Full Time Travel is NOT EASY!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 เม.ย. 2024
- We've learned a LOT about slow travel over the past 6 months. Some of the lessons were painful. Some were funny. Some were expensive.
So in this video, we'll share our biggest slow travel mistakes to help you avoid them, have a better experience, and save money.
You'll also learn about the dark side of slow travel and a couple aspects might be deal breakers for you.
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I need to write the ultimate guide to slow travel. I've been doing it for 30 years as a corporate expat, freelance digital nomad and now retiree. After 40 countries, I finally decided to keep a studio apartment in the US and travel twice a year for 2-3 months at a time. That way, I always have a home base but still get to explore new places. I still want to move outside the US but I just don't know where yet!
If it has taken this long, my guess is you may never be able to decide! 😜
I though about this, but I'm solo and have my cat. I already brought her to Europe on one TA flight and not sure either of us can bear another one. I'll hop around over here until I get worn out LOL. I also don't know where there is even an affordable studio in the US anymore. 🙁
30 years and 40 countries and still not sure where to move overseas😂 Perhaps the heart always desires to find happiness at home, too. Your current plan makes great sense. Safe travels!
Linda, would love to learn more about your experiences, learning and lessons for others!
Definitely write that guide!
Knife sharpening, you can use the bottom of a ceramic coffee mug to put a great edge on a dull knife
Great tip! Thanks!
Thanks. I need to remember that!
Or a rock
That’s a great idea! I always carry a small pocket sharpening kit which originally I bought for camping. You have to know how to use the stone but it’s not hard to use a Whetstone to do your knives and it put an excellent edge on them. I also have, a small handheld sharpener that is excellent but it’s only good for small medium size knives just the way it’s built and it was also bought for camping. Just to try it out and I may start bringing that with me because I’ve run into the same problem that they’re mentioning. You got somewhere in the knives are awful. Offer a tip though. Also, always bring a couple of garbage bags and some of the very large Ziploc bags with me. New. They’re amazing for all kinds of things when I get somewhere especially if I get into a city late at night and I’m trying to organize a bit. You can use them to put in dirty laundry or something that is liquid or possibly may leak when you’re travelling and in the meantime, they work great for day trips, or for keeping dry goods in in the kitchen. For the very large Ziploc bags, which are big enough to put shoes in and even something like a soccer ball and a pump, I usually just roll them up and leave them empty in my suitcase, and I always end up finding uses for them when I get where I’m going.they’re about 10 L or so in size and they’re not that expensive. You can get them in bags of five on Amazon.
I used the mug sharpening hack when covid hit and I was in Portugal. My apartment had the dullest knife, but it worked great
After two years on the backpacker trail and 45 countries it would take me all day to list all of my mistakes/mishaps/wacky adventures! Live and learn. They do make the best travel stories you must admit🤣. Stay safe, have fun!
I spent 20 years biz-traveling 9-10 months a year... monetary-costs were always covered, but the emotional strain NEVER was. And I grew to hate LUGGING. Lugging my bags onto my bed, loading them up, lugging them out of the house, into a car... into the airport... lugging them out to a rent-a-car or taxi. Lugging them into a hotel. Into that room, onto that bed. Then re-filling them and another round of lugging.
It's wasn't the travel I objected to - it was THE LUGGING.
I’m carrying two chefs knives and a small sharpener because there is rarely a decent knife at an airbnb. I also carry a very large “everything pan”. It’s a large deep non-stick sauté pan that can be used as a frying pan, wok, pot for boiling pasta, can go in the oven, etc. Yes, it’s a bit heavy, but I’d skip on a pair of shoes for a decent pan for slow travel when I want to make scrambled eggs every morning without them sticking. It doesn’t take up much space because I can pack stuff in it. I use heavy duty ziplock type bags for food storage - airbnbs seldom have anything for leftovers but you can usually find storage bags in pretty much any store, and don’t take up any space when moving from one location to another.
Great tips!
When we're on the move I find a lot of clothes at 2nd Hand or consignment shops. Kitchen stuff too(bake and cook ware, silverware , glasses). Then I donate what I'm not using.
As a teacher I say, they aren't mistakes...they are "learning opportunities" And after over 100 countries for me, oh does travel teach a lot. Interesting video.
Yes it can be exhausting to change locations that often. I would suggest doing longer stretches in one place as a hub with a couple excursions or side trips, for example, stay in one city in southern Spain for a couple months and use the high speed train or bus for day trips or a weekend away. It is easy to get burned out if you move too often.
Absolutely - stay in one city for 3 months, do near by excursions, and unpack all your stuff. Also bigger discounts on your AirB&B - hopefully. We do a 40% discount for our one month stays here in Cuenca. One downside is getting a place right next to the screaming woman at 5 in the morning. You can also bail on the bad AirB&B and scout around for a better one in the same city. Moving every 2 weeks or so can be exhausting. Been there, done that. Spent a month in Siem Reap then a month on a Cambodian island. I was too chilled when I got back home to Ecuador. It was hard to adjust.
Yup I think I would do longer stretches in one place as a base, make some connections, and take shorter trips from there. IMO being always on the move prevents you from making any deeper connections with people, and to me this is what travel is all about (aside from just seeing new places): meeting people and connecting. I would say you guys are doing "fast" slow travel.
Yes, sseems like they are staying in one place just long enough to get through the tough part of getting oriented.
When my wife and I travel we shoot for a minimum of 2 months in one place before moving on.
Anything less is a lot of work and you really don't get to know a place.
Don't rule out campsites. Most of them have bungalows. We are vanlifers, been here since 2019. Began in BnBs in Portugal, rented a place for a year but now live in a van with our two dogs. Campsites here are very nice, clean, have cafes, a restaurant, laundry room and nearby public transportation. We stayed at a campsite in France, took the bus to Versailles, which meant no parking hassles! We have traveled for two years now and it's amazing what I have stowed away in our van. I dont feel deprived at all. Portugal is our home base, but I've not been to a bad campsite these past two years, This includes Portugal, France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Italy, and Monaco. Good luck!
Are you an EU citizen? If not, how are you in Europe for more than 90 days? Do you have some kind of visa?
@@busygal1959 My thoughts are similar; all 28 shengen countries are like one super country; after 90 days you have to go to non-shengen Albania, Georgia etc for 90 days. So can you ferry your van from Italy to Albania? Amelia and JP, next year you plan to spend time in Europe, chasing the sun, but after 90 days you have to exit europe. After that you can slow travel thru non-shengen countries like Albania, Montenegro, Georgia, Turkey for 90 days, but by then summer is over...I have heard good things about Spain's non-lucrative visa, one couple posted that the whole process took about 75 days. Need $35k in your bank balance and you need to be in the USA. If you get that visa, you don't have the restriction of 90 days. You probably know all this.
@@busygal1959 It doesn't matter when you live in a van down by the river lol!
@@GR-ju4db Many won't understand that joke...but I do!
Wow. That was very interesting!
Try a down travel pillow. Mine came with ties attached so I can roll it up tight. It ends up being about the size of a long sleeved shirt. I consider a good pillow essential for my well being! 😴🛌
Im a flight attendant 29 years and 'have' to have a good pillow. Mine is a memory foam, it flattens in my suitcase when I 'force' it shut. lol. I get a new one often as I like them to puff up when I unzip my bag. The way I see it is "no pillow, no travel".
Everything you talked about is exactly my experience! Been traveling from a suitcase 7 years now, all over the globe. Sometimes I volunteer but mostly am a "tourist." It was really comforting to know I am not alone in the pros and cons.
If I was younger, slow travel would be great. However, at 63 & 65 respectively, my wife and I are happy expats in Panama who enjoy traveling for 10-14 days at a time. Ecuador is on our list!
You two are too young to remember traveling pre-computers. Back in the day you would buy either Frommers or Fodors books " Europe on $5, $10, or $20 dollars a day". They always did their homework and list great hotels, pensions, restaurants etc,. They would even suggest what to do, visit, tour if you have two, three or more days in a destination. I know that Frommers is now online, but carrying those big books was so worth it, also great reading on the flights as there were no movies! lol Happy travels, stay safe
Loved the video. My husband and I have slow traveled for a month or more through Mauritius, Bali, Thailand, Armenia and Vietnam. We encountered the exact same challenges as you and we had tears laughing and reminising over our similar experiences. Presently we are in Guam at an Airbnb we picked in part because it said it had a washer and dryer, but the host actually meant that there was a nearby laundry within driving distance. At least our knives were sharp. 😂
That is awesome! So typical! At least he didn’t point to the beach and rock for your washing machine! 😂
We made a few of these mistakes too. We travel with a bullet blender and a Grayl water purifier. Instead of storage containers we carry ziplock bags. A towel is a must-pack. We also carry black office clips - great for clipping curtains closed, and a jar lid gripper pad, which doubles as a drain blocker in a pinch.
For insurance I recommend Safety Wing’s Nomad plan until you get over age 60, when it gets pricy. This was a great, very relatable video. Thanks, unconventionals! (I still like the old name😉)
Great tips! Thanks!
What kind of insurance at 66. 😂
I've been slow traveling in Peru and Chile, and I'm glad I purchased my own small water boiler, French press, and knife!
Would love to learn about some of your favorites in Peru & Chile. Both countries, I have visited and each felt like it could be home (Peru more so).
I agree about the knife. They really do all have terrible knives. Save grocery packaging for food storage.
We just got a sharpener, u can't take a knife on a plane we only have backpacks.
My wife and I sold our house and most of our stuff in 2020 and escaped California’s madness. We traveled to Texas and then spent six months traveling around Mexico on tourist visa, then back to Texas, then Florida, then back to Texas again in 2023. We stayed in mostly Airbnbs for about 30 days at a time. It was fun and interesting, but also stressful and a lot of hard work. My wife is happy to have a house again. But, I can agree with a lot of what you have experienced pro and con. Enjoy your videos, good luck!
House/pet sitting helps with that desire to connect with a 4-legged friend.
Yes! If they want to come back to Quito, I need a sitter for a month in summer lol!
What month do you need a sitter? 🙂@@mlsaulnier
@@yumyumkitty2104 Half July and August.
I don't know of any other site that packs so much practical, insightful and useful information than this one.....plus it's done with such good humor. You're a great team. Learned a lot, as usual. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!
I travel 3 months a year, one month at a time. I am a recent dual citizen American and Italian. Based in Sicily. When I cross weather zones or find myself shopping for clothes, I give my unused clothes to the local homeless. Try it. It feels good to see their faces when someone gifts them nearly new clothes 😊
Yeah… whoever said it’s the journey, not the destination….never traveled.
Thanks for the great content! I just finished 6 months traveling through Mexico and experienced all of these things. The lack of supplies in Airbnbs was especially anniying. I wouldnt trade my experiences with slow travel for anything, but learned it's not for me. Im a nester. Im returning to mexico soon and getting a year long lease so i can build a home again.
You sound like you were having a better time when you lived in Cuenca. If I were you I would go back to Cuenca, make it my home base and explore South America....
This was very interesting. I like to think I'm a very experienced traveler, and I would not have thought of these things. I did laugh at the internet because it is so true that anything faster than dial-up can be sold as "high speed." You probably saved your viewers considerable money, time, and stress with all this information. It would be fun to see a comparison video after you've been doing this for a while on the monthly costs of slow travel vs. the place in Ecuador. I'm loving these videos. Nice job!!
Love It! A screaming neighbor that yells for no apparent reason in the early morning and late at night…😂😂😂
Really agree with all of this. We travelled and lived out of suitcases for 3 years before the pandemic. 100% Agree with the kitchen stuff, we learned the hard way to pack lighter, but also bring kitchen essentials *and decent towels with us. And not having any routine gets more tiring than you might expect. Never knowing where to go for groceries, always figuring things out, getting in a routine that you have to re-invent all the time....fun at first but gets old eventually. I'm pushing to do the most travel we can now while we are in our 50's, because honestly I can see my patience getting thinner in time and I won't want to bother with all the hassles later in life. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
This video hit home. We have been slow traveling since December. We are currently in Ecuador - but we have been in Mexico and Belize as well. You nailed it on so many things - dull knives, living out of a small suit case, home sickness ( even though you don't have a home). I refer to us as gypsies . I do feel that we are living our best life doing this and it has brought us even closer. This life style is not for everyone - some days are extremely hard.
'Slow travel' sounds like work. When I travel I dislike moving all the time, as it's too hectic. I'll travel from a base.
Well, that's what a typical vacation-tourist does. You'll have to pay for maintaining a base in addition to travel expenses.
@@skt1731 My base is the U.S. but I stay with people in Europe. I've been out of the country over 50 times. Thanks for under-estimating who your're talking to.
That's fine if you can afford a home base. In Canada where I'm from the maintenance condo fees and the taxes are double the rent in many countries.
@@25Soupy Yes, gentrification and profiteering are wrecking many cities across the globe. Tourists in AirBnB's and short rentals are part of the problem for locals. It's capitalism. I've only piggy-backed on friends' places.
The planning is the work. Slow travel is different things to different people. When you stay 2-3 months at a time, you have less travel days and it's actually not much work at all.
"Been there. Done that." ... It took a few years, but have now adapted to most of the situations you mention. Finally down to travelling with one carry-on bag and a "personal item" ... and sticking to one climatic zone. Have discovered there are a lot of things I can actually do without!
I asked a friend in Kiribati what "thing" I needed before arriving there on a 2 year volunteer assignment, she said, "F-n flexibility". Found that to be the "secret" when it comes to many aspects of life.
Buen camino.
Flexibility is my middle name. Im a flight attendant for 29 yrs, so it is a must. I will say the older I get the less in a hurry I 'want' to be in. Sadly in my line of work we are always running/hurrying. It's not the same job anymore and I cant wait till I can go slower. I will still be flexible but at a slower pace for sure. The one thing I wanted to mention about clothing and those big coats is that to save room in your suitcase you can 'wear' your big bulky clothing on travel days especially if you need to go on a plane. Some countries are very particular about what size bag you bring on to the plane. It will give more room in your suitcase/checked bag.
just found you guys and what an absolute treasure you two are ! binge watching your videos and they are so informative and right up alley. I am planning on my escape from the matrix , Im 49 and spent the last 4 years slow travelling pretty much everywhere I've recently returned to Canada and I am having a very tough time adjusting to my old life in the rat race life of Canada. I have decided that I can longer be a part of this life here in canada and I am looking to continue slow travelling and Ill be looking for a property in a country where life is a bit slower and the sun is shining. Your videos are amazing and I really appreciate the effort andf knowledge you two provide. Thanks !
Thanks! And welcome aboard! 🥳
I was just ahead of you guys this winter. Stated in Portugal went to Spain, then made the mistake of going north in Spain. It gets cold in Madrid and Valencia in December! I scooted over to Egypt, where they had one of the coldest January s on record. I managed to get serious respiratory issues, and couldn't shake it with the cold.
I came back to US to change my wardrobe, and plan to head back to UK in May, but following the sun is a MUST or carting around winter clothes! And you didn't mention that buying clothes can blow your budget real quick. 90€ for a cotton sweater! 170€ for a jacket!
Good video, especially for newbies - we've experienced many of the same things. A couple tips:
What you are describing is not what I would consider slow travel, which would be 1-3 months. You are still in the honeymoon phase and moving pretty fast. Slowing down will help some of the issues you mention, and also save money!
I also hate dull knives - bought a very small/light sharpener on Amazon.
From your point of view, slow travel is minimum time is 1 month per destination? Thank you.
@dlwilliamson5644 For me yes, unless I am on vacation. But there are no rules, so of course everyone should do what they think best. Airbnb usually has monthly discounts for 28+ days.
@@w_w_whitey Thank you and thank you to this community. I am selling my home (an empty nester ☺) and thought about Queretaro MX, and Cuenca, Ecuador for 6 months each. Have a look-see visit in QRO for late August. Cuenca will be later.
We were in Albania for almost 3 months.
Yeah...30 days is not long enough. Most slow travelers only go to countries that allow 90 day or longer tourist visa. You guys gotta catch your breath or you'll get burned out. Thanks for the great video.
Please visit one of the Ionian islands before you leave Albania. The islands are a whole different world from Athens!
For me it's best to get to one spot in a country for the limit of the visa. 3 - 6 months at a time.
I appreciate this post it really helps me get an idea about slow travel. One of the things I've been finding is not discussed a lot of this decision fatigue. Which is one of the things you're talking about as far as routines are concerned. Thank you for this post it really helps me get some ideas about this lifestyle.
Glad it was helpful!
Yes. Apartments that are not at all equipped for cooking. Common. If I'm not going to be flying for long enough I'll buy a small sharp knife. And I've gone to second hand/thrift stores to get a fork and spoon when the kitchen stuff was pretty unusable.
I try to land at a hotel that has 24 hour desk service the first night. Then move to an apartment the next day. I've had transportation problems along the lines of telling the host I'd be there at 8pm but not arriving until 1am.
Consider packing a thermal undershirt and windbreaker. Layer what you have until you can go to the market and buy something warmer if it's needed. But spending winters in warmer places, places closer to the equator is a good solution.
We also stay in a hotel if the plane gets in late. Great tip 👍
Looks like just pure ADVENTURE to me.....which is why I travel!! Enjoy!
Great video guys. I've been slow traveling for 7 months now and have experienced all of the challenges and frustrations that you mention. For me, as a solo traveler, travel days are the most challenging. There are soooo many things that can go wrong. My advice would be to try and stay in each place for at least a month and embrace the chaos of the lifestyle. Things will never go totally smooth but just try not to make the same mistake more than once. The goal is to be living "la dolce vita"......
I slow travel with my cat so every travel day is a xanax day 🤣 and i've been staying a few months in each place.
Love your honest and straightforward comments. Really eye-opening. Thank you.
GREAT video. I really appreciate how real you both are.
Very happy that you guys are enjoying it but frankly it sounds exhausting!
I’m really glad I found your channel. Can relate to everything you said. I spent 11 months in 2023 around the world and had all 4 seasons to deal with. My best solution to the seasons has been a timeless waterproof trenchcoat that is light enough for summer showers and to loop in the handle of my backpack/carryon but warm enough with layers. I am the queen of layering. I am also constantly on the lookout for chiffon tops (sorry men) because I can layer them , they dry overnight, and weigh nothing. I look forward to following your adventures!!
Thank you for your very honest assessment.
You guys are the best! Thanks for all the great advice.
Our pleasure! Thanks!
You guys are great. And your videos are so good and so full of information. You’ve definitely found your niche!
Thanks so much!
EVERYTHING you talked about here resonated with me. Some made me chuckle, some got an empathetic nod and some made me cringe a bit. You’ve got the gist of slow travel 🤗. Also, the longer you travel this way, the more your luggage is filled with non-clothing things 🥴: doorstop, 3-4 clothes pins, steak knife, spoon, tiny screwdriver set, piece of rope, sponges, tea towel, salt/pepper, zip-locks, vitamins, power strip, extension cord, adapter, yarn/thread, needles … Of course, you also end up with things that you can’t really use but just cannot part with 🤦♀️ … I bought a piece of leather a while back and I know what I want to do with it but, atm, it is not happening. It weighs at least a pound and is now my luggage liner 🤷🏼♀️. Your videos are very informative and to the point. Great job, thank you.
Thank you for your channel. I subscribed and have been watching to learn. Your plans are similar to my retirement goals. Very informative!
I also appreciate the great nuggets of wisdom in the comments.
Charity shops are my friend when I travel. If I need something, I look in the charity shops and then regift to them when I leave (if item not needed after).
Thanks for doing the research!
I definitely want to try slow travel so this video is very timely. I'm more concerned about how my wife takes to it than I am myself. She's game for it though so I am praying it is a good experience. A lot of the mistakes you have made are mistakes we all make and can be hard to avoid. Even like booking travel only to find an Airbnb may not be available or booking an airbnb and realizing the travel may not be available. It's all sometimes just the lock of the draw. I didn't hear any deal breakers for me but surely these are all things to be weighed and considered so that you go into it as informed as possible. Thanks for the great content.
Thanks to you two, we can learn from your mistakes. We are grateful you are willing to share. 😊
So glad!
When I lived and worked in London in the mid-80's during I swear it was dusk at 3:30 pm!!!
Canada too! Sometimes at 3 pm and dark till 9:30 am - so gross!
Maine, too
I can’t do that. I get seasonal depression. I need sun, sun, sun!
As usual, excellent practical information.
Glad it was helpful!
THANKS FOR YOUR TIPS - we feel your pain !
😂Older man on a budget. In Thailand. Spent 10 years in Europe before it became outrageously expensive. The magic is gone there. I miss my beloved Greece. Now it's as expensive as Germany. No thank you. If you are rich and can throw money down the toilet go to it. Western Europe joined the Euro in about 2002. Finito. Never did find decent accommodation in Spain.
Thanks for sharing!
Nice jobs guys.... Thanks
You inspired me to visit Albania ! will be there likely May at some point. If youre still there, happy to take you two for lunch to thank you for all your great videos and recommendations !
Such great info! Thanks so much. So great for planning. I live in Wisconsin and we barely get any sun. Everyone goes through seasonal affective disorder. Chase that sun! ☀️ I just saw a video on another couple who always chases 75°. What an interesting concept. I love colder weather. So maybe I chase 55 degrees. 😃 I’ve also heard that people will go to buy from secondhand stores when they get in a country and then go and sell it again or donate it when they go out. Because it’s so inexpensive. So many great ideas out there! So great to message the host with needs. I never thought of that except when I’ve needed help when something hasn’t worked like the washer dryer or to know how something works. It is a great thing when you have great hosts that help. You guys have so many great points. I do miss having a dog as well. I would love to have a permanent place in Europe with a pet. Maybe one day with a dual citizenship. I think the dealbreaker for slow travel with me would be chronic health issues because I have many. Once I can stop working, hopefully I can get on European healthcare with the dual citizenship and not worry. I hope that you continue to enjoy your travels and be safe and happy. 💗
Eexcellent video. I am contending with each of these. I can so identify with you.
I prefer housesitting to Airbnbs; the kitchens are always well stocked, the internet is high speed, and the furniture is comfortable! And you can pick sits that have a dog so you can get your dog fix! Oh, and it's free lodging. :)
Do you have to pay if you want someone to house sit your place? Do you know a good site?
@@mlsaulnier Trusted Housesitters is an excellent site. You pay a yearly membership and everyone is vetted and background-checked. You can choose house sits AND find house sitters....
Great suggestion!
@mlsaulnier Usually there is no money involved. Sitters get a free place to stay and homeowners get great care for hoke and pets. Google it and you'll see there are various sites and you'll also see which one is the biggest. That's the one I tend to use.
Which house sitting exchange website do you recommend?
Thanks, guy. Slow travel always sounds good, but thanks for this down-to-earth or wake-up call - that makes you think. Not as change your plans but to prepare better
Amelia and JP. Good video, good information. The great thing is, no matter the down side of experiences, you get to do this, which is much more than most people can dream of. When there are down sides, like the screaming lady, it is only temporary for you, since you will be moving on. Good thing there was no year's lease at this location 🙂. Maybe the slow travel helps you to get to know yourselves better and what you are capable of and as you said, you are learning from your experiences. You both are an inspiration and many of us simply are enjoying your life's adventures.Thank you so much. Love and Hugs.
Thanks! 😊
I’ve been happily doing slow travel for years, but you guys have me exhausted.
My wife and I have been nomadic for 3 years and we certainly relate to these issues. In fact, we travel with our own kitchen knives! We just got back to the US (for a wedding) from South America after 8 months and it's been nice to have some modern conveniences and a plethora of choices for everything. There is no one perfect place!
Guys this is my favorite video so far! Thank you!
We house sit and Airbnb ling term. Carry a very light (dollar store) zipper bag with portable knife sharpener, peeler, measuring spoons, twist ties, temperature probe. Been doing it for 10 years but we do now have a studio in home of our family which really helps!
If you chase the sun you will be traveling with tons of other tourists. It may have been a blessing to go in the off season. Knife sharpener, kitchen towels, knife, ... Yes to language exchanges, hostels, meeting locals, etc
Yes. Slow travel is our plan in the next 12 months! Thank you for the information
I have never heard of analysis paralysis, but oh that’s me too Amelia!
Thanks!
What a wonderful energy you 2 have!!!, always joyful and smiling. My husband (gringo) and i (ecuatoriana) enjoy a lot your videos, thank you!!. We are also slow travelers, for year and a half and we love it. Right now in Ohrid, North Macedonia. Really recommend it since you are in Albania, beautiful, cheap and so peaceful.
Hope some days our paths cross and get the joy to meet you in person😊
It was great meeting you today! We watch every video but never comment. That changes now :-)
Great meeting you too! 🥳
Great tips and I was happy to hear that I already knew a few of these! We are planning our exit from the US with some summer travel and then a 3 month exploratory trip planned for next spring. I like the Schengen hopping idea - my husband wants a home base, very likely in Spain. It's wise to spend some significant time in different areas to find a best fit before going through the time & expense of the visa. So many people get there and realize they miss home & family too much to stay and it's a costly lesson. We'll see what he says after a tax consultation - we are tax optimized in the US, not so elsewhere!
Going to spend a couple months this summer in Spain. It’s always a beautiful place!
We are thinking about looking for a vacation home in Buenos Aires. Looks like some interesting things are going on there. When are you going to try there?
No dealbreakers for me. Can’t wait for my slow travel journey to begin. January 2026.
You will enjoy! We started out journey a month and a half ago. Absolutely loving it.
@@JayandSarahdo you have a TH-cam channel?
@@nncadi1 yes. If you select our name you can find it.
This is so relatable! My partner and I have been traveling/slowmading since 2018 (and solo before then), and we found a lot of the same situations. Now, we both travel with a carry on size (though we have to check it in because of the weight). We chase the sun, with occasional short bouts in cold places, so we carry one jacket plus layers. We use packing cubes to compress our clothing. Kitchen stuff: vegetable peeler, kitchen towel, water purifier to fit on a faucet, ziplock bags for storage, one food tin to store food for day trips, and a bunch of spices! You'll be surprised that certain spices are hard to find in some countries. I could go on and on, but thank you for this video -- it is really well thought out!
Great tips! Thanks!
Great video! When you make the comment about being less expensive to rent long term, it'd be fair to mention that to rent long term in most places, you'd become a tax resident. I places like Portugal, Spain and Mexico, taxes can run into thousands of dollars per year. It could wipe out the savings of renting long term (and then some). For FIRE expats that are living off capital gains, interest, dividends and those that are looking into converting IRAs and 401Ks to Roth, it's a deal breaker. Best choice is the Slow Travel Way.
Excellent point 👍
Long term can mean 2-3 months in a place. Lots of Airbnb places offer 30%-50% discounts on stays of one month or longer.
@@vaska1999 I respectfully disagree. I believe "slow travel" is 2-3 months in one place. "Long term" is 6 months and longer with a rental contract. At least that's the definition I find in listing of places like Idealista in Spain and Portugal.
Agree. I have to divide up my time in places so that I can keep my tax base in Canada. And if I became a tax resident of another country I could lose all the bank investments and my bank accounts and be taxed as a foreign resident on whatever I did keep back ‘home’…it would just make a mess that I don’t want to have to deal with.
I actually live quite cheap in the US, last year I spent only $25k or so excluding travel. I am transitioning to fully nomadic soon and anticipate actually spending more.
Now this is a video. I'm old subr...and this is why we like your channel. Brave to teach from your bumps. Stay honest👍🤙..the teams best video lately, but not your worst mistake. 😉
...you didn't bite, so at risk of strike, from all of us 60+single ex-pats; worst mistake.. strawberry blonde curly wig should be on J.P.( part in middle with style)..Amelia back to salt'npeppa+)
Just an opinion 🤣🤣👍👋
This is a very helpful video from my favourite American TH-camrs.
Thanks! 😊
I very much enjoy your videos. I also watch Nomad Capitalist, who has some very interesting ideas on best bang for your buck countries to get additional passports and/or citizenships. In my case (65 y/o), I will most likely purchase a lot, and place a 500 sqft. home in a tiny home community (somewhere Montana or Wyoming) where I can always return in the summer to rest my bones. Then head for six months to somewhere where it is summer also chasing the sun :)
Great, informative, eye opening videos! Comments are also very helpful! Thanks to all and safe travels. In fact, TRAVEL SAFETY is a good topic. Please.🙏🏻
Oh, you guys!
So many times I wanted to stop your video and say something!
Yeah everything you've said makes sense. Our family has traveled plenty and we relate to your thoughts.
We are planning on leaving the US. Had enough.
And, Ecuador is at the top of our list due to the weather, language (not terribly difficult), cost of living, and safety. It seems that the smaller towns are fine,safety-wise. Also, I read that Cuenca and the towns around are quite nice.
We enjoy your videos. Is it weird thinking about all of us out here who are familiar with you?
Much love and thanks, Shelley
Cuenca is a great choice! We miss it!
It’s a little weird, especially after we looked up a picture of a stadium that seats 100,000 and realized that many people clicked our subscribe button 😬
Winter stuff costs a whole lot more to replace than summer stuff, too!
This was a very useful informative video... thank you!
Back in the day, I travelled (backpacking) for 9 months overland from Australia through Bali, Indonesia, SE Asia, India... then Turkey & the Middle East (arriving in November, so I know exactly what you mean about the clothes!).
I bailed out in Jerusalem just before Christmas when I found a letter from a friend who I had just missed (this was in pre-internet days, so Poste Restante).... overwhelmed by homesickness, living out of my bags, not being able to put down roots anywhere. Travel is great for a while - but when it stops being fun, then you need to change your strategy.
Having periods of a month or so when you stop & live like a local can also help - up to a point. But then you move on...
Contrast this with a 3 year stint in Japan (also a while back, 30+ years at this point) where I settled in and was able to enjoy the experience in a different way, making friends, working, getting to know all the things you would miss as a tourist.
Now being older and in my retirement years, my travel is going to be different... I think being flexible and understanding this process, being willing to re-evaluate your needs and preferences as you go, changing tack when something really doesn't work (even after allowing for some adjustment time)... all these are necessary parts of the process.
Happy journeying for your next step!
Thank you for your honesty. I want to travel and would miss home if it were indefinite.
I asked you guys months ago what your 1 must have item is. I think I figured it out. Patience. ❤ Amelia watch out JP is obsessed with sharp knives...Lol 😂
😂
I have been in two airbnbs that had induction cooktops but half the pots were not induction capable. I always bring a small sharp kitchen knife in my checked luggage.
Yes, I now travel with a wine bottle opener! Going to places when the temperature is warm is a great idea. I have made that mistake in the past, making it necessary to carry around more luggage. I think when I begin slow traveling that I will try to commit to a place a minimum of one month. Thanks
Great video guys. I always enjoy the information you share in your videos. I’m living in Cuenca Ecuador right now. I’m from California and I moved here five months ago and I should have my two-year visa on April 11. Even though I enjoy Cuenca, there’s still so many places I want to visit. once I start traveling, maybe we’ll see each other on the road someday. Also, early in the video, when talking about time, you both mentioned.4:20 . Was there a hidden meaning in there perhaps?
No hidden meaning. That was just the time. 😂
I love to travel but have decided I need a homebase. I have had a number of health problems since I retired eight years ago and it’s no fun to get sick on the road. I’m grateful when I have the health and money to travel outside the USA a couple times a year. I also miss my friends too much. You’re so right. Travel days are totally exhausting and rentals are very expensive.
Great information . I 'll love to travel around Europe before settle down in Ecuador. Don't know if I 'm build for that.
Great advice. For room and transportation, I reserve both at same time!!!😊
You two are wonderful, by the way.
We ALWAYS take a sharp knife (with a cover) with us in our checked luggage. Even in a hotel it comes in handy.
Amelia, didn't you pack your alpaca poncho with sleeves?! I just returned from a trip to Quito and had to purchase 10 such ponchos for friends in the Midwest. I'm constantly asked for these as they are so warm and comfortable to wear when active. 😉😁
As a person that lives in airbnb's, the idea of showing up for an early check-in that has not been discussed/approved ahead of time just blows my mind. Hosts have lives (and likely other guests!). OMG!!! I work hard to make hosts lives easy - please - everyone - do the same - to the extent you can. I often ask for early check-ins and late checkouts. Mostly this is because of transportation issues or if you are using 2 (or more) rentals in the same city/town. Mostly it works, but not always ...... The onlty time I have been robbed in 4+ years wandering around Europe, South America and Asia was when I forced to spend time on the streets with my bags while waiting for an airbnb .....
We did ask for an early checkin when we booked it a few days before but neglected to mention that in the video. However, we forgot to confirm the night before and they didn’t respond to any of our messages on the morning of the checkin for several hours. I was convinced it was a fake listing. Guests have lives too, and luggage so please, as a host, be responsive when you have a guest checking in, especially if you agreed to an early checkin.
Yep, I made just about all of those mistakes and more. I'm getting better but I still sometimes make some of those, especially not packing for the proper weather.
Well presented information. Some of these downsides are one or two offs once you find your rhythm. 😊
I find it ironic that, with Airbnbs' cleaning fees that they make you feel you need to clean before you leave. ( Cleaning while staying a month or more is normal, yes) Or do some list cleaning requirements before you leave?
Normal use is normal use.🤔
You two break everything down so well.
Even with these little curve balls you both still come across as modern day explorers. 👍💪🌞📺
Yes! Dull knives everywhere and what gets me is when the host gives you an old used kitchen sponge ! Yuck and this was not a cheap place
How do you trust that an AIRBNB or VRBO is really valid? I showed up for an AIRBNB in FLORIDA to find out it had been sold...we were allowed to stay 3 nites out of 10 and were booted out with no place to go. AIRBNB was absolutely rude and would not help us....no one took any responsibility for this.
We’ve heard the horror stories, but we’ve never experienced that other than slow internet. We contact the host to see how responsive they are and read the reviews. Superhosts and Guest Favorites are our first choice.