I got the heck out the USA and moved to Switzerland.... when I was 27! Now approaching 64, and am so glad I got out of there. The paradox is I had more paid vacation in the USA while living here than I did while living there. Healthy Social Security and subsidized company pensions are the norm here. We just even voted to increase Swiss social security benefits by about 8 percent... and that was done via direct democracy... citizens voted for it! Imagine that in the US. Soon I will be in the middle of Europe with all the time and money I need to enjoy it... plus a house that we bought here.
You are so lucky ! I’m late 50’s and worried they will run out of $$ in SS because we are paying for everyone else’s wars. I’m in process of moving back to Ecuador and can’t wait.
Awesome! The difference in how fold vote is that here in the US, there is so little emphasis on us as a group and instead individualism, coupled with a poor educational system and rampant propaganda. Folks believe a lot of faux news and then either don't vote, or vote against their own interests.
You’re so right about the risk of never getting to go because of some unexpected health issue. One of my best friends died last year of cancer at age 52. Her husband was a few months into his retirement. They had big plans for the years ahead. It was a huge wake-up call for me. 💔
Another cracking video guys. My wife and I retired last July, both aged 53, and sold everything to live nomadically. Then I had a heart attach out of the blue in January this year (I suppose working long hours in a high stress profession for 33 years should have been some clue). Luckily I received emergency care in short time and we are able to continue the dream. I'm watching your latest video from CDG airport in France, waiting to head off to our next 'home' on the road. Great to have you spreading the good word for this lifestyle in such an entertaining way. Great chemistry. I hope we cross paths one day and can share a beer or two.
We left to retire abroad 3 years ago from USA and our lives and health and Mental health has totally improved 👏. We never look back and could never go back after living a peaceful and healthier , affordable lifestyle now. One doesn't realize how Toxic USA is Until you live in another Country that is opposite of what you have always lived and don't know there is better out there!!
I took my wife to Portugal for a visit. We could easily retire early there. She doesn’t want to pull the trigger. Doesn’t like the crime in the US. 2 vehicles stolen from work. Homeless breaking into work buildings. High taxes, high prices. My logic is why pay more for the same items. She was afraid of the language barrier but agreed that wasn’t a problem where we visited. I would still want to learn Portuguese. Willing to look at other locations. Need to get the other half on board. Any ideas.
@@jimjensen9139 yes you both definitely need to be on the same page. We didn't let the language barrier stop us and I'm grateful we didn't. We are in Costa Rica and Love it however everyone is different and it has to be where you feel like you can adjust to the people, culture and history. We have learned more Spanish by living here among the locals and all our friends are locals. Getting to know the locals anywhere you choose is definitely a blessing and they will help you! Costa Rican people are the friendliest and humbled people we have ever met . Plus you can't believe everything you hear about a Country good or Bad because everyone is different however we feel safer here than we ever did in USA and we live more simple so our $ go further. Good luck with your adventures and hopefully you can take the plunge where you both want to be. Pura vida ( pure life)
it's NOT SELFISH to take care of your life and actually live the life you want because if you're happy and healthy everyone arounds you benefits including your children.
You guys are freakin awesome. This was so geniuine, so candid, so honest. Your ducks will never be in a row. Nobody's will. You are perfect for each other and it's so lovely to see you have found a lifestyle that makes you so happy. You are definitely inspring. Please keep doing your videos. Ignore the haters. We love you.
The best thing I ever did was become fluent in Spanish. I took advantage of this skill and moved to Latin America. I have $3500 in a monthly pension and live on $1500. Healthcare costs $40/month. There is no way I could enjoy the quality of life I live in the states.
So inspirational!! I am 52 this coming week! Goals!! I did the fast travel thing on a semi-sabbatical the year of my 50th, 28 countries & 7 continents in 10 months. So exhausting, but no regrets! Loved every minute! Looking forward to my slow travel era! Thank you for inspiring & educating!
Just retired to Spain 2 weeks ago. Per my visa, I had to purchase health insurance with no copay, no deductible for the entire year. $1300 and it includes dental. And Brian, you look marvelous! (in my best Billy Crystal imitation).
If someone calls you selfish, just because you are living your dream, this says a lot more about them than about you. These are usually very envious and insecure people who would love to do what you do but can't muster up the courage. Or they didn't save enough money. Either way, what others think of you is none of your business. Have a great retirement everyone!
Enjoyed the video. That's the thing I try to remind people, as Brian said...I'm not on vacation, I'm just living my life in other countries. It really can be a lot more affordable than people think. And I'm glad you mentioned about how some people say that you are being selfish by living your life this way. Retirement is the time in your life when you should do all the things you ever wanted to do. If that's being selfish, so be it! Happy travels!
@LU-jo2jz As Brian and Carrie say, you have to think it through and plan for it in a way that will fit within your means. Many people are so afraid of running out of money in retirement that they choose not to spend it at all. You worked hard to earn that money...use your retirement years to enjoy that money you earned doing the things you love!
I have to start drinking beer so I can meet a cool guy to travel with! Unfortunately my husband passed away a while ago. Kids are almost grown. I am 53, corporate job, lots of vacation days but I am an introvert so it is hard to meet someone great, layback and without drama! 😂 :) While solo travels are great too, I do enjoy sharing the experience with likeminded people. Thank you for your story! Just found your channel. Thinking to travel to Budapest this fall or next one. I have many coworkers in that city so it should be fun!
Sorry to hear about your husband. 😔 Maybe you will find someone while traveling! Budapest is a great city, hopefully you make it soon and thank you for joining the channel!! ❤️
I am so appreciative of your thorough videos each week. It has led me to start my journey next weekend, starting with a five week house sit in Malaysia. Yes, it will be hot. I am going solo and I'm scared $hitless. In three months or so I hope to be a confident solo slow traveler. As a finance guy I've tracked your expenses along with other solo travelers I follow on a spreadsheet for the last two years, and I agree your two person $28k USD budget is legit in the right countries. But everyone has their own comfort level. My starting budget is 3k/mo. And Brian, we did note the darker eyes are gone. I'm happy for you.
This is awesome, Mike!! Once you land in Malaysia and get settled you will know longer be scared! It will be an amazing adventure. My eyes are better, now I need to start working on the six pack abbs. 😁
Brian, I AGREE! You've never looked BETTER. And me living in Portugal have never looked better either! Seriously, my European life is Much healthier than my life was in the US. Healthier food, more exercise, cleaner air, Less stress and so much More. JP Porto
Our lives are amazing too. Living in Portugal. traveling when and where we want including visiting the US a few times for various reasons including my Sons wedding later in December 2024 in Southern California. JP Porto
Great video! Lots of good info. It's nice to see you have more than 50,000 subscribers now. I also enjoyed the story of how you both started dating. My wife and I are not typical Americans; I have dual US and UK citizenship, and my wife is a naturalized American citizen after marrying me. With my wife from Slovakia and I having a British passport before Brexit, we could live in the European Union, so we moved to Spain. At the time, we were living a successful life in New Jersey, and while we made plenty of money, we did not have time to travel. At age 50, I visited my mother, who had retired in Spain, and I fell in love with the place and how healthy the Mediterranean diet. I immediately realized how living a less stressful life could be beneficial to our health. We quit our jobs a year later and moved to a city about an hour from Valencia and 40 minutes from Alicante. In retrospect, 14 years later, it was our best decision.
You two inspire us (my husband and I) but probably not in the way many others are inspired. Oddly, I am also 53 and my husband is 54. At 31, I was diagnosed with cancer. A short few years later, my husband's mom died of the same cancer. She was 52. I had a co-worker die at 52 of cancer. One night, my husband had a bit of an existential melt down and we sat and discussed "what are we doing ?!!!!!" We had already traveled to Mexico and Thailand to rock climb at that point and we were back in Dallas, slaving away or the house and the cars. We didn't have kids, and weren't planning on having kids so the "What are we doing" question sat heavy. We knew we loved traveling so we decided to live differently. Not being guaranteed to make it to retirement was VERY top-of-mind for us. In my husband's words, "If I die atv52 not having gotten to see what I wanted to see, I'm gonna be pissed." So we put the house up for sale (having just moved in like 3 months previous), began getting rid of and giving away as much as we could. We put what we had left into storage and went backpacking/hostel hopping across western Europe (pre EU and Shengen). We came back, moved to UT, then to CO. Bought another house, sold it 2 years later and made some money... took 3 years off and circumnavigate the globe, loving a year of that time teaching in Vietnam. We hit some bucket list things during that time too.... walking the Camino, hiking in the Himilayas etc... but we also experienced a lot of time in Eastern Europe. It was during this 3 years that we discovered slow travel. We came back, went to CO again. I got certified in Life Coaching and 2020 happened. Never got my life coaching biz off the ground. We were supposed to be back out of country May 2020. Instead we worked some more, bought a van and left July 2021 on a road trip in Eastern US. We ended up in MT working a year of seasonal jobs and then back to CO briefly. We decided CO was too expensive and would take us too much longer to get the heck out of the US again so we moved to Kansas City, MO... where we are currently getting ourselves situated to leave the US gain on a more possibly permanent basis. We discovered you guys about a year ago-ish and find it helps us to keep the motivation to keep working to get out of here. We 100% know that by the time we reach retirement we won't be able to afford living here and other factors like political etc are making it preferable (for us) to want to be elsewhere.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Watching the two of you feels very comforting and confirming. We decided to live this way a long time ago so that we could be active and travel while we're still fit enough to hike and explore....we have a "use it or lose it" mentality. So thank you!!! We appreciate you guys!!!
Great story thanks for sharing, I too was diagnosed with cancer at 30 then again at 46, now 55.....it's time to "get on with it" and do the traveling I've been wanting for some time!
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Laura. We are inspired by you and your husband! The American dream doesn't have to be the house and cars. We have the freedom to do as we please. Again, thank you for sharing. ❤️❤️❤️
I'm inspired by your story as well! 💗 Thanks for sharing! I have a bit of fear when it comes to not being able to afford living in Canada when I decide to travel the world and come back primarily of the free healthcare here and better infrastructure than my second home in Thailand where most of my family live~ You guys had a good reason also to want to leave the political climate in the US! I think with increasing inflation here and insane housing affordability, I'm not sure I want to stay and keep making it work. I'm in my early 30s with some chronic health condition and I want to LIVE!!
@@johnnow1 at about 35. Went to Thailand at 32. Mexico at 30 and 31... so a passion for travel started a bit later for us. Took some big planning and big jumps to decide to "just go" but we love it.
Another great video by you two. Thanks for illuminating the path for us. My wife and I are about 4 years older than you, but our youngest is just entering junior year of high school. So, we have another two years before we head over to Europe. I watch all your videos and live vicariously through the two of you until my wife and I can set off on our own slow travel journeys.
Thank you so much for sharing, you guys. Well, you TOTALLY inspired us to start planning for this type of living. We were in Lisbon this summer and we looked at each other and went "F* Ya!!!" Once our kids are all self-sufficient (almost there), we'll sell the house, both cars and take off living abroad like you guys are doing....fooor suuure!!! Thank you for reassuring us that it is totally doable. We'll buy you a drink if we bump into you on our travels. Wishing you good health to both of you.
Great video. We started slow traveling this year and so far it’s been great! We started in Brazil and had a blast. I truly appreciate your videos, it helped us in many occasions 🌟✨🌟
Love love love this episode. Been a subscriber since the beginning. I've been living vicariously through you two. Hope to maybe slow travel some day. Have an 11 and 16 year old to raise into adulthood first. This channel is one of the most informative on 'how-to-do' in everything slow travel, thus it's a gold mine of information. Thanks so much for sharing. Best!
Thanks for you guys insights. Everyone has different situation. My husband is 62 , currently he still has a very good paid job.Very hard to say bye to that . I'm homemaker now. Last yesar i went back to China to sell my two investment properties before the markets crashed. I realized the costs of living was super low there . And china has very good infrastructure everywhere. To be hoenst , China would be the retired destinations if the political weather is DIFFERENT 😂... But i grew up there , nothing is scared to me. It is definitely a gem for retirement. Thanks again for the info. And budget of usd23000 annually for both is amazing number to live on !
Thank you so much! Sorry in the delay in responding, yesterday was a long travel day. I will be sure to put this to great use in our new location and grab a few beers. Cheers!!
Love the work you guys are doing! Have watched many of your videos. I’m 50 and planning to retire in 2 years, much like yourselves. Your videos have been a great resource for planning my retirement. I have travelled extensively in south east Asia in my 20’s and until I watched your videos forgot how affordable it is there and have since decided that leaving North America (I’m Canadian) is the only way I can afford to retire at this age. Thank you for all your efforts and the time you put into these videos. Happy travels!
@MalibuMerle Thank you so much for the information. I just turned 60 and so badly want to retire but I'm not quite where I want to be financially. (Plus I'm still semi-supporting one in Physical Therapy school). I'm always looking for potential places to retire that are relatively cheap and safe for a single female. Where you are sounds fantastic!
Love your videos. Mid-50ish, slow travel, on a low budget, and talking about doing it until maybe 65/70, when retiree benies kick in. Good for you! But -- be reminded: there are folks in their mid-70s who start doing the slow travel - on an even lower budget (with nada to fall back on). I'm one of'em. Heck, I'll be in Albania in October. Thanks again for the calm kindness you display in the videos. Puts my hesitations at ease.
You definitely inspired us to pursue full time travel during (early) retirement :) I had previously been looking for info on retirement abroad as an expat in a single country, but as soon as we started watching your videos it clicked for my spouse and I that the way you're living is what we really want to be doing! Thank you!!
Staying in one place during early retirement isn't what gets us excited. Moving from place to place at our leisure works for us. We may at some point stay in one location for a 3 month stretch but for now we love what we are doing! Thank you for watching and safe travels. 😀
Thanks for sharing your experience! My husband and I have decided that our home is the destination after 2 years of travel! The most important thing is housing for us and walkability around the area. We are just starting to figure out what we need to keep our marriage healthy because Happy Wife + Happy Husband = Happy Life😊
Good point about keeping your mind/body stimulated with slow travel! We are 67 and 71, still working. We are putting our paid for house on the market next month and hopefully hitting the road. We know we can’t live on our SS alone, so the sale of our house will be what we live on. We are both in super good health, but I sit at home every day, knitting! 😊Which I”m fine with, but I know I need to do more. ❤
Yes, it's so important to keep the mind and body moving. I'm like you and could be quite content at home, I'm pretty happy that way. But I know in the long run that doesn't help me at all. There will be plenty of time for that in the future 😉. Hope your home sells fast so your adventures can begin. Thank you so much for watching.
My EXACT mind set! Harder & harder to survive in US in retirement & becoming depressed, sedentary & brain-drained. Though I'm in a small town (lovely, peaceful area) feel a need for some change all round. House about to sell & on my way to foreign lands, Lord willing!
I am not sure about selling your house and living on rentals or hotels. As you get older, without constant income, you may find it hard to rent an apartment. Also, the rent may go up with inflation. Considering reverse mortgage if your area is in the rising population. I don’t know if this is better. I had a friend on reverse mortgage some time, but I am not sure if monthly income increases with time.
My husband and I are in the same age range as you. We retired early too... and yes.. you ARE inspiring us to World travel. Like you, we started-off planning to move abroad, but then "traveling" became more appealing for lots of reasons. Keep up the good work. You are reaching a lot of people and making a positive difference in people's lives. :-)
I retire early in 2015 and moved to Valencia Spain for a year and then start slow travel around Europe. Now I relocate to UK coastal area, bought a house as I kind of need to be 6 months summer here as we have a Pickleball group. I am thinking of going to Argentina next .
@@BoninBrighton , Yes otherwise feel so disconnected. I was very fortunate of having my core friends from church when I was 24 years old with WhatsApp u can stay connected everywhere.
We’ve lived in Europe and worked there on contract time. In love for sure. We Return as often as we can, and for retirement will be splitting our time. A bit disappointed in many things in the US, but most especially health care, insurance problems and politics. Thank you for the video. I never regretted living in Europe for up to two years. Healthier for sure. I so want to be back.😢
Fantastic video, I have just come out of a 30 year marriage and now I'm looking for my Carrie and I may pass you in a country somewhere one day. Sanding both of you my kindest regards and I love you content x
Priced out is a term I recently began using and came to mind. Every month it seems a new increase in another area so no slowing anything down. My senior dog keeps me in the states and no like some advise I am not leaving her and she is too old to relocate overseas so I am making do until that time I can depart. I have the resources to live comfortably in many places abroad yet the states has become a money hole. I keep listening and identifying with you two. Thanks so much for continuing to share your experience traveling abroad -very straight forward and easy to follow 🙏🏻
@MalibuMerleThailand is calling and it checks all the boxes thus far. Practicing being here now in the states though while I care for mightiest of companions and fortunately have a great space in nature surrounded by quiet and wildlife until that time when I spread my wings and move abroad. The states really don’t hold anything for me and I look forward to trying new lifestyle out. Appreciate your feedback- blessings on your travels 🙏
I recently became a fan of you guys channel and you are so inspiring and helping me budget my long-term travels . I appreciate you for giving meaning to slow travel ❤ Much love and success to you both
My wife and I retired in our early 50’s and utilized the 72-T Rule to tap into our 401-K’s early penalty free. We were savers all of our life, lived well below our means and have been happily retired for over 10 years now. Playing golf, pickleball, wallyball, biking and healthy eating (most of the time). =] Wife will be tapping into SS later this years as she turns 62 and I’ll be waiting until FRA (66+) before I tap into mine. We purchased a vacation home here in Mexico when we were in our 40’s and keep it rented out when we are back at our home in the US or out traveling the world. Our health is our new wealth. I’ve seen so many folks not able to enjoy retirement due to declining health or a drastic early death. Get out and enjoy life while you still can. Life is short, get out and live our best life now.
Thanks for the inspiration. Live in Florida. Single (widower). Home and car paid for. No debt and live modestly yet I spend more than 28K per year. Food is a huge expense. Then insurance (car + home + medical). Then maintaining home which has become a ball and chain. Anyhow, I have always wanted to live modestly and not be preoccupied with taking care of stuff. So the slow travel concept is very appealing, plus the added benefit of getting out of the US for a while. Retired now, SS starting this month (it will cover the bills, for now), so only my family ties keeping me here.
Agree 💯. We decided after 6 to 7 months and traveling to PV Mexico without issue that we could travel the world together. About two years ago found your channel as you might recall... We tell everyone to look at your videos... You guys have given us the play by play book on how to do this and we are so grateful..... Now nearly a full year into our travels... 8 countries. 16 cities.... Best decision we ever made. We hope to cross paths with you two in South America or back home in the PNW. We'll be home July until September.... Safe travels Larry and Minnie.
This is a thorough and eloquent explanation of the rationale behind slow international travel in retirement, almost all of which I agree with and plan to retire at the end of this year and get started (just booked the outbound tickets today actually). Always enjoy your content.
I’m heaving 🤣🤣🤣 the arm touch that sealed the deal 🤣🤣🤣 and the thick beer goggles 🤣🤣🤣 You guys keeping me on track and focused on the future…. I hope one day our paths cross somewhere in the world (our focus will be Thailand/Malaysia) and we can have a drink and have a few laughs. This video was the follow up I needed after your last video. When Carrie said she was done, resonated! I’m done too. Travis (my husband) is not quite there yet but hopefully after watching your videos, he will be. Thank you, again ❤ words cannot express how appreciative I am for your channel.
Traveling the world never gets old. I have visited 35 countries (and lived in four) so far and I plan on seeing many more but I have been and will be doing it the slow way because you just get so much more out of the time you spend in a country. For those who feel that money may be an issue, try house-sitting. You get free accommodation, and sometimes even the use or a car, and although you may have to take care of the home-owner's pets, you still have enough time to do many of the things you want to do. You won't be as free as if you pay for everything but it beats not being able to go anywhere because you don't have the money.
I love your journey and you're not selfish at all. Life is for living and you both still make time for your families. You've been inspirational to me. I have just come back from a solo trip in Albania.. my first ever solo journey and I loved it. Thankfully my hubby was supportive but Sarande, Ksamil, Vlore and so much more will stay with me forever. I remember you guys being there and maybe I wouldn't have gone if I'd never heard you guys talking about it when you were there 😊
I live in Greece and when my friend from the US came, he insisted on going to Santorini and Mykonos. He spent the same amount of money in two weeks that I spend in six months
Great video guys. So many great points. We are happy to be leaving the US fot 6 months this fall. We are retired and we will keep our affordable home in the US, but we will travel as much as possible, as long as we are able on a budget. Constantly learning, is always good for you 👍. 😊
We are going out at 58 and getting on ACA plan. Our insurance will be 200-300 a month with what we show as income. Going to do slow travel and be away from home for a few months a year. Have been to a lot of countries and know the places we want to go back to for a while. Love watching and getting info from people who are doing it full time.
This is one of the best and most honest videos I have watched. I am from Scotland not the U.S. so don't have the whole healthcare costs but the cost of living has still gone up. Your videos are so inspiring to us to get out there . Thanks guys ❤
You guys are so lucky to have each other to travel with and share life experiences! I’ve been a loner all my life and so wish I had someone to share my life with. Planning to move to somewhere in Mexico in January in search of the right place to settle. I’m a homebody so couldn’t do what you’re doing. Any mature women out there interested in a new life adventure?
We do feel lucky to have each other. It sounds like you are looking for a new adventure! Best of luck in finding that special someone to share it with.
Just discovered your channel and enjoying your content. We did wait to start traveling when my husband turned 65 so we could access his SS and other investments. We slow traveled for a couple of years abd were then ready to "settle" in one place. We moved to the Algarve in Portugal and never looked back. We had NO desire to move back to the US given the political chaos, gun issue and cost of living. My point is when you said you may go back to live in the US when you can access your retirement funds, you may surprise yourself. The last time we visited we felt so our of place and experience reverse culture shock. Best of luck on your journey!
Always a great conversation. I’m beyond retirement age and travel 4 to 5 weeks at a time a couple of times a year but it’s really expensive that way. You seemed to have found your rhythm. I wished I could pull the trigger to go full time. Ya’ll are still young enough to correct any mistakes. I watch all you videos and after each one say to myself, just do it. Continue to enjoy your journey
How do you find reliable safe places to house sit? How do you convince the owners you are trustworthy? How do you ensure you don't have to many gaps between stays? Can you share more about your health care insurance and please. Do you rent out your own house in the USA for income?
We use TrustedHousesitter to find reliable house sits. On the site you have a profile and so does the host. Before you decide it's a match you have a conversation by phone or email. There is no way to not have gaps between stays. We are looking to do house sits to offset other accommodation costs. Our next video, Sat. the 29th, will be all about health insurance options. We sold our house back in the States. We house-sit or stay with family when we return home.
Thank you for inspiring us. 4 more weeks to go before my early retirement. My wife and I are similar age to you guys. We cannot wait to start slow traveling OUS soon. Thank you.
Being early-mid 50s myself, this is the best time to be out there adventuring. Good insights. Grew up in NZ, & living in Aussie. Agree, it's an odd feeling when you realise your home town has slowly priced you out of the country!
We definitely agree and just started our slow travel. Currently in Lagos, Portugal and yesterday we hiked from Praia Dona Ana in Lagos to Praia de Luz on the Ponta da Piedade trail. Spectacular hike. And we topped it off by having a couple of beers at The Bull in Luz in your honor. 🙂 Cheers! 🍻
Not related to this video, but rather one year ago I asked which credit cards you use in Europe that allow the contactless feature to work bc some of mine didn’t, and you recommended the Charles Schwab debit card….and I opened an account and used it today in Poland, and it worked! Thank you for being a repository of knowledge!
I’m on the same path and wish to stop working earlier than retirement age (56 is my aim) and start slow traveling or part time expat life. I plan to do some coaching and consulting but it’s optional meaning I want to position myself finance such that I’m not relying on that extra money. Learning lots from your perspectives. Thanks again.
I travelled overseas for the last 2 years thinking about taking the leap, and I came to the conclusion that it is cheaper and better for me to stay in the U.S. I experimented and tested those supposedly green pastures, but it was all an illusion. If you own your home (like I do), stay put because there are many ways to reduce spending. You just have to be flexible and open-minded. You don’t have to go to another country and revolve your life around bus, train and flight schedules while jumping from an Airbnb to another. Take multiple vacations throughout the year and come back home to relax. I’m glad I didn’t sell my home which by the way is still appreciating in value year after year.
Thank you for adding your thoughts to the channel. It is always good to hear other perspectives. We did a video last year about the ugly truth of full-time travel. We keep it real on this channel and enjoy reading respectful differences of opinions like yours. Thank you again. Cheers!!🍻
Yeah, I love this video and the concept of full-time travel, and this channel has been informative and inspirational. And right now a similar variant to yours works for us. We're in our 50s, and a few years ago, I had that "life is short" gut realization--both from seeing people my age have horrible health luck, and seeing others become major, on-site supports for aging parents. At the time, we were new empty-nesters and both sets of parents were doing OK. So I switched to contract work and my husband arranged a system of unpaid time off, and we set up major "work breaks" to spend time in Thailand then in Mexico. Our thought has been that we'll ultimately try to rent out our paid-off home (on Airbnb etc) to subsidize future extended trips; and when we hit our fed-up point with our jobs, things'll shift too (but now we mostly like them and have good balance). But now, boom, my dear father (who lives near us) was just diagnosed with aggressive leukemia, and I don't have helpful siblings. So our next trip (to Borneo and Raja Ampat) is on hold, and we're extremely glad that we didn't wait an extra minute for those earlier ones.
@@Laura-kb5sr I’m 48 and been retired for 3 yrs. I feel like I’m in control and living intentionally. I’ve seen many parts of the world and it doesn’t excite me too much anymore to visit new places. I enjoy travel, but I don’t want to be in a race to do too much in too little of a time. I’m pretty much bored with Europe, it doesn’t give me the WOW factor anymore. I’m a little terrified of Latin America because of the violent crime since I travel solo. Safety is becoming a real issue. As far as South East Asia, I find it unlivable because of the high humidity and lack seasonality. Right now I’m doing quick trips in the U.S. once a month. There’s also plenty to see here. It’s hiking season, so my plan is to hit as many National Parks as possible this year.
We started doing slow travel, years ago, it started with 3 months all over Europe, come back to the U.S. , work, then do it again. Then finally we downsized to a skoolie (Converted Schoolbus), we live nomadically, when we want to be abroad, we park it, get on a plane and go on a cheap ticket. Im doing the Camino De Santiago, again. We were going to head over to Vietnam (Inspired by you), but rainy season started. So we headed for Portugal on the Camino De Santiago, we just walked into Spain (Tui). We Aren't sure where to head after, and for us its exciting not to know exactly. Great job on the channel. We just started getting social security at 62, no waiting for us.
😂😂😂 We watch you faithfully and have seen every single episode. Thank you for sharing how you met. We’re actually having a beer while watching and laughed out butts off at Brian’s “version” of the story. I too am the same age as my husband for 6 months. Maybe someday our paths will cross and the beers will be on us 👍
Relatively new subscriber and really enjoy your channel. Thanks for sharing your background. I'm single and would love to do what you do in a few years, just unsure on doing it alone going around the world. Thanks for your videos, so interesting and helpful
I lived as an Expat in China for 7 years and Thailand for 4 years. I retired at 68 and moved back to the US during covid to help take care of elderly parents and to try to help an adult child who is struggling. I bought a small house in the US at a good time but there are a lot of expenses. My wife is Chinese and we also have a house in China. We may end up spending more time in China and Thailand. Then we will need to decide whether to keep the house in the US or sell it and get rid of all those expenses. Renting it out is also an option. We are not rich but I did work for a long time and saved in the 401K. I also waited until 70 to start collecting Social Security so I could definitely keep my money invested if I didn’t have all these expenses in the US. Your videos give me a lot of ideas and frankly hope for the future. So thanks for that.
I think rental properties are better in UK as there are so many reliable property management companies that charged 11% hands off. I am thinking of selling mine in the states as the expenses are too high. I slow travel
So many decisions to make, but at least it sounds like you have some good options. We are so happy you enjoyed this video. Thank you so much for watching 😊. Cheers!!
I'm Chinese. My husband is American. We sold our 2 houses in China last year before the market crashed 😅. I've beening living in the states over 20 years. He is 62 and I'm 58. Time to plan retirement. But he has a very good paid job still . Hard to say bye to that. 😊 Definitely think 65 is the time .
Hi there, since you are opposed to long stays in air bb,.where do you suggest staying for a 3-4 month stay? We love watching and listening to you both! Very inspiring lifestyle decision.
You guys are definitely inspiring us!! We are making plans now to retire early (not soon enough). We are turning 52 yo this year and cannot wait. Hope to meet you two sometime. If you’re ever wanting to see the Texas Hill Country when you’re back in the states we’d love to host you. DreamitLiveit!
I love your video! My husband and I and 2 kids 8 and 9 want to move to Spain. Were in a unique situation he is older 55 in great health( speaks fluent Spanish) just retired I’m 41. We just paid off our house (worth about 600,000 )and we’re either gonna rent our house or sell and move. His pension is 100k a year. In New York this isn’t a lot of money and health insurance alone is 1100 a month. He has another job and we’re just saving money until we take the leap! Thank you for the motivation!!
I have met a of world travelers renting out there primary home and living abroad. This appears the most ways I noticed people cashflowing there travels. The number one are the pensioners, but many pensioners also rent out there primary home in there home country while they travel for a few years or longer.
You guys have the right attitude, not surprised coming from Wash state ! There are so many garbage videos out there on where to live, many sit on the sofa and regurgitate data from a sheet of paper on their laps on the best place to live- completely useless trash. MY idea of the best life is living in Brasil Came here on a container ship (just like I used to visit Tacoma) in 1980. Swore I'd return one day and did that in 2001. Been in Brasil off and on since, came back in 2018 for 6 months- still here, bought a condo and life is excellent and cheap. Brasil is very Americanized and European so there is NO culture shock Come visit us ! Be glad to show you around !
Such great channel on slow travels, dreaming about just picking up and do the same things....but got family obligations 😞 one of these days i hope to hop on the slow travel wagon too. The medical and medical insurance world in the US is just so broken🤦 you mentioned dental implant what country did you receive that cheap and excellent service? Its costing my husband 5-6k to get that done at the moment without any dental insurance, just outrageous 🤬 Thank you for taking the time and share with the world your experiences🙏
Hey Brian. Just a suggestion. Been binging on you videos for about 10 days now. You always mention another video during your dialogue (like you are referencing another video). Ad cards in that moment so we can jump to that video or we can save it to watch later. You can add cards during the upload process on RUclips. Your edits are getting better. 👍🏼
After your “dark circles” comment I watched your first videos and yeah Brian you DID have dark under eye circles and now you don’t!!! Honestly this might be the biggest selling point. Overall health. Btw Carrie on the other hand looked great then and looks great now 😂😊
I do believe that it is the biggest selling point! Good health and a relaxed lifestyle have been extremely beneficial to me. And yes, Carrie always looks good!! 😁
As always nice message. Put shortly: Vacationing comfortablely in 80% of the world is cheaper than barely surviving in the USA.
I got the heck out the USA and moved to Switzerland.... when I was 27! Now approaching 64, and am so glad I got out of there. The paradox is I had more paid vacation in the USA while living here than I did while living there. Healthy Social Security and subsidized company pensions are the norm here. We just even voted to increase Swiss social security benefits by about 8 percent... and that was done via direct democracy... citizens voted for it! Imagine that in the US. Soon I will be in the middle of Europe with all the time and money I need to enjoy it... plus a house that we bought here.
That vote will not happy here in the States.
You two are so cute together, great chemistry!
Wow, sounds like you made the right move years ago. A vote like that would never take place in the States 😞. Happy for you! Cheers
You are so lucky ! I’m late 50’s and worried they will run out of $$ in SS because we are paying for everyone else’s wars. I’m in process of moving back to Ecuador and can’t wait.
Awesome! The difference in how fold vote is that here in the US, there is so little emphasis on us as a group and instead individualism, coupled with a poor educational system and rampant propaganda. Folks believe a lot of faux news and then either don't vote, or vote against their own interests.
You’re so right about the risk of never getting to go because of some unexpected health issue. One of my best friends died last year of cancer at age 52. Her husband was a few months into his retirement. They had big plans for the years ahead. It was a huge wake-up call for me. 💔
So sorry to hear of your friend. 😔 It is all too common and such an eye opener.
Another cracking video guys. My wife and I retired last July, both aged 53, and sold everything to live nomadically. Then I had a heart attach out of the blue in January this year (I suppose working long hours in a high stress profession for 33 years should have been some clue). Luckily I received emergency care in short time and we are able to continue the dream. I'm watching your latest video from CDG airport in France, waiting to head off to our next 'home' on the road. Great to have you spreading the good word for this lifestyle in such an entertaining way. Great chemistry. I hope we cross paths one day and can share a beer or two.
It is nice to hear the recovery went well and your still at it!! 😉 We will cross paths one day and have a drink!! Thank you for watching safe travels!
We left to retire abroad 3 years ago from USA and our lives and health and Mental health has totally improved 👏. We never look back and could never go back after living a peaceful and healthier , affordable lifestyle now. One doesn't realize how Toxic USA is Until you live in another Country that is opposite of what you have always lived and don't know there is better out there!!
I took my wife to Portugal for a visit. We could easily retire early there. She doesn’t want to pull the trigger. Doesn’t like the crime in the US. 2 vehicles stolen from work. Homeless breaking into work buildings. High taxes, high prices. My logic is why pay more for the same items. She was afraid of the language barrier but agreed that wasn’t a problem where we visited. I would still want to learn Portuguese. Willing to look at other locations. Need to get the other half on board. Any ideas.
Where did you retire to?
@@FIRED13 Costa Rica
@@jimjensen9139 yes you both definitely need to be on the same page. We didn't let the language barrier stop us and I'm grateful we didn't. We are in Costa Rica and Love it however everyone is different and it has to be where you feel like you can adjust to the people, culture and history. We have learned more Spanish by living here among the locals and all our friends are locals. Getting to know the locals anywhere you choose is definitely a blessing and they will help you! Costa Rican people are the friendliest and humbled people we have ever met . Plus you can't believe everything you hear about a Country good or Bad because everyone is different however we feel safer here than we ever did in USA and we live more simple so our $ go further. Good luck with your adventures and hopefully you can take the plunge where you both want to be. Pura vida ( pure life)
@@sandrabedard7848 blessings to you, that you have found your peace!
it's NOT SELFISH to take care of your life and actually live the life you want because if you're happy and healthy everyone arounds you benefits including your children.
So very true ❤️. Thanks so much for watching 😊
Me and my teens Moved to Mexico a year ago.🤗🌻
You guys are freakin awesome. This was so geniuine, so candid, so honest. Your ducks will never be in a row. Nobody's will. You are perfect for each other and it's so lovely to see you have found a lifestyle that makes you so happy. You are definitely inspring. Please keep doing your videos. Ignore the haters. We love you.
Thanks so much!! We are so happy you enjoyed it. We truly appreciate your kind words 😊
The best thing I ever did was become fluent in Spanish. I took advantage of this skill and moved to Latin America. I have $3500 in a monthly pension and live on $1500. Healthcare costs $40/month. There is no way I could enjoy the quality of life I live in the states.
Congratulations! Smart move.
So inspirational!! I am 52 this coming week! Goals!! I did the fast travel thing on a semi-sabbatical the year of my 50th, 28 countries & 7 continents in 10 months. So exhausting, but no regrets! Loved every minute! Looking forward to my slow travel era! Thank you for inspiring & educating!
Thank you for supporting us!!! ❤️
Just retired to Spain 2 weeks ago. Per my visa, I had to purchase health insurance with no copay, no deductible for the entire year. $1300 and it includes dental. And Brian, you look marvelous! (in my best Billy Crystal imitation).
I read that as Billy Crystal BEFORE I read the rest of the sentence!! 🤣
I am looking into retirement in Spain. What company did you use for your health insurance? Thanks
@@porsche605 I used an insurance broker called Gidea and ended up selecting Sanitas as my insurance company.
Be a little wary of people who call you selfish - they are telling you something about them, not you.
WOW Switzerland is great but expensive..
Kudos to you for leaving the US
If someone calls you selfish, just because you are living your dream, this says a lot more about them than about you. These are usually very envious and insecure people who would love to do what you do but can't muster up the courage. Or they didn't save enough money. Either way, what others think of you is none of your business. Have a great retirement everyone!
Enjoyed the video. That's the thing I try to remind people, as Brian said...I'm not on vacation, I'm just living my life in other countries. It really can be a lot more affordable than people think. And I'm glad you mentioned about how some people say that you are being selfish by living your life this way. Retirement is the time in your life when you should do all the things you ever wanted to do. If that's being selfish, so be it! Happy travels!
Love this comment, Jim! Thank you!! 😊❤️
But living needs incomes. You cant just Enjoy and spend your all savinasi.Irs a bit mistik here
We thought it through. Absolutely not making a mistake but thank you for adding your opinion and for watching.
Cheers!
@LU-jo2jz As Brian and Carrie say, you have to think it through and plan for it in a way that will fit within your means. Many people are so afraid of running out of money in retirement that they choose not to spend it at all. You worked hard to earn that money...use your retirement years to enjoy that money you earned doing the things you love!
Wonderfully informative and encouraging educational videos.
Frankly, there are better places on this planet to live in peace and prosperity.
I have to start drinking beer so I can meet a cool guy to travel with! Unfortunately my husband passed away a while ago. Kids are almost grown. I am 53, corporate job, lots of vacation days but I am an introvert so it is hard to meet someone great, layback and without drama! 😂 :)
While solo travels are great too, I do enjoy sharing the experience with likeminded people.
Thank you for your story! Just found your channel. Thinking to travel to Budapest this fall or next one. I have many coworkers in that city so it should be fun!
Sorry to hear about your husband. 😔 Maybe you will find someone while traveling! Budapest is a great city, hopefully you make it soon and thank you for joining the channel!! ❤️
@@BrianandCarrie thank you for your kind response! Appreciate it!
I am so appreciative of your thorough videos each week. It has led me to start my journey next weekend, starting with a five week house sit in Malaysia. Yes, it will be hot. I am going solo and I'm scared $hitless. In three months or so I hope to be a confident solo slow traveler. As a finance guy I've tracked your expenses along with other solo travelers I follow on a spreadsheet for the last two years, and I agree your two person $28k USD budget is legit in the right countries. But everyone has their own comfort level. My starting budget is 3k/mo.
And Brian, we did note the darker eyes are gone. I'm happy for you.
This is awesome, Mike!! Once you land in Malaysia and get settled you will know longer be scared! It will be an amazing adventure.
My eyes are better, now I need to start working on the six pack abbs. 😁
You will enjoy Malaysia. Great infrastructure, good food, easy to navigate, no language barrier, fantastic healthcare, safe. Enjoy your adventure.
Good for you going beyond your comfort zone, I'm sure you will love it....start a RUclips channel to keep us all updated 😁
The 28k budget is for each of you? Or combined?
Count me and Sunny as two more people you helped break out of our comfort zone and go live life to the fullest. Thanks and cheers! 🍻
Brian, I AGREE! You've never looked BETTER. And me living in Portugal have never looked better either! Seriously, my European life is Much healthier than my life was in the US. Healthier food, more exercise, cleaner air, Less stress and so much More. JP Porto
Love it!!! Thank you! 😊 Life is good my friend!
Our lives are amazing too. Living in Portugal. traveling when and where we want including visiting the US a few times for various reasons including my Sons wedding later in December 2024 in Southern California. JP Porto
Totally agree with you guys, live the moment, life is short, enjoy yourself.
Happy travels!👍❤️🥂
❤️
I love that when you introduced yourself you didn’t mention what you did for work. So many people become their careers.
Great video! Lots of good info. It's nice to see you have more than 50,000 subscribers now. I also enjoyed the story of how you both started dating. My wife and I are not typical Americans; I have dual US and UK citizenship, and my wife is a naturalized American citizen after marrying me. With my wife from Slovakia and I having a British passport before Brexit, we could live in the European Union, so we moved to Spain.
At the time, we were living a successful life in New Jersey, and while we made plenty of money, we did not have time to travel. At age 50, I visited my mother, who had retired in Spain, and I fell in love with the place and how healthy the Mediterranean diet. I immediately realized how living a less stressful life could be beneficial to our health. We quit our jobs a year later and moved to a city about an hour from Valencia and 40 minutes from Alicante. In retrospect, 14 years later, it was our best decision.
So happy to hear you're enjoying your new life in Spain 😊. Slow paced life, less money focused is so much better.
You two inspire us (my husband and I) but probably not in the way many others are inspired. Oddly, I am also 53 and my husband is 54. At 31, I was diagnosed with cancer. A short few years later, my husband's mom died of the same cancer. She was 52. I had a co-worker die at 52 of cancer. One night, my husband had a bit of an existential melt down and we sat and discussed "what are we doing ?!!!!!"
We had already traveled to Mexico and Thailand to rock climb at that point and we were back in Dallas, slaving away or the house and the cars. We didn't have kids, and weren't planning on having kids so the "What are we doing" question sat heavy.
We knew we loved traveling so we decided to live differently. Not being guaranteed to make it to retirement was VERY top-of-mind for us. In my husband's words, "If I die atv52 not having gotten to see what I wanted to see, I'm gonna be pissed." So we put the house up for sale (having just moved in like 3 months previous), began getting rid of and giving away as much as we could. We put what we had left into storage and went backpacking/hostel hopping across western Europe (pre EU and Shengen). We came back, moved to UT, then to CO. Bought another house, sold it 2 years later and made some money... took 3 years off and circumnavigate the globe, loving a year of that time teaching in Vietnam. We hit some bucket list things during that time too.... walking the Camino, hiking in the Himilayas etc... but we also experienced a lot of time in Eastern Europe. It was during this 3 years that we discovered slow travel. We came back, went to CO again. I got certified in Life Coaching and 2020 happened. Never got my life coaching biz off the ground. We were supposed to be back out of country May 2020. Instead we worked some more, bought a van and left July 2021 on a road trip in Eastern US. We ended up in MT working a year of seasonal jobs and then back to CO briefly. We decided CO was too expensive and would take us too much longer to get the heck out of the US again so we moved to Kansas City, MO... where we are currently getting ourselves situated to leave the US gain on a more possibly permanent basis. We discovered you guys about a year ago-ish and find it helps us to keep the motivation to keep working to get out of here.
We 100% know that by the time we reach retirement we won't be able to afford living here and other factors like political etc are making it preferable (for us) to want to be elsewhere.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Watching the two of you feels very comforting and confirming. We decided to live this way a long time ago so that we could be active and travel while we're still fit enough to hike and explore....we have a "use it or lose it" mentality.
So thank you!!! We appreciate you guys!!!
Great story thanks for sharing, I too was diagnosed with cancer at 30 then again at 46, now 55.....it's time to "get on with it" and do the traveling I've been wanting for some time!
Love your story and experience. What age did you pack up the first time (sold your house)?
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Laura. We are inspired by you and your husband! The American dream doesn't have to be the house and cars. We have the freedom to do as we please. Again, thank you for sharing. ❤️❤️❤️
I'm inspired by your story as well! 💗 Thanks for sharing! I have a bit of fear when it comes to not being able to afford living in Canada when I decide to travel the world and come back primarily of the free healthcare here and better infrastructure than my second home in Thailand where most of my family live~ You guys had a good reason also to want to leave the political climate in the US! I think with increasing inflation here and insane housing affordability, I'm not sure I want to stay and keep making it work. I'm in my early 30s with some chronic health condition and I want to LIVE!!
@@johnnow1 at about 35. Went to Thailand at 32. Mexico at 30 and 31... so a passion for travel started a bit later for us. Took some big planning and big jumps to decide to "just go" but we love it.
It was nice to meet you in Crete, we were in Bordeaux, now enjoying Périgueux with old French friend has lived here for 17 years.
It was great meeting you as well ❤️. Hope you're having a wonderful time. Looking forward to hearing about it 😊
Another great video by you two. Thanks for illuminating the path for us. My wife and I are about 4 years older than you, but our youngest is just entering junior year of high school. So, we have another two years before we head over to Europe. I watch all your videos and live vicariously through the two of you until my wife and I can set off on our own slow travel journeys.
Thank you so much for follow the channel!! Two years will fly by in no time at all!! 😊
I have been watching you two from the beginning and I loved how you explained how you started dating in this one. You are both a delight to follow!
Thank you, Nicole! We appreciate you following us for such a long time!! ❤️
I’ve recently started my own channel in retirement. In part, due to you all. So happy for both. Have a great day!
This is great, Mac. Good luck and enjoy the RUclips ride!!
Thank you so much for sharing, you guys. Well, you TOTALLY inspired us to start planning for this type of living. We were in Lisbon this summer and we looked at each other and went "F* Ya!!!" Once our kids are all self-sufficient (almost there), we'll sell the house, both cars and take off living abroad like you guys are doing....fooor suuure!!! Thank you for reassuring us that it is totally doable. We'll buy you a drink if we bump into you on our travels. Wishing you good health to both of you.
It is such an amazing way to live. We have zero regrets!! Thank you for watching and we would love to meet you out in the world someday!! 😊
In my opinion one of your best videos ever. Really enjoyed it and relate to you guys! Cheers
Thank you for that! We really appreciate the feedback and all the support!!
Great video.
We started slow traveling this year and so far it’s been great! We started in Brazil and had a blast. I truly appreciate your videos, it helped us in many occasions 🌟✨🌟
Thank you, Daniel. We appreciate you watching!! Safe travels! 😊
Love love love this episode. Been a subscriber since the beginning. I've been living vicariously through you two. Hope to maybe slow travel some day. Have an 11 and 16 year old to raise into adulthood first. This channel is one of the most informative on 'how-to-do' in everything slow travel, thus it's a gold mine of information. Thanks so much for sharing. Best!
Thank you so much! Comments like this are inspiring! We are always trying to improve so it is nice to hear. ❤
Thanks for you guys insights. Everyone has different situation. My husband is 62 , currently he still has a very good paid job.Very hard to say bye to that . I'm homemaker now. Last yesar i went back to China to sell my two investment properties before the markets crashed. I realized the costs of living was super low there . And china has very good infrastructure everywhere. To be hoenst , China would be the retired destinations if the political weather is DIFFERENT 😂... But i grew up there , nothing is scared to me. It is definitely a gem for retirement. Thanks again for the info. And budget of usd23000 annually for both is amazing number to live on !
Thanks! Happy Birthday.
Thank you so much! Sorry in the delay in responding, yesterday was a long travel day. I will be sure to put this to great use in our new location and grab a few beers. Cheers!!
Love the work you guys are doing! Have watched many of your videos. I’m 50 and planning to retire in 2 years, much like yourselves. Your videos have been a great resource for planning my retirement. I have travelled extensively in south east Asia in my 20’s and until I watched your videos forgot how affordable it is there and have since decided that leaving North America (I’m Canadian) is the only way I can afford to retire at this age.
Thank you for all your efforts and the time you put into these videos.
Happy travels!
Thank you, Mark! We appreciate the support!!
Wow 28,000, what an eye opener. Great video again guys! Thank you
Thank you for watching!!! ❤️
@MalibuMerle where in Mexico are you? And do you you feel safe?
@MalibuMerle Thank you so much for the information. I just turned 60 and so badly want to retire but I'm not quite where I want to be financially. (Plus I'm still semi-supporting one in Physical Therapy school). I'm always looking for potential places to retire that are relatively cheap and safe for a single female. Where you are sounds fantastic!
We are excited to get to Mexico this fall!!
Love your videos. Mid-50ish, slow travel, on a low budget, and talking about doing it until maybe 65/70, when retiree benies kick in. Good for you!
But -- be reminded: there are folks in their mid-70s who start doing the slow travel - on an even lower budget (with nada to fall back on).
I'm one of'em. Heck, I'll be in Albania in October. Thanks again for the calm kindness you display in the videos. Puts my hesitations at ease.
You definitely inspired us to pursue full time travel during (early) retirement :) I had previously been looking for info on retirement abroad as an expat in a single country, but as soon as we started watching your videos it clicked for my spouse and I that the way you're living is what we really want to be doing! Thank you!!
Staying in one place during early retirement isn't what gets us excited. Moving from place to place at our leisure works for us. We may at some point stay in one location for a 3 month stretch but for now we love what we are doing! Thank you for watching and safe travels. 😀
Thanks for sharing your experience! My husband and I have decided that our home is the destination after 2 years of travel! The most important thing is housing for us and walkability around the area. We are just starting to figure out what we need to keep our marriage healthy because Happy Wife + Happy Husband = Happy Life😊
Congratulations. That is awesome. You are both still young.
Good point about keeping your mind/body stimulated with slow travel! We are 67 and 71, still working. We are putting our paid for house on the market next month and hopefully hitting the road. We know we can’t live on our SS alone, so the sale of our house will be what we live on. We are both in super good health, but I sit at home every day, knitting! 😊Which I”m fine with, but I know I need to do more. ❤
Yes, it's so important to keep the mind and body moving. I'm like you and could be quite content at home, I'm pretty happy that way. But I know in the long run that doesn't help me at all. There will be plenty of time for that in the future 😉. Hope your home sells fast so your adventures can begin. Thank you so much for watching.
My EXACT mind set! Harder & harder to survive in US in retirement & becoming depressed, sedentary & brain-drained. Though I'm in a small town (lovely, peaceful area) feel a need for some change all round. House about to sell & on my way to foreign lands, Lord willing!
Did you consider hiring a property manager and renting your house out for additional income?
I am not sure about selling your house and living on rentals or hotels. As you get older, without constant income, you may find it hard to rent an apartment. Also, the rent may go up with inflation. Considering reverse mortgage if your area is in the rising population. I don’t know if this is better. I had a friend on reverse mortgage some time, but I am not sure if monthly income increases with time.
You have to invest the money you get from the sale of your house.
My husband and I are in the same age range as you. We retired early too... and yes.. you ARE inspiring us to World travel. Like you, we started-off planning to move abroad, but then "traveling" became more appealing for lots of reasons. Keep up the good work. You are reaching a lot of people and making a positive difference in people's lives. :-)
Thank you so much for the kind words. ❤
I retire early in 2015 and moved to Valencia Spain for a year and then start slow travel around Europe. Now I relocate to UK coastal area, bought a house as I kind of need to be 6 months summer here as we have a Pickleball group. I am thinking of going to Argentina next .
Being part of a community and having a hobby is important. Travel is great but so is community.
@@BoninBrighton , Yes otherwise feel so disconnected. I was very fortunate of having my core friends from church when I was 24 years old with WhatsApp u can stay connected everywhere.
You guys are so inspiring! I hope see you one day during our travels ❤
We would love that, Didi!! ❤️
We’ve lived in Europe and worked there on contract time. In love for sure. We Return as often as we can, and for retirement will be splitting our time. A bit disappointed in many things in the US, but most especially health care, insurance problems and politics. Thank you for the video. I never regretted living in Europe for up to two years. Healthier for sure. I so want to be back.😢
Thanks for sharing. Not sure we are planning on F/T life abroad but certainly some "extended stays". I really enjoy your content.
Thank you, Shawn!!
Fantastic video, I have just come out of a 30 year marriage and now I'm looking for my Carrie and I may pass you in a country somewhere one day. Sanding both of you my kindest regards and I love you content x
Thank you so much ♥. Let us know if we cross paths one day, would love to meet up. Best of luck finding your travel companion ☺.
My husband and I are on slow traveled and if u play Pickleball it opens up to more friends and expat. We are in coastal UK.
Priced out is a term I recently began using and came to mind. Every month it seems a new increase in another area so no slowing anything down. My senior dog keeps me in the states and no like some advise I am not leaving her and she is too old to relocate overseas so I am making do until that time I can depart. I have the resources to live comfortably in many places abroad yet the states has become a money hole. I keep listening and identifying with you two. Thanks so much for continuing to share your experience traveling abroad -very straight forward and easy to follow 🙏🏻
@MalibuMerleThailand is calling and it checks all the boxes thus far. Practicing being here now in the states though while I care for mightiest of companions and fortunately have a great space in nature surrounded by quiet and wildlife until that time when I spread my wings and move abroad. The states really don’t hold anything for me and I look forward to trying new lifestyle out. Appreciate your feedback- blessings on your travels 🙏
@MalibuMerle much respect🙏
Hi guys thanks for an other great video, you guys are so down to earth which makes your videos so much more enjoyable and inspiring thanks from the UK
Thank you!! We need to visit the UK soon!! 😊
I recently became a fan of you guys channel and you are so inspiring and helping me budget my long-term travels . I appreciate you for giving meaning to slow travel ❤ Much love and success to you both
So happy you found our channel and are enjoying the content 😊. Cheers!!
My wife and I retired in our early 50’s and utilized the 72-T Rule to tap into our 401-K’s early penalty free. We were savers all of our life, lived well below our means and have been happily retired for over 10 years now. Playing golf, pickleball, wallyball, biking and healthy eating (most of the time). =] Wife will be tapping into SS later this years as she turns 62 and I’ll be waiting until FRA (66+) before I tap into mine. We purchased a vacation home here in Mexico when we were in our 40’s and keep it rented out when we are back at our home in the US or out traveling the world. Our health is our new wealth. I’ve seen so many folks not able to enjoy retirement due to declining health or a drastic early death. Get out and enjoy life while you still can. Life is short, get out and live our best life now.
Love this comment!! Thank you for adding it to the channel!!
Start living or start dyeing!!
Thanks for the inspiration. Live in Florida. Single (widower). Home and car paid for. No debt and live modestly yet I spend more than 28K per year. Food is a huge expense. Then insurance (car + home + medical). Then maintaining home which has become a ball and chain. Anyhow, I have always wanted to live modestly and not be preoccupied with taking care of stuff. So the slow travel concept is very appealing, plus the added benefit of getting out of the US for a while. Retired now, SS starting this month (it will cover the bills, for now), so only my family ties keeping me here.
Thanks so much for watching 😊
Agree 💯. We decided after 6 to 7 months and traveling to PV Mexico without issue that we could travel the world together. About two years ago found your channel as you might recall...
We tell everyone to look at your videos...
You guys have given us the play by play book on how to do this and we are so grateful.....
Now nearly a full year into our travels...
8 countries. 16 cities....
Best decision we ever made.
We hope to cross paths with you two in South America or back home in the PNW. We'll be home July until September....
Safe travels
Larry and Minnie.
Thank so much! You two have supported us so much and we are grateful. We should be home about the same time! Keep us posted!!
Thanks, Brian & Carrie, for your informative video. This is my first time watching you sharing about retiring early and travel slowly outside of U.S.
Thank you for watching, Stevie!! 😁
This is a thorough and eloquent explanation of the rationale behind slow international travel in retirement, almost all of which I agree with and plan to retire at the end of this year and get started (just booked the outbound tickets today actually). Always enjoy your content.
Thank you, David. Safe travels!!
Thank you for sharing this perspective of early retirement
Thank you for watching!! ❤️
I’m heaving 🤣🤣🤣 the arm touch that sealed the deal 🤣🤣🤣 and the thick beer goggles 🤣🤣🤣
You guys keeping me on track and focused on the future….
I hope one day our paths cross somewhere in the world (our focus will be Thailand/Malaysia) and we can have a drink and have a few laughs.
This video was the follow up I needed after your last video. When Carrie said she was done, resonated! I’m done too.
Travis (my husband) is not quite there yet but hopefully after watching your videos, he will be.
Thank you, again ❤ words cannot express how appreciative I am for your channel.
Thank you so much!! We would love to cross paths someday and have a few drinks, and of course, some laughs! 😁Good luck and stay focused! 😊❤️
Traveling the world never gets old. I have visited 35 countries (and lived in four) so far and I plan on seeing many more but I have been and will be doing it the slow way because you just get so much more out of the time you spend in a country.
For those who feel that money may be an issue, try house-sitting. You get free accommodation, and sometimes even the use or a car, and although you may have to take care of the home-owner's pets, you still have enough time to do many of the things you want to do. You won't be as free as if you pay for everything but it beats not being able to go anywhere because you don't have the money.
We have saved on house sitting as well. We even did a video on how it works!! Thank you for watching and commenting!!
I love your journey and you're not selfish at all. Life is for living and you both still make time for your families.
You've been inspirational to me. I have just come back from a solo trip in Albania.. my first ever solo journey and I loved it. Thankfully my hubby was supportive but Sarande, Ksamil, Vlore and so much more will stay with me forever. I remember you guys being there and maybe I wouldn't have gone if I'd never heard you guys talking about it when you were there 😊
Thank you, Tracey for supporting us for such a long time! We appreciate it so much!! ❤️
Love the story on how you met, especially the blue socks 💙
It turns out that those were the best socks I ever bought!! 😆❤️
Congratulations guys I’ve been following your channel since the beginning and my husband and I appreciate your work
Thanks so much ❤️
I live in Greece and when my friend from the US came, he insisted on going to Santorini and Mykonos. He spent the same amount of money in two weeks that I spend in six months
That's crazy. But I do recall being in vacation mode - you spend so much differently. Thank so much for watching 😊
As always, a great video making a succinct and clear case for the lifestyle. So glad you and Carrie are blazing the trail for all of us to follow!
Thank you so much 😊. We appreciate you watching and following along.
We enjoyed this video so much, thank you for sharing all your thoughts and highlights with us.
Great video guys. So many great points. We are happy to be leaving the US fot 6 months this fall. We are retired and we will keep our affordable home in the US, but we will travel as much as possible, as long as we are able on a budget. Constantly learning, is always good for you 👍. 😊
Thank you so much ❤️
We are going out at 58 and getting on ACA plan. Our insurance will be 200-300 a month with what we show as income. Going to do slow travel and be away from home for a few months a year. Have been to a lot of countries and know the places we want to go back to for a while. Love watching and getting info from people who are doing it full time.
Thanks, Bob and safe travels!!
This is one of the best and most honest videos I have watched. I am from Scotland not the U.S. so don't have the whole healthcare costs but the cost of living has still gone up. Your videos are so inspiring to us to get out there . Thanks guys ❤
Thank you, Lynn!! ❤️
You guys are so lucky to have each other to travel with and share life experiences! I’ve been a loner all my life and so wish I had someone to share my life with. Planning to move to somewhere in Mexico in January in search of the right place to settle. I’m a homebody so couldn’t do what you’re doing. Any mature women out there interested in a new life adventure?
We do feel lucky to have each other. It sounds like you are looking for a new adventure! Best of luck in finding that special someone to share it with.
Just discovered your channel and enjoying your content. We did wait to start traveling when my husband turned 65 so we could access his SS and other investments. We slow traveled for a couple of years abd were then ready to "settle" in one place. We moved to the Algarve in Portugal and never looked back. We had NO desire to move back to the US given the political chaos, gun issue and cost of living. My point is when you said you may go back to live in the US when you can access your retirement funds, you may surprise yourself. The last time we visited we felt so our of place and experience reverse culture shock. Best of luck on your journey!
Very true, Becky. Our options are always open!! 😊
“wherever ‘out here’ is” 👩🍳 😘
THAT is what gets me excited about slow travel.
It stimulates the brain!!! 😁
Always a great conversation. I’m beyond retirement age and travel 4 to 5 weeks at a time a couple of times a year but it’s really expensive that way. You seemed to have found your rhythm. I wished I could pull the trigger to go full time. Ya’ll are still young enough to correct any mistakes. I watch all you videos and after each one say to myself, just do it. Continue to enjoy your journey
We are always making adjustments, but we seem to be getting a routine down that works for both of us.
How do you find reliable safe places to house sit? How do you convince the owners you are trustworthy? How do you ensure you don't have to many gaps between stays? Can you share more about your health care insurance and please. Do you rent out your own house in the USA for income?
We use TrustedHousesitter to find reliable house sits. On the site you have a profile and so does the host. Before you decide it's a match you have a conversation by phone or email.
There is no way to not have gaps between stays. We are looking to do house sits to offset other accommodation costs.
Our next video, Sat. the 29th, will be all about health insurance options.
We sold our house back in the States. We house-sit or stay with family when we return home.
That’s what I did when I went to coats rica and saved $4k on dental work and the work that was done I have no issues and very professional
Another great video. Love the transparency in a way that still protects your privacy. Also really like the dynamic between you two.
Thank you. We appreciate this ❤️
Thank you for inspiring us. 4 more weeks to go before my early retirement. My wife and I are similar age to you guys. We cannot wait to start slow traveling OUS soon. Thank you.
That is so exciting!! The last for weeks seem to take forever but it will happen! Good luck and safe travels!
Cheers!!🍻
Being early-mid 50s myself, this is the best time to be out there adventuring. Good insights. Grew up in NZ, & living in Aussie. Agree, it's an odd feeling when you realise your home town has slowly priced you out of the country!
It really is sad. Unfortunately it is happening to people all over the world. 😕
We definitely agree and just started our slow travel. Currently in Lagos, Portugal and yesterday we hiked from Praia Dona Ana in Lagos to Praia de Luz on the Ponta da Piedade trail. Spectacular hike. And we topped it off by having a couple of beers at The Bull in Luz in your honor. 🙂 Cheers! 🍻
Nice!! We love the Bull!! 🤣 We are so excited for you two! Hope we can coordinate a meet up sometime soon.
Not related to this video, but rather one year ago I asked which credit cards you use in Europe that allow the contactless feature to work bc some of mine didn’t, and you recommended the Charles Schwab debit card….and I opened an account and used it today in Poland, and it worked! Thank you for being a repository of knowledge!
I used mine today in Hungary!! 😊 Thank you for watching our channel and safe travels!!
I’m on the same path and wish to stop working earlier than retirement age (56 is my aim) and start slow traveling or part time expat life. I plan to do some coaching and consulting but it’s optional meaning I want to position myself finance such that I’m not relying on that extra money. Learning lots from your perspectives. Thanks again.
Thank you for watching!! ❤️
I travelled overseas for the last 2 years thinking about taking the leap, and I came to the conclusion that it is cheaper and better for me to stay in the U.S. I experimented and tested those supposedly green pastures, but it was all an illusion. If you own your home (like I do), stay put because there are many ways to reduce spending. You just have to be flexible and open-minded. You don’t have to go to another country and revolve your life around bus, train and flight schedules while jumping from an Airbnb to another. Take multiple vacations throughout the year and come back home to relax. I’m glad I didn’t sell my home which by the way is still appreciating in value year after year.
Thank you for adding your thoughts to the channel. It is always good to hear other perspectives. We did a video last year about the ugly truth of full-time travel. We keep it real on this channel and enjoy reading respectful differences of opinions like yours. Thank you again.
Cheers!!🍻
We agree with your analysis.
Yeah, I love this video and the concept of full-time travel, and this channel has been informative and inspirational. And right now a similar variant to yours works for us. We're in our 50s, and a few years ago, I had that "life is short" gut realization--both from seeing people my age have horrible health luck, and seeing others become major, on-site supports for aging parents. At the time, we were new empty-nesters and both sets of parents were doing OK. So I switched to contract work and my husband arranged a system of unpaid time off, and we set up major "work breaks" to spend time in Thailand then in Mexico. Our thought has been that we'll ultimately try to rent out our paid-off home (on Airbnb etc) to subsidize future extended trips; and when we hit our fed-up point with our jobs, things'll shift too (but now we mostly like them and have good balance). But now, boom, my dear father (who lives near us) was just diagnosed with aggressive leukemia, and I don't have helpful siblings. So our next trip (to Borneo and Raja Ampat) is on hold, and we're extremely glad that we didn't wait an extra minute for those earlier ones.
@@Laura-kb5sr I’m 48 and been retired for 3 yrs. I feel like I’m in control and living intentionally. I’ve seen many parts of the world and it doesn’t excite me too much anymore to visit new places. I enjoy travel, but I don’t want to be in a race to do too much in too little of a time. I’m pretty much bored with Europe, it doesn’t give me the WOW factor anymore. I’m a little terrified of Latin America because of the violent crime since I travel solo. Safety is becoming a real issue. As far as South East Asia, I find it unlivable because of the high humidity and lack seasonality. Right now I’m doing quick trips in the U.S. once a month. There’s also plenty to see here. It’s hiking season, so my plan is to hit as many National Parks as possible this year.
Your videos like this are so encouraging and inspiring. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for watching!! ❤️
We started doing slow travel, years ago, it started with 3 months all over Europe, come back to the U.S. , work, then do it again. Then finally we downsized to a skoolie (Converted Schoolbus), we live nomadically, when we want to be abroad, we park it, get on a plane and go on a cheap ticket. Im doing the Camino De Santiago, again.
We were going to head over to Vietnam (Inspired by you), but rainy season started. So we headed for Portugal on the Camino De Santiago, we just walked into Spain (Tui). We Aren't sure where to head after, and for us its exciting not to know exactly. Great job on the channel.
We just started getting social security at 62, no waiting for us.
That sounds like a great life!! You will love Vietnam!! Thank you for watching maybe we will run into each other one day! safe travels.
😂😂😂 We watch you faithfully and have seen every single episode. Thank you for sharing how you met. We’re actually having a beer while watching and laughed out butts off at Brian’s “version” of the story. I too am the same age as my husband for 6 months. Maybe someday our paths will cross and the beers will be on us 👍
We would love to cross paths! We often meet up with people and love to hear their story.
Thank you very much! This is so helpful.
Relatively new subscriber and really enjoy your channel. Thanks for sharing your background. I'm single and would love to do what you do in a few years, just unsure on doing it alone going around the world. Thanks for your videos, so interesting and helpful
Thank you so much for watching!! We would recommend getting out there for short trips. Maybe you will meet someone that is doing the same!! 😁
Thank you for all the great videos and info!! It’s so helpful and inspiring!
You are so welcome! Thank you so much for watching 😊
We won't leave completely with parents and a kid in the states but do plan to slow travel 3 months a year starting in our mid-fifties!
Very inspiring. Thank you.
Thank you for watching our channel!!
My husband and I are also from Seattle! Don't miss the rain!
We definitely don't miss the rain!! 🤣
I lived as an Expat in China for 7 years and Thailand for 4 years. I retired at 68 and moved back to the US during covid to help take care of elderly parents and to try to help an adult child who is struggling. I bought a small house in the US at a good time but there are a lot of expenses. My wife is Chinese and we also have a house in China. We may end up spending more time in China and Thailand. Then we will need to decide whether to keep the house in the US or sell it and get rid of all those expenses. Renting it out is also an option. We are not rich but I did work for a long time and saved in the 401K. I also waited until 70 to start collecting Social Security so I could definitely keep my money invested if I didn’t have all these expenses in the US. Your videos give me a lot of ideas and frankly hope for the future. So thanks for that.
I think rental properties are better in UK as there are so many reliable property management companies that charged 11% hands off. I am thinking of selling mine in the states as the expenses are too high. I slow travel
So many decisions to make, but at least it sounds like you have some good options. We are so happy you enjoyed this video. Thank you so much for watching 😊. Cheers!!
I'm Chinese. My husband is American. We sold our 2 houses in China last year before the market crashed 😅. I've beening living in the states over 20 years. He is 62 and I'm 58. Time to plan retirement. But he has a very good paid job still . Hard to say bye to that. 😊 Definitely think 65 is the time .
We really enjoy watching your videos and hearing your stories and experiences! We, too, are planning a move to Spain to enjoy our retirement 🙂
Hi there, since you are opposed to long stays in air bb,.where do you suggest staying for a 3-4 month stay? We love watching and listening to you both! Very inspiring lifestyle decision.
We start with Expedia and go from there. We have used Booking.com as well.
Thumbs up to you both 👍
Thank you!! ❤️
You guys are definitely inspiring us!! We are making plans now to retire early (not soon enough). We are turning 52 yo this year and cannot wait. Hope to meet you two sometime. If you’re ever wanting to see the Texas Hill Country when you’re back in the states we’d love to host you. DreamitLiveit!
Thank you, Lissa! Comments like this inspire us! ❤️ We would love to meet someday! 😊
I admire that you can travel the world,you only live once!
I love your video! My husband and I and 2 kids 8 and 9 want to move to Spain. Were in a unique situation he is older 55 in great health( speaks fluent Spanish) just retired I’m 41. We just paid off our house (worth about 600,000 )and we’re either gonna rent our house or sell and move. His pension is 100k a year. In New York this isn’t a lot of money and health insurance alone is 1100 a month. He has another job and we’re just saving money until we take the leap! Thank you for the motivation!!
Sounds like such a great plan. Plus, the money you have should go so much further in Spain. Thanks so much for watching 😊
As a Spaniard, I agree: 100.000 a year will get you a hell of a good life in Spain...
I have met a of world travelers renting out there primary home and living abroad. This appears the most ways I noticed people cashflowing there travels. The number one are the pensioners, but many pensioners also rent out there primary home in there home country while they travel for a few years or longer.
You guys have the right attitude, not surprised coming from Wash state !
There are so many garbage videos out there on where to live, many sit on the sofa and regurgitate data from a sheet of paper on their laps on the best place to live- completely useless trash.
MY idea of the best life is living in Brasil
Came here on a container ship (just like I used to visit Tacoma) in 1980. Swore I'd return one day and did that in 2001. Been in Brasil off and on since, came back in 2018 for 6 months- still here, bought a condo and life is excellent and cheap. Brasil is very Americanized and European so there is NO culture shock
Come visit us ! Be glad to show you around !
We may just do that soon!!! Thank you for watching and the kind words!!
Cheers!!🍻
Such great channel on slow travels, dreaming about just picking up and do the same things....but got family obligations 😞 one of these days i hope to hop on the slow travel wagon too. The medical and medical insurance world in the US is just so broken🤦 you mentioned dental implant what country did you receive that cheap and excellent service? Its costing my husband 5-6k to get that done at the moment without any dental insurance, just outrageous 🤬 Thank you for taking the time and share with the world your experiences🙏
I had my dental implants done in Turkiye. Here is a video we did on that if your interested 😊. ruclips.net/video/gNDb4SxNeWo/видео.html
Hey Brian. Just a suggestion. Been binging on you videos for about 10 days now. You always mention another video during your dialogue (like you are referencing another video). Ad cards in that moment so we can jump to that video or we can save it to watch later. You can add cards during the upload process on RUclips. Your edits are getting better. 👍🏼
You guys are great. I also watch Azul who provides a fabulous financial perspective on early retirement. He can't say "social security" either lol
Thank you, Steve!
After your “dark circles” comment I watched your first videos and yeah Brian you DID have dark under eye circles and now you don’t!!!
Honestly this might be the biggest selling point. Overall health.
Btw Carrie on the other hand looked great then and looks great now 😂😊
I do believe that it is the biggest selling point! Good health and a relaxed lifestyle have been extremely beneficial to me. And yes, Carrie always looks good!! 😁
Happy Belated Birthday Brian..Carrie bless your good heart.
Thank you so much ❤️
I loved every aspect of this video! You covered so many important topics that totally resonated with me
Thank you, Mary! ❤️