If you have other great countries to visit for long term stays in 2025, we would love to hear them in the comments. If you want more information on these countries, be sure to click the links in the description. Thanks so much. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/
Great list; nice to see New Zealand included. I had the pleasure of visiting it several years ago, as well as the great opportunity to live in Greece for a few years as a child.
I am so touched that you choose my country Greece as one of your best destinations! Thank you for your kind words! Have a nice trip wherever you go! 😊😎❤💙🐬🍉🌅🧿
I just yesterday told my dear wife I want to one day visit Greece. It was the first country I ever did research on, that was when I was grade school! It is so far, however. One day
Hi Jon and Bev! I just watched your amazing interview with the Cypress Room ladies and knew it was finally time for me to comment! My husband and I have been watching all of your videos since we decided that our best life would be full time travel! We are 59, with two adult daughters, and are in the process of selling everything to start our journey in June of 2025. In the meantime, we live in beautiful downtown Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and would love to host you if you find yourself in the area between now and then! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experiences, we find your videos invaluable, so informative, and you both have truly inspired us!
Thank you so much for the lovely offer. Would you please send us an email through our website or through Instagram. We'd love to meet up sometime! John & Bev
What a fantastic video!!!! Thank you so much! I think you hit nearly all my favorites. I'd add Budapest, because I love walking. It must have been so hard to pick only 10! Bless you!
I would have included Portugal. I had extended stays in Lisbon and Porto and explored everywhere in between. I found it to be the most financially reasonably priced countries in western Europe.
Good info! It would be helpful to include the Visas needed for each country and direct us to the websites. Also a reminder about the Schengen rules for first timers!
Thanks for the suggestion. We've done some previous videos on the Schengen Zone overview and rules. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/
Quite happy to find this channel! My wife and I are both retiring in about a year's time, at age 55, and spending time in our favorite countries around 2 months at a time is definitely in our plan for at least the next decade. Glad to see our favorite countries in your list and will consider the central/South American countries as well. We're originally from Philippines and really glad that you enjoyed your stay there. I'm surprised you don't have Italy in the list, which along with Spain and NZ are on top of ours. We especially love Tuscany and couldn't wait to stay there for much longer duration than the 2 weeks we normally spend. Finally, I'd also recommend "Western Europe" - Germany, France, BENELUX and Switzerland for long term stay - all within a few hours drive and of course train ride. We lived in Germany for 2 years, and we still think we have a lot of grounds to cover in that area.
Thank you for this comment! We love Italy and plan to return in the future. Germany, France , and Switzerland are all great ideas. We’ve visited them all, but need to return. John & Bev
Loved this video and I can agree with many of your choices as I have stayed long term at many! I spent a month in Medellin and the weather is perfect and the same all year round! I spent 3 Months in Costa Rica in 2010 and it was good. I did rent a car often but mostly on 3 day weekends to go outside the village I was living to go around the country. Roads aren’t great but rentals were cheap and they delivered car to my condo whenever I needed it! I stayed a month in Valencia in 2021. It was awesome. Very walkable and beach wasn’t too far away! I have been to Croatia 3 times. Up north for a long weekend, in 2023 for a week and in 2022 for a month. The month and the week were in Split. Love Split. I got to Dubrovnik and a few of the islands during month. Travel by ferry’s everywhere. So easy! I need to go to Zagreb! I am going to Krakow in a couple weeks for a couple weeks! I would recommend Buenos Aires for a long term stay. I have been 3x. Once in 2016 for 3 months, in 2018 for 2 months and then in 2024 for 1 month. Good expat community and it is very European feeling! My favorite trip was 2012 for 3 months was to Cap d’Ail, France (borders Monaco). My home base (best airbnb ever) was overlooking the Sea….i could literally throw a stone into ocean. During the trip I took many trips around Europe because Nice airport is close by train and I visited Paris, Lyon, Berlin Amsterdam, Milan, Venice etc. I could walk into Monaco every day along the sea path to go to gym or grocery store. Plus I have friends who live there since I had been to Monaco for work about 20 times! Believe it not, the only time I have ever rented a car was in Costa Rica. Usually went public transport or walked.
Very useful and entertaining video. What are your accommodations at these locations? Travel vlogers usually encouraged reserving accommodations weeks in advance. That seems impractical for spontaneous exploring.
There is alot of choices. We have a house 20 minutes from Montezuma, Costa Rica. It is a wonderful area. We have just retired in our mid 50's and will be exploring some of the other countries you have listed.
Wow! This is an excellent video with so much packed into such a short time. I saved it, since we are retiring next year! Great job. You guys nailed it!
Beautiful film!!!! Going from the last country shown to the first: Panama New Zealand Croatia Poland Spain Thailand Costa Rica Philippines Columbia Greece
Thank you for your inspiring videos! I remember one video where you spoke of a virtual mailbox service you used. I’m unable to find that particular video to refresh my memory of which service you recommended. My wife & I have been inspired by you two to visit the remaining 50 National Parks in one year. Could you please share the video you spoke of the virtual mailbox service? Thank you 🙏
Thanks for watching and you will love the National Parks. It took us 2 years to do it. All 50 in one year is very ambitious. 🤣 Here is the link to the virtual mailbox, we put it in the description of all our videos. RVMail Service: gomyrv.com/RetirementTravelers Good luck with your planning and let us know if we can be of assistance. John and Bev
This past spring we spent a lot of time in Croatia, all the places you went plus Trogir.. We absolutely can see us staying at least a month or two in Zagreb alone, the markets, the people, it was such a cool city but very laid back. We spent 3 weeks in Albania and I would say that I would go back to Albania in a heartbeat! The people were amazing and each town was so unique. Tirana was a city that was so welcoming and interesting. We loved Greece as well, from the islands through the whole country you can't go wrong. I now have a renewed interest in Colombia! Thanks for the video.
Thanks and glad you found it helpful. We really enjoyed Albania as well. Definitely want to go back. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/
Great video and the topic of three month stays was the draw to watch! Some great locations to consider. I’d love to see you do a series like this based on cooler and warmer locations. We love sweatshirt weather and just got back from North Wales which was great! What other sweatshirt weather locations would you recommend? I know others love hot weather places and that would be another great video. Something like that. But, we are open to all suggestions! Thanks for the great content!
Awesome video. I can't fault any of your choices as you really can have an amazing longer term experience in all of them. I could easily spend three months going back to Turkey and traveling(and eating!) around the various cities which I fell in love with. Very cost effective location as well. On the other cost spectrum, I could easily spend three months or more in Australia making my way up the east coast from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns and then over to Darwin. So much to see and do and the people are fantastic. Not an inexpensive travel location but so worth it!
We agree with you about most of your choices, having been to 7 of them. We love a month in a location. Mexico would be on my list as well, there are so many different regions all with different food specialities. Haha! It might be easier to list the countries where I wouldn't want to stay 3 months!
Hello from Ouray, Colorado! What an awesome video! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! This is a great gathering of spots that someone could start their travel bonanza off on the right foot. Me, personally, would be interested in starting off on your Mediterranean list. I really really enjoy the confluence of European history and crystal clear and warm waters! And, since our 30th Anniversary trip to Greece was canceled due to COVID, it would be a bonus to finally get there. I also enjoyed your Central and South American list. I lived in Panama for 5 years as a kid; middle school to graduating high school. I would love to return there with my wife. But…..I do need to strategically plan that as the humidity does not sit well with her. We would spend our Christmas’s over in Costa Rica. What a worldly treasure with all of their protected lands! My guess is Columbia would be our best Latin American starting point as the weather is more mild. So, I have started 1 bag traveling practice! Tom Toc had a Labor Day sale. I got one of their 40 liter bags for $60. I travel for work, so I can practice with what I carry. I have completed 2 trips since Labor Day….and it is glorious to not check in bags at the airport. I just need to refine my wardrobe, as well as figure out a way to incorporate a personal bag. My running/walking shoes and cpap dominate that 40 L bag too much. Since the Tom Toc bag is not set up to attach a personal bag to like the Osprey system can, I am currently thinking a sling bag that I can put my electronics and other flight needed equipment in. Safe travels
Congrats for joining the 100-countries club! I am sure you will far exceed my current number of 104 soon and I am happy for you. Currently I am on the Camino de Santiago! Keep on traveling!
Thats awesome 104 countries. I am nowhere near that many countries, about 10 different countries. Hope you are having journey on the Camino de Santiago❤ Keep on Traveling!!!!
I would add Prague, an enchanting city that offers great food and beer at reasonable price, free public transit including funicular up to the hill for all senior over 65+, 50% off opera and symphony. Kula Lumpur is another city with literally very inexpensive and delicious food in additional to such affordable rent, though cultural activities limited.
We love Prague and will be heading back next fall. It has been a few years, but we enjoyed KL as well and want to go back. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/
Love your videos and website! Due to my husbands health we are moving a little early into the SLO GO years ( he often walk with a cane and we do move slow) - any places you suggest for long term travel that are affordable? We have traveled extensively over the past 5 years - we loved New Zealand, Italy and France. Any suggestions are appreciated
Thanks so much. Regarding affordable, Colombia, India, South Africa, Laos, Vietnam are some options. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/
These are wonderful recommendations. I am wondering, if you can answer, where you felt safer and less “need-to-be-careful” between Columbia and Panama. Thank you!
Both places can be safe, but both have places you need to be very careful. We experienced a little of that in both Medellin and Panama City. We don't go out at night and don't go to areas we shouldn't. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/
Great list, thanks for sharing! Can't argue with any of those choices. Haven't been to Poland, but it's on my schedule for fall of 2025 as it is for you. Maybe we'll cross paths then! A few other countries I would add are: Chile - The incredible diversity of landscape and climate from north to south, the excellent wine, visiting Easter Island (the most remote inhabited place on earth)...it's really an amazing place I keep returning to. Three months there going from top to bottom would be incredible. Portugal - So many things to see and experience in such a small country. Plus, you have two different island opportunities with the Azores and Madeira, both beautiful and favorites of mine. Vietnam - The major cities, the laid back beach communities, the food, the very friendly people. Every time I go there I find out about more places I wasn't aware of that I now need to add to my list. You'd have no shortage of options for three months in Vietnam. Thanks again for sharing!
Thanks for watching. It is a beautiful spot for sure. It is a short hike up on Padar Island. It is on the way to Komodo Island in Indonesia. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/
I agree with you that all of these countries are great for slow travel. Been there, done that…but for my money Bulgaria and Albania are the new frontiers of slow travel. Cheap, cheap, cheap! Sweet people, great food, natural beauty, and interesting history/culture.
Those all look like great places to stay for the long term. I also think London is a good place not only because of all the things you can do there, but many other places are a short flight from Heathrow. London can be your base and take short trips to other countries. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I would stay in Italy. Be close to, but not in a big city. Public transportation is so easy. By bus you can be in a big city for a day of touring or the seashore for some beach time. Food is reasonable and delicious. A friendly smile is a big welcome mat. Lots of my grandson’s grandparents are returning to Italy, dragging their grands with them. If I overnighted in Rome I’d look for a pension rather than a hotel. We stay in a place that has been a pension since the 1600s!
We love Albania, too! Hospitality is through the roof! Glad you had a great time. It's just such a beautiful country, and we will definately be back! Thanks for subscribing! John & Bev
I like to take notes, so it would be great if you could add captions with location names as you mention them! I’m surprised ltaly didn’t make your long stay list!
Snow & Curt lived in Columbia for many month, while Snow went through her knee operation. They had a wonderful time, and made me want to go there, for sure. Thank you for this video. Greetings from Camilla in Denmark ☀️
I would suggest that both Malaysia and Sri Lanka are great long stay destinations .. easy to do 3 months+ in Malaysia/ Borneo and 1-2 months in Sri Lanka.. and both are good value for retirees . Also consider Indonesia (Java , Bali, Lombok ) - great diving in Indo.
Hi. I love Ireland and that is a country to easily spend 3 months in. You can use any county as a base and easily travel throughout. I started in Dublin and traveled through several counties for weeks and easily could have spent months. The people all warm and friendly and every county unique and beautiful
We love Ireland too! Here’s our vlog. Hope it brings good memories to you like it does to us. th-cam.com/video/Z7CcN5VrRTQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=cUJ0LTYt4uz1jylE John & Bev
I would add Brazil, the natural beauty alone is mind blowing, in particular sailing around ilha grande (sp?big island). There about 380 islands there. The carnival is also incredible. The downside is crime in the big cities.
You should try something totally different. The small kingdom of Denmark. Copenhagen, Bornholm, the west coast of Jutland, Skagen all the islands, Greenland ….the list goes on and on
Great video. as a person who has done slow travel in southern Thailand for a year I can tell you there is so much to experience and so many different vibes to experience in different areas Gulf Coast side, Koh Samui, koh tao and koh panang are all enjoyable and different. I love the laid back hippie vibe of koh tao and the diving snd snorkeling. On koh samui you will find different vibes, depending on which part of the island you are on. Hua hin is the Expat Haven, but I disliked it. It felt like living in the suburbs in the US. The Andaman sea side of thailand is my favorite because it offers so much more. Krabi, phi phi island, railey beach are all spectacular Koh lanta is more rustic, and original thai vibe. Koh yai noi is even more rural and I could not wait to leave Phuket is now my homebase Being such a large island, it has so many different beach areas and each one has a different feel I thought I hated Phuket until I found the right area that fits me perfectly So whenever you decide to do southern Thailand, I would suggest that it will take you more than three months. Maybe three months on the gulf side and three or four months on the andamen sea side I just spent rainy season in Phuket and found it delightful. They were very few days when it rained so much I could not go out. The prices were lower. The crowds were less, and the hotels were cheaper. Temperature was also cooler.
Wow! Thank you so much for this very valuable information! We want you to take more time to explore Thailand. It’s one of our favorites. Happy Journeys! John & Bev
Excellent video! One of the things that concerns me is the safety in some of these countries e.g. Spain and Colombia. Spain seems to be known for its pic pockets and scams. What is your view on that in both Colombia and Spain.
We’ve had no issues, but we are very careful and rarely go out after dark. We do have a friend who just had their bag stolen in Barcelona, so you do need to be very careful. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/
Poland and Colombia are some of the best slow travel spots but I would say 100s of great towns in Co besides just MDE, Also check out Santa Catalina state in southern Brazil with tons of amazing towns and people all as polite as Colombians.
I am planning on doing some three-months immersions after I retire, which (according to the current plan) will be late 2025. My top three for a three-month stay are three countries you did not list: Slovenia, Portugal, and Chile. Slovenia is possibly the most beautiful country I've visited (although my number of countries visited is less than half of yours). Portugal is an obvious choice since I do want to do a Portuguese language immersion (so I'll stay away from the Algarve in the south which is too English-language friendly for an immersion). And Chile is now my favorite in Latin America. Colombia would've been on my list -- although I prefer Bogota and its San Francisco-like weather to Medellin and its San Diego-like weather -- but I fear Colombia is rapidly moving in the wrong direction politically. I definitely prefer South America to Central America, for many reasons, but maybe a four to six week stay in Guatemala or El Salvador would be fun.
Those are all countries we love and could easily have made the list. We share some of the concerns you have on Colombia, but our past experiences have been great. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/
So here’s a question. As an active mid-60s retired person I spent 30 minutes swimming laps in the pool this morning, followed by 90 minutes on my road bike this afternoon. I’d love to know which long term stay country (Aussie excluded as that’s where I’m writing from) would lend itself to this type of lifestyle? Thank you!
We didn't do a video, but we use a Capital One debit card for getting cash. WE use our Chase Sapphire credit card for 95% of all purchases. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/
We do LOVE Mexico, but we have put out so much Mexico content lately we wanted to share some other places we love. Thanks for watching. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/
Yes, New Zealand is costly, and it's our understanding that there are smaller towns that aren't as expensive, but you have to get there if you're coming from the US, and while it's expensive, it's incredible. It would be worth working it out so that you could go. John & Bev
Good to hear your thoughts and see your faces! Bev, your hair is getting so long! But it still suits you. Lots of places for me to consider in this video. Thank you!
It rained every day we were in Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende. I think those area had a drought, but after hurricane season, it had passed and was no longer a problem for them. John & Bev
When recommending places I think it's important to recognize what might be safe for you may not be safe for others. As a Latina Poland would be extremely unsafe for me as the rise in white nationalism has created a dangerous environment for those who are not white.
What? We had a wonderful time in Poland and we met the most incredible people of all races. I think you might have your information wrong about this one. We could be wrong, so if you've been there and experienced a bad situation, we would be interested to know for future reference. John & Bev
I would rather go to a new place I've yet to experience rather than return to a place I've already been. That even applies to places I've loved. New Zealand has been the exception. I'd happily go back at the drop of a hat.
Same with us. We've been to 104 countries and loved visiting nearly all of them. New Zealand is definitely near the top. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/
We spent a month in Medellin right before Covid - it was February and it was sooooo hot! I think maybe it's spring like temps for people from the southeast, not us Coloradans. While we loved Colombia (except for the food), Medellin was our least favorite place. There were so many older gringo men flaunting their prostitutes in every bar and disco. Yuck. And this was Poblado BTW. We went all over the country in 3 months, with the exception of the Pacific coast area.
If you have other great countries to visit for long term stays in 2025, we would love to hear them in the comments. If you want more information on these countries, be sure to click the links in the description. Thanks so much.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Elsewhere you report that you typically stay for a week or less in each location. Does this qualify as slow travel?
@ No. Most of our travel is a week at a time. We’ve stayed for a month on a few occasions, but that is not our norm.
I would add Norway! I just went and have already planned my next trip back. The scenery is breathtaking!
We loved Norway.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
How you feel about Norway?
Norway is absolutely gorgeous!!! ❤
We just came back from Switzerland.We are going back next year,absolutely gorgeous.
We can't wait to return to Switzerland. Thanks for sharing.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
It is the most beautiful place.
Great list; nice to see New Zealand included. I had the pleasure of visiting it several years ago, as well as the great opportunity to live in Greece for a few years as a child.
Thanks. We loved New Zealand and Greece. Thanks for watching.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
I am so touched that you choose my country Greece as one of your best destinations! Thank you for your kind words!
Have a nice trip wherever you go! 😊😎❤💙🐬🍉🌅🧿
Thank you! You too! We loved our time in Greece.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
I just yesterday told my dear wife I want to one day visit Greece. It was the first country I ever did research on, that was when I was grade school! It is so far, however. One day
@@FIRED13 You are always welcome to come to Greece! Wish you to have this opportunity as soon as possible!
@@FIRED13 Hope you get to go soon.
John and Bev
Thanks for this great video! How lucky we all are to benefit from your experiences!!
Our pleasure! Thanks for watching and following along with us.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Hi Jon and Bev!
I just watched your amazing interview with the Cypress Room ladies and knew it was finally time for me to comment! My husband and I have been watching all of your videos since we decided that our best life would be full time travel! We are 59, with two adult daughters, and are in the process of selling everything to start our journey in June of 2025. In the meantime, we live in beautiful downtown Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and would love to host you if you find yourself in the area between now and then! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experiences, we find your videos invaluable, so informative, and you both have truly inspired us!
Thank you so much for the lovely offer. Would you please send us an email through our website or through Instagram. We'd love to meet up sometime! John & Bev
Thanks for clarifying which locations are best if you rent a car. Identifying specific cities and islands is also ver helpful.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
You both are my favorite TH-camrs! Other TH-camrs copy you right and left. Keep being authentic and being the best you can be!
Thanks so much for the kind comment.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
We just finished 3 months Albufeira, Porto, Cascais incredible fun…
Beautiful places. Thanks for sharing.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Your list is the best!
Thanks so much. Glad you found it helpful.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Great video. Panama & Medellin are my favorites! Thank you.
Our pleasure! We like those places too.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Northern Spain is my favorite❤❤❤. Thank you for an interesting video
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Great video. Thanks for giving us so many ideas!
You are so welcome! Thanks for watching.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Loved this list. We're going to be in Europe for 3 months early next year with 1 month in Spain and 1 month in Crete as part of it.
Enjoy!
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
What a fantastic video!!!! Thank you so much! I think you hit nearly all my favorites. I'd add Budapest, because I love walking. It must have been so hard to pick only 10! Bless you!
Glad you enjoyed it! Budapest is definitely near the top with us.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Great brief detailed overview of each location. Thanks so much!
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
I would have included Portugal. I had extended stays in Lisbon and Porto and explored everywhere in between. I found it to be the most financially reasonably priced countries in western Europe.
Portugal is awesome and agree on the pricing.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
New Zealand is a dream for slow travel! Imagine soaking in those stunning landscapes from the comfort of a scenic train ride 🚂
We did all the trains in New Zealand and loved them.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
@@RetirementTravelers so glad to hear you enjoyed them!
Good info! It would be helpful to include the Visas needed for each country and direct us to the websites. Also a reminder about the Schengen rules for first timers!
Thanks for the suggestion. We've done some previous videos on the Schengen Zone overview and rules.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Quite happy to find this channel! My wife and I are both retiring in about a year's time, at age 55, and spending time in our favorite countries around 2 months at a time is definitely in our plan for at least the next decade. Glad to see our favorite countries in your list and will consider the central/South American countries as well. We're originally from Philippines and really glad that you enjoyed your stay there. I'm surprised you don't have Italy in the list, which along with Spain and NZ are on top of ours. We especially love Tuscany and couldn't wait to stay there for much longer duration than the 2 weeks we normally spend. Finally, I'd also recommend "Western Europe" - Germany, France, BENELUX and Switzerland for long term stay - all within a few hours drive and of course train ride. We lived in Germany for 2 years, and we still think we have a lot of grounds to cover in that area.
Thank you for this comment! We love Italy and plan to return in the future. Germany, France , and Switzerland are all great ideas. We’ve visited them all, but need to return. John & Bev
Loved this video and I can agree with many of your choices as I have stayed long term at many!
I spent a month in Medellin and the weather is perfect and the same all year round! I spent 3
Months in Costa Rica in 2010 and it was good. I did rent a car often but mostly on 3 day weekends to go outside the village I was living to go around the country. Roads aren’t great but rentals were cheap and they delivered car to my condo whenever I needed it!
I stayed a month in Valencia in 2021. It was awesome. Very walkable and beach wasn’t too far away!
I have been to Croatia 3 times. Up north for a long weekend, in 2023 for a week and in 2022 for a month. The month and the week were in Split. Love Split. I got to Dubrovnik and a few of the islands during month. Travel by ferry’s everywhere. So easy! I need to go to Zagreb!
I am going to Krakow in a couple weeks for a couple weeks!
I would recommend Buenos Aires for a long term stay. I have been 3x. Once in 2016 for 3 months, in 2018 for 2 months and then in 2024 for 1 month. Good expat community and it is very European feeling!
My favorite trip was 2012 for 3 months was to Cap d’Ail, France (borders Monaco). My home base (best airbnb ever) was overlooking the Sea….i could literally throw a stone into ocean. During the trip I took many trips around Europe because Nice airport is close by train and I visited Paris, Lyon, Berlin Amsterdam, Milan, Venice etc. I could walk into Monaco every day along the sea path to go to gym or grocery store. Plus I have friends who live there since I had been to Monaco for work about 20 times!
Believe it not, the only time I have ever rented a car was in Costa Rica. Usually went public transport or walked.
Same with us on rentals. Thanks for the great info.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Great information, thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Fabulous thank you!🎉
You are welcome. Thanks.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Very useful and entertaining video. What are your accommodations at these locations? Travel vlogers usually encouraged reserving accommodations weeks in advance. That seems impractical for spontaneous exploring.
With our travel schedule, we usually plan well in advance. We typically stay in hotels.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
There is alot of choices. We have a house 20 minutes from Montezuma, Costa Rica. It is a wonderful area. We have just retired in our mid 50's and will be exploring some of the other countries you have listed.
That's awesome. We had a great time in Costa Rica.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
We loved Zagreb, Croatia, too!
We had a great time in Zagreb. Thanks for sharing.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
Super video! Great info too! Thanks for sharing your perspective through your experiences!!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Wow! This is an excellent video with so much packed into such a short time. I saved it, since we are retiring next year! Great job. You guys nailed it!
Glad it was helpful! Good luck with the retirement planning.
John and Bev
Loved this video!! So many great places that I still need to visit.
Yes you do. Hope you get to see them all.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Great list. So many awesome places to see in my future 😊.
Glad you enjoyed!
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Beautiful film!!!! Going from the last country shown to the first:
Panama
New Zealand
Croatia
Poland
Spain
Thailand
Costa Rica
Philippines
Columbia
Greece
Thanks so much. Glad you found it helpful.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Good job you two. We’re off to Guatemala shortly and will now go to Panama too! Take care
Thanks. Guatemala could easily be on this list. We loved our time in Antigua and Lake Atitlan.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Thanks for a great travelogue!
Our pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
Thank you for your inspiring videos! I remember one video where you spoke of a virtual mailbox service you used. I’m unable to find that particular video to refresh my memory of which service you recommended. My wife & I have been inspired by you two to visit the remaining 50 National Parks in one year. Could you please share the video you spoke of the virtual mailbox service? Thank you 🙏
Thanks for watching and you will love the National Parks. It took us 2 years to do it. All 50 in one year is very ambitious. 🤣 Here is the link to the virtual mailbox, we put it in the description of all our videos.
RVMail Service: gomyrv.com/RetirementTravelers
Good luck with your planning and let us know if we can be of assistance.
John and Bev
Great video! You have given me lots of food for thought.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for following along.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Really interesting choices. Thanks
Thanks. Glad you liked them.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
This past spring we spent a lot of time in Croatia, all the places you went plus Trogir.. We absolutely can see us staying at least a month or two in Zagreb alone, the markets, the people, it was such a cool city but very laid back. We spent 3 weeks in Albania and I would say that I would go back to Albania in a heartbeat! The people were amazing and each town was so unique. Tirana was a city that was so welcoming and interesting. We loved Greece as well, from the islands through the whole country you can't go wrong. I now have a renewed interest in Colombia! Thanks for the video.
Thanks and glad you found it helpful. We really enjoyed Albania as well. Definitely want to go back.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Last time I went to Medellin it refused to rain the entire 10 days I was there! I like cooler temps. But it was still a fun place.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Great info!
Glad it was helpful!
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Great video and the topic of three month stays was the draw to watch! Some great locations to consider. I’d love to see you do a series like this based on cooler and warmer locations. We love sweatshirt weather and just got back from North Wales which was great! What other sweatshirt weather locations would you recommend? I know others love hot weather places and that would be another great video. Something like that. But, we are open to all suggestions! Thanks for the great content!
Great suggestion! Thanks. We typically don't go to "cold" places, but layer up for places like Scotland, Ireland, Norway, etc
Awesome video. I can't fault any of your choices as you really can have an amazing longer term experience in all of them. I could easily spend three months going back to Turkey and traveling(and eating!) around the various cities which I fell in love with. Very cost effective location as well. On the other cost spectrum, I could easily spend three months or more in Australia making my way up the east coast from Melbourne,
Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns and then over to Darwin. So much to see and do and the people are fantastic. Not an inexpensive travel location but so worth it!
Thanks for sharing. Turkey and Australia are both amazing places as well.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
I guess I made the right choice heading to Cartagena and Panama City in the next couple weeks now that I’m leaving my months of SEA travels.
Both are awesome places. Hope you have a great trip.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Taiwan! After staying there 100 days, this is definitely one country worth long stay.
Great choice. We had a blast in Taiwan.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Great video guys. We were in Crete recently and are already planning to return. Bev, I like the longer hair.
Awesome! Thank you! Glad you enjoyed Crete.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
We agree with you about most of your choices, having been to 7 of them. We love a month in a location. Mexico would be on my list as well, there are so many different regions all with different food specialities. Haha! It might be easier to list the countries where I wouldn't want to stay 3 months!
We just spent time in Mexico and love it there too. So many great countries to visit....
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Hello from Ouray, Colorado! What an awesome video! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! This is a great gathering of spots that someone could start their travel bonanza off on the right foot.
Me, personally, would be interested in starting off on your Mediterranean list. I really really enjoy the confluence of European history and crystal clear and warm waters! And, since our 30th Anniversary trip to Greece was canceled due to COVID, it would be a bonus to finally get there.
I also enjoyed your Central and South American list. I lived in Panama for 5 years as a kid; middle school to graduating high school. I would love to return there with my wife. But…..I do need to strategically plan that as the humidity does not sit well with her. We would spend our Christmas’s over in Costa Rica. What a worldly treasure with all of their protected lands! My guess is Columbia would be our best Latin American starting point as the weather is more mild.
So, I have started 1 bag traveling practice! Tom Toc had a Labor Day sale. I got one of their 40 liter bags for $60. I travel for work, so I can practice with what I carry. I have completed 2 trips since Labor Day….and it is glorious to not check in bags at the airport. I just need to refine my wardrobe, as well as figure out a way to incorporate a personal bag. My running/walking shoes and cpap dominate that 40 L bag too much. Since the Tom Toc bag is not set up to attach a personal bag to like the Osprey system can, I am currently thinking a sling bag that I can put my electronics and other flight needed equipment in.
Safe travels
Thanks for sharing some great information.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Congrats for joining the 100-countries club! I am sure you will far exceed my current number of 104 soon and I am happy for you. Currently I am on the Camino de Santiago! Keep on traveling!
Thanks and enjoy the the Camino. Best of luck and hope you have a great time.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Thats awesome 104 countries. I am nowhere near that many countries, about 10 different countries. Hope you are having journey on the Camino de Santiago❤ Keep on Traveling!!!!
@@713devereux The world is too big not to travel. Let's keep on traveling!
I would add Prague, an enchanting city that offers great food and beer at reasonable price, free public transit including funicular up to the hill for all senior over 65+, 50% off opera and symphony. Kula Lumpur is another city with literally very inexpensive and delicious food in additional to such affordable rent, though cultural activities limited.
We love Prague and will be heading back next fall. It has been a few years, but we enjoyed KL as well and want to go back.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Love your videos and website! Due to my husbands health we are moving a little early into the SLO GO years ( he often walk with a cane and we do move slow) - any places you suggest for long term travel that are affordable? We have traveled extensively over the past 5 years - we loved New Zealand, Italy and France. Any suggestions are appreciated
Thanks so much. Regarding affordable, Colombia, India, South Africa, Laos, Vietnam are some options.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
These are wonderful recommendations. I am wondering, if you can answer, where you felt safer and less “need-to-be-careful” between Columbia and Panama. Thank you!
Both places can be safe, but both have places you need to be very careful. We experienced a little of that in both Medellin and Panama City. We don't go out at night and don't go to areas we shouldn't.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Great list, thanks for sharing! Can't argue with any of those choices. Haven't been to Poland, but it's on my schedule for fall of 2025 as it is for you. Maybe we'll cross paths then! A few other countries I would add are:
Chile - The incredible diversity of landscape and climate from north to south, the excellent wine, visiting Easter Island (the most remote inhabited place on earth)...it's really an amazing place I keep returning to. Three months there going from top to bottom would be incredible.
Portugal - So many things to see and experience in such a small country. Plus, you have two different island opportunities with the Azores and Madeira, both beautiful and favorites of mine.
Vietnam - The major cities, the laid back beach communities, the food, the very friendly people. Every time I go there I find out about more places I wasn't aware of that I now need to add to my list. You'd have no shortage of options for three months in Vietnam.
Thanks again for sharing!
Never went to Rio? It’s the most beautiful city in the world. We go to Ipanema every two months.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Great list! Can you tell me where the last photo was taken at the end of the video? Looks like a beautiful spot.
Thanks for watching. It is a beautiful spot for sure. It is a short hike up on Padar Island. It is on the way to Komodo Island in Indonesia.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
I agree with you that all of these countries are great for slow travel. Been there, done that…but for my money Bulgaria and Albania are the new frontiers of slow travel. Cheap, cheap, cheap! Sweet people, great food, natural beauty, and interesting history/culture.
Thanks for sharing! Bulgaria and Albania could easily make this list.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Ah, such travel lust.
Thanks.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Greece is my favorite country for vacation.
Spent all of May there. Really loved it.
Greece is amazing.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Greece is wonderful.
Those all look like great places to stay for the long term. I also think London is a good place not only because of all the things you can do there, but many other places are a short flight from Heathrow. London can be your base and take short trips to other countries. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Thanks. It was been a few years since we have been to England and definitely want to go back.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
I would stay in Italy. Be close to, but not in a big city. Public transportation is so easy. By bus you can be in a big city for a day of touring or the seashore for some beach time. Food is reasonable and delicious. A friendly smile is a big welcome mat. Lots of my grandson’s grandparents are returning to Italy, dragging their grands with them. If I overnighted in Rome I’d look for a pension rather than a hotel. We stay in a place that has been a pension since the 1600s!
We spent 6 weeks in northern Italy and had a great time. It could easily make the list as well.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
@@jabow1878 what do you mean "look for a pension"?
@@FIRED13a Pension is a type of lodging in Europe. Cheaper, small, local places.
All great locations.
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
I just spent 3 weeks in Albania. Incredible. .50 euros for a coffee/ 1.10 e for a beer/ 15 euros for accommodation. Unreal
We love Albania, too! Hospitality is through the roof! Glad you had a great time. It's just such a beautiful country, and we will definately be back! Thanks for subscribing! John & Bev
I like to take notes, so it would be great if you could add captions with location names as you mention them!
I’m surprised ltaly didn’t make your long stay list!
Thanks for the suggestion. And yes we do love Italy as well.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Snow & Curt lived in Columbia for many month, while Snow went through her knee operation. They had a wonderful time, and made me want to go there, for sure.
Thank you for this video.
Greetings from Camilla in Denmark ☀️
Thanks for sharing.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
I would suggest that both Malaysia and Sri Lanka are great long stay destinations .. easy to do 3 months+ in Malaysia/ Borneo and 1-2 months in Sri Lanka.. and both are good value for retirees . Also consider Indonesia (Java , Bali, Lombok ) - great diving in Indo.
We love both of those places. Thanks for sharing.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Hi. I love Ireland and that is a country to easily spend 3 months in. You can use any county as a base and easily travel throughout. I started in Dublin and traveled through several counties for weeks and easily could have spent months. The people all warm and friendly and every county unique and beautiful
We love Ireland too! Here’s our vlog. Hope it brings good memories to you like it does to us. th-cam.com/video/Z7CcN5VrRTQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=cUJ0LTYt4uz1jylE John & Bev
I would add Brazil, the natural beauty alone is mind blowing, in particular sailing around ilha grande (sp?big island). There about 380 islands there. The carnival is also incredible. The downside is crime in the big cities.
Brazil is on our list for the future. Thanks for sharing.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
I agree with most of these picks, and many are my favorites. However, you missed Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, and Da Nang, which are within anyone's budget.
So many hard choices. We loved our time in Vietnam as well.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Knowlegable❤
Thanks.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Ah, such travel just.
Travel is so wonderful.
You should try something totally different. The small kingdom of Denmark. Copenhagen, Bornholm, the west coast of Jutland, Skagen all the islands, Greenland ….the list goes on and on
Great suggestion. Thanks.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Bornholm looks awesome
Great video. as a person who has done slow travel in southern Thailand for a year I can tell you there is so much to experience and so many different vibes to experience in different areas
Gulf Coast side, Koh Samui, koh tao and koh panang are all enjoyable and different. I love the laid back hippie vibe of koh tao and the diving snd snorkeling. On koh samui you will find different vibes, depending on which part of the island you are on.
Hua hin is the Expat Haven, but I disliked it. It felt like living in the suburbs in the US.
The Andaman sea side of thailand is my favorite because it offers so much more. Krabi, phi phi island, railey beach are all spectacular
Koh lanta is more rustic, and original thai vibe. Koh yai noi is even more rural and I could not wait to leave
Phuket is now my homebase
Being such a large island, it has so many different beach areas and each one has a different feel
I thought I hated Phuket until I found the right area that fits me perfectly
So whenever you decide to do southern Thailand, I would suggest that it will take you more than three months. Maybe three months on the gulf side and three or four months on the andamen sea side
I just spent rainy season in Phuket and found it delightful. They were very few days when it rained so much I could not go out. The prices were lower. The crowds were less, and the hotels were cheaper. Temperature was also cooler.
Wow! Thank you so much for this very valuable information! We want you to take more time to explore Thailand. It’s one of our favorites. Happy Journeys! John & Bev
Excellent video! One of the things that concerns me is the safety in some of these countries e.g. Spain and Colombia. Spain seems to be known for its pic pockets and scams. What is your view on that in both Colombia and Spain.
We’ve had no issues, but we are very careful and rarely go out after dark. We do have a friend who just had their bag stolen in Barcelona, so you do need to be very careful.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Great video! One of your best! Loved how you just jumped in and was no-nonsense and informative.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Poland and Colombia are some of the best slow travel spots but I would say 100s of great towns in Co besides just MDE, Also check out Santa Catalina state in southern Brazil with tons of amazing towns and people all as polite as Colombians.
Thanks for the tips. We do want to return to Colombia and do more exploring.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
I am planning on doing some three-months immersions after I retire, which (according to the current plan) will be late 2025. My top three for a three-month stay are three countries you did not list: Slovenia, Portugal, and Chile. Slovenia is possibly the most beautiful country I've visited (although my number of countries visited is less than half of yours). Portugal is an obvious choice since I do want to do a Portuguese language immersion (so I'll stay away from the Algarve in the south which is too English-language friendly for an immersion). And Chile is now my favorite in Latin America. Colombia would've been on my list -- although I prefer Bogota and its San Francisco-like weather to Medellin and its San Diego-like weather -- but I fear Colombia is rapidly moving in the wrong direction politically. I definitely prefer South America to Central America, for many reasons, but maybe a four to six week stay in Guatemala or El Salvador would be fun.
Those are all countries we love and could easily have made the list. We share some of the concerns you have on Colombia, but our past experiences have been great.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
How about Salamanca in Spain?
We've heard good things, but not been there yet. Thanks so much for sharing.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Which islands are good to visit in Greece in the shoulder season that you do not have to rent a car please? I prefer walking or public transport.
So here’s a question. As an active mid-60s retired person I spent 30 minutes swimming laps in the pool this morning, followed by 90 minutes on my road bike this afternoon. I’d love to know which long term stay country (Aussie excluded as that’s where I’m writing from) would lend itself to this type of lifestyle? Thank you!
Did you have a video showing the best debit card for international travelling?
We didn't do a video, but we use a Capital One debit card for getting cash. WE use our Chase Sapphire credit card for 95% of all purchases.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Is New Zealand affordable?
Not cheap, but still an amazing place to visit.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Great video, but I thought Mexico would have been on your list too.
We do LOVE Mexico, but we have put out so much Mexico content lately we wanted to share some other places we love. Thanks for watching.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
What is an expected budget for these places?
Here is video we made on travel costs.
th-cam.com/video/nKoG6bPV9YQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=mQvYysOSWFXRGjkH
John and Bev
I would add Taiwan in the list 😅.
Great suggestion. We love Taiwan.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
New Zealand looks stunning, but isn't it super expensive? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the cost of long stays there.
Yes, New Zealand is costly, and it's our understanding that there are smaller towns that aren't as expensive, but you have to get there if you're coming from the US, and while it's expensive, it's incredible. It would be worth working it out so that you could go. John & Bev
Yes, NZ is expensive but once in a life time experience. Also exchange rate might be advantageous for US$, Euro and the like.
Good to hear your thoughts and see your faces! Bev, your hair is getting so long! But it still suits you. Lots of places for me to consider in this video. Thank you!
Oh thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Bev!
❤️
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
Slovenia (specifically Bled)
Great suggestion. We loved our time at Lake Bled and Ljubljana.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
NZ and Australia.waiting for visas. I'm airline crew,retired, have perks. All over the world . NZ cheaper than Australia just waiting.
NZ is amazing. We loved our time there.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
At the current exchange rate, Japan is a good place to travel, but it would be best that you learn some basic Japanese.
Agree. We plan to visit for a month next year.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Do you still feel it’s a good idea to go to Mexico and Central America, given the severe water shortages/crises in those countries?
It rained every day we were in Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende. I think those area had a drought, but after hurricane season, it had passed and was no longer a problem for them. John & Bev
When recommending places I think it's important to recognize what might be safe for you may not be safe for others. As a Latina Poland would be extremely unsafe for me as the rise in white nationalism has created a dangerous environment for those who are not white.
What? We had a wonderful time in Poland and we met the most incredible people of all races. I think you might have your information wrong about this one. We could be wrong, so if you've been there and experienced a bad situation, we would be interested to know for future reference. John & Bev
You forgot Norway ;)
Norway is so beautiful and we loved our time there.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Ive been to all of these. Great places, except i don't like Zageb.
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Who is the cute girl in Spanish segment?
That's our granddaughter. She and her family met us in Spain this summer.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
I would rather go to a new place I've yet to experience rather than return to a place I've already been. That even applies to places I've loved. New Zealand has been the exception. I'd happily go back at the drop of a hat.
Same with us. We've been to 104 countries and loved visiting nearly all of them. New Zealand is definitely near the top.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Thank you for including my country, the Philippines ❤️❤️
Our pleasure! We love the Philippines.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Hi! Do you edit videos yourself or have you hired someone? I’m an editor and would love to discuss it if you’re interested
We edit our own work. Thanks for asking and best wishes! John & Bev
@@RetirementTravelers I appreciate your kind response
For all it's isolated problem areas, in the main it still is, as Louis Armstrong sang, "What a wonderful world".
We agree completely. Thanks.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
We spent a month in Medellin right before Covid - it was February and it was sooooo hot! I think maybe it's spring like temps for people from the southeast, not us Coloradans. While we loved Colombia (except for the food), Medellin was our least favorite place. There were so many older gringo men flaunting their prostitutes in every bar and disco. Yuck. And this was Poblado BTW. We went all over the country in 3 months, with the exception of the Pacific coast area.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
With that vile thing being "elected", I have terminated my lease and quit my job to leave this ignorant country, this video was helpful, thanks
Perhaps you'd be interested in our Mexico video! th-cam.com/video/lghsa1aFkIY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=pCLDfreVifD8thxA John & Bev