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Sumesh Menon's retirement plan: Around the world in 52 weeks

The U2opia Global founder came up with the idea after seeing digital nomads in co-working spaces around the world.

By , ET Bureau |
BCCL
Sumesh Menon wants to spend one week in each country.
U2opia Global founder Sumesh Menon says he’s so fond of what he’s doing that thoughts of retirement are far from his mind. However, that hasn’t stopped him from drawing up a retirement plan: Menon wants to travel the world.

In fact, he has even chalked up an itinerary for himself: He wants to visit 52 countries in 52 weeks. “I came up with the idea after seeing people in co-working spaces around the world, working as digital nomads.”

Why 52 weeks in particular? “I’d like to spend time and immerse (myself) in every destination, so the best would be to spend a week in each country,” he explains further.


“I’d plan the itinerary so that I get the best season at each destination. (Maybe) Auckland during their summer, and work my way up and around till I get to Buenos Aires. Summers in both hemispheres,” he adds.

Work At 30,000 Ft: How Vikas Oberoi, Roland Folger And Other CEOs Utilise Air-Time
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They travel around the world for work or leisure. But these business leaders know how to make the most of the hours they spend in an aircraft while travelling to faraway destinations:
They travel around the world for work or leisure. But these business leaders know how to make the most of the hours they spend in an aircraft while travelling to faraway destinations:
“I enjoy watching movies of various genres, likePK and The Wolf of Wall Street. I may also switch to reading on my Kindle. I enjoy reading inspirational books like The Lean Startup and The Art of War. As an entrepreneur, I feel this genre keeps me motivated, offers me the ability to think out of the box and appreciate multiple perspectives.”

(Text: Rohan Abraham)
“I enjoy watching movies of various genres, likePK and The Wolf of Wall Street. I may also switch to reading on my Kindle. I enjoy reading inspirational books like The Lean Startup and The Art of War..
Read More
“Flight journeys, for me, are all about disconnecting from the world. I listen to my favorite music: Rock, funk, electronic dance music, and Indian fusion. Music by Metallica, Coldplay, Sigala, and the Indian Jam Project make me feel light and energised. Music helps clear my mind of entrepreneurial riddles, and lets me get closer to my younger self.”

(Text: Rohan Abraham)
“Flight journeys, for me, are all about disconnecting from the world. I listen to my favorite music: Rock, funk, electronic dance music, and Indian fusion. Music by Metallica, Coldplay, Sigala, and t..
Read More
“I mostly try to catch up on sleep, especially on late-night flights. There is also a book in my bag to keep me company. Reading helps me relax. One travel hack that has always worked for me is to keep a blanket handy. I’d also suggest avoiding food on the flight, since it’s calories without much nutrition.”

(Text: Glynda Alves)
“I mostly try to catch up on sleep, especially on late-night flights. There is also a book in my bag to keep me company. Reading helps me relax. One travel hack that has always worked for me is to k..
Read More
“I pray, read, sleep or listen to music, etc. I rarely talk to co-passengers. I like to use the quiet time to reflect on various things. I don’t watch movies on longer flights. If it’s a short flight, I watch portions of regional films: Tamil, Malayalam and Bollywood movies, but not the full movie.”

(Text: Shannon Tellis)
“I pray, read, sleep or listen to music, etc. I rarely talk to co-passengers. I like to use the quiet time to reflect on various things. I don’t watch movies on longer flights. If it’s a short fligh..
Read More
“I rarely watch movies or read books on a flight. But when I do, I usually pick new Hollywood releases, especially suspense thrillers. Flight journeys are about winding down and recharging. I begin with a glass of champagne to celebrate this break without a cellphone. I then enjoy the company around me, eat, and catch up on sleep.”

(Text: Shannon Tellis)
“I rarely watch movies or read books on a flight. But when I do, I usually pick new Hollywood releases, especially suspense thrillers. Flight journeys are about winding down and recharging. I begin ..
Read More
“Flying gives me an opportunity to relax, and I spend most of my time catching up on sleep and reading books. Of late, I have inculcated a new travel habit of reading about the city or country that I am flying to. From their local cuisine to history and culture, I try to learn at least two new things about that place, so that I can explore it in my leisure time.”

(Text: Glynda Alves)
“Flying gives me an opportunity to relax, and I spend most of my time catching up on sleep and reading books. Of late, I have inculcated a new travel habit of reading about the city or country that ..
Read More
“I am mostly a solitary traveller. However, I recently met an 85-year old gentleman, who gave me good advice for my holidays in Sri Lanka. During a long flight, I alternate between a good book, music and TV or movies. Sometimes when I’m tired and don’t feel like reading, or watching something, I prefer listening to audio books on my phone. I recently had a chance to listen to Business Adventures by John Brooks, a classic collection of defining moments which provides entrepreneurs with priceless lessons in all areas of business.”

(Text: Shannon Tellis)
“I am mostly a solitary traveller. However, I recently met an 85-year old gentleman, who gave me good advice for my holidays in Sri Lanka. During a long flight, I alternate between a good book, musi..
Read More
“I like to catch up on superhero movies that I might have missed. When I’m not at the office, I try to spend time with my wife and children so the only time I generally get to myself is on the plane. I know some bosses like to read while travelling (which I should try to do) but I find it more relaxing to watch Superman.”

(Text: Shannon Tellis)
“I like to catch up on superhero movies that I might have missed. When I’m not at the office, I try to spend time with my wife and children so the only time I generally get to myself is on the plane..
Read More
“I tend to fly a lot for work. Much of my time is taken up with writing, or researching my historical books.”

(Text: Glynda Alves)
“I tend to fly a lot for work. Much of my time is taken up with writing, or researching my historical books.” (Text: Glynda Alves)
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