Thumbs up for Brian's pineapple shirt; concern over Carrie's two smoothie a day habit. 😀😀😀These prices give me more confidence in the claims you see on a lot of videos of being able to live in certain parts of the world for what seem like really low costs.
Brian love the shirt, it shows that you are a spirited person 😊. This video is fantastic for anyone who is looking to travel to Thailand. We are doing 3 months there this winter, and we are using so many of the great tips that we learned from your channel. You make it possible to travel within a budget, and know roughly what to expect.
Great shirt Brian, You both are delightful and kind… I am searching for my retirement spot… not sure where yet, but Thailand is definitely one of my favorites… Continue your journey and keep safe…
Fantastic information!You guys have quickly gone to the top of our playlists. We love the detailed price comparisons and are looking forward to your Malaysia results. Will you compare Thailand to Malaysia at the end? Man, that would be invaluable to us! Cheers and thank you!
Hi, Joe. We may do a comparison video on the two but just know that we do prefer Thailand over Malaysia. We will have a cost-of-living video on Malaysia coming in a couple of weeks. Thank you for the support, we very much appreciate you adding us to your playlist!!! 😀 Cheers!!🍻
Brian's pineapple shirt is everything 😍 🙌 Great tips about transportation. We'll definitely keep this in mind for when in Thailand. As it is, we've been mostly using public transportation to travel in Europe so far, but sometimes you have to get an uber and that's OK also.
When you buy cheap sunglasses, make sure they are 100% polarized/UV protection. You are doing so much damage to your eyes if you do not get polarized sun glasses, and most cheap sunglasses do not have it. Sunglasses make your pupils open wider than they normally would in the sun, and the polarized glasses protect your eyes as they are open wider. Non polarized also makes your pupils more open, but there is no protection from harmful rays to your eyes. You only get one set of eyes! :) Love the video, as usual.
I found taxi drivers in Bangkok inexpensive as well. I used the water taxi’s a lot. I stayed in Bang Rak at the Marriott Surawongse ( on points). I stayed in Khao Lak and visited Phuket. I loved Thailand 🇹🇭 and I agree about getting SIM card at airport. I didn’t do it in Kuala Lumpur and it was a hassle even though you could buy it at 7/11. I agree with with you it’s cheaper eating out. I had free breakfast at my hotels and it’s nice. I can’t wait for your Malaysia video.
Catching up on your last few videos since was out on a month long trip to India. Super great coverage of Thailand. On the cost side I would say that with all the fun and exploring you did the cost was incredibly cheap and very very affordable. Next stop?? - Malaysia perhaps...
Hi, CM!! We were wondering where you have been!! Nice to have you back. We are still trying to decide our interest level in India. We did find Thailand very affordable but the biggest bang for the buck was Vietnam! We are currently in Kuala Lumpur and will have three videos coming out starting Saturday in Malaysia. Welcome back!! Cheers!!🍻
Wow...where have you guys been in our lives, great videos?!? Just got back from Thailand on our first trip and everything you mentioned was pretty much spot on. Hope to be able to spend a month+ in each area like you guys did on our next trip. Thanks! (Subscribed and TU for Brian's shirt too!)
Interesting breakdown of costs. You seem to get a ton of value per dollar and live a great life while doing so. We have found that prices in Southeast Asia have been creeping up over the last several months, especially with accommodations. Despite this we still manage to come in well under budget without trying very hard... although the search for accommodations does seem to take a bit longer now. BTW, the shirt is great. It suits you. Safe travels guys.
We are a increase in prices everywhere sadly. Fortunately with the additional searching and digging a bit deeper do still find good accomodations. And like you mentioned in SE Asia it's still possible to get the things you want and stay in a lower budget. Thanks so much for watching! Cheers 🍻
#ShirtGoals !! 👍🏽 fantastic video and extensive breakdown. Really surprised with the almost exact same cost for city/beach life ! I’m sooo stoked for your next location but no spoilers from me!!! Safe travels!
Great video. In Bangkok we often stay at the Yard Hostel which is also near the Ari BTS station. They have some private rooms there in addition to the dorms.
Hi guys! Great wrap up video for costs. We’re going to Malaysia for 7 weeks starting in Dec 2023. Just booked Kuala Lumpur for a month, their public system seems to be quite good, going to use it to get around. Looking to book Penang, Langkawi Island, Malacca. Excited to see your videos for Malaysia for tips. Safe travels.
Hi Jessie - Thank you ☺ We are so excited to start sharing our Malaysia videos with you starting next week! Sounds like you already have a wonderful itinerary planned out. Cheers 🍻
Definitely a thumbs up for the shirt! That is crazy how both options are close in cost. I just knew beach life would be about 1.5 times more but I guess not hahaha. Look forward to watching your Malaysia series!
Thanks so much for the thumbs-up on the shirt, Brian really appreciates it 😊. We really thought in the end we would spend significantly more on our time in the islands, it was a really nice surprise and great to know when we return next year. Our Malaysia series starts next week!! Cheers 🍻
Hi Carrie and Brian! Great video. Good information. You are a lovely couple. You are amazing.Thank you for sharing ❤ Greetings from a Portuguese living in Portugal ❤️ Take care ❤
Hi - Thank you so much for watching and the very kind words 😊. We can't wait to get back to Portugal someday soon and explore more of your beautiful country.
I discovered the 711 when I was traveling in S. Korea and was amazed at how good and convenient it could be. I am really enjoying your videos. Love the shirt!
We're going to miss the 7-11 stores and the wonderful meal options they had (that were quite tasty and at such a great price). Thanks so much for watching Frannie! Cheers
Love your videos. This mirrors my 4 weeks this latest trip I did last month to Samui/Phangan/Tao and 2 night Bangkok. I did the backpacking thing for months twice in the early 2000's, 2007, more mid range like this in 2015 and this last time. You can definitely do it on half your amount or a third, but that's hostels, fan rooms, night market/street market food almost always with fewer shakes and beers, and less ferries/excursions. I'd 100% do that again if I was 20 and it was a blast. I'm about where you are now and it's perfect. For maybe 1/4 the cost of my life here in Canada (1/3 the cost a few years ago as COL has rocketed here), I can live well there. If only I was a moderate amount trust fund baby haha, I hate the cold.
SE Asia is an amazing part of the world that we look forward to returning to. We also hate the cold, but the humidity in the late spring is almost unbearable. Thank you for watching and commenting!! 😀
Great breakdown of your costs. Very affordable, whether in the city or at the beach. I'm sure you're already in Malaysia now. I'm currently in Kuala Lumpur if that's where you are. Let me know if you'd be interested in meeting up sometime. Cheers!
Thanks for sharing! How did you manage to stay over two months, did you have to extend the 30 days visa? I’m Canadian so it might be different for Americans
Great videos. I enjoy the educational and editing style; simple and to the point. Staying in a location one month+ at the time fits exactly the pace my wife and I want to pursue in about 3 years. The 7-11 tip is great. When you have a slow topic day, can you elaborate on how you guys find short/long term lodging? What sites do you use? Do you use local real estate agencies to look for rentals? Can you walk us through the process? Good luck an keep up the great work.
Hi, Andy! We will have a video out in a couple of weeks about how we search for and book our accommodation. Thank you for watching our channel!! Cheers 🍻
wow! I love how you laid out the costs giving me a very good idea without having to ask each single time. That's how it is with Asians culture we like to share prices, info even with people we just met.
Hi Guys, Malaysia is a terrific choice after Thailand and Vietnam. The food has Chinese and Indian influences so it should be good. Looking forward to learning about Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Thanks for another great video. Very informative. We are using your video ( and some others) to help us plan a trip to the far East that we want to make from UK. Can I ask? Were you troubled by Mosquito in Thailand? P.S. Great shirt. Superb that you bought it on the one day that it was on offer (NOT) !
Brian says a big thank you and yes, the smoothies are a great go-to during the day to cool off. Plus, I love that they ask you before adding any more sugar/sweetener to your smoothie, making it even a more healthy choice. Thanks for watching - Cheers 🍻
Look at both of you… you sure have the color and looks of “ the island look” and I am so green with envy !!!! Also Brian, love the shirt !!! Two thumbs up for that !! Remember that money is well spent on an item if you love it, use it a lot to get the maximum use of it ….money well spent on the cool looking shirt !!!!😊😊😊
Thank you for another great video. While prices are going up everywhere in the world, I think Asia is still very affordable, especially when you compare it to US or western Europe I'm currently in Tokyo, which has a reputation for being expensive, but I find that it is more affordable to eat out here than back home in Miami. And the hotels are reasonable too. If you make it to Japan while I'm still here, I'll be happy to buy you a beer. Cheers!
It is nice to hear that Japan is affordable. We plan on going in April or May of 2024 after exploring countries that we didn't get to this time around. We will probably stop in Seoul Korea as well as the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, and more of Vietnam. The cost-of-living fits our budget and we love the culture! Thank you for watching and commenting!! Cheers!!🍻
Thumbs way up for Brian’s pineapple shirt! We love Bangkok Air. The in flight service on the short flights is fun to watch, they do it so fast and efficiently
Monorail? I think you mean BTS-Skytrain. As for Bangkok, I absolutely adore Bangkok. It's been my home-away-from-home place since the late 90s. There's a lot to do in Bangkok and since I usually travel solo, I need things to do and also easy transportation which Bangkok has due to having both the BTS-Skytrain and the MRT-Subway system along with other forms of easy transportation. When I first went off to Southeast Asia in the late 1990s, I flew from L.A. to Singapore and then down to Bali, back to Singapore, and then from Singapore to Chiangmai. My first experience in Thailand was in Chiangmai and that region. Then, I flew down to Bangkok and ended in Bangkok before flying home to L.A. As for 7-Eleven stores, they're really good in Asia. I grew up with 7-Eleven here at home, but in Asia complete meals can be had from 7-Eleven. Wait until you get to 7-Eleven stores in Japan. As for cooking at home verses eating out, I'm one who is in Bangkok for 3 weeks straight and in S.E. Asia for 6 weeks straight. At some point, I need either home cooked meals or near home cooked meals. When I do a combination of serviced apartments and hotels, I cook some days in the serviced apartment. When I do an Airbnb and hotel combination, sometimes I cook in the Airbnb, but tend to eat out more, but at really good places, like at my regular hotel, Anantara Siam, formerly The Four Seasons Hotel, across from both of my Airbnbs. I also drop into other hotel restaurants. I also eat at Thai places inside of the malls like Kub Kao Kub Pla and Kalpapruek and other such places. My two Bangkok friends love those two restaurants. And I also eat at some random places. I don't eat a lot of street food although I have eaten street food. I also eat at traditional Thai eateries and also food courts in malls. It all depends on my mood and how I'm feeling at the time. But, in my situation, it's usually way cheaper to cook at home than to eat out, but I have a very high food budget. When only staying at hotels for three weeks straight, I usually eat my main meal at the breakfast buffet and then only need to eat one other meal a day. Or if I'm tired of the hotel's breakfast buffet, then I sometimes eat my first meal at lunch, inside of one of the restaurants in the hotel, like my beloved Biscotti Restaurant, and then later eat at less expensive Thai eateries later in the day/evening. But, I need solid meals. Bangkok and Thailand in general can be quite inexpensive if one plans well. Or one can do luxury living, but for much less expensive than in Western countries. I've done both zero star to five star throughout S.E. Asia over the decades. So, you're off to Malaysia next. It's a fascinating and big country. I've been many times. I love Penang. I also like Melaka. I've been to KL a lot, but it's not the vibe for me although I love cities. In Malaysia there's a lot of good Peranakan-Nyonya food which I'm really into. If you're in Penang, go to the Peranakan Museum. Malaysian food in general is really good and there's a big variety as there are a lot of different cultures in Malaysia. Great vlog. Greetings from Los Angeles
The good news is Bangkok is going to have 2 brand-new train lines soon and both of them are Monorails! One is the Yellow Line (30.4 km/23 stations) on the east side and the other the Pink Line (34.5 km/30 stations) on the north side.
Hi Brian and Carrie. Have you thought about Argentina? We vacationed there a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it. Your dollar will stretch a long way as well. My wife and I really enjoy your postings. Thanks for the travel inspiration and guidance.
@@BrianandCarrie Great! Try the “Patagonia” Beer for sure! Also, if you’re up for a day trip, take the ferry from BA over to Colonia, Uruguay. Thanks for being our travel info source and inspiration. Chris & Kalista from Spokane.
I love your videos! I just found you a few weeks ago and have been binge watching. I’m impressed with how much your videos have improved since you started! Absolutely love the shirt! Brian, you mentioned drinking with friends. Did you meet them there or did you know them before? My concern in staying 1 month at a time is boredom. We live and travel full time in our RV now and boredom is my biggest issue.
When we started this channel late September 2021 with no idea what we were doing! 🤣 We have learned a lot!! We don't necessarily get bored but after about 3 weeks we are ready to go. 3 weeks of fast travel like what we are doing now is also our limit. We are ready for our month in Florence. We have met people along the way. A few were TH-camrs and others were people that reached out through our channel. We enjoy making friends along the way. Thank you so much for watching and safe travels. ❤
Great video ! Brian, that's one cool looking shirt! We would have thought the island life to be more expensive. Having a included breakfast is certainly a bonus. Could you go for a 7am breakfast , then return for a 10:30 lunch ? LOL . See you in the next video. Dan & Marj. 🙂
Brian, if the purpose of that shirt was to make sure Carrie can never lose you in a crowd, then yay, it works. I am, however, having a hard time coming up with any other reason you might like it.
Love the videos great and breakdowns I had a quick question on Thailand with the domestic airlines which ones would be the best for pricing from your experience, from my current research NOK Air seems to have the best prices.
It really depended so much on where you were going. We flew Bangkok airlines because they were the only airline to go to Koh Samui. I just always use Google Flights to find the best deals for when we need to fly. Cheers!
Hi guys, love the videos! We love Europe but never thought of going to SE Asia but watching your videos makes me want to go check it out. Thanks for that! Also I have never gotten a SIM card when I've gone to Europe, do you get one just so you have access to a phone while your there? Just curious. Thanks
Hi Evie! We do get a SIM card in majority of places we travel. It's very easy and typically so inexpensive. The airport (although sometimes you pay a little more) is the best place. They get it installed for you so quickly and you walk out of the airport with making it so much easier to contact a Uber or navigate the city. Definitely give SE Asia a try, we have loved it!! Thanks so much for watching!!
Another great video! We really look forward to them…my wife has a 2 sweets a day habit, too😂 Great cost breakdown. The Grab is expensive there, in Vietnam it’s really cheap & lightning quick.
We spent a month in Vietnam and were shocked every time we ordered a Grab. It seemed like they were just down the street waiting for us!! 😂 Thye Grab in Phuket was way overpriced!!
I'm curious what method you use to accurately keep track of everything throughout the day. A little notebook? Use app on your phone? I really appreciate the detailed breakdown.
Love the video and all the information, guys! Definitely a thumbs up on Brian’s shirt. So glad you were able to get the discounted price by being there on the right day!😂
Always good to get a sense of how to do things on a very tight budget. It is also interesting how the high flyers live. What many influencers don't tackle is the HUGE missing middle.... I for one, would like to know what sort of lifestyle is possible living in Thailand on say, $6000 USD a month. I know that doesn't make me a "baller" by any stretch but how would that lifestyle differ? Accommodations? Western restaurants on occasion, inter and intra country travel?? Owning a car? Anyway, just food for thought for a video.
Great idea Rick. We could do a video about our personal costs but also give pricing on other options as well. In the past, we have included the price of car rentals and excursion costs that we did not take part in. I can say that $6000 a month outside of the US and Western Europe will go a long way!! We do a monthly cost video each month so we will try to include other options as well. Thank you for watching and for your thoughts! Cheers!!🍻
Two 👍 👍 up for the pineapple shirt and your crack negotiating skills B 😉. The monthly break downs really give us confidence that we can make this lifestyle work for us in 1 year 9 months and 10 days but who’s counting 🤷♂️😂
Brian,, I really love the Hawaiian shirt. You need to get more of them; especially for the beach life. Great videos as always. Looking forward to Malaysia.
Thanks Donna! We can for sure see coming back to Thailand for longer stretches. We see the draw as a retirement option as well, great healthcare, affordability, weather.... Checks so many boxes 😊
Hey Brian and Carrie - Netflix Suggestions: Narcos , Narcos Mexico, Revolver (this is a thinking movie, Probably Guy Ritchie's finest movies and maybe that it is why it is not so popular but has a cult following. The best part comes at the end when the screen goes dark), The old Guard.
So sorry for the late reply, we were off the grid for the last week on a family cruise ☺. Thank you so much - we will be sure to check these out!! Cheers 🍻
Hi David, thank you!! We stayed the first 45 days in Thailand and then went to Vietnam before returning for another 45 days to Thailand. Until the end of March, Thailand was offering a automatic 45 instead of the regular 30 - now it's back to 30 day visa on arrival. Thanks so much for watching 😊
Poor Brian I am sort of the same way and am not a haggling guru! Thank you both for the great video and the comparison between city/beach. Oh, BTW I just bought the convertible shoulder belt bag you recommended in your links above and it is a winner!
Thank you! We have to limit our eating out, although in Thailand it is cheaper to eat out than going to the grocery store. Thank you for watching!! Cheers!!🍻
Hi guys, Great videos! It helps alot with planning. We are going to Thailand at the end of the year. Do you recommend getting the visa upon arrival or getting it prior to departure? We will be arriving from Laos to Chiang Rai. Also any plans to visit Cambodia & Laos? Tks for your comments. Danielle Montréal, Canada
Hi, Daniell. With a US passport, we didn't need to obtain a visa to enter Thailand. I imagine that that is the case for Canadians as well. We will not be getting to Cambodia or Laos this year. We will be returning to the region next year to explore all that we missed this round. Thank you for watching and safe travels!! Cheers!!🍻
Thank you so much Saleem! I, Carrie, track all our spending - it makes it much easier when one person is making sure we have everything all planned and accounted for. Cheers in Toronto!
Have you tried Airalo esim yet? Heavily considering it for our summer travels to Iceland, Greenland, and Oaxaca. Reviews look very promising. Love your videos… watching from Ballard! 🍻
Hi Stacy, Hello in Ballard! Unfortunately, neither of our phones will accept a esim - wish they could. Many of the phones in the US don't have this feature available. I've heard great things about using esims though, such a convenient way to travel and not have to worry about buying and changing out sim cards at each location. Thanks so much for watching - Cheers 🍻
Thumbs up for Brian's pineapple shirt; concern over Carrie's two smoothie a day habit. 😀😀😀These prices give me more confidence in the claims you see on a lot of videos of being able to live in certain parts of the world for what seem like really low costs.
Thank you, Doug! Carrie has cut back on the smoothies. 😆
Brian love the shirt, it shows that you are a spirited person 😊. This video is fantastic for anyone who is looking to travel to Thailand. We are doing 3 months there this winter, and we are using so many of the great tips that we learned from your channel. You make it possible to travel within a budget, and know roughly what to expect.
❤️
Thumbs-up for Brian's shirt! 😀 Also, great video -- love watching you two explore the world together.
He bought this shirt in Thailand, I saw this design in some shop.
Thanks for the thumbs up on Brian's shirt ☺. We feel so lucky to be living the life we are - thanks for following along. Cheers 🍻
Correct, the shirt was purchased in Thailand ☺
Almost at 25K! You deserve it. 😊
Thank you so much, we are so excited!! 😃
Great shirt Brian, You both are delightful and kind… I am searching for my retirement spot… not sure where yet, but Thailand is definitely one of my favorites… Continue your journey and keep safe…
Thank you, John and safe travels!!
Fantastic information!You guys have quickly gone to the top of our playlists. We love the detailed price comparisons and are looking forward to your Malaysia results. Will you compare Thailand to Malaysia at the end? Man, that would be invaluable to us! Cheers and thank you!
Hi, Joe. We may do a comparison video on the two but just know that we do prefer Thailand over Malaysia. We will have a cost-of-living video on Malaysia coming in a couple of weeks. Thank you for the support, we very much appreciate you adding us to your playlist!!! 😀
Cheers!!🍻
Brian's pineapple shirt is everything 😍 🙌
Great tips about transportation. We'll definitely keep this in mind for when in Thailand. As it is, we've been mostly using public transportation to travel in Europe so far, but sometimes you have to get an uber and that's OK also.
Thank you!! ❤
Love the shirt, Brian and love Carrie’s skirts too. Love your videos! Cheers
Thank you so much Rebecca ☺️
When you buy cheap sunglasses, make sure they are 100% polarized/UV protection. You are doing so much damage to your eyes if you do not get polarized sun glasses, and most cheap sunglasses do not have it. Sunglasses make your pupils open wider than they normally would in the sun, and the polarized glasses protect your eyes as they are open wider. Non polarized also makes your pupils more open, but there is no protection from harmful rays to your eyes. You only get one set of eyes! :) Love the video, as usual.
Great video and the shirt is definitely worth the 👍. Cheers!
Thank you!! Love that shirt!!😃
Cheers!!🍻
Awesome information as always! You guys are great! Thanks! 👍👍👍
Thank you, Jim! We really appreciate the support!
Cheers!!🍻
great video, thanks for sharing. Great shirt, kinda cute when she throws that side eye at you though. Interested to see how malay plays out.
Hi, Ivan. I get that side eye a lot!! 😆 Thank you for watching and commenting!
Cheers!!🍻
I found taxi drivers in Bangkok inexpensive as well. I used the water taxi’s a lot. I stayed in Bang Rak at the Marriott Surawongse ( on points). I stayed in Khao Lak and visited Phuket. I loved Thailand 🇹🇭 and I agree about getting SIM card at airport. I didn’t do it in Kuala Lumpur and it was a hassle even though you could buy it at 7/11. I agree with with you it’s cheaper eating out. I had free breakfast at my hotels and it’s nice. I can’t wait for your Malaysia video.
@@erikacooper4707 love the water taxis on the
Chao Phraya also Phetburi to Banh Kapi mall.
Catching up on your last few videos since was out on a month long trip to India. Super great coverage of Thailand. On the cost side I would say that with all the fun and exploring you did the cost was incredibly cheap and very very affordable. Next stop?? - Malaysia perhaps...
Hi, CM!! We were wondering where you have been!! Nice to have you back. We are still trying to decide our interest level in India. We did find Thailand very affordable but the biggest bang for the buck was Vietnam! We are currently in Kuala Lumpur and will have three videos coming out starting Saturday in Malaysia. Welcome back!!
Cheers!!🍻
Love the shirt. That’s a helpful vlog. Thanks
Thank you, Leeanne! 😃
Wow...where have you guys been in our lives, great videos?!? Just got back from Thailand on our first trip and everything you mentioned was pretty much spot on. Hope to be able to spend a month+ in each area like you guys did on our next trip. Thanks! (Subscribed and TU for Brian's shirt too!)
Thank you for watching! Maybe we will see you on the road soon! Thank you for watching and safe travels!
Cheers 🍻
thumbs up to the shirt Brian, lucky you were there on the right day for the special offer ;)
I feel very lucky to have been there on that day!!! 😂 Timing is everything!!
Brian I love the shirt. Glad you shared it in the video. Great video! Cheers
Thank you, Darryl!!
Great video!! Look up what up upside down pineapple. 😂😂
Interesting breakdown of costs. You seem to get a ton of value per dollar and live a great life while doing so. We have found that prices in Southeast Asia have been creeping up over the last several months, especially with accommodations. Despite this we still manage to come in well under budget without trying very hard... although the search for accommodations does seem to take a bit longer now. BTW, the shirt is great. It suits you. Safe travels guys.
We are a increase in prices everywhere sadly. Fortunately with the additional searching and digging a bit deeper do still find good accomodations. And like you mentioned in SE Asia it's still possible to get the things you want and stay in a lower budget. Thanks so much for watching! Cheers 🍻
#ShirtGoals !! 👍🏽 fantastic video and extensive breakdown. Really surprised with the almost exact same cost for city/beach life ! I’m sooo stoked for your next location but no spoilers from me!!! Safe travels!
Thank you!! We are pretty excited about our next destinations as well and thank you for your continued support!!
Cheers!!🍻
Have been following you guys in your journey. Always love to hear the summary of your expenses. And yes Brian, we totally love your shirt!! 😊
Thank you so much for following us!! 😀
Great video. In Bangkok we often stay at the Yard Hostel which is also near the Ari BTS station. They have some private rooms there in addition to the dorms.
Great tip, thank you!
Hi guys! Great wrap up video for costs. We’re going to Malaysia for 7 weeks starting in Dec 2023. Just booked Kuala Lumpur for a month, their public system seems to be quite good, going to use it to get around. Looking to book Penang, Langkawi Island, Malacca. Excited to see your videos for Malaysia for tips. Safe travels.
Hi Jessie - Thank you ☺ We are so excited to start sharing our Malaysia videos with you starting next week! Sounds like you already have a wonderful itinerary planned out. Cheers 🍻
Although not always fans of large cities, we enjoy KL a lot and have been there several times for one or two months. I hope you enjoy it.
Definitely a thumbs up for the shirt! That is crazy how both options are close in cost. I just knew beach life would be about 1.5 times more but I guess not hahaha. Look forward to watching your Malaysia series!
Thanks so much for the thumbs-up on the shirt, Brian really appreciates it 😊. We really thought in the end we would spend significantly more on our time in the islands, it was a really nice surprise and great to know when we return next year. Our Malaysia series starts next week!! Cheers 🍻
These videos are great. And they're not grubbing for money like other channels.
Hi, Bruce! Thank you for noticing! 🙂
Hi Carrie and Brian! Great video. Good information. You are a lovely couple. You are amazing.Thank you for sharing ❤
Greetings from a Portuguese living in Portugal ❤️
Take care ❤
Hi - Thank you so much for watching and the very kind words 😊. We can't wait to get back to Portugal someday soon and explore more of your beautiful country.
I discovered the 711 when I was traveling in S. Korea and was amazed at how good and convenient it could be. I am really enjoying your videos. Love the shirt!
We're going to miss the 7-11 stores and the wonderful meal options they had (that were quite tasty and at such a great price). Thanks so much for watching Frannie! Cheers
Shirt really looks great Brian 🤣🥰
Thank you, Louise!! 😀
Love your videos. This mirrors my 4 weeks this latest trip I did last month to Samui/Phangan/Tao and 2 night Bangkok. I did the backpacking thing for months twice in the early 2000's, 2007, more mid range like this in 2015 and this last time. You can definitely do it on half your amount or a third, but that's hostels, fan rooms, night market/street market food almost always with fewer shakes and beers, and less ferries/excursions. I'd 100% do that again if I was 20 and it was a blast. I'm about where you are now and it's perfect. For maybe 1/4 the cost of my life here in Canada (1/3 the cost a few years ago as COL has rocketed here), I can live well there. If only I was a moderate amount trust fund baby haha, I hate the cold.
SE Asia is an amazing part of the world that we look forward to returning to. We also hate the cold, but the humidity in the late spring is almost unbearable. Thank you for watching and commenting!! 😀
Thumbs up 👍 Carrie & Brian
Thank you!!! ❤
Great breakdown of your costs. Very affordable, whether in the city or at the beach. I'm sure you're already in Malaysia now. I'm currently in Kuala Lumpur if that's where you are. Let me know if you'd be interested in meeting up sometime. Cheers!
Thank you, Jim! We are heading home early next week, and we are way behind on our editing so probably wont make it out of our place.
@@BrianandCarrie No worries. Safe travels back!
Thanks for sharing! How did you manage to stay over two months, did you have to extend the 30 days visa? I’m Canadian so it might be different for Americans
We left and spent 30 days in Vietnam before returning to Thailand for the beach life!! 😀 Thank you for watching our channel!!
Great videos. I enjoy the educational and editing style; simple and to the point. Staying in a location one month+ at the time fits exactly the pace my wife and I want to pursue in about 3 years. The 7-11 tip is great. When you have a slow topic day, can you elaborate on how you guys find short/long term lodging? What sites do you use? Do you use local real estate agencies to look for rentals? Can you walk us through the process? Good luck an keep up the great work.
Hi, Andy! We will have a video out in a couple of weeks about how we search for and book our accommodation. Thank you for watching our channel!!
Cheers 🍻
wow! I love how you laid out the costs giving me a very good idea without having to ask each single time. That's how it is with Asians culture we like to share prices, info even with people we just met.
Hi Guys, Malaysia is a terrific choice after Thailand and Vietnam. The food has Chinese and Indian influences so it should be good. Looking forward to learning about Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Hi! We are in Malaysia now and really like it - you are correct, such a Chinese and Indian influence. Thanks so much for watching - Cheers 🍻
I like your shirt Brian 👍 and I also like your grocery purchase: beer and toilet paper 🍺🧻!
Just the necessities, Pamela!! 😃 As always, thank you for watching and commenting!!
Thanks for another great video. Very informative.
We are using your video ( and some others) to help us plan a trip to the far East that we want to make from UK.
Can I ask?
Were you troubled by Mosquito in Thailand?
P.S. Great shirt. Superb that you bought it on the one day that it was on offer (NOT) !
Thank you, Brian! We didn't have any issues with mosquitos at all. That shirt looks great but I'm afraid to wash it!!! 😆
You two are awesome. We are headed to Thailand now!
Thank you and safe travels!!
i like its, You guys Very nice reviews 💖💖🍻🍻✌✌✔✔
Thank you! We like you too!! ❤😃
Love the shirt! BTW... I love smoothies!!! Just makes you feel so happy and curbs bad sugar intake.
Brian says a big thank you and yes, the smoothies are a great go-to during the day to cool off. Plus, I love that they ask you before adding any more sugar/sweetener to your smoothie, making it even a more healthy choice. Thanks for watching - Cheers 🍻
Luv your shirt !! 🍍
Thank you!! 😃 And thank you for watching!!
Cheers!!🍻
Love the shirt! The vid was awesome too.
Thank you, Jon!! 😁🍻
Look at both of you… you sure have the color and looks of “ the island look” and I am so green with envy !!!!
Also Brian, love the shirt !!! Two thumbs up for that !!
Remember that money is well spent on an item if you love it, use it a lot to get the maximum use of it ….money well spent on the cool looking shirt !!!!😊😊😊
Thank you, Galen. It was money well spent. I will get maximum use out of it, although it may shrink up after the first wash!! 😆
Yessss! Late breakfast and then dinner! That’s the right idea!
Exactly!! Thanks so much for watching - Cheers 🍻
Your pineapple shirt light up my day.
Thank you for another great video. While prices are going up everywhere in the world, I think Asia is still very affordable, especially when you compare it to US or western Europe I'm currently in Tokyo, which has a reputation for being expensive, but I find that it is more affordable to eat out here than back home in Miami. And the hotels are reasonable too. If you make it to Japan while I'm still here, I'll be happy to buy you a beer. Cheers!
It is nice to hear that Japan is affordable. We plan on going in April or May of 2024 after exploring countries that we didn't get to this time around. We will probably stop in Seoul Korea as well as the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, and more of Vietnam. The cost-of-living fits our budget and we love the culture! Thank you for watching and commenting!!
Cheers!!🍻
Great vid as usual - I think it's important to mention both Phuket and Samui are at the high end when it comes to prices.
That is a great point, Rich! We plan on coming back to SE Asia next year and will be looking for other options.
Cheers!!🍻
@@BrianandCarrie Thumbs up for the shirt BTW!
Very nice show , thank you for sharing.
Thumbs way up for Brian’s pineapple shirt! We love Bangkok Air. The in flight service on the short flights is fun to watch, they do it so fast and efficiently
Thanks for the thumbs up ☺️. I was so impressed with how fast and organized they were. Thanks for watching - Cheers 🍻
Thumbs 👍 up, Brian. Kathleen
Very informative. Thumbs up on pineapple shirt!! Wondering if you always carry some local currency? Thank you!
We do carry local currency. Many of the food stands only deal in cash. Thank you for watching!!
Cheers!!🍻
Informative. Whom did you use to find your apartments?
We use Airbnb 90% of the time. We will sometimes stay in a hotel for short term stays.
Monorail? I think you mean BTS-Skytrain.
As for Bangkok, I absolutely adore Bangkok. It's been my home-away-from-home place since the late 90s. There's a lot to do in Bangkok and since I usually travel solo, I need things to do and also easy transportation which Bangkok has due to having both the BTS-Skytrain and the MRT-Subway system along with other forms of easy transportation.
When I first went off to Southeast Asia in the late 1990s, I flew from L.A. to Singapore and then down to Bali, back to Singapore, and then from Singapore to Chiangmai. My first experience in Thailand was in Chiangmai and that region. Then, I flew down to Bangkok and ended in Bangkok before flying home to L.A.
As for 7-Eleven stores, they're really good in Asia. I grew up with 7-Eleven here at home, but in Asia complete meals can be had from 7-Eleven. Wait until you get to 7-Eleven stores in Japan.
As for cooking at home verses eating out, I'm one who is in Bangkok for 3 weeks straight and in S.E. Asia for 6 weeks straight. At some point, I need either home cooked meals or near home cooked meals.
When I do a combination of serviced apartments and hotels, I cook some days in the serviced apartment. When I do an Airbnb and hotel combination, sometimes I cook in the Airbnb, but tend to eat out more, but at really good places, like at my regular hotel, Anantara Siam, formerly The Four Seasons Hotel, across from both of my Airbnbs. I also drop into other hotel restaurants. I also eat at Thai places inside of the malls like Kub Kao Kub Pla and Kalpapruek and other such places. My two Bangkok friends love those two restaurants. And I also eat at some random places.
I don't eat a lot of street food although I have eaten street food. I also eat at traditional Thai eateries and also food courts in malls. It all depends on my mood and how I'm feeling at the time. But, in my situation, it's usually way cheaper to cook at home than to eat out, but I have a very high food budget.
When only staying at hotels for three weeks straight, I usually eat my main meal at the breakfast buffet and then only need to eat one other meal a day. Or if I'm tired of the hotel's breakfast buffet, then I sometimes eat my first meal at lunch, inside of one of the restaurants in the hotel, like my beloved Biscotti Restaurant, and then later eat at less expensive Thai eateries later in the day/evening. But, I need solid meals.
Bangkok and Thailand in general can be quite inexpensive if one plans well. Or one can do luxury living, but for much less expensive than in Western countries. I've done both zero star to five star throughout S.E. Asia over the decades.
So, you're off to Malaysia next. It's a fascinating and big country. I've been many times. I love Penang. I also like Melaka. I've been to KL a lot, but it's not the vibe for me although I love cities. In Malaysia there's a lot of good Peranakan-Nyonya food which I'm really into. If you're in Penang, go to the Peranakan Museum. Malaysian food in general is really good and there's a big variety as there are a lot of different cultures in Malaysia.
Great vlog.
Greetings from Los Angeles
Thank you for the comments, D.Y.E!! We always love reading your insights and very much appreciate the support!!
Cheers!!🍻
@@BrianandCarrie Have a great time in Malaysia!
Greetings from Los Angeles
The good news is Bangkok is going to have 2 brand-new train lines soon and both of them are Monorails! One is the Yellow Line (30.4 km/23 stations) on the east side and the other the Pink Line (34.5 km/30 stations) on the north side.
Hi guys this information is so kool I am planning to take my darling to Thailand & this looks like lots of fun it’s our first trip away together
You two will have an amazing time! Thank you for watching and happy travels! 😁
First comment! Watching now. 😁
HAHA!! Thank you! 😆
The shirt looks great but I’m with Carrie 😂
HAHA!! Thank you, Rachel!❤
Yesss 7-11, I make it my go to wherever I am in the world, always convenient:) and selection 👍 Thanks for sharing your journey!
Thank you for watching!!! 😃
Hi Brian and Carrie. Have you thought about Argentina? We vacationed there a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it. Your dollar will stretch a long way as well.
My wife and I really enjoy your postings. Thanks for the travel inspiration and guidance.
Yes, we have. We will be in Argentina in January 2025!! 😁
@@BrianandCarrie Great! Try the “Patagonia” Beer for sure! Also, if you’re up for a day trip, take the ferry from BA over to Colonia, Uruguay. Thanks for being our travel info source and inspiration. Chris & Kalista from Spokane.
Hi there, my gosh, I have plans to go to Chang Mai. Your information is very much appreciated. Thank you for sharing best wishes
Hi! So happy you found this video helpful. Enjoy your time in Chiang Mai, we truly loved our time there ❤️
I love your videos! I just found you a few weeks ago and have been binge watching. I’m impressed with how much your videos have improved since you started! Absolutely love the shirt! Brian, you mentioned drinking with friends. Did you meet them there or did you know them before? My concern in staying 1 month at a time is boredom. We live and travel full time in our RV now and boredom is my biggest issue.
When we started this channel late September 2021 with no idea what we were doing! 🤣 We have learned a lot!! We don't necessarily get bored but after about 3 weeks we are ready to go. 3 weeks of fast travel like what we are doing now is also our limit. We are ready for our month in Florence.
We have met people along the way. A few were TH-camrs and others were people that reached out through our channel. We enjoy making friends along the way.
Thank you so much for watching and safe travels. ❤
Great video ! Brian, that's one cool looking shirt! We would have thought the island life to be more expensive. Having a included breakfast is certainly a bonus. Could you go for a 7am breakfast , then return for a 10:30 lunch ? LOL . See you in the next video. Dan & Marj. 🙂
That is a great idea, Dan but they do ask for a room number when you enter! 😃 Thank you for watching and commenting!!
Cheers!!🍻
Thanks for the info. Like the pineapple shirt. What are you using to keep track of your spending?
We use the free version of the app Travel Spend. Thank you for watching!! 😊
Thank you
Brian, if the purpose of that shirt was to make sure Carrie can never lose you in a crowd, then yay, it works. I am, however, having a hard time coming up with any other reason you might like it.
Appreciate the details of your Thailand stay. Glad to hear about the red trucks. I will certainly use them.
Thanks so much for watching! The red trucks are such a convenient and easy way to get around town.
Chang Mai I absolutely loved went there in my 20’s I would love to see it again in my 50’s
We loved Chiang Mai ❤️
🌺 Happy Mother’s Day Carrie 🌸
Thank you so much ❤️❤️
Awesome!!
Thanks!
Brian. That shirt is amazing.
Thank you, Sheri!! 😃
This was great information! Thank you!
Thank you for watching!!
👍🏻 Brian’s shirt is cool.
Thank you 😊
Love the videos great and breakdowns I had a quick question on Thailand with the domestic airlines which ones would be the best for pricing from your experience, from my current research NOK Air seems to have the best prices.
It really depended so much on where you were going. We flew Bangkok airlines because they were the only airline to go to Koh Samui. I just always use Google Flights to find the best deals for when we need to fly. Cheers!
Great run down of both types of places! Do you have links to your accommodation anywhere?
We do, the links are in the video descriptions of the videos that you are interested in. Thank you for watching!
Cheers!!🍻
Thanks, I can’t seem to find them but I’ll try looking on the pc in case not all the link show on the iPad. I can see all the Amazon links.
So exciting! You guys are my spirit animals 😅 Hey Brian, nice shirt.
Thank you, Michael!! 😀
Never mind Brian’s shirt, Carrie your skin is glowing and looks flawless ( must be all those smoothies 😉.)
Thank you so much, I give all the credit to the amazing mango smoothies 😊
Hi guys, love the videos! We love Europe but never thought of going to SE Asia but watching your videos makes me want to go check it out. Thanks for that! Also I have never gotten a SIM card when I've gone to Europe, do you get one just so you have access to a phone while your there? Just curious. Thanks
Hi Evie! We do get a SIM card in majority of places we travel. It's very easy and typically so inexpensive. The airport (although sometimes you pay a little more) is the best place. They get it installed for you so quickly and you walk out of the airport with making it so much easier to contact a Uber or navigate the city.
Definitely give SE Asia a try, we have loved it!! Thanks so much for watching!!
Oh BTW- the Shirt you got is great and a Big Thumbs Up
HA!! 😆
Another great video! We really look forward to them…my wife has a 2 sweets a day habit, too😂 Great cost breakdown. The Grab is expensive there, in Vietnam it’s really cheap & lightning quick.
We spent a month in Vietnam and were shocked every time we ordered a Grab. It seemed like they were just down the street waiting for us!! 😂 Thye Grab in Phuket was way overpriced!!
Excellent tips! Thank you :)
Thank you for watching!!
Cheers!!🍻
I'm curious what method you use to accurately keep track of everything throughout the day. A little notebook? Use app on your phone? I really appreciate the detailed breakdown.
We use an app on our phone called Travelspend. We use the free version.
Brian, that shirt!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks 😊
Love the video and all the information, guys! Definitely a thumbs up on Brian’s shirt. So glad you were able to get the discounted price by being there on the right day!😂
Hi, Brian! Yeah, I feel very lucky to have been at the right place at the right time!! 😂 Thank you for watching!!
Cheers!!🍻
thanks, very useful
Thank you for watching!! 🍻
Thumbs up for Brian's pineapple shirt.
Always good to get a sense of how to do things on a very tight budget. It is also interesting how the high flyers live. What many influencers don't tackle is the HUGE missing middle.... I for one, would like to know what sort of lifestyle is possible living in Thailand on say, $6000 USD a month. I know that doesn't make me a "baller" by any stretch but how would that lifestyle differ? Accommodations? Western restaurants on occasion, inter and intra country travel?? Owning a car? Anyway, just food for thought for a video.
Great idea Rick. We could do a video about our personal costs but also give pricing on other options as well. In the past, we have included the price of car rentals and excursion costs that we did not take part in. I can say that $6000 a month outside of the US and Western Europe will go a long way!! We do a monthly cost video each month so we will try to include other options as well. Thank you for watching and for your thoughts!
Cheers!!🍻
Hi, I am a Thai living in BKK. If you have a budget of 6000USD (~ 209100 Baht) a month you WILL live like a KING here in Thailand.
thank you for your feedback... i do know costs in Thailand are rising... rents are up... food is up... @@samsan4644
Two 👍 👍 up for the pineapple shirt and your crack negotiating skills B 😉. The monthly break downs really give us confidence that we can make this lifestyle work for us in 1 year 9 months and 10 days but who’s counting 🤷♂️😂
Thanks, guys!! 1 year 9 months and 10 days will go by in no time!! 😃
Brian,, I really love the Hawaiian shirt. You need to get more of them; especially for the beach life. Great videos as always. Looking forward to Malaysia.
Thank you, Don!!
Love it guys! Been waiting for this update. Soooo, is Thailand a good retirement option? Thx
Thanks Donna! We can for sure see coming back to Thailand for longer stretches. We see the draw as a retirement option as well, great healthcare, affordability, weather.... Checks so many boxes 😊
Thumbs up! I love the pineapple shirt! You look very handsome! 🙌🏽
Thank you 😊
Hey Brian and Carrie - Netflix Suggestions: Narcos , Narcos Mexico, Revolver (this is a thinking movie, Probably Guy Ritchie's finest movies and maybe that it is why it is not so popular but has a cult following. The best part comes at the end when the screen goes dark), The old Guard.
So sorry for the late reply, we were off the grid for the last week on a family cruise ☺.
Thank you so much - we will be sure to check these out!! Cheers 🍻
Great breakdown and good for you enjoying it all.
How did you manage the visa staying that long in Thailand?
Hi David, thank you!! We stayed the first 45 days in Thailand and then went to Vietnam before returning for another 45 days to Thailand. Until the end of March, Thailand was offering a automatic 45 instead of the regular 30 - now it's back to 30 day visa on arrival. Thanks so much for watching 😊
Great video!! Thankks!!
Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching 😊
Poor Brian I am sort of the same way and am not a haggling guru! Thank you both for the great video and the comparison between city/beach. Oh, BTW I just bought the convertible shoulder belt bag you recommended in your links above and it is a winner!
I don't like to haggle and getting "ripped off" usually equates to about $1.00. I'd rather pay more and not hassle with the haggle!! 😃
Cheers!!🍻
For shows - I really liked Extraordinary Attorney Woo.
Thank you, Wendi. We will check it out!!
Cheers!!🍻
Incredible, how low you have kept your cost. I am amazed. We could never do it. We like to eat out and drink when we travel. Good luck on ur travels
Thank you! We have to limit our eating out, although in Thailand it is cheaper to eat out than going to the grocery store. Thank you for watching!!
Cheers!!🍻
That shirt is AWESOME
Thank you, Alan!!
Cheers!!🍻
Hi guys,
Great videos! It helps alot with planning.
We are going to Thailand at the end of the year. Do you recommend getting the visa upon arrival or getting it prior to departure? We will be arriving from Laos to Chiang Rai.
Also any plans to visit Cambodia & Laos?
Tks for your comments.
Danielle
Montréal, Canada
Hi, Daniell. With a US passport, we didn't need to obtain a visa to enter Thailand. I imagine that that is the case for Canadians as well. We will not be getting to Cambodia or Laos this year. We will be returning to the region next year to explore all that we missed this round. Thank you for watching and safe travels!!
Cheers!!🍻
Thats an excellent shirt!
Thank you!! 😃
Enjoyed your detailed and itemized costing...who is the real accountant in family?...enjoyed from Toronto Canada....
Thank you so much Saleem! I, Carrie, track all our spending - it makes it much easier when one person is making sure we have everything all planned and accounted for. Cheers in Toronto!
Have you tried Airalo esim yet? Heavily considering it for our summer travels to Iceland, Greenland, and Oaxaca. Reviews look very promising. Love your videos… watching from Ballard! 🍻
Hi Stacy, Hello in Ballard! Unfortunately, neither of our phones will accept a esim - wish they could. Many of the phones in the US don't have this feature available. I've heard great things about using esims though, such a convenient way to travel and not have to worry about buying and changing out sim cards at each location. Thanks so much for watching - Cheers 🍻