Years ago my wife and I moved to Panama and stayed 5 years. The relatives and friends thought we were crazy and going to be killed by the banditos! LOL! At this point we are downsizing everything and will be going to Asia next spring and it is another 5 year plan. The fact is, that many places overseas allow you to have a better lifestyle than the US and a much cheaper dollar amount. Plus the medical care in most places is top notch at a 80% discount to US prices, and low cost international heath insurance policy is available. In our past times overseas, the only things we missed were Trader Joe's, Walmart and Amazon Prime. In Asia now days the Amazon Prime equivalents are available.
Thank You for the Inspiration and Your Classes! 🌍✨ Hi Rob and Allie, We hope this message finds you well! We wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude for the incredible content you share on Grounded Life Travel. Your adventures and insights have truly inspired us to start our own travel journey and launch a TH-cam channel! 🌟 We also wanted to thank you for your informative classes on how to start a TH-cam channel. They have been invaluable in guiding us as we embark on this new adventure together as an ex-husband and wife team. Your expertise and encouragement have made a significant impact on our journey. Thank you for being such a positive influence in the travel community! We can’t wait to follow your adventures and hopefully connect with you in the future. Warm regards, Lisa & Jim
I hope you two know that your videos are an inspiration to many people, especially me. Both here and trains video. I love that you're so grounded (pun intended 😆) and practical. For me the vibe I get is that you're honest and warm. And I wanted to let you know that. So thank you for your videos, comments, and laughter. I've taken train rides and am going to places (solo sometimes) that I wouldn't have thought I'll do but I did it. I'm comforted by know some tips that I get from your videos. Now, I'm playing your retirement/finance video out loud in hoping my hubby will one day listen and go,"hmmm...maybe we can give it a try!"
We're presently in one of the "expensive" locales, the UK, and yes, accommodations are a bit high, and public transport can hit the wallet a bit - however the awesome double-decker buses make up for any sting. But - surprisingly, we are finding clothing and grocery deals at great prices. Same way when we were in Paris. I practically lived off of 90 cent baguettes. Another tactic we've used, outside the "must do's", is to first explore/exhaust low cost/free options - then decide what to spend $$ on with the remaining time and energy left.
You're absolutely right that people are not interested in what you're doing. When you return home you'd be lucky if they give you five minutes before they want to change the subject.
Thank you so much for these videos! My wife and I are about 3 years from doing this. My only concern is medical/prescriptions. Could you please do a comprehensive video on how you are handling medical and prescriptions insurance. Both in the US and your abroad insurance. Cost and companies you use would be helpful as well. Thank you!!
Depending on which medications, from our experience they may be available in many places without a prescription. We needed both thyroid and BP medications and were able to get resupplied in France and Italy,, at very low prices. It may be a different brand, buy they cross-reference.
I totally get your life style. I sort of did this in my early 20's by backpacking 2 summers and finally getting a job for a year overseas. Then I retired full time at 57 years old taking a huge cut in retirement pay but have never looked back .Plus, I live in a very expensive state. You are so right about the health care overseas.
30 years overseas as a diplomat taught me uncomfortable truth that describing rest of world to Americans who don’t travel is like speaking to a brick wall.
So true. I'm in the U.S., and when I began traveling in my 20s, family members (except my well-traveled older sib) and co-workers thought I was crazy. The latter group actually was hoping that some horrible safety issue would happen to me. Those people, I hushed them up by saying: I read about world events. I want to step out of my comfort zone and learn about other cultures firsthand. I know that traveling has contributed to my character and personal growth. My aptitude for learning new languages has enhanced my travel experiences abroad -- including in the Québec province of Canada.
You’re 100% correct, I have found almost all Americans tragically unrealistic about how the rest of the planet views them and their real place in the scheme of things. I did meet several military guys that were very astute and clued in, however they were the exception.
Yep. Found that out over 40 years ago - when I was in my 20's and traveled in many countries. Few people were interested in hearing about my travels when I returned. Figured it out quickly, so I may just make a brief mention - if at all - now.
@@cch6127 I noticed that too. I'm the exact opposite. When someone tells me they've been overseas I bombard them with questions. What airline? where did you stay? How was the food? Was it safe? Would you go back? What languages etc. etc etc.
I was healthy all my life and traveled to 40 countries, sometimes for years at a time. But I got seriously ill on my last trip and had to cut it short. It didn’t make sense to pay for an Airbnb and be too sick to get out of bed. Being alone with no one to help made it worse. It’s been 6 months and I’m still too ill to get around. I’ve had numerous doctors’ visits, medical tests and treatment but it worries me because I’m only 63…this should be the best time of my life to travel abroad.
Great facts and I totally agree. I kept track of expenses the first year of my full-time travel to monitor how I was doing, but after a year I realized that I definitely overestimated what I would need. Now I know that I don't have to obsess about expenses anymore. I also think people need to remember that when you're retired you're supposed to be SPENDING your money. They are so fearful of running out of money that they never allow themselves to enjoy the money they have, the money they earned so that they could enjoy their retirement. And don't live this lifestyle to show off. Live it because it's what you have a great passion to do...and then do it in the way you want to do it, not the way anyone else tells you they think you should do it. Thanks for the video! Safe travels!
I was excited to watch this video and it did not disappoint. I retired early 2 years ago and can relate to almost everything you shared. It's nice to find someone I can relate to that's living a similar (slow travel) lifestyle. I've learned a lot from your videos so thank you!
Hi. I started my YT journey last month. Your words helped me make a decision to retire early. I want document my 5 year journey to my own financial independence so other can learn and have hope they can do it too! Thank you for your videos and sharing your life! I hope when I am a little older I can follow your example!❤
As a single guy less than a year away to retirement at 54, I value all your insight - thank you, so much! I love your story about Icelandic food - I had good laughs remembering my time there too.... Cheers and continued safe travels
I love that you are so honest about your experiences and how to set your expectations if you want to do something like this. Very informative. I love all your channels
Hi guys, we really have appreciated these thought provoking videos that help us as we are about a month into our retirement and full time travel after quitting our jobs and selling everything. I would say we are already seeing things like you mentioned such as living somewhere vs traveling. But I think because of your videos and others we follow that do the same, our expectations have been set in advance. Keep the videos coming and thank you again, hope to run into you sometime on the road.
Have you considered volunteer work in the places you visit? It would address the issue of boredom as well as giving back to the country that is providing you with such wonderful travel experiences.
I remember there was a CBS story of a black female who moved to Mexico, living her best life. She couldn't afford to stay In the U.S. middle aged. She stated she doesn't budget, because she was living below her means. She just buys what she needs and travels. Man, she got so many negative comments about not budgeting. People missed the point that if your go outside the U.S. in some places, you don't have to.
I seriously think this has been one of your most genuine and best videos! I LOVE what you've said about doing this for YOU and not others and being able to 'flex' with the times - that $15 hot dog may not be so expensive now but 4 years ago it was... America has gotten SO expensive and I can't wait to start exploring all those other areas in the world that I can stretch my money and enjoy life so much more. Thank you for this video - great job! and, also - being bored is okay!!
You all are great! Love listening to you all since I have started to do a "slow" travel abrogated form of what you all do. You all share in such a measured easily understood way. Love ot catch up with you somewhere at sometime....Wish I could do the cruise, but am having fun working a bit still. Thank you!
We appreciate you guys so much. We’re getting ready to hit the road very soon and we’re learning so much from you. I do plan on taking your course about TH-cam probably in the next couple of months I’ll start getting ready to start that part. I’m really looking forward to it. You have just been a wealth of information for us and a wealth of comfort I hope we run into you someday.
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel I'm following your advice and building out my channel. It's exciting, and I'm so thankful that your MOST EXCELLENT COURSE has made the path easier to follow. @manhattanrats has very few items at the moment, but will focus on the soprano sax thing soon enough. Thanks again for the course. Robert in NYC.
@GroundedLifeFinances is there some forum, email list, FB group, etc. where people following your TH-cam suggestions get together to discuss? Robert in NYC.
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel I'd be open to finding a community of people who are following your lead, and learning from the community of people following you. Best wishes. Robert in NYC.
Followup: The minute I found the coupon code today, I purchased your second course. Thanks for making it easy for me and my family to move forward with this. Robert in NYC.
It's so funny that you make these YT videos because you have so much time on your hands. No job and I still feel like there aren't enough hours in the day (for all my fun activities). I think its probably the difference between full-time travel and having a location still. Baking/cooking/minor house & grocery shopping does add up especially because I walk everywhere (by choice) so that uses a lot of time.
I think 2020 was uncomfortable for pretty much everyone. I retired at 52 seven years ago. Yes, there were only a few that supported my decision. The main one was my primary care physician. I question whether all my family and friends were jealous. So happy I did it. No regrets. No one can take away the memories I have retiring so early while I was healthy enough to do it. 18 months ago I started cruising a lot and love it. I think I did about 18 in that time frame for more than 30 in my life. I am looking at some more international travel now like you guys. Being solo it is going to be a little more costly but I think I can still swing it. Time will tell. Thanks for sharing all your info.
Amazing how are you able to verbalize what's really important realizations that most people deny! Great content as always. Need more of these honest conversations 😊
I don't see it as a selfish thing but more a scary thing. Either way, love your videos.For me the misconception is that you "retired" but you are still working.
I love your videos and never get bored with them. I just wish we could get more live videos but understand the time difference is a problem. Hopefully, I can catch a live in the near future. Thank you for telling the good and the bad! Keep it real!!❤❤
I've come to enjoy your videos and this one especially is so helpful for me. I will be retiring in a few months and relocating abroad. All of the concerns you guys mentioned I've had or having. Thanks to your video I feel so much better and can move forward with even more confidence. Thank you and Blessings
Thank you for these videos! Two suggestions for future video topics: 1) I saw your video about travel deals for 2025 but I’m curious how you fill those gaps between bookings and how you plan it all out. 2) I think I heard you mention that you have kids? How do you handle visiting family or staying connected to them? It seems like they might not see you for years at a time! Haha
Solid advise as usual from you both, this channel has help us tremendously for our retirement/slow travel lifestyle which we just started. We will make mistakes and go over budget (we are in Italy now and I know we will bust the budget) but all will be OK. We are not bored yet but I am sure it will come. Not ever day is sight seeing and experiences as you said and we are both fine with it.
@GroundedLifeFinances I’m retired, divorced and an empty nester. My monthly budget is slightly higher than yours; I worked for a government agency (great benefits, even after retirement, and greater pension). I want to travel, but as a single female I also have fears of traveling alone. I’m 62. I know that, if God permits, I can do this, not necessarily full-time. I pray I can get over the fear of traveling by myself and be able to take advantage of the time I now have to travel, something I’ve always wanted to do.😊
I travel alone most of the time and it has been great. There are expat groups on social media you can join they do in country meet ups!!! I recommend Japan, Kyoto to be exact for a nice safe place to start!!! Happy travels
Thanks for the info! I’ll look into it. I actually went to Japan (last Nov) to visit one of my daughters. She’s been living there for 6 years now. Kyoto was one of the prefectures we visited. Although I landed in Tokyo, we went as far as Hokkaido as part of a 3 week trip. She put together a wonderful itinerary for my trip. 👌🏼
In the short term, get that storage unit and pay that fee? Then maybe after he's already transitioned to the new life you can work up to saying why getting rid of the storage unit just makes sense.
Oh, my goodness, ain't THAT the truth! We paid so much in the U.S. for insurance. It's ridiculous. Very thought-provoking points ~ thanks for sharing your hearts and wise words. I appreciate it. 😊
I lived in Russia, and very similar experiences with healthcare. Paid healthplan and it was just so inexpensive. More modern equipment than I had ever seen, and in one case, my dentist had gone to UCLA for dental school.
This the first channel I subscribed to from your TH-cam offerings. Can you do a video on advice about retirement slow travel as a solo woman? Examples: safety, sample slow travel itinerary, accommodation strategies. I really appreciate your monthly expenses breakdown videos. Thanks. 😊
I'm in Japan getting ready to make the leap, working overseas to get an idea f how to learn with some support. I have really enjoyed your channel. Thank you for sharing your journey.
You two continue to inspire me. I am not ready to take the leap yet, but maybe in 2 years. As a single female, I just don't know that I would enjoy the travel as much without a spouse, companion, sibling or cousin. Great experiences should be shared.
Thanks for sharing! My wife and I enjoy traveling too. Although I enjoy my work, looking forward to retire at 67 in 3 years and traveling without needing to return home because of a work schedule.
Canadian friend living in Guadalajara had a heart attack. He was taken too one of the best hospitals (probably the best). Out of pocket cost was $40,000 USD over a decade ago. He went on to live a few years, so they saved his life.
I was wondering how your kids reacted to selling their childhood home and not having a place to reunite? We recently did an estate sale after my 80 year old Mom agreed to go to Assisted Living. It is now strange for all of us not having our childhood home as a central location to gather. Also, even though I’m 58, being the oldest, I feel I gotta be close in case my mom needs me or wait until she passes to move overseas. Focused on southern France. Are your parents concerned about your absence?
The boredom element is what deters me from full time travel. I have a nice home and I enjoy taking care of it. The work and maintenance are all part of my routine and helps keep me busy and active. Like you said, when you're retired you have to find ways to fill that time. Otherwise you could fall into the trap of sitting around watching TV and eating. That I don't like.
Hubby recently spent 5 days in the hospital. The bill (just for the hospital) was $26k. He had already met the $6.5k deductible so, it was covered but $6.5k in the first 5 months of the year!
Hello Rob and Allie! Another good informative video. Every time I hear you talk about how liberating it is, I almost decide it's time for me to retire and head out to SE Asia! Now, I'm much older than you both, but I have a daughter in college, that I'm trying to see through her undergraduate degree. At 62, I've decided at this time to take one large trip a year and my daughter and I will be going back to Japan this summer. Future travel will take me to the Philippines. Now this sets the stage for how my retirement will differ from yours. You have each other, while I'll be traveling alone. I plan on connecting with friends and people I've met on YT, but this will be me flying solo. So your advice on planning your life for "you" is very appropriate here. You've given me some additional food for thought. Now, I do have one question for you. Do you consult using video calls? Given that you folks are living your lives for you, I'm wondering if you are open to the concept. I'm willing to pay for your time as nothing in life should be free other than the air we breathe. For me the reason is simple. I can subscribe to your YT packaged course, but the further we get out from the Course's creation, potentially, the more questions will people will have to determine if certain concepts are still valid. For me, I can get more done with a 15 minute conversation than I ever could with numerous emails. Either way, I look forward to more of your future content.
I love watching your videos. You have probably discussed this before, but one of my biggest concerns is the language barrier. What do you do to help you with communication in so many different languages?
Been watching for a while, love the content you share. I haven’t seen you mention in previous videos, but I assume you maintain a residency in GA (drivers license, etc). My family and I have lived and traveled abroad to over 20 countries in Europe and Asia for my previous profession and slow travel is very appealing after our daughter is out of the house. During our travels, there were some practical things where I found we needed a stateside address or base of support. Items like…certain credit cards we needed a U.S. address, when renting cars, we could use our U.S. driver’s license for a certain period of time (30-90 days based on country) among other things. I was wondering if you have experienced this, how did you navigate, and what other things/areas you both have discovered along the way. Appreciate it. Look forward to the next video.
What area of Bangkok do you guys like or where would you recommend for two couple for one week visit. One couple (us) have been to Bangkok for 5 days about 10 years ago and stayed in an area with walking distance to Khao San Road. We like trying local food, don’t want to be right in the middle of the crazy busy areas with the go go shows etc. but do like some entertainment/bars, we also like visiting the local markets. Many thanks
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel What do you do on a normal day? A hotel room can get awfully small to be in all day. Where do you like to spend your down time?
Very interesting, thanks. Regarding health care, my understanding is that most travel health plans cover pretty much everywhere except the US, so I was actually wondering how you handle it while in the US.
Great job on these videos. Thanks for sharing your expertise! We started watching you guys a couple of months ago before we took our first train trip from Orlando to upstate New York. Your advice was really helpful. Now I am about two years from retirement, and we want to travel more. I have a question on health insurance. I will be on Medicare by the time I retire. Medicare does not oay for health care in foreign countries. What options do we have?
Just curious 🤔 was the hospital bill required to be paid in cash? I had heard that from another video. Most people are not spending $4000 a month in retirement, so that's a bit high for middle income retired folks. But traveling under $1200-1500 a month is possible, but you do need to be budgeting.
Most couples aren't spending $4k a month in retirement? In the US even if your house is paid off, $4k is pretty low for necessities and a little bit of discretionary spending. In other videos, they talk about spending more living in suburban Atlanta than traveling the world.
Even if you're not traveling it's always a good idea to have a chunk of money set aside for emergencies. That emergency money could also be available for those times when you do travel internationally, because you would need to pay in full (cash or credit card) for a medical bill while outside the US. If you're prepared, there's no reason to fear potential medical costs in other countries. You should be more fearful of medical costs in the US!
Not sure if you guys seen it but IHG is running a promotion. 80% more points. I know you talked about IHG hotels so I thought this will be a interest to you. I’m assuming you already got it.
Have you considered a permanent overseas location for retirement and learning new languages? I guess I’m asking what country do you see as best? (At 58 & 65 my husband and I likely don’t have the energy to move all over the world). Also, really like the idea of obtaining EU passport.
Not specific to Americans but I've seen local vs foreign prices.. That said the foreign price still isn't that much more expensive to factor into your financial equation
Hi wondering if you have info about which brokerage firms will not close my accounts if I am outside the US for most of the year. A financial advisor told me this could happen. Any suggestions?
Best not to tell them or let them know. I've been overseas for almost 15 years & have had no issue. I keep a US address on the accounts & opt-in for e-statements.
I want to know the same thing i will retire in October 2024 at 41 and i have questions!!! I will go and review their other videos so i do ask something they have already covered.(if they are willing to do a one on one!!!
Just got an email from Marriott about an opportunity to buy points. If you but 10,000 or more, you get bonus points, and I think the cost turns out to be 8.6 cents. What do you think?
Also I'd love to keep a running video journal of my travels, but I'm a bit concerned about my personal safety if I become no longer anonymous, and/or semi-trackable. Have you ever encountered issues with people seeing you in the wild and say, harassing you because they have a problem with you being a mixed race couple, or American, where that might be uncommon, or maybe as a comparatively rich couple whom they might scapegoat for rising prices or other grievance? I ask because in my case, I'm American and Jewish and would love to travel and document my visits to something like a Jewish holiday dinner in Thailand (which we did once), but I am quite concerned about anti-Semitism lately and wonder if anyone would try to stalk me after seeing some Jewish content on a video I might have made sometime in the past.
We've never had a bad experience from someone recognizing us. Don't let that stop you, if someone watches you enough to actually recognize you, it would only be because they liked you.
I find the “we’re bored” comments really interesting. One of my hesitations is that I have hobbies that wouldn’t travel well. When I retire I want to do more dog training, do more weaving, do more sewing, do more volunteering. All of those are challenging to do without a fixed base.
@@conwaymj88 No, they don't. Most transport (trains, planes, and ships) don't allow dogs or it's expensive and a hassle. My floor loom definitely doesn't fit in a suitcase or overhead bin. My sewing machine is probably the most portable, but I can't take my stash of weaving yarn or sewing materials with me. Are there ways to do some of these things on the road? Possibly. Are they cheap or easy to do? Nope.
Is it Rob? You all don't say your names much. Allison has her channel, but how about saying your names. I tell people I follow this couple from Atlanta on TH-cam 😅
Years ago my wife and I moved to Panama and stayed 5 years. The relatives and friends thought we were crazy and going to be killed by the banditos! LOL! At this point we are downsizing everything and will be going to Asia next spring and it is another 5 year plan. The fact is, that many places overseas allow you to have a better lifestyle than the US and a much cheaper dollar amount. Plus the medical care in most places is top notch at a 80% discount to US prices, and low cost international heath insurance policy is available. In our past times overseas, the only things we missed were Trader Joe's, Walmart and Amazon Prime. In Asia now days the Amazon Prime equivalents are available.
Thanks for sharing!
Why don’t you cut ties with America?
Thank You for the Inspiration and Your Classes! 🌍✨
Hi Rob and Allie,
We hope this message finds you well! We wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude for the incredible content you share on Grounded Life Travel. Your adventures and insights have truly inspired us to start our own travel journey and launch a TH-cam channel! 🌟
We also wanted to thank you for your informative classes on how to start a TH-cam channel. They have been invaluable in guiding us as we embark on this new adventure together as an ex-husband and wife team. Your expertise and encouragement have made a significant impact on our journey.
Thank you for being such a positive influence in the travel community! We can’t wait to follow your adventures and hopefully connect with you in the future.
Warm regards,
Lisa & Jim
I hope you two know that your videos are an inspiration to many people, especially me. Both here and trains video. I love that you're so grounded (pun intended 😆) and practical. For me the vibe I get is that you're honest and warm. And I wanted to let you know that. So thank you for your videos, comments, and laughter. I've taken train rides and am going to places (solo sometimes) that I wouldn't have thought I'll do but I did it. I'm comforted by know some tips that I get from your videos. Now, I'm playing your retirement/finance video out loud in hoping my hubby will one day listen and go,"hmmm...maybe we can give it a try!"
Thank you so much!!
We're presently in one of the "expensive" locales, the UK, and yes, accommodations are a bit high, and public transport can hit the wallet a bit - however the awesome double-decker buses make up for any sting. But - surprisingly, we are finding clothing and grocery deals at great prices. Same way when we were in Paris. I practically lived off of 90 cent baguettes. Another tactic we've used, outside the "must do's", is to first explore/exhaust low cost/free options - then decide what to spend $$ on with the remaining time and energy left.
You're absolutely right that people are not interested in what you're doing. When you return home you'd be lucky if they give you five minutes before they want to change the subject.
Thank you so much for these videos! My wife and I are about 3 years from doing this.
My only concern is medical/prescriptions.
Could you please do a comprehensive video on how you are handling medical and prescriptions insurance. Both in the US and your abroad insurance. Cost and companies you use would be helpful as well. Thank you!!
Me too.
Depending on which medications, from our experience they may be available in many places without a prescription. We needed both thyroid and BP medications and were able to get resupplied in France and Italy,, at very low prices. It may be a different brand, buy they cross-reference.
I totally get your life style. I sort of did this in my early 20's by backpacking 2 summers and finally getting a job for a year overseas. Then I retired full time at 57 years old taking a huge cut in retirement pay but have never looked back .Plus, I live in a very expensive state. You are so right about the health care overseas.
I want to thank you for being both open and helpful to us who wish to retire comfortably!
Thanks
30 years overseas as a diplomat taught me uncomfortable truth that describing rest of world to Americans who don’t travel is like speaking to a brick wall.
And that's 90% of Americans!
So true. I'm in the U.S., and when I began traveling in my 20s, family members (except my well-traveled older sib) and co-workers thought I was crazy. The latter group actually was hoping that some horrible safety issue would happen to me. Those people, I hushed them up by saying: I read about world events. I want to step out of my comfort zone and learn about other cultures firsthand.
I know that traveling has contributed to my character and personal growth. My aptitude for learning new languages has enhanced my travel experiences abroad -- including in the Québec province of Canada.
You’re 100% correct, I have found almost all Americans tragically unrealistic about how the rest of the planet views them and their real place in the scheme of things. I did meet several military guys that were very astute and clued in, however they were the exception.
Yep. Found that out over 40 years ago - when I was in my 20's and traveled in many countries. Few people were interested in hearing about my travels when I returned. Figured it out quickly, so I may just make a brief mention - if at all - now.
@@cch6127 I noticed that too. I'm the exact opposite. When someone tells me they've been overseas I bombard them with questions. What airline? where did you stay? How was the food? Was it safe? Would you go back? What languages etc. etc etc.
I was healthy all my life and traveled to 40 countries, sometimes for years at a time. But I got seriously ill on my last trip and had to cut it short. It didn’t make sense to pay for an Airbnb and be too sick to get out of bed. Being alone with no one to help made it worse. It’s been 6 months and I’m still too ill to get around. I’ve had numerous doctors’ visits, medical tests and treatment but it worries me because I’m only 63…this should be the best time of my life to travel abroad.
Praying for a miracle may your health be restored.
🙏🙏🙏
Just wondering if you went back to the States or if you found a country to spend time recovering? Praying for your speedy recovery.🙏🙏🙏
Praying you get better soon.
Great facts and I totally agree. I kept track of expenses the first year of my full-time travel to monitor how I was doing, but after a year I realized that I definitely overestimated what I would need. Now I know that I don't have to obsess about expenses anymore. I also think people need to remember that when you're retired you're supposed to be SPENDING your money. They are so fearful of running out of money that they never allow themselves to enjoy the money they have, the money they earned so that they could enjoy their retirement. And don't live this lifestyle to show off. Live it because it's what you have a great passion to do...and then do it in the way you want to do it, not the way anyone else tells you they think you should do it. Thanks for the video! Safe travels!
Thanks for your thoughts!
I was excited to watch this video and it did not disappoint. I retired early 2 years ago and can relate to almost everything you shared. It's nice to find someone I can relate to that's living a similar (slow travel) lifestyle. I've learned a lot from your videos so thank you!
Thanks for sharing!
Hi. I started my YT journey last month. Your words helped me make a decision to retire early. I want document my 5 year journey to my own financial independence so other can learn and have hope they can do it too! Thank you for your videos and sharing your life! I hope when I am a little older I can follow your example!❤
Thank you for your kindness in delivering these truths. ❤❤❤❤❤
You are so welcome
As a single guy less than a year away to retirement at 54, I value all your insight - thank you, so much! I love your story about Icelandic food - I had good laughs remembering my time there too.... Cheers and continued safe travels
I love that you are so honest about your experiences and how to set your expectations if you want to do something like this. Very informative. I love all your channels
Hi guys, we really have appreciated these thought provoking videos that help us as we are about a month into our retirement and full time travel after quitting our jobs and selling everything. I would say we are already seeing things like you mentioned such as living somewhere vs traveling. But I think because of your videos and others we follow that do the same, our expectations have been set in advance. Keep the videos coming and thank you again, hope to run into you sometime on the road.
Thanks!
Have you considered volunteer work in the places you visit? It would address the issue of boredom as well as giving back to the country that is providing you with such wonderful travel experiences.
They mention this in the segment.... 17:50
I remember there was a CBS story of a black female who moved to Mexico, living her best life. She couldn't afford to stay In the U.S. middle aged. She stated she doesn't budget, because she was living below her means. She just buys what she needs and travels. Man, she got so many negative comments about not budgeting. People missed the point that if your go outside the U.S. in some places, you don't have to.
True, that is the key point!
I seriously think this has been one of your most genuine and best videos! I LOVE what you've said about doing this for YOU and not others and being able to 'flex' with the times - that $15 hot dog may not be so expensive now but 4 years ago it was... America has gotten SO expensive and I can't wait to start exploring all those other areas in the world that I can stretch my money and enjoy life so much more. Thank you for this video - great job! and, also - being bored is okay!!
Thanks so much! We used to tell our kids it's ok to be bored, now we need that same advice!
I would love to hear about all your back up plans. I'm very curious.
Thank you for exposing me to your life. Sharing let's me see myself outside of America with greater ease.
Awesome!
You all are great! Love listening to you all since I have started to do a "slow" travel abrogated form of what you all do. You all share in such a measured easily understood way. Love ot catch up with you somewhere at sometime....Wish I could do the cruise, but am having fun working a bit still. Thank you!
Listenening to this again later, down-the-road. So thankful, from the future. Robert in NYC.
Great video. Thanks for the honesty about being bored while retired. #real-life.
We appreciate you guys so much. We’re getting ready to hit the road very soon and we’re learning so much from you. I do plan on taking your course about TH-cam probably in the next couple of months I’ll start getting ready to start that part. I’m really looking forward to it. You have just been a wealth of information for us and a wealth of comfort I hope we run into you someday.
Awesome, thank you!
So glad you're sharing all this stuff! Thanks for showing how it can be done happily. Robert in NYC.
Thanks for watching
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel I'm following your advice and building out my channel. It's exciting, and I'm so thankful that your MOST EXCELLENT COURSE has made the path easier to follow. @manhattanrats has very few items at the moment, but will focus on the soprano sax thing soon enough. Thanks again for the course. Robert in NYC.
@GroundedLifeFinances is there some forum, email list, FB group, etc. where people following your TH-cam suggestions get together to discuss? Robert in NYC.
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel I'd be open to finding a community of people who are following your lead, and learning from the community of people following you. Best wishes. Robert in NYC.
Followup: The minute I found the coupon code today, I purchased your second course. Thanks for making it easy for me and my family to move forward with this. Robert in NYC.
Thank you!!❤❤😊😊 I loved how you highlighted the boredom!
Thanks for mentioning the bored part. Very real candid. How do you combat this?
We are trying to do more hobbies like photography etc...
It's so funny that you make these YT videos because you have so much time on your hands. No job and I still feel like there aren't enough hours in the day (for all my fun activities). I think its probably the difference between full-time travel and having a location still. Baking/cooking/minor house & grocery shopping does add up especially because I walk everywhere (by choice) so that uses a lot of time.
It's true, once we took cooking, cleaning and shopping out we realized we had so much time!
I think 2020 was uncomfortable for pretty much everyone.
I retired at 52 seven years ago. Yes, there were only a few that supported my decision. The main one was my primary care physician. I question whether all my family and friends were jealous. So happy I did it. No regrets. No one can take away the memories I have retiring so early while I was healthy enough to do it. 18 months ago I started cruising a lot and love it. I think I did about 18 in that time frame for more than 30 in my life. I am looking at some more international travel now like you guys. Being solo it is going to be a little more costly but I think I can still swing it. Time will tell. Thanks for sharing all your info.
Thanks for sharing!
Amazing how are you able to verbalize what's really important realizations that most people deny! Great content as always. Need more of these honest conversations 😊
I don't see it as a selfish thing but more a scary thing. Either way, love your videos.For me the misconception is that you "retired" but you are still working.
I love your videos and never get bored with them. I just wish we could get more live videos but understand the time difference is a problem. Hopefully, I can catch a live in the near future. Thank you for telling the good and the bad! Keep it real!!❤❤
We are going to do some once we leave Japan, the time zone is just too bad
I've come to enjoy your videos and this one especially is so helpful for me. I will be retiring in a few months and relocating abroad. All of the concerns you guys mentioned I've had or having. Thanks to your video I feel so much better and can move forward with even more confidence. Thank you and Blessings
Wonderful!
Thank you for these videos! Two suggestions for future video topics:
1) I saw your video about travel deals for 2025 but I’m curious how you fill those gaps between bookings and how you plan it all out.
2) I think I heard you mention that you have kids? How do you handle visiting family or staying connected to them? It seems like they might not see you for years at a time! Haha
Solid advise as usual from you both, this channel has help us tremendously for our retirement/slow travel lifestyle which we just started. We will make mistakes and go over budget (we are in Italy now and I know we will bust the budget) but all will be OK. We are not bored yet but I am sure it will come. Not ever day is sight seeing and experiences as you said and we are both fine with it.
Great to hear!
My biggest fear is living in a hotel room with another person 24/7. Need personal space. How do you cope? Hide in the bathroom?
@GroundedLifeFinances I’m retired, divorced and an empty nester. My monthly budget is slightly higher than yours; I worked for a government agency (great benefits, even after retirement, and greater pension). I want to travel, but as a single female I also have fears of traveling alone. I’m 62. I know that, if God permits, I can do this, not necessarily full-time. I pray I can get over the fear of traveling by myself and be able to take advantage of the time I now have to travel, something I’ve always wanted to do.😊
I travel alone most of the time and it has been great. There are expat groups on social media you can join they do in country meet ups!!! I recommend Japan, Kyoto to be exact for a nice safe place to start!!! Happy travels
Thanks for the info! I’ll look into it. I actually went to Japan (last Nov) to visit one of my daughters. She’s been living there for 6 years now. Kyoto was one of the prefectures we visited. Although I landed in Tokyo, we went as far as Hokkaido as part of a 3 week trip. She put together a wonderful itinerary for my trip. 👌🏼
Have you visited Italy yet?
You may wish to start with a single woman's travel group, to get comfortable with traveling, then move on to traveling alone.
Money is not a fear when you have income coming in (eg TH-cam, pension, SS, rental, annuity, etc)
Question: who wanted to travel fulltime and how did u get the other person on board? My hubby is married to his stuff…
My boyfriend doesn’t want to get rid of his house. I am choosing to sell mines this summer!
We both kind of did so it wasn't that hard, but we said we would only do it for a year then re evaluate
In the short term, get that storage unit and pay that fee? Then maybe after he's already transitioned to the new life you can work up to saying why getting rid of the storage unit just makes sense.
Love this video so much and I 💯agree!!!
Thanks!
Oh, my goodness, ain't THAT the truth! We paid so much in the U.S. for insurance. It's ridiculous. Very thought-provoking points ~ thanks for sharing your hearts and wise words. I appreciate it. 😊
Thank you! It's astonishing really.
Great informative video!!!
I lived in Russia, and very similar experiences with healthcare. Paid healthplan and it was just so inexpensive. More modern equipment than I had ever seen, and in one case, my dentist had gone to UCLA for dental school.
When our children were little, we had horrible insurance and we paid ALOT! There was much prayers that everyone stayed healthy!
This is very valuable information. Thank you so much sharing. I did not catch what kind of insurance company do you use while you are abroad?
This the first channel I subscribed to from your TH-cam offerings. Can you do a video on advice about retirement slow travel as a solo woman? Examples: safety, sample slow travel itinerary, accommodation strategies. I really appreciate your monthly expenses breakdown videos. Thanks. 😊
Such good insight! Question we have is how do you decide where to go next?
It's not easy, just whatever we feel like really
I'm in Japan getting ready to make the leap, working overseas to get an idea f how to learn with some support. I have really enjoyed your channel. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Sounds great!
You two continue to inspire me. I am not ready to take the leap yet, but maybe in 2 years. As a single female, I just don't know that I would enjoy the travel as much without a spouse, companion, sibling or cousin. Great experiences should be shared.
Thanks for sharing! My wife and I enjoy traveling too. Although I enjoy my work, looking forward to retire at 67 in 3 years and traveling without needing to return home because of a work schedule.
What about friendships? how do you keep from feeling "alone" when you're out the whole time?
Traveling full time, do you claim Georgia for your federal and state taxes, or how is that handled?
Love your videos…thank you ❤️
Canadian friend living in Guadalajara had a heart attack. He was taken too one of the best hospitals (probably the best). Out of pocket cost was $40,000 USD over a decade ago. He went on to live a few years, so they saved his life.
Thanks for the comment on boredom. We never considered it before. TH-cam is a great way to deal with it.🙂
I was wondering how your kids reacted to selling their childhood home and not having a place to reunite? We recently did an estate sale after my 80 year old Mom agreed to go to Assisted Living. It is now strange for all of us not having our childhood home as a central location to gather. Also, even though I’m 58, being the oldest, I feel I gotta be close in case my mom needs me or wait until she passes to move overseas. Focused on southern France. Are your parents concerned about your absence?
The boredom element is what deters me from full time travel. I have a nice home and I enjoy taking care of it. The work and maintenance are all part of my routine and helps keep me busy and active. Like you said, when you're retired you have to find ways to fill that time. Otherwise you could fall into the trap of sitting around watching TV and eating. That I don't like.
Hubby recently spent 5 days in the hospital. The bill (just for the hospital) was $26k. He had already met the $6.5k deductible so, it was covered but $6.5k in the first 5 months of the year!
Hello Rob and Allie! Another good informative video. Every time I hear you talk about how liberating it is, I almost decide it's time for me to retire and head out to SE Asia! Now, I'm much older than you both, but I have a daughter in college, that I'm trying to see through her undergraduate degree. At 62, I've decided at this time to take one large trip a year and my daughter and I will be going back to Japan this summer. Future travel will take me to the Philippines. Now this sets the stage for how my retirement will differ from yours. You have each other, while I'll be traveling alone. I plan on connecting with friends and people I've met on YT, but this will be me flying solo. So your advice on planning your life for "you" is very appropriate here. You've given me some additional food for thought.
Now, I do have one question for you. Do you consult using video calls? Given that you folks are living your lives for you, I'm wondering if you are open to the concept. I'm willing to pay for your time as nothing in life should be free other than the air we breathe. For me the reason is simple. I can subscribe to your YT packaged course, but the further we get out from the Course's creation, potentially, the more questions will people will have to determine if certain concepts are still valid. For me, I can get more done with a 15 minute conversation than I ever could with numerous emails. Either way, I look forward to more of your future content.
I love watching your videos. You have probably discussed this before, but one of my biggest concerns is the language barrier. What do you do to help you with communication in so many different languages?
The only country where there is a barrier is Japan, and we use Google translate there. English is widely spoken in most of the world now.
Been watching for a while, love the content you share.
I haven’t seen you mention in previous videos, but I assume you maintain a residency in GA (drivers license, etc).
My family and I have lived and traveled abroad to over 20 countries in Europe and Asia for my previous profession and slow travel is very appealing after our daughter is out of the house. During our travels, there were some practical things where I found we needed a stateside address or base of support. Items like…certain credit cards we needed a U.S. address, when renting cars, we could use our U.S. driver’s license for a certain period of time (30-90 days based on country) among other things.
I was wondering if you have experienced this, how did you navigate, and what other things/areas you both have discovered along the way.
Appreciate it. Look forward to the next video.
What area of Bangkok do you guys like or where would you recommend for two couple for one week visit. One couple (us) have been to Bangkok for 5 days about 10 years ago and stayed in an area with walking distance to Khao San Road. We like trying local food, don’t want to be right in the middle of the crazy busy areas with the go go shows etc. but do like some entertainment/bars, we also like visiting the local markets. Many thanks
We like Sathorn, or Ekkami , a little quieter but quick access via BTS
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel thank you
What does a weekly itinerary look like for you? Do you plan date nights or things like that?
Yes, and we usually go see a few new things each week. But you need a good mix of normal days too.
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel What do you do on a normal day? A hotel room can get awfully small to be in all day. Where do you like to spend your down time?
Very interesting, thanks. Regarding health care, my understanding is that most travel health plans cover pretty much everywhere except the US, so I was actually wondering how you handle it while in the US.
You can get them that cover in the US also, but they are a little more
Would you go to Iceland and Norway again?
My biggest fear is not having insurance. How do you deal with medical insurance?
Great job on these videos. Thanks for sharing your expertise! We started watching you guys a couple of months ago before we took our first train trip from Orlando to upstate New York. Your advice was really helpful.
Now I am about two years from retirement, and we want to travel more. I have a question on health insurance. I will be on Medicare by the time I retire. Medicare does not oay for health care in foreign countries. What options do we have?
what health insurance do you use while traveling ?
How can I get more information on your course? I’m very interested.
It is here: groundedlife.thinkific.com/courses/youtube-after-40
Just curious 🤔 was the hospital bill required to be paid in cash? I had heard that from another video. Most people are not spending $4000 a month in retirement, so that's a bit high for middle income retired folks. But traveling under $1200-1500 a month is possible, but you do need to be budgeting.
Most couples aren't spending $4k a month in retirement? In the US even if your house is paid off, $4k is pretty low for necessities and a little bit of discretionary spending. In other videos, they talk about spending more living in suburban Atlanta than traveling the world.
Most countries require you to pay in full. Insurance, cash or your credit card.
Even if you're not traveling it's always a good idea to have a chunk of money set aside for emergencies. That emergency money could also be available for those times when you do travel internationally, because you would need to pay in full (cash or credit card) for a medical bill while outside the US. If you're prepared, there's no reason to fear potential medical costs in other countries. You should be more fearful of medical costs in the US!
We paid by credit card, then just paid it off the next month
Bangkok's or KL's mass transit & metro system(s) are Way Better than Atlanta or anywhere else in SE USA!
It's not even close
How do you handle vaccinations when you go into different countries? With all the exotic to us diseases, how do you protect yourself?
How often do you see your children? And will this change if/when you have grandchildren?
I heard you say that a few places were more expensive than you thought. Don’t you made reservations in advance?
The healthcare situation is really sad in the US. Our number 1 reason for retiring early is to get awesome healthcare overseas.
Half the budget, 50x the lifestyle. Truly spectacular.
Not sure if you guys seen it but IHG is running a promotion. 80% more points. I know you talked about IHG hotels so I thought this will be a interest to you. I’m assuming you already got it.
They usually run a 100% eventually, it is good to wait for that as you can only buy so many points in a year before you hit their limit.
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel wow thank you for sharing
Have you considered a permanent overseas location for retirement and learning new languages? I guess I’m asking what country do you see as best? (At 58 & 65 my husband and I likely don’t have the energy to move all over the world). Also, really like the idea of obtaining EU passport.
It would be Thailand if we picked one
Do you find that other countries have a different price for things for Americans than locals?
Not specific to Americans but I've seen local vs foreign prices.. That said the foreign price still isn't that much more expensive to factor into your financial equation
When you say you could live on 1500 a month, is that per person or for both of you together? Thanks!
Why was your budget $8,000 in USA? Were you paying a big mortgage?
How about a video on how to get past the fear of pulling the plug and being a slow traveler.
Do you see your kids often? This is the part of full-time travel that is difficult for me.
Yes
Hi wondering if you have info about which brokerage firms will not close my accounts if I am outside the US for most of the year. A financial advisor told me this could happen. Any suggestions?
Best not to tell them or let them know. I've been overseas for almost 15 years & have had no issue. I keep a US address on the accounts & opt-in for e-statements.
@@jacqdanieles hey thanks!!
Add New Zealand to your list of expensive places to visit.
What about security issues? Are you nervous travelling to places that maybe you don’t speak the language?
Hi. Do you make direct consultations? I’m in a similar position as you were in your thirties. I need some advice.
Thank you in advance.
I want to know the same thing i will retire in October 2024 at 41 and i have questions!!! I will go and review their other videos so i do ask something they have already covered.(if they are willing to do a one on one!!!
Do you experience issues with language barriers? Do you speak any languages?
Have you guys done any language classes in Thailand or Vietnam? Is being in places like that for a month conducive to that?
We have, but it doesn't help, everyone just wants to speak English to us anyway, and our Thai will never be as good as their English.
Just got an email from Marriott about an opportunity to buy points. If you but 10,000 or more, you get bonus points, and I think the cost turns out to be 8.6 cents. What do you think?
Also I'd love to keep a running video journal of my travels, but I'm a bit concerned about my personal safety if I become no longer anonymous, and/or semi-trackable. Have you ever encountered issues with people seeing you in the wild and say, harassing you because they have a problem with you being a mixed race couple, or American, where that might be uncommon, or maybe as a comparatively rich couple whom they might scapegoat for rising prices or other grievance? I ask because in my case, I'm American and Jewish and would love to travel and document my visits to something like a Jewish holiday dinner in Thailand (which we did once), but I am quite concerned about anti-Semitism lately and wonder if anyone would try to stalk me after seeing some Jewish content on a video I might have made sometime in the past.
We've never had a bad experience from someone recognizing us. Don't let that stop you, if someone watches you enough to actually recognize you, it would only be because they liked you.
I find the “we’re bored” comments really interesting. One of my hesitations is that I have hobbies that wouldn’t travel well. When I retire I want to do more dog training, do more weaving, do more sewing, do more volunteering. All of those are challenging to do without a fixed base.
Most of those things travel very well...
@@conwaymj88 No, they don't. Most transport (trains, planes, and ships) don't allow dogs or it's expensive and a hassle. My floor loom definitely doesn't fit in a suitcase or overhead bin. My sewing machine is probably the most portable, but I can't take my stash of weaving yarn or sewing materials with me. Are there ways to do some of these things on the road? Possibly. Are they cheap or easy to do? Nope.
$20k a month now - makes life so much easier huh :)
Is it Rob? You all don't say your names much. Allison has her channel, but how about saying your names. I tell people I follow this couple from Atlanta on TH-cam 😅
In fact besides a few major cities in US, you feel you are in a third world country country
Great informative video!!!