grants him the freedom to explore without being tied to a specific location. While some might find it unconventional, Stolley's decision represents his desire for independence and the pursuit of what brings him joy.
Previously, a couple also sold everything to live permanently on a cruise ship.
A Florida couple who made the bold decision to sell their house and most of their belongings to live on a cruise ship has revealed that it's actually cheaper than living on land.
John and Melody Hennessee, who used to call Florida their home, decided to leave behind their previous life and embrace a life at sea.
The elder couple shared that they were too tired of the responsibilities that come with owning a house and car, such as mortgage payments and insurance.
According to John, they no longer have to worry about mortgage payments, insurance, or utility bills. Instead, they have a telephone bill, a ship bill, and a few credit cards for their onshore expenses.
Despite these expenses, the couple claims that they are paying only about half of what they used to pay on land. However, living on a cruise ship is not a luxury that everyone can afford.
After continuously booking monthly cruises, the Hennessees have decided to switch to a residential cruise ship called Villa Vie starting in December 2024.
However, it does come with a significant cost.
The price for an inside villa is $99,999, and there is a monthly fee of $3,499 for two people sharing or $2,499 for a single person, as mentioned on Villa Vie's official website.
For those who desire an ocean view, the cost rises to $149,999, with monthly fees of $4,999 or $3,999. And if you want a balcony, you'll have to spend a significant amount of $249,999 with monthly fees of $7,999 or $6,999.
