It's always interesting to watch how full-time travelers change from their first year when they've carefully mapped out every stop, planned every day, packed way too much, underestimated the real costs and tried to "do" too many places to those that have been traveling for a few years.
When we started, we were maybe a little too budgeted. We just didn't know what to expect. Now we know where and how we can cut expenses and still love what we are doing. Thank you, Linda, for all your comments!! ❤️
We try to tell family and friends that "we are living not vacationing" So yes, during the month or more stay...we often have down days just doing laundry, cleaning our accommodation......hanging at the pool.... Safe travels and see you soon, Larry and Minnie
In addition to off-peak times, research neighborhoods that are more for locals. We were in Cartagena for two weeks recently and opted for a hotel in a more local (still nice) neighborhood away from the main sites. While we did have to take an occasional long walk or pay for an Uber to get to some big attractions, our accommodation and food costs were more aligned with local prices. Also, we barely saw any tourists, so we got to see a bit more of local living.
We just finished up our accounting for 2024. And we set our budget for 2025 as we enter our 5th year of full-time travel. We’ve prepaid about $30K towards accommodations and cruises for 2025 and figure we’ll spend another $40-$50K. We’ll be in inexpensive South America through April, then to Portugal and England, ending up in the Pacific Northwest for a big chunk of the fall. And we have 7 cruises (4 of them repositioning cruises). 2025 is looking to be a good year.
@@Angela-ne9cyI wish! In fact, we have far less than many of our friends. Here’s the thing. We are 71 and 76 and saved while working for over 40 years each. Our Social Security covers 60-90% of our expenses and we withdraw 3-7% from our nest egg annually. We own no real estate and have no debt and no grandchildren. We spend $80-120k LIVING. And hope to die with zero. We just do it all without a fixed address.
Nice advice for budgeting. A few months back I posted about how we no longer overdo excursions except for bucket list must do sites or once in a lifetime experience, such as seeing the glaciers while in Patagonia. We found that many tours (not all) can be done independently by traveling by bus. So we research those options. And yes, we don’t have to enter every church, visit every castle or hike up every mountain. Pick and choose those most worth experiencing. For me, one of the least expensive and worthwhile rituals I have when visiting somewhere new is I take a book I’m reading and sit in a park for an hour or two. I really absorb the ambiance of the place without spending a cent.
Great video. What are some examples of accommodations that have flexible cancellation? I know the large hotel chains usually allow for say, 24-48 hors advance free cancellation, but i get thr impression you're not staying at the Marriott in all of thr cities. In fact, id love to see a video on planning accommodations in general (so far ive done large US chains and some Airbnb, but I think yall quit those (?)). Happy New year!
I really appreciate your saying "we're just not interested". The tour leaders on the river cruises call this "ABC fatigue" (not Another Bloody Castle/Church).
@@BrianandCarrieI get the same type of comments from people because I travel a little bit faster and they always need to give me their opinion that I’m not doing it the right way. 😂 But I absolutely know what is the right way for me and I can slow down when I want and I can go fast when I want. As much as I would love to see everything I agree with you that I’ve seen a ton of churches and also I pick and choose what I really want to prioritize a time and money perspective.
I hope I inspired the cookbook comment! See, I told you I can watch Carrie cook a healthy meal why you just entertain us with your white Brian! I will even bring the wine!❤️
Loving this video and I saw an Instagram you were off on your next adventure so I can’t wait for those videos. Thank you for answering all these questions and have safe travels.❤️
Nice video and great advice. I have been following you guys since the start and have witnessed how you have evolved and changed things up. Being flexible and not booking things too far out is huge, as is pivoting if need be. I also agree about organized trips. Personally, I hate them and want to do my own thing. I have visited dozens of castles, and truth be told, they are all the same, on a hill and cold. I am very interested in your take of Argentinian Malbec and Chillaen Pinot Noir and the food. .
Hot damn Sam I can’t wait for the Recipes on The Road cookbook by Carrie andddd for Brian to come out with an app we can buy to find all the dope haircut spots across the globe!!! I’m also going to get that travel tool y’all mentioned for a year end South Korea/Japan trip we have planned!! Such a great vid!!!
Hi to both. At the 10:00 mark, I think that it would be a shame to travel as far as you do, and then sit in a nice rental without doing the well known sights. Of course the budget as Brian highlights is important, but there are some things that are worth a splurge. Travel is very much is subjective and your priorities are very different than others. Sights and excursions can be like food. I do like having the flexibility of listening to locals and other travellers as to what they have seen nearby. It also pays to listen to special events and places that have periodic free events (like I attended the Louvre in Paris on an evening that was free of charge - I heard that from a local at a cafe). You both pivot very well and can adjust yourselves. Cheers and enjoy your cruise to Antarctica!!
Curious how have you used the "newer tool"? Their site says it currently only shows deals (for purchase or "cash") from US/Canada cities. Have you been able to use it while outside the US? I know you don't generally collect points, so I wouldn't think you would benefit from those deals. Are you using the free Limited version? If so, have you found the limits...limiting? Thx
Thanks to you both. I would be interested in how to find those refundable rentals. I'm also a traveler that goes with the flow, but I love to cook, and have problems getting access to a functioning kitchen in my budget (solo traveler).
Carrie recomennded on a prior video Travelspend. I used the free version on our last trip and loved it. I believe she said that she then puts the numbers into a spreadsheet. The free version of this only allows one country at a time but there is a multitrip paid version. HTH!
Thanks for going over this all. 😊 You've talked about repositioning cruises 🛳 before. Question; Going west to South East Asia on a 21 day plus cruise may cover food, transportation, and accommodation for almost a month. Would it still be worth it if you're only traveling for the 4 months blocks? ( Going home 3 times a year) Did someone say....COOK BOOK 📖 😊😮 I'll buy that for $1.99 😉😁 Since I'm not able to dance Techno as much as my younger days. Raves have been sadly dropped off our lists of things to do.😢 Though a trip to Mongolia to learn how to do "Mongolian Throat Singing " 🎶 🎵 Would be fun.😊 Is Mongolia on your list of places to visit? 🤔👍
If you break down the cost of a cruise and what our expenses would be including airfare it is still an extra expense, but we would consider it once a year and balance out the cost in other ways. Mongolia is not on our list yet!! 🤣🤣
Yes, we do have an affiliation with them. If you do decide to use their service through our link we do get a small commission at no cost to you. We really love the service they offer and have found some great deals.
@BrianandCarrie thanks. I got their emails for years. I had a situation in my line of work with paid affiliations and full disclosure and transparency and I know you said you don't do sponsorship on the channel (and I was ..why not...get some cash..you deserve it) so wanted to know for sure. Appreciate you two and happy to support you in the best way we can
If you have not done this already, it would be great if you could give some clues as to how you invested to afford your full-time travel. I know you are not investment advisors and can't give investment advice, but I'm sure a lot of people would like to anecdotally hear how others have done it and how they feel about it. For example, have you fully invested in index funds to get the best returns, or do you have a percentage in bonds in case of the occasional severe downturn in the stock market, do you have an investment planner, does he/she think you are crazy, etc? What are your plans if the market has a severe downturn. Personally, I'm getting close to retirement age and would love to full time travel for a few years and am considering how it would work with my personal situation. I love watching your channel, it's great content!
I watch so much of your videos, some how IRL I became the expert in budget travel advisor using your ideas 😂. My friends rolled their eyes and challenged me to take my own advice, they saw the BS right through me 😂
It's always interesting to watch how full-time travelers change from their first year when they've carefully mapped out every stop, planned every day, packed way too much, underestimated the real costs and tried to "do" too many places to those that have been traveling for a few years.
When we started, we were maybe a little too budgeted. We just didn't know what to expect. Now we know where and how we can cut expenses and still love what we are doing. Thank you, Linda, for all your comments!! ❤️
I agree, it is really interesting to see how things change once you know more.
You guys are looking great by the way, very fit and healthy glow! Full time travel is clearly working for you 😁
We try to tell family and friends that "we are living not vacationing"
So yes, during the month or more stay...we often have down days just doing laundry, cleaning our accommodation......hanging at the pool....
Safe travels and see you soon,
Larry and Minnie
In addition to off-peak times, research neighborhoods that are more for locals. We were in Cartagena for two weeks recently and opted for a hotel in a more local (still nice) neighborhood away from the main sites. While we did have to take an occasional long walk or pay for an Uber to get to some big attractions, our accommodation and food costs were more aligned with local prices. Also, we barely saw any tourists, so we got to see a bit more of local living.
Great tip, Anthony, thank you for adding to the channel! 😊
We just finished up our accounting for 2024. And we set our budget for 2025 as we enter our 5th year of full-time travel. We’ve prepaid about $30K towards accommodations and cruises for 2025 and figure we’ll spend another $40-$50K. We’ll be in inexpensive South America through April, then to Portugal and England, ending up in the Pacific Northwest for a big chunk of the fall. And we have 7 cruises (4 of them repositioning cruises). 2025 is looking to be a good year.
Wow you guys spend $80,000 a year traveling full time?! I, too, wish I could win the lottery. Sounds divine!
You can subtract what they would be spending at home and not traveling. Sometimes years of hard work pays off.
This sounds like an amazing year!! Enjoy and safe travels!!! 😊
@@Angela-ne9cyI wish! In fact, we have far less than many of our friends. Here’s the thing. We are 71 and 76 and saved while working for over 40 years each. Our Social Security covers 60-90% of our expenses and we withdraw 3-7% from our nest egg annually. We own no real estate and have no debt and no grandchildren. We spend $80-120k LIVING. And hope to die with zero. We just do it all without a fixed address.
That is amazing! And inspirational. I’m working toward the same goals and your breakdown sounds realistic. Cheers to your continued adventures!
Thanks for making these videos and inspiring my wife and I to give this a try when we retire!
I loved the part where Brian said Carrie is writing a cookbook (199.99) and Carrie is like NO WAY! “that’s not even a thing” - love you guys!!!
😁❤️
I had a good laugh when they did that.
I think 100 % of longterm followers would be disappointed if he didn't make a minimum of one per video
Nice advice for budgeting. A few months back I posted about how we no longer overdo excursions except for bucket list must do sites or once in a lifetime experience, such as seeing the glaciers while in Patagonia. We found that many tours (not all) can be done independently by traveling by bus. So we research those options. And yes, we don’t have to enter every church, visit every castle or hike up every mountain. Pick and choose those most worth experiencing. For me, one of the least expensive and worthwhile rituals I have when visiting somewhere new is I take a book I’m reading and sit in a park for an hour or two. I really absorb the ambiance of the place without spending a cent.
Great video. What are some examples of accommodations that have flexible cancellation? I know the large hotel chains usually allow for say, 24-48 hors advance free cancellation, but i get thr impression you're not staying at the Marriott in all of thr cities.
In fact, id love to see a video on planning accommodations in general (so far ive done large US chains and some Airbnb, but I think yall quit those (?)).
Happy New year!
I really appreciate your saying "we're just not interested". The tour leaders on the river cruises call this "ABC fatigue" (not Another Bloody Castle/Church).
So true! We have been to so many that they all look the same! 🤣
I absolutely loved that comment!🤣🥰 I loved it so much. I had to watch it twice.😅
@@BrianandCarrieI get the same type of comments from people because I travel a little bit faster and they always need to give me their opinion that I’m not doing it the right way. 😂 But I absolutely know what is the right way for me and I can slow down when I want and I can go fast when I want. As much as I would love to see everything I agree with you that I’ve seen a ton of churches and also I pick and choose what I really want to prioritize a time and money perspective.
I absolutely loved that comment!🤣🥰
I hope I inspired the cookbook comment! See, I told you I can watch Carrie cook a healthy meal why you just entertain us with your white Brian! I will even bring the wine!❤️
Hi! Would you consider doing a cooking video? Ideas for meals while traveling?
Great tips! Thank you! What special experiences have you done/planned that you'd recommend please?
Our favorite is the Maya Bay excursion in Thailand and the Tuscany wine tour in Italy. We have videos on each. Thank you for watching!!
You budget $1,300 per person each, plus $3,000 for flights? Very inspirational !
❤️
Hi! What platform/app/program do you use to track your expenses ? Thank you
We use the free version of the Travelspend app.
Hi you two hope all is well, we have arrived in Antalya and were wondering which grocery store was your favorite
Hi! We loved the one located in the mall, if your in that area. It was so nice and prices were comparable to the other one nearby. Enjoy Antalya ❤️
Loving this video and I saw an Instagram you were off on your next adventure so I can’t wait for those videos. Thank you for answering all these questions and have safe travels.❤️
Thank you! We appreciate all your support on the channel!! ❤️
@ My pleasure!
Nice video and great advice. I have been following you guys since the start and have witnessed how you have evolved and changed things up. Being flexible and not booking things too far out is huge, as is pivoting if need be. I also agree about organized trips. Personally, I hate them and want to do my own thing. I have visited dozens of castles, and truth be told, they are all the same, on a hill and cold. I am very interested in your take of Argentinian Malbec and Chillaen Pinot Noir and the food.
.
So how much would one need for full-time travel as a minimum? Can it be done for 50k per year for 2 people?
Yes, we do monthly cost videos and just released our expenses for 2024 video last week. We give our full cost breakdown.
Hot damn Sam I can’t wait for the Recipes on The Road cookbook by Carrie andddd for Brian to come out with an app we can buy to find all the dope haircut spots across the globe!!! I’m also going to get that travel tool y’all mentioned for a year end South Korea/Japan trip we have planned!! Such a great vid!!!
Hi to both. At the 10:00 mark, I think that it would be a shame to travel as far as you do, and then sit in a nice rental without doing the well known sights. Of course the budget as Brian highlights is important, but there are some things that are worth a splurge. Travel is very much is subjective and your priorities are very different than others. Sights and excursions can be like food. I do like having the flexibility of listening to locals and other travellers as to what they have seen nearby. It also pays to listen to special events and places that have periodic free events (like I attended the Louvre in Paris on an evening that was free of charge - I heard that from a local at a cafe). You both pivot very well and can adjust yourselves. Cheers and enjoy your cruise to Antarctica!!
Brian and Carrie,
Excellent and informative video.👍👍
Our pleasure! 😁
Curious how have you used the "newer tool"? Their site says it currently only shows deals (for purchase or "cash") from US/Canada cities. Have you been able to use it while outside the US? I know you don't generally collect points, so I wouldn't think you would benefit from those deals. Are you using the free Limited version? If so, have you found the limits...limiting? Thx
I get the excursion thing. I've seen enough churches, cathedrals, castles and ruins to last quite a while 😂
Maybe a lifetime. 😊
If you come in below your budget you weren’t resetting your watch enough to two thirsty… it happens in every time zone! 😂
Very true, Jeff!!!
Have a happy new year,doing new adventures !
Happy new year!
I like that you are moving towards more warm close colors. Mexico has changed your tastes a bit ;)
Thanks, Dave.
Thanks to you both. I would be interested in how to find those refundable rentals. I'm also a traveler that goes with the flow, but I love to cook, and have problems getting access to a functioning kitchen in my budget (solo traveler).
What app do you guys use to keep track of your budget? Great video as always. 😊
Carrie recomennded on a prior video Travelspend. I used the free version on our last trip and loved it. I believe she said that she then puts the numbers into a spreadsheet. The free version of this only allows one country at a time but there is a multitrip paid version. HTH!
@northerngal777 thank you so very much!! I'll get the app and play around with it.
Yes, we use the free version of Travelspend! 😁
@BrianandCarrie thank you
Great ideas
Thank you! 😊
I'd buy Carrie's cookbook - you should really do it!
We appreciate the support!! 😁
Thanks for going over this all. 😊
You've talked about repositioning cruises 🛳 before. Question; Going west to South East Asia on a 21 day plus cruise may cover food, transportation, and accommodation for almost a month.
Would it still be worth it if you're only traveling for the 4 months blocks? ( Going home 3 times a year)
Did someone say....COOK BOOK 📖 😊😮 I'll buy that for $1.99 😉😁
Since I'm not able to dance Techno as much as my younger days. Raves have been sadly dropped off our lists of things to do.😢
Though a trip to Mongolia to learn how to do "Mongolian Throat Singing " 🎶 🎵 Would be fun.😊
Is Mongolia on your list of places to visit? 🤔👍
If you break down the cost of a cruise and what our expenses would be including airfare it is still an extra expense, but we would consider it once a year and balance out the cost in other ways.
Mongolia is not on our list yet!! 🤣🤣
Daily drop only seems to be any good if you are leaving from the USA.
While cruising, I’ve been known to stay on board while others run around viewing things I’m just not interested in seeing. Works for me. 😉 -Elizabeth
Do you guys rent a car when you’re home?
We do not. We barrow one from family if needed.
Do you have a paid affiliation with DailyDrop?
Yes, we do have an affiliation with them. If you do decide to use their service through our link we do get a small commission at no cost to you. We really love the service they offer and have found some great deals.
@BrianandCarrie thanks. I got their emails for years. I had a situation in my line of work with paid affiliations and full disclosure and transparency and I know you said you don't do sponsorship on the channel (and I was ..why not...get some cash..you deserve it) so wanted to know for sure. Appreciate you two and happy to support you in the best way we can
If you have not done this already, it would be great if you could give some clues as to how you invested to afford your full-time travel. I know you are not investment advisors and can't give investment advice, but I'm sure a lot of people would like to anecdotally hear how others have done it and how they feel about it. For example, have you fully invested in index funds to get the best returns, or do you have a percentage in bonds in case of the occasional severe downturn in the stock market, do you have an investment planner, does he/she think you are crazy, etc? What are your plans if the market has a severe downturn. Personally, I'm getting close to retirement age and would love to full time travel for a few years and am considering how it would work with my personal situation. I love watching your channel, it's great content!
Agreed this would be so helpful
💯
I got castled out real quick.
I watch so much of your videos, some how IRL I became the expert in budget travel advisor using your ideas 😂. My friends rolled their eyes and challenged me to take my own advice, they saw the BS right through me 😂
🤣🤣
❤❤❤