Vespucci had other jobs before he became an explorer

When Vespucci decided to pursue exploration as a vocation, he was in his forties. While the exact number of travels he took is unknown, at least two have been established.

Amerigo was born in Florence, Italy, and was sent to work for the Medici family when he was in his early twenties. Guido Antonio, his uncle, was the family's spokesman with King Louis XI of France, and he took Vespucci along to learn the ropes.

Amerigo worked for their shipping company in Seville as a banker, then as a merchant and supervisor. Vespucci learned about exploration while working in the ship-outfitting industry, which was gaining prominence at the time.