I Left NYC For Istanbul — Now I Bring In $164K A Year

From Corporate Life to Cultural Adventure: The Journey of Doug Barnard

At 29, Doug Barnard’s life story reads like a modern-day adventure novel, with layers of courage, ambition, and an innate desire for exploration underlying every chapter. Currently residing in the vibrant city of Istanbul, Turkey, Doug has transformed his passion for travel and cultural immersion into a successful business venture. With a revenue of $164,000 in 2024 from a mix of YouTube and tourism, he epitomizes a new wave of travelers who embrace digital opportunities while exploring the corners of the globe.

The Birth of an Adventurer

Doug’s roots lie in Simsbury, Connecticut, a quaint town enriched with natural beauty. With a population of around 30,000, the landscape consisted of farms, woods, and even bears wandering through backyards. “I never would have imagined that I’d end up living in a place like Istanbul,” Doug reflects, highlighting the stark contrast between his past and present. The thirst for adventure brewed within him, even while he enjoyed a stable job at Walmart’s corporate e-commerce office in New York City.

After graduating college in 2018, Doug transitioned to New York and took charge of a product category on Walmart’s website. However, fate took a turn during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid a wave of mass layoffs, Doug found himself let go, which ironically freed him to explore his true aspirations. “I had just started a YouTube channel as a side hobby at the time,” he shares. That hobby would soon evolve into a full-fledged source of income and a gateway to the life he now leads.

The Leap into the Unknown

In January of 2021, Doug boarded a one-way flight to Istanbul, ready to embrace uncertainty and embark on a journey of self-discovery. “I was just kind of wandering, without a clear path,” he admits. His initial focus on YouTube garnered $17,000 in AdSense revenue in 2024, but it became clear that he needed more to sustain his lifestyle. This realization spurred him to dive into the tourism industry, offering cultural immersion tours across regions traditionally overlooked by tourists.

Doug’s tours, often involving only eight to ten participants, navigate the rich historical landscapes of Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan. Each destination presents its unique challenges. One might think that under-touristed countries would be easier to explore, but the lack of built tourism infrastructure often makes things trickier. Environmental factors, such as extreme heat in the summer months, also pose significant obstacles.

Embracing Cultural Immersion

Despite the challenges, Doug’s business model focuses on authentic, culturally rich experiences. He prioritizes working with local guides who are well-connected and knowledgeable about their regions. “We only work with the absolute best local guides,” he states, ensuring that each tour is both safe and enlightening for participants.

In tandem with his tours, Doug’s content creation through YouTube serves as both a marketing tool and another revenue stream, with the combined income from both segments accounting for $164,000 in total revenue for 2024. With about $100,000 coming from the tourism side and $64,000 derived from YouTube sponsorships and ads, it illustrates the potential for the digital nomad lifestyle.

Living in Istanbul: A New Home

Istanbul is often regarded as the crossroads of civilizations, steeped in history while pulsating with modern life. Doug’s love for the city has grown consistently, making it a newfound home for him. He resides in a cozy two-bedroom apartment in Kadikoy, which he shares with his girlfriend, Mea. The couple pays 55,000 Turkish Lira per month for their place, a reasonable cost considering the quality of life Istanbul offers.

Walking through their apartment, Doug showcases each room, emphasizing personal touches such as drone photography printed on canvas, captured during his travels. The home reflects a lifestyle that marries comfort with functionality—it’s where he edits videos and plans tours, yet remains a haven for relaxation.

Istanbul presents an array of experiences, giving Doug the pleasure of establishing roots—something that is often hard to come by for a global traveler. “I felt this urge to find a home base,” he explains. Having the ability to walk into the same café and greet a barista each day adds a layer of comfort, often missing in the transient lifestyle of travel.

Adapting to Change: The Cost of Living

With the inflation in Turkey, Doug notes that the cost of living has significantly escalated compared to when he first arrived. “$1 was around 12 Turkish Lira when I came here, and now it’s about 30. It’s a difficult situation for many locals.” His experiences with local markets highlight the ongoing economic challenges, painting a realistic picture of life in Istanbul today, which contrasts with the idyllic image often portrayed in travel brochures.

This shift in the economic landscape hasn’t deterred Doug from his commitment to learning Turkish, a language that is both a challenge and a goal for him. “It’s not widely taught, so when you make an effort, people are genuinely impressed,” Doug states, reiterating the value of cultural assimilation in his journey.

Despite the ups and downs, Doug’s business focuses on community interactions while he finds comfort in the complexity of his life in Istanbul. “The more I learn and the more people I meet, the more it feels like home,” he highlights a sentiment that resonates deeply with many expatriates around the world.

A Balancing Act

Family is a significant part of Doug’s narrative, too. Although his parents expressed a desire for him to return home, they respect his choices and are proud of his accomplishments. It’s a common tension experienced by many travelers who balance the longing for home with an adventurous spirit. Doug’s journey encapsulates the modern narrative of seeking fulfillment and purpose beyond the traditional structures.

Ultimately, Doug Barnard’s story is not just about embarking on travels or building a successful business; it’s about forging a life with purpose, amidst the dual threads of exploration and cultural understanding. The challenges he faces, from adapting to a new language to navigating economic changes, enhance his journey, creating a tapestry woven with rich experiences. Doug’s life serves as an inspiration for those eager to break from the ordinary and embrace a world filled with endless possibilities.