When I retired in 2020 at age 60, people told me to get a hobby. So I started reselling clothing, accessories and home decor online - first by downsizing my own home but then thrifted items too. I set my own schedule, work from anywhere and the extra income supplements my Social Security and pension - and pays for all my travel. I used to travel full-time but now I have the best of both worlds. I can stay in one place or move around at my own pace. Now I'm not tethered to a job or a place. Wish I'd done this sooner!
Thank you for making it real. I retired at 62 after 32 years of working 50 hours a week. A day after my last day of work I flew to Italy to study classical drawing for a year as a full-time student (a student visa at 62 year old 😂). Life was great in Europe until I returned back to the states. Suddenly I was lonely, I missed work, I missed phone calls in the office and there were no more meetings. In addition, Covid hit and discovered that my husband had dementia. I have to find a new balance and life turned out so differently than I anticipated at retirement age. My point is I am glad I didn’t wait until I was 67 to retire. If I wait too long, I would have missed that chance to study in Italy because of my husband health condition. I still love love traveling and will be a solo traveller which make me sad to think about it. My husband is done with traveling because of his health but I still need 3 weeks in a year just to see the world again. I can’t go too long anymore. Wish you the very best, Brian and Carrie! Two thumbs up for you both!!
Life has ways of throwing one a curve ball. Really sorry to hear of your husband's dementia. I totally understand about dealing with one with dementia even if not at a highly advanced level. It's good that you plan to take some time away to continue to travel as that's what one really needs when looking after a loved one who is either in declining health or one who might not be in declining health, but is way up in the years, like a parent nearing a hundred. I totally get it. People in my family live into the mid-90s and older and I've had to travel around such situations. I knew that when I got home around a month before the Covid shutdown, that I most likely wouldn't get out for a while again as the years went by and we were all getting older, including already elderly family members. It's really great that you retired when you did. I was glad that I got out, a little over a decade ago, in my mid-50s as one also needs to think about how long one might have before possibly ending up with an unexpected senior health condition. One thing that I stress to young people is start traveling when young as I did as a teen and then continue to take trips up until retirement. And if one can retire and still take trips, then great, but one never knows what the future holds. Greetings from Los Angeles
@@d.y.e3803 Thank you!! Your words give me comfort. We are grateful that My husband and I were able to visit many different countries while on vacations during our working careers. Like you said beautifully that one should not wait too long to travel; one never knows what the future holds. Thank you
Thank you, so much for sharing your story. Dementia is difficult, we are so sorry that you are going through it. We are grateful for every day and understand the situation that we are in. We will never take this opportunity for granted. God bless. ❤️
I left the corporate rat race; burned out at 51. Got into teaching in my late 50s. I used the two month school summer vacation to RV to national parks around the US/Canada. Retired at 65 and traveled frequently...but...there is such a thing as too much free time. I realized that I needed balance in my life. So, I unretired and went back to teaching at the age of 71. Now I have a purpose, enjoy being around young people/high schoolers, (I am older than their grandparents), and have money to travel two months in the summer (so far, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Turkiye and Ireland starting this week 😃🛫🛬). I love the balance in my life. 👍👍Your videos. Cheers!
This is true for many, I'm sure. Great story, Ed and good for you to inspire our youth! You will love Ireland! Thank you for sharing your story and safe travels! 😊
As a retired solo full-time traveler for two years, I often look in each new city for groups with organized or scheduled hikes. Sometimes it’s an expat hiking group, sometimes a local group. I also look for dance events with swing dance or Argentine tango. There are dance events like this in most major cities. No need to speak the language, just know some of the dance to find many new dance friends. I sign up for a guided day tour to some local attraction with a small group. The time riding in the bus and walking around together is an opportunity to meet a few people on the tour. Look for Airbnb “experience” like a food tour or wine tasting and join a small group sampling local restaurants. Ask your Airbnb host for their recommendations for local farmers’ markets, bazzars, and orher local hangouts.
As a single traveler, I use my side gig to meet people. I resell vintage clothing, accessories and home decor online. When I travel, I seek out thrift shops, street markets and other venues to source items to sell. I also meet up with locals for their suggestions, and interact with other resellers. Many also have YT channels. It's easy to make friends when you have something in common, even if you don't speak the same language.
I love your matching shirts. Your relationship is so endearing. If you’d ever be interested in visiting, you’re always welcome. Your channel has been transformative in my life. ❤
When you go to Budapest I highly recommend the thermal baths under the Gellert Hotel. It is quite the experience. Just figuring it out is fun. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is another and is outside and is beautiful as well.
Really enjoy your vlogs as I’ve planned on traveling more when I retire. I waited to retire so I don’t have to go back to work, single so don’t have the extra money coming in but I’m way better off than a lot of people. I was lucky to get stationed in London for 2 years so traveling doesn’t scare me. I’ve never bought the newest phone, had the fanciest car, stayed at the most expensive places cause I’d rather save money for retirement. I walk by the Apple Store and see all these young people waiting to buy the newest phone for ridiculous prices. I keep phones, cars till they need to be replaced.
Thank you, Leslie! I agree with what you are saying! My phone is 6 years old and doesn't do everything I'd like it to do. But guess what? I can call and text my adult kids and parents with it. It sounds like you are on the right path!! Thank you for watching and commenting! Cheers!!🍻
You guys have rally had success on TH-cam and with your brand. I can tell you put in a lot of work, but there is something about you that is very magnetic. You make it look easy. I watched a traveler that had about 600 subscribers, so I assumed he was new. The video was professional on many levels. He had about 40 videos for about 600 subs to show for it. You are very blessed and have found the secret sauce.
Thank you, Kathy. We feel very blessed to have found what success we have had. We do spend a lot of time trying to improve and get better. We still don't really know what the secret sauce is! We will just keep trying our best! 😁
In our 50's, own a small company we do from anywhere, sold our house 3 years ago. We mix some structure in with our slow travels. We spend Mid-May thru Oct 1 helping run an RV park in a beautiful small Colorado mountain town. We get a free RV to stay in and work 4 days on/4 days off. We have made GREAT friends here that spend the whole summers here. I find it adds a good mix to the other times in the year where it is just the two of us. So 4 months in Colorado, 6ish months abroad, and 2ish months near family in Texas.
I think you are both being very modest about your skills and how you have grown and improved tremendously in the past couple years. I do agree that many need to keep that same routine. Others are defined by their profession. Others too want to “be in the game”. As you say “to each their own”. Whatever works for you. For me, it will be looking to emulate the travel and trips that you do. See the world. Carrie had a routine during work life!? Of course she did!! You have pivoted marvelously and show many others about how to embrace this new stage of life. Cheers to you both.
@@hannesRSA Having said that, luck has a role in everything that we do including the genetic lottery for our genes and health. We can all just play the hand that we are given. Brian and Carrie have chosen a path less trodden and sharing in their adventures with us. I salute them and support them in this! I am jealous for all that they have done and see so far!
As a solo traveler I have no issues being bored at all, fortunately I have a lot of interests - museums, hiking, water activities etc. I sometimes do these solo and meet others along the way, other times I join groups via meetups or FB groups. Taking a walking tour is also a great way to meetup with others and many times i've found hostels in the area organize some great fun group tours even if you are not staying there! The point is that there are always options if you do some research on it, one doesn't have to be alone, it's just an irrational fear. However, my personality is such that I like to be alone more than average but I have never had an issue when I wanted company. One negative that I've found is some very insensitive comments others make, example, i'm here in Colorado touring solo at the moment, took a tour shuttle to this spot near Aspen (it's a protected area that can only be toured via a group), in the line the staffer manning the tour asks me "Why are you alone, does nobody like you?", what the heck? Why do people make comments like this? Same thing happened to me last year in Switzerland, I was in Grindlewald at the zipline solo, I think I was the only solo person there which threw them off since the zipline was boarded in pairs. So the guy tells me "Why did you come by yourself, you should've found someone" with a pitiful look. So, the gist of this is, you have to develop a pretty thick skin of just not care about these insensitive people. Apart from this unfortunate aspect, the rest is all amazing! no regrets traveling solo.
Even back in the '90s, people used to say to me, "You mean you go to the movies by yourself", or the other was, "You eat out by yourself?" I am quite happy by myself.
Pilot, congrats on being successful, comfortable, and confident enough to travel by yourself. Now you need some gentle clapbacks, like "the reason I can afford to travel is because I'm solo" or "I have loads of friends, but they can't keep up with me" (esp. effective with gray hair)! "My friends are all still working, but believe me, they wish they could be here too!" Deliver with a confident grin, and you won't hear another word about it.
Love this conversation!! People can be incredibly rude. We could fill a page with comments that we get. We just don't understand why people take the time to be mean. Thank you again everyone for the conversation and not being rude! 😁 Cheers to you all!! 🍻
Thanks for the good solo travel tips as well as keeping it real. It's intimidating to travel solo, but it can be easier to meet others because they see I'm alone and reach out to me. The key is to smile a lot and appear friendly lol. There are definitely both sides to every equation!
Thanks for bringing up these points. 👍💡 12:50 Structured planned out. Yes Ms. Carrie is like the CEO / Captain that keeps the ship ⚓️ 🛳 on course.😊 Brian is like Dean Martin Mr. Cool with just the right bit of humor, sprinkled with sarcasm when the occasion calls. 📞 😉 🙄 Great examples
There is definitely an adjustment. Because I travel so much I can’t do my hobbies, woodworking, stained glass artisan, storytelling,(in English). I live in Sicily now and don’t yet speak Italian, certainly not worth telling a story. I don’t read books regularly, I don’t watch TV, a few movies a year, don’t golf. I am an open water swimmer….but just at my pace. I am still in the adjustment phase doing absolutely nothing, and enjoy it….anytime.😊The boredom thing is true. Isn’t it nice being bored in Spain, or Montenegro, or…….😊
We learned to Pivot! That is our way of living as retirees. Either daily or weekly or monthly! It is a nice challenge to our comfort levels, as I too Carrie am big time planner and thrive in routine! So, it helps us learn to not panic, just pivot to what will work instead of getting frustrated that it isn't going according to plan.
Im a solo traveller. I will ask for directions, ask about good restaurants, etc. Then engage in conversation about how nice a place they live and opens up conversation and makes you feel happy to enjoy where you are.
We have just retired at 55 and moved to Turkiye 🇹🇷, so excited about the future and so busy just settling in. I am sure your advice will fit in a few months once we have settled in. Thank you
Thank you!! I tend to lose focus on diet and exercise when I'm home for long stretches in the winter. It's cold, wet and easy to eat comfort food that's readily available. 😁 When I get my mind right and get after it, I can lose weight within a few months.
I am currently planning my second ‘solo’ trip to Europe this year. However - like last year - I keep finding my friends and family joining me for different parts of the journey - which is great but I will end up spending very little actual time on my own!
Really enjoyed this video. I just started my retirement/slow travel journey at 51 and I have been experiencing a lot of what you discussed. I am only just over a month in and I started in Brazil. Hopefully it doesn't take too long to shake these feelings and adjust. See you on the road.
Great analysis and very informative as always. I'm a solo traveler but haven't had problems with loneliness (yet). I go to Anglican churches everywhere to find English speakers. Talking after church leads to dinner and doing things together. As a Catholic, I also try to find masses in English in larger cities. As a college professor, I also visit with colleagues, which is invaluable in gaining local knowledge. I agree 100% with the difficulty of finding gyms! I run, stair step (often in bizarre locations, like by bridges, where they have stairs), and do yoga, but only lift at my home home base in my college town. Avoiding injury is a big deal! I like having "bases" - places where I know where everything is, how to get around, people I know, etc.I used to use Amsterdam, then Budapest as my "gateway" to Europe, but A'dam has become a zoo, and it's limiting in not knowing Hungarian (besides the obvious few phrases). I use Tokyo as the base in Asia - easy to get to, connected to everywhere, incredibly safe, and within the last decade CHEAP! For somewhere long-term, I like to know the language (except in Japan), so I'm currently in France trying to figure out where I want to stay - I love Lyon, and am currently in Clermont-Ferrand (which won't make the cut), then on to Tours, Nantes, and Rennes. I wouldn't want to live in Paris. One last point that you've probably covered in a video I haven't seen. In my experience, $75-100/night will get you a great place anywhere in the world on Airbnb, so that's what I usually budget for, with some variability.
Great insights and a nice way of meeting new people. Interesting to know about the language barrier in Budapest, we will be there next week. Japan is very high on our list, it is cheap, and a direct flight from Seattle. As far as Airbnb, the prices have gone out of control. We paid $1800 for 28 days in Chiana, Greece, and had to leave 8 days in it was so bad. Airbnb did give us a full refund. $75 to $100 is now the entry-level for a half-decent place in some parts of the world.
Hi. I started my YT journey last month. Your words helped me make a decision to retire early. I want document my 5 year journey to my own financial independence so others can learn and have hope they can do it too! Thank you for your videos and sharing your life! I hope when I am a little older I can follow your example!❤
Great video. I know when we travel I usually join one of the Facebook groups for that area ahead of time. It's great for getting local advice names of trusted drivers, tips, etc. We even made it out to one of the weekly meet-ups of locals and expats in Mexico. It felt like a support network while in unfamiliar territory. We're planning a trip to Colombia in January and I've already been following groups in the places we plan to visit.
Hi guys. I am 65 and I am retired. I really want to travel but everything is so expensive at them moment. Your TH-cam Video's are absolutely an inspiration. Everything you comment on I can relate to, especially all the points you have talked about relating to retirement. I love you guys, thank you for giving me hope for future travels. All my Love Judy
We have so much to learn about ourselves and our upcoming lives! We are trying to be realistic that we will have times of boredom, frustration, and doubt while full-time slow traveling. Thank you for addressing these things!
Great video Carrie and Brian. I find studying languages keeps me alert and helps when I travel. Not all languages are easy, I've struggled with Romanian but even so, knowing some stuff helps alot.
Just found you. What a breath of fresh air. The nightmare air bnb caught my eye .. I don't travel alot. Stay pretty much within a day drive, in Easr Coast Yiu are so informative. I just realize you travel full rime. Meander around. So, It weems that you gave up your home base Car So,this is charmingly honest. What a practical and helpful program.
We are happy that you found us! We sold everything and started traveling almost 3 years ago. When we return to our home town we stay with family or we house. Thank you for watching and commenting!! 😀❤
Thank you for sharing such great nuggets! I agree that sense of purpose is so very important. I work from home, and I plan on working several more years, but my husband is ahead of me. 😊 Love your perspective!
Thank you for this and all your other videos! You had a couple of points I could certainly resonate with, mainly being bored. Short story is I retired in November 2022 unexpectedly. Although I went back to work four months later (my wife is still working), I did fight boredom for those four months. It was difficult to disengage from a life at work I had for nearly 25 years. Fast forward to now and my wife Heidi and I are going to start our retirement travel journey. She retires at the end of June and we are on the road for 3.5 months starting in mid-August. We'll see how we like being away from our "normal life" and home for that long. Not quite full time travel but for us a big step toward the future. We do really want to thank you for all of the videos and information you have shared with this community. We have learned a lot and plan to put many of your lessons to good use while on the road. Your recent AirBnB adventure you shared has me a bit worried but we will be flexible (another lesson from you all) if something untoward happens. Thanks again. Heidi and Eric.
Starting with a 3.5 stretch is a good idea. We are going to be traveling for 3 months at a time starting this fall. Travel for 3 then back to our hometown for a month before heading back out. Congratulations on retirement and safe travels!
Super useful, helpful topic on retirement. I find myself asking, “what now?” way too often. I found a similar topic Reddit that was reassuring. I’m still praying about what’s next at this stage of my life. I don’t want to live a meaningless existence. After retiring I cared for family until they passed, then managing their estates. Now, it’s time to put my house in order before getting on the road. All in good time.
This was so, so good! ❤ Probably your best podcast to date. You do make it look easy, although I'm sure there is a ton of work that goes into it behind the scenes. I sure hope you're enjoying it because I really want you to keep it up haha! Since late 2021, once post-Covid travel became possible, we have made it a habit and our top priority to visit a new country with our son for every one of his school breaks. In his 12-year-old life, he has already been to 35 of them, although some of them he was too young to remember. But just in the last 2.5 years we have traveled to Hungary, Portugal, Sweden, Romania, Croatia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Turkiye, and will soon be spending a month in Poland (following your footsteps to Gdansk, Wroclaw, Krakow, and also adding Poznan). We don't stay at fancy places and certainly don't spend extravagantly, but it doesn't take anything away from the amazing experiences and memories we bring back from these trips. I can't even begin to describe how much joy and quality time together we have shared during our travels. Like the wonderful Paula Pant always says, you can afford anything, but not everything. Back home, we drive somewhat older cars, live in a modest house with somewhat older furniture, and always buy gadgets that are at least one generation removed from the latest and greatest out there , which saves us at least 60%. But we choose to afford these trips because we think they bring us the most happiness. Thank you, Brian & Carrie, for everything you do to keep us motivated and on track. We can't wait to join you on the road as full-time nomads in a few years.
Staying within reason and buying what you need with a want or two sprinkled in occasionally is key. It is great that you can travel that much and still have a home base! Thank you for watching, Paul, and safe travels!!
So much of this is so on point for me. With respect to the solo travel, I have not yet done the slow or long-term travel, but I've been all over the world alone. I found I usually meet someone and end up pal-ing around (not sure how to spell that and have it clear what I mean). Once it was through an AOL travel group years ago, once waiting for the bus for a day tour to Stonehenge and Bath in England, once on a day tour to Sounion in Greece, etc. But the loneliness is a concern for the retirement option that involves a Greek island or Madeira. I do think I can stay busy, with ideas for TH-cam channels on the travel itself (I mentioned it in an email to you guys way back), one focused on geography (those channels seem to do well), one explaining important US Supreme Court cses on the Constitution (ditto on doing well, and I have some education to give a little credibility), and I'm a wanna be author. In any event, it is fun to think of the possibilities of the lifestyle.
If you like to write, then you could also start a blog. There are so many options and niches to explore. Once you start something like what we are doing, it becomes a part of your travel experiences. Thank you, Doug, for always adding your insights to the channel.
Hubby and I are now very seriously looking at retiring next spring/summer and you have most definitely played a part in/inspired our decision. Your videos have in part helped make our dreams for this kind of travel seem a LOT less intimidating than it was when we first started talking about retiring 3 years ago. Recently though, we’ve just kind of reached our limit work-wise, and feel fortunate that we will be able to swing well-planned, budget-friendly slow travel. So if not now or in the next year, when? Thank you! ❤ The next time you’re in Bellingham, or if one of your slow travel friends will be in the area, we’d love to have you over for dinner, maybe pick your brains a little (proverbially, of course). 😊
We’re planning on doing this as well in the next two years, but I struggle with being a super planner. I am a super planner. That’s my biggest struggle and my next biggest struggle is going to be not having a home to go back to that. I’m really struggling with butI have a year and a half to get used to the idea lol thanks for all your information. You’re a beacon to me.
We're in the same position, we are fortunate to travel quite a lot but my husband is worried that he's going to be board. We're taking early retirement at 50 in just over 2 years, I love to research and plan, I think travelling to new places will take up a lot of my time but think my husband will need to keep busy.
I am so enjoying watching your vlogs, you tell it as it is and share the reality of early retirement. I love all the tips we are picking up from you thank you for sharing, I can see how much making the films means to you. Keep up the good work ❤
A lot of really good and valid points to consider. I retired at 46 and it was great but took some time to develop a new routine and activities as well as how to think about activities. Much more relaxing for the same tasks and activities that used to be rushed. In Vienna right now after traveling through Warsaw,Lublin,Zamosc, Krakow, Prague over the last month. Much more enjoyable when not rushed or feeling pressured to see and do everything. Live in the moment as Brian said in the video is exactly it. Watching your videos and others on You Tube during down time is my regular routine as well as catching up on TV or emails in the evenings.
The thing i hear is the earlier the better as some e traveling yiu may want to do requires maybe walking,standing,hiking,crouds which gets harder fir the mond and bidy as we age.retired at 64
I LOVE this video!!! Great tips and learning to be less planned out and go more with the flow and I am much more like Carrie and my partner is so much like Brian and it is a nice balance (most of the time!!- he can make me laugh when I’m stressed)
Great video! You mentioned one of your mistakes early on was that you were not spending enough money on your accommodations and you needed to spend “a little more “. Can you give us a feeling of how much more you needed to increase the housing budget to get something better? Twenty percent?
We upped our budget about $300 a month. We recently had a very bad experience in Chania, Greece. We spent even more than our budget allows and had the worst experience in 3 years. Prices are going up; you just never know what you may get.
Great video. So genuine and super honest. Thanks for posting and giving us things to think about before making the leap. We can especially relate to trying to stay in the moment.
another great video!!! While travelling we often get very bored, we run out of things to do, it is a big problem, I love to keep busy, while in Thailand last year for 4 months we often ran out of things to do, then we ended up spending more money to find things to do, if that makes sense. We are both not readers, we are people people, and love exploring. We often end up renting a car to find new places to explore and have more things to do, it all takes money though. We travelled for 4 months last winter, we went to Japan for 2 weeks, Thailand for 3.5 months, and vietnam for 1 week, total was $28,000 CAD, or about $20,000 USD, so $5,000 USD per month, that includes all airfares on good airlines with short layovers (costs a lot more), car rental for 2 of the 4 months, we lived well, rented a cheap condo in Hua Hin ($300 USD), not extravagant, but not at all cheap.Still lots of free time to fill in every day
Hey Brian and Carrie, great video! We have been on the road for 1 year now and you nailed so many great points! Currently in Istanbul and going through a bit of a boredom month but hearing you talk about it being normal and knowing you guys are in the same part of the world and doing the same thing is comforting. We are 34 and 30 so struggle a bit with such an early retirement, can we really do this for 45 more years? The thought of going back into the 9-5 world makes me dizzy but I can't imagine doing this nomadic life for the next 45 years either. You two look so young, do you see yourselves doing this into you 60's-70's and beyond?
Great question! We often think about the young TH-camrs out there doing the same thing we are and wonder how will they be able to maintain this for another 35 years? I think the key is is to pace yourself and dont move too fast. We are 54 and 53 so need to do this for another 5 years or until we lose the desire. Maybe we can meet up someplace for a beer and discuse. Sometimes that helps break up the bordem. 😁
Really enjoyed this video so much hearing about what you used to do and how your life has transformed. Quite a few people have told me when they retired they have lost their identity...I get it. It is your status symbol in society but this doesn't stop you from adapting to do something else , something challenging like you two have . I admire you both so much... BTW I'm going to New York tomorrow, staying on Wall Street. First time in America. Can't wait !! I will raise a glass for you both when I have a beer.
My biggest worry is boredom. I have severe ADD. I don't know how to relax or turn my brain off. There are only 2 times when I have been able to relax. 1 - sitting in the Historic District of Brasov sipping a cappuccino and 2 - sitting in the ocean in Florida. In fact, my wife made a comment last time we went to Florida (St Pete's Beach area) that she has never seen me go for so long without my phone or laptop - I was literally in the ocean 5-6 hours a day. It was soooo relaxing. I am learning to allow myself to be PRESENT in the moment. It is NOT easy! I don't know if I could ever fully retire. I need a purpose. We've talked about building an AirBnb property in Poiana Brasov that has 8-10 little A-frame cabins on it or buying a beach bar in Belize just to have something to do daily.
Hi, Steven. We keep busy with our channel, but we do have down time and finding something to do can be difficult. We have found that staying in new places each month keeps us stimulated and boredom only starts to set in towards the end. My daughter lives in St. Pete so I understand how easy it can be to relax there!
Now 74, I started full time solo travel at 60. Sometimes in USA (Airbnb). Usually Europe/in & out of Schengen 6-8 months yearly. At 65, you can/should sign up for GAP insurance which covers 1-6 gaps in Medicare Part B (which costs $200 monthly) which started at $115 monthly to increase each year to $324 in 2024 at which time I switched companies. I have Plan G covering all gaps except Medicare deductible (now $240). FYI: Medicare Part A is free. Part D is the drug plan. Additionally, I pay for travel medical insurance when I exit USA & ,of course, must continue to pay GAP. After researching where I have lived now for 6 month maximum as a USA citizen in San Miguel DeAllende or Mexico City - both wonderful & now expensive - I would not ever give up my Medicare as If you drop Medicare and don't have creditable employer coverage, you'll face penalties when getting Medicare back. You have that choice. I did have excellent dental work in SMA.
You guys always inspire me. This video really hit home for me as it’s been on my mind lately being 9 months from early retirement myself. The aim will be to live a nomadic life in a few years time as my other half needs to work a little while longer (and wants to BTW 😂). We always doubt that we can live on less (having a good western incomes) and we are trying to overcome this mindset. We are trying the one income lifestyle to start the adaption process and then we’ll just jump…. I started sweating just typing that out 😂 Thank you for all that you do on your channel, always entertaining and so informative.
Thank you for sharing this! We are always inspired by this type of comment. Believe me when I say we were sweating as well. We finally decided that in the worst case, we would return where we started with a few years of travel under our belts. Not too bad! 😊
@@BrianandCarrie it’s just the unknown that makes me sideline at the moment. We have good superannuation (your 401K equivalent) that we cannot access until 60 and will most probably not qualify for a part pension in Australia - that’s not even a guarantee even if you do qualify the way our country is headed!! Trying to change my consumer mindset that’s been so ingrained and developing the less is actually more mindset.
Hi, I love your videos. I have a question and I don't know if anybody asked it before. How do you handle buying flights to countries when you need a return ticket. Do you buy round tickets or you plan your next location to buy a ticket out to that new location? Please elaborate if you can. Thanks
As a full-time traveler, I generally plan far enough ahead that I have already purchased an onward flight from the country I'm entering (Country A). You can just show that onward flight reservation to whomever asks to see it. If you aren't someone who plans that far ahead, or if you just don't know yet when you'll be leaving Country A, you can use a service like OnwardTicket which will reserve a legitimate onward flight leaving Country A to go to Country B (which can be any country you choose) at a later date that they then cancel in 48 hours. You pay $12 to have them reserve it and cancel it for you. You reserve the onward ticket within 48 hours of the time you will be flying to Country A. If you are asked by the airline or immigration about your plans for onward travel, you can show them that reservation. After 48 hours, OnwardTicket will cancel your reservation, so you never have to pay the full price for that onward flight. Many people use this service and it is perfectly legal, since the reservation they make is a legitimate reservation, not a dummy one.
We have only been required to have one entering Thailand and we had already purchased on onward ticket to Vietnam. Thank you, Jim for all the details!!
Everybody on TH-cam talks about early retirement but what about REGULAR retirement? There are a lot of people who are grossly unprepared for retirement and I'm not talking about financially either. Would be nice to see videos about that transition.
Great video! Question for Carrie: if I remember correctly, you mentioned you are more introverted and socializing with people, especially new people, takes a lot of energy. It's the same for my partner and I. It takes a lot of energy unless it's people we are already comfortable with, so having to meet new people every time you travel to another country seems daunting! So I was wondering, did this change throughout the years? Does it get easier, more enjoyable,... or perhaps it gets even harder? It is a topic we struggle with because on the one hand we are introverts and we definitely need our quiet 'me-time', on the other hand full time traveling will get lonely and at some point we will probably crave friendship. English is also not our first language so it is hard(er) to get our personality across. Would be very interested in any insights or tips :-) Also: you guys have such a great life, it is a huge motivation for us and gives us a goal to strive towards. I hope you two will enjoy it for many more years to come!
Hi! Sorry for the delayed response. I would say my introverted ways have gotten more so as I've gotten older. I now really recognize after a day of socializing I will be completely wiped out. I have learned what works for me and that is spacing out those times. I do look forward to meeting people in our travels though, and hearing their stories. I think just like everything it's all about balance and compromise 😉
Where in Greece are you. My wife and I will be dropped off in Athens in Mid-October after a 30 day cruise from Rome. We’ll be working our way back to Germany for the Christmas markets.
Brian, not only did you use twitterpated in a sentence, you used it incorrectly. If you will recall from Bambi, it means infatuated or besotted, not stressed or discombobulated. ❤
What do you use when in the US? For US residents, SafetyWing's plans state, "Not covered as your country of residence." Maybe I don't understand the intended meaning of their statement.
Not really. You reestablish your routine in each new place you go. In fact, establishing the routine is what makes it feel like home. It takes a little effort to do at first, but after traveling for a while, you find yourself falling into your usual routine right away as soon as you arrive in a new place. It becomes quite comfortable to do. Give it a try...you might be surprised by how well it works out for you.
@@nomadjim totally agree, but sometimes you make a mistake going to a area for a month, you think you will want to stay there for a month or more, but after a week or so you get bored and want to move on, and you already paid for a months rent in advance, to save money, this has happened to us a few times, we just leave and go to another place, it does not cost any more because the monthly rental was cheaper than renting for 2 or so weeks, You can do all the research you want, you still need to be on the ground to know for sure if you want to stay somewhere for a month or more. Hun Thailand is the only place we have stayed for 3 months, and we plan to go back.
Y’all have been a big inspiration for my wife and I. We are both still working and have pension income well exceeding your monthly budget. We are now planning on selling everything and traveling.
Thanks for the mindset tips. I am about to retire from the Air Force at age 40. We also have 4 kids. Any advice on how to find families that are traveling? I know... I still am looking through what came up on the Google search. 🎉
Hi, Mike! Check out TH-camrs Flying the Nest. There are several others with older kids as well. Retiring at 40 is amazing! Congratulations and most of all, thank you for your service!! Cheers!!🍻
My nephew and his wife joined military travel Facebook groups and he said that they were incredibly helpful. So people offered information on apartments to rent, as well as offering of extra furniture for cheap, because they are moving. He said that the military family looks out for each other. He's mid 40s in Germany currently.
When I retired in 2020 at age 60, people told me to get a hobby. So I started reselling clothing, accessories and home decor online - first by downsizing my own home but then thrifted items too. I set my own schedule, work from anywhere and the extra income supplements my Social Security and pension - and pays for all my travel. I used to travel full-time but now I have the best of both worlds. I can stay in one place or move around at my own pace. Now I'm not tethered to a job or a place. Wish I'd done this sooner!
Thank you for making it real. I retired at 62 after 32 years of working 50 hours a week. A day after my last day of work I flew to Italy to study classical drawing for a year as a full-time student (a student visa at 62 year old 😂). Life was great in Europe until I returned back to the states. Suddenly I was lonely, I missed work, I missed phone calls in the office and there were no more meetings. In addition, Covid hit and discovered that my husband had dementia. I have to find a new balance and life turned out so differently than I anticipated at retirement age. My point is I am glad I didn’t wait until I was 67 to retire. If I wait too long, I would have missed that chance to study in Italy because of my husband health condition. I still love love traveling and will be a solo traveller which make me sad to think about it. My husband is done with traveling because of his health but I still need 3 weeks in a year just to see the world again. I can’t go too long anymore. Wish you the very best, Brian and Carrie! Two thumbs up for you both!!
Life has ways of throwing one a curve ball. Really sorry to hear of your husband's dementia. I totally understand about dealing with one with dementia even if not at a highly advanced level.
It's good that you plan to take some time away to continue to travel as that's what one really needs when looking after a loved one who is either in declining health or one who might not be in declining health, but is way up in the years, like a parent nearing a hundred. I totally get it. People in my family live into the mid-90s and older and I've had to travel around such situations. I knew that when I got home around a month before the Covid shutdown, that I most likely wouldn't get out for a while again as the years went by and we were all getting older, including already elderly family members.
It's really great that you retired when you did. I was glad that I got out, a little over a decade ago, in my mid-50s as one also needs to think about how long one might have before possibly ending up with an unexpected senior health condition.
One thing that I stress to young people is start traveling when young as I did as a teen and then continue to take trips up until retirement. And if one can retire and still take trips, then great, but one never knows what the future holds.
Greetings from Los Angeles
@@d.y.e3803 Thank you!! Your words give me comfort. We are grateful that My husband and I were able to visit many different countries while on vacations during our working careers. Like you said beautifully that one should not wait too long to travel; one never knows what the future holds.
Thank you
Thank you, so much for sharing your story. Dementia is difficult, we are so sorry that you are going through it. We are grateful for every day and understand the situation that we are in. We will never take this opportunity for granted. God bless. ❤️
I left the corporate rat race; burned out at 51. Got into teaching in my late 50s. I used the two month school summer vacation to RV to national parks around the US/Canada. Retired at 65 and traveled frequently...but...there is such a thing as too much free time. I realized that I needed balance in my life. So, I unretired and went back to teaching at the age of 71. Now I have a purpose, enjoy being around young people/high schoolers, (I am older than their grandparents), and have money to travel two months in the summer (so far, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Turkiye and Ireland starting this week 😃🛫🛬). I love the balance in my life. 👍👍Your videos. Cheers!
This is true for many, I'm sure. Great story, Ed and good for you to inspire our youth! You will love Ireland! Thank you for sharing your story and safe travels! 😊
As a retired solo full-time traveler for two years, I often look in each new city for groups with organized or scheduled hikes. Sometimes it’s an expat hiking group, sometimes a local group. I also look for dance events with swing dance or Argentine tango. There are dance events like this in most major cities. No need to speak the language, just know some of the dance to find many new dance friends. I sign up for a guided day tour to some local attraction with a small group. The time riding in the bus and walking around together is an opportunity to meet a few people on the tour. Look for Airbnb “experience” like a food tour or wine tasting and join a small group sampling local restaurants. Ask your Airbnb host for their recommendations for local farmers’ markets, bazzars, and orher local hangouts.
Great advice!! Thank you so much for adding to the channel!! We really love hearing from solo travels!! 😊
Cheers!!🍻
As a single traveler, I use my side gig to meet people. I resell vintage clothing, accessories and home decor online. When I travel, I seek out thrift shops, street markets and other venues to source items to sell. I also meet up with locals for their suggestions, and interact with other resellers. Many also have YT channels. It's easy to make friends when you have something in common, even if you don't speak the same language.
This is so amazing!! You found a whole new life, Linda! Do you have a website you would like to share?
@@BrianandCarrie Would love to know what that website is if Linda shares it!
I love your matching shirts. Your relationship is so endearing. If you’d ever be interested in visiting, you’re always welcome.
Your channel has been transformative in my life. ❤
Thank you so much, Elizabeth. Comments like this make all the difference. ❤️
When you go to Budapest I highly recommend the thermal baths under the Gellert Hotel. It is quite the experience. Just figuring it out is fun. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is another and is outside and is beautiful as well.
Thank you for the tip!!!
Really enjoy your vlogs as I’ve planned on traveling more when I retire. I waited to retire so I don’t have to go back to work, single so don’t have the extra money coming in but I’m way better off than a lot of people. I was lucky to get stationed in London for 2 years so traveling doesn’t scare me. I’ve never bought the newest phone, had the fanciest car, stayed at the most expensive places cause I’d rather save money for retirement. I walk by the Apple Store and see all these young people waiting to buy the newest phone for ridiculous prices. I keep phones, cars till they need to be replaced.
Thank you, Leslie! I agree with what you are saying! My phone is 6 years old and doesn't do everything I'd like it to do. But guess what? I can call and text my adult kids and parents with it. It sounds like you are on the right path!! Thank you for watching and commenting!
Cheers!!🍻
You guys have rally had success on TH-cam and with your brand. I can tell you put in a lot of work, but there is something about you that is very magnetic. You make it look easy. I watched a traveler that had about 600 subscribers, so I assumed he was new. The video was professional on many levels. He had about 40 videos for about 600 subs to show for it. You are very blessed and have found the secret sauce.
What KathyinKentuckyUSA wrote, y’all! 😀
Thank you, Kathy. We feel very blessed to have found what success we have had. We do spend a lot of time trying to improve and get better. We still don't really know what the secret sauce is! We will just keep trying our best! 😁
Love it. I prefer to call it "Cultural Curiosity" vs. "Culture Shock." It is totally a positive state of mind of me.
Love that quote! We will be using that!!! 😁
In our 50's, own a small company we do from anywhere, sold our house 3 years ago. We mix some structure in with our slow travels. We spend Mid-May thru Oct 1 helping run an RV park in a beautiful small Colorado mountain town. We get a free RV to stay in and work 4 days on/4 days off. We have made GREAT friends here that spend the whole summers here. I find it adds a good mix to the other times in the year where it is just the two of us. So 4 months in Colorado, 6ish months abroad, and 2ish months near family in Texas.
That sound like a great life!! 😊
I think you are both being very modest about your skills and how you have grown and improved tremendously in the past couple years. I do agree that many need to keep that same routine. Others are defined by their profession. Others too want to “be in the game”. As you say “to each their own”. Whatever works for you. For me, it will be looking to emulate the travel and trips that you do. See the world.
Carrie had a routine during work life!? Of course she did!!
You have pivoted marvelously and show many others about how to embrace this new stage of life. Cheers to you both.
Thank you, Robert! Your comments always inspire us!! 😊
@@hannesRSA Having said that, luck has a role in everything that we do including the genetic lottery for our genes and health. We can all just play the hand that we are given. Brian and Carrie have chosen a path less trodden and sharing in their adventures with us. I salute them and support them in this! I am jealous for all that they have done and see so far!
As a solo traveler I have no issues being bored at all, fortunately I have a lot of interests - museums, hiking, water activities etc. I sometimes do these solo and meet others along the way, other times I join groups via meetups or FB groups. Taking a walking tour is also a great way to meetup with others and many times i've found hostels in the area organize some great fun group tours even if you are not staying there!
The point is that there are always options if you do some research on it, one doesn't have to be alone, it's just an irrational fear. However, my personality is such that I like to be alone more than average but I have never had an issue when I wanted company.
One negative that I've found is some very insensitive comments others make, example, i'm here in Colorado touring solo at the moment, took a tour shuttle to this spot near Aspen (it's a protected area that can only be toured via a group), in the line the staffer manning the tour asks me "Why are you alone, does nobody like you?", what the heck? Why do people make comments like this?
Same thing happened to me last year in Switzerland, I was in Grindlewald at the zipline solo, I think I was the only solo person there which threw them off since the zipline was boarded in pairs. So the guy tells me "Why did you come by yourself, you should've found someone" with a pitiful look.
So, the gist of this is, you have to develop a pretty thick skin of just not care about these insensitive people. Apart from this unfortunate aspect, the rest is all amazing! no regrets traveling solo.
Even back in the '90s, people used to say to me, "You mean you go to the movies by yourself", or the other was, "You eat out by yourself?" I am quite happy by myself.
Pilot, congrats on being successful, comfortable, and confident enough to travel by yourself. Now you need some gentle clapbacks, like "the reason I can afford to travel is because I'm solo" or "I have loads of friends, but they can't keep up with me" (esp. effective with gray hair)! "My friends are all still working, but believe me, they wish they could be here too!" Deliver with a confident grin, and you won't hear another word about it.
Love this conversation!! People can be incredibly rude. We could fill a page with comments that we get. We just don't understand why people take the time to be mean. Thank you again everyone for the conversation and not being rude! 😁
Cheers to you all!! 🍻
Thanks for the good solo travel tips as well as keeping it real. It's intimidating to travel solo, but it can be easier to meet others because they see I'm alone and reach out to me. The key is to smile a lot and appear friendly lol. There are definitely both sides to every equation!
We LOVE Budapest! So excited to see what things you discover and love there.🌺
Thanks for bringing up these points. 👍💡
12:50 Structured planned out. Yes Ms. Carrie is like the CEO / Captain that keeps the ship ⚓️ 🛳 on course.😊 Brian is like Dean Martin Mr. Cool with just the right bit of humor, sprinkled with sarcasm when the occasion calls. 📞 😉 🙄
Great examples
I'll take Dean Martin!! 😁
There is definitely an adjustment. Because I travel so much I can’t do my hobbies, woodworking, stained glass artisan, storytelling,(in English). I live in Sicily now and don’t yet speak Italian, certainly not worth telling a story. I don’t read books regularly, I don’t watch TV, a few movies a year, don’t golf. I am an open water swimmer….but just at my pace. I am still in the adjustment phase doing absolutely nothing, and enjoy it….anytime.😊The boredom thing is true. Isn’t it nice being bored in Spain, or Montenegro, or…….😊
We learned to Pivot! That is our way of living as retirees. Either daily or weekly or monthly! It is a nice challenge to our comfort levels, as I too Carrie am big time planner and thrive in routine! So, it helps us learn to not panic, just pivot to what will work instead of getting frustrated that it isn't going according to plan.
That is great advice. We have pivoted a few times the last 3 years.
Pivoting is great, especially if you do it with Friends.
If you know, you know… 😂
Im a solo traveller. I will ask for directions, ask about good restaurants, etc. Then engage in conversation about how nice a place they live and opens up conversation and makes you feel happy to enjoy where you are.
We have just retired at 55 and moved to Turkiye 🇹🇷, so excited about the future and so busy just settling in. I am sure your advice will fit in a few months once we have settled in. Thank you
This is so exciting!! 😊 Congratulations!!!
Brian, every time you guys are traveling for a bit, it’s remarkable the change in you. You look healthier! It’s nuts…in a good way!
💛
Thank you!! I tend to lose focus on diet and exercise when I'm home for long stretches in the winter. It's cold, wet and easy to eat comfort food that's readily available. 😁 When I get my mind right and get after it, I can lose weight within a few months.
So true :-) especially about maintaining routine and health habits ;-)
I am currently planning my second ‘solo’ trip to Europe this year. However - like last year - I keep finding my friends and family joining me for different parts of the journey - which is great but I will end up spending very little actual time on my own!
Alone time importent! Maybe dont let them know where you will be for a week or two! 😁❤️
Really enjoyed this video. I just started my retirement/slow travel journey at 51 and I have been experiencing a lot of what you discussed. I am only just over a month in and I started in Brazil. Hopefully it doesn't take too long to shake these feelings and adjust. See you on the road.
So happy you enjoyed it 😊. Let us know if we cross paths!
Nice. I'm from Brazil 😊
Great analysis and very informative as always.
I'm a solo traveler but haven't had problems with loneliness (yet). I go to Anglican churches everywhere to find English speakers. Talking after church leads to dinner and doing things together. As a Catholic, I also try to find masses in English in larger cities. As a college professor, I also visit with colleagues, which is invaluable in gaining local knowledge.
I agree 100% with the difficulty of finding gyms! I run, stair step (often in bizarre locations, like by bridges, where they have stairs), and do yoga, but only lift at my home home base in my college town. Avoiding injury is a big deal!
I like having "bases" - places where I know where everything is, how to get around, people I know, etc.I used to use Amsterdam, then Budapest as my "gateway" to Europe, but A'dam has become a zoo, and it's limiting in not knowing Hungarian (besides the obvious few phrases). I use Tokyo as the base in Asia - easy to get to, connected to everywhere, incredibly safe, and within the last decade CHEAP!
For somewhere long-term, I like to know the language (except in Japan), so I'm currently in France trying to figure out where I want to stay - I love Lyon, and am currently in Clermont-Ferrand (which won't make the cut), then on to Tours, Nantes, and Rennes. I wouldn't want to live in Paris.
One last point that you've probably covered in a video I haven't seen. In my experience, $75-100/night will get you a great place anywhere in the world on Airbnb, so that's what I usually budget for, with some variability.
Great insights and a nice way of meeting new people. Interesting to know about the language barrier in Budapest, we will be there next week. Japan is very high on our list, it is cheap, and a direct flight from Seattle. As far as Airbnb, the prices have gone out of control. We paid $1800 for 28 days in Chiana, Greece, and had to leave 8 days in it was so bad. Airbnb did give us a full refund. $75 to $100 is now the entry-level for a half-decent place in some parts of the world.
Hi. I started my YT journey last month. Your words helped me make a decision to retire early. I want document my 5 year journey to my own financial independence so others can learn and have hope they can do it too! Thank you for your videos and sharing your life! I hope when I am a little older I can follow your example!❤
Great video. I know when we travel I usually join one of the Facebook groups for that area ahead of time. It's great for getting local advice names of trusted drivers, tips, etc. We even made it out to one of the weekly meet-ups of locals and expats in Mexico. It felt like a support network while in unfamiliar territory. We're planning a trip to Colombia in January and I've already been following groups in the places we plan to visit.
That's a great idea! Thank you for posting! ❤️
Great video guys, you have no idea how inspiring you are. Love how your channel is growing. Greetings from New Zealand.😘💐
Thank you, Louise. It's always nice to hear from you!! 😊
Hi guys. I am 65 and I am retired. I really want to travel but everything is so expensive at them moment. Your TH-cam Video's are absolutely an inspiration. Everything you comment on I can relate to, especially all the points you have talked about relating to retirement. I love you guys, thank you for giving me hope for future travels. All my Love Judy
Thank you, Judy!! ❤️❤️❤️
Try pet/house sitting
We have so much to learn about ourselves and our upcoming lives! We are trying to be realistic that we will have times of boredom, frustration, and doubt while full-time slow traveling. Thank you for addressing these things!
Thank you for watching! 😊
Great video Carrie and Brian. I find studying languages keeps me alert and helps when I travel. Not all languages are easy, I've struggled with Romanian but even so, knowing some stuff helps alot.
The mindset shift was ‘imposed’ on us when hubby’s younger very fit brother died aged 57. We were 60 and retired immediately!
We have lost a couple of old high school friends recently. It really does make you stop and think.
Just found you.
What a breath of fresh air.
The nightmare air bnb caught my eye ..
I don't travel alot.
Stay pretty much within a day drive, in Easr Coast
Yiu are so informative.
I just realize you travel full rime.
Meander around.
So,
It weems that you gave up your home base
Car
So,this is charmingly honest.
What a practical and helpful program.
We are happy that you found us! We sold everything and started traveling almost 3 years ago. When we return to our home town we stay with family or we house. Thank you for watching and commenting!! 😀❤
You guys are awesome and an inspiration to me.
Thank you!! ❤️
Thank you for sharing such great nuggets! I agree that sense of purpose is so very important. I work from home, and I plan on working several more years, but my husband is ahead of me. 😊 Love your perspective!
Thank you so much for watching!! ❤️
Thank you for this and all your other videos! You had a couple of points I could certainly resonate with, mainly being bored. Short story is I retired in November 2022 unexpectedly. Although I went back to work four months later (my wife is still working), I did fight boredom for those four months. It was difficult to disengage from a life at work I had for nearly 25 years. Fast forward to now and my wife Heidi and I are going to start our retirement travel journey. She retires at the end of June and we are on the road for 3.5 months starting in mid-August. We'll see how we like being away from our "normal life" and home for that long. Not quite full time travel but for us a big step toward the future. We do really want to thank you for all of the videos and information you have shared with this community. We have learned a lot and plan to put many of your lessons to good use while on the road. Your recent AirBnB adventure you shared has me a bit worried but we will be flexible (another lesson from you all) if something untoward happens. Thanks again. Heidi and Eric.
Starting with a 3.5 stretch is a good idea. We are going to be traveling for 3 months at a time starting this fall. Travel for 3 then back to our hometown for a month before heading back out. Congratulations on retirement and safe travels!
Super useful, helpful topic on retirement. I find myself asking, “what now?” way too often. I found a similar topic Reddit that was reassuring.
I’m still praying about what’s next at this stage of my life. I don’t want to live a meaningless existence. After retiring I cared for family until they passed, then managing their estates. Now, it’s time to put my house in order before getting on the road. All in good time.
Thank you for sharing. What a difficult thing to have to go through. You will find your way, all in good time! ❤️
This was so, so good! ❤ Probably your best podcast to date. You do make it look easy, although I'm sure there is a ton of work that goes into it behind the scenes. I sure hope you're enjoying it because I really want you to keep it up haha!
Since late 2021, once post-Covid travel became possible, we have made it a habit and our top priority to visit a new country with our son for every one of his school breaks. In his 12-year-old life, he has already been to 35 of them, although some of them he was too young to remember. But just in the last 2.5 years we have traveled to Hungary, Portugal, Sweden, Romania, Croatia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Turkiye, and will soon be spending a month in Poland (following your footsteps to Gdansk, Wroclaw, Krakow, and also adding Poznan). We don't stay at fancy places and certainly don't spend extravagantly, but it doesn't take anything away from the amazing experiences and memories we bring back from these trips. I can't even begin to describe how much joy and quality time together we have shared during our travels.
Like the wonderful Paula Pant always says, you can afford anything, but not everything. Back home, we drive somewhat older cars, live in a modest house with somewhat older furniture, and always buy gadgets that are at least one generation removed from the latest and greatest out there , which saves us at least 60%. But we choose to afford these trips because we think they bring us the most happiness.
Thank you, Brian & Carrie, for everything you do to keep us motivated and on track. We can't wait to join you on the road as full-time nomads in a few years.
Staying within reason and buying what you need with a want or two sprinkled in occasionally is key. It is great that you can travel that much and still have a home base! Thank you for watching, Paul, and safe travels!!
So much of this is so on point for me. With respect to the solo travel, I have not yet done the slow or long-term travel, but I've been all over the world alone. I found I usually meet someone and end up pal-ing around (not sure how to spell that and have it clear what I mean). Once it was through an AOL travel group years ago, once waiting for the bus for a day tour to Stonehenge and Bath in England, once on a day tour to Sounion in Greece, etc. But the loneliness is a concern for the retirement option that involves a Greek island or Madeira. I do think I can stay busy, with ideas for TH-cam channels on the travel itself (I mentioned it in an email to you guys way back), one focused on geography (those channels seem to do well), one explaining important US Supreme Court cses on the Constitution (ditto on doing well, and I have some education to give a little credibility), and I'm a wanna be author. In any event, it is fun to think of the possibilities of the lifestyle.
If you like to write, then you could also start a blog. There are so many options and niches to explore. Once you start something like what we are doing, it becomes a part of your travel experiences. Thank you, Doug, for always adding your insights to the channel.
@@BrianandCarrie Makes sense. I have about 200 pages of a travelogue on my trips all over the world that could use a couple more chapters too.
I think your videos are pretty near dam perfect!. They come across as very informative, to a certain degree, unscripted, natural and with passion.
Thank you for all the support!!!
Hubby and I are now very seriously looking at retiring next spring/summer and you have most definitely played a part in/inspired our decision.
Your videos have in part helped make our dreams for this kind of travel seem a LOT less intimidating than it was when we first started talking about retiring 3 years ago.
Recently though, we’ve just kind of reached our limit work-wise, and feel fortunate that we will be able to swing well-planned, budget-friendly slow travel. So if not now or in the next year, when?
Thank you! ❤
The next time you’re in Bellingham, or if one of your slow travel friends will be in the area, we’d love to have you over for dinner, maybe pick your brains a little (proverbially, of course). 😊
Thank you so much, Anna. We get inspired by comments like this! ❤️
I’m really enjoying your channel. Thanks for the thoughts. I’m the planner and my husband is the same way, “Wait, did you plan that out?”
Thank you so much for the support and for taking the time to comment!! We appreciate it!
Cheers!!🍻
Great portrayal of reality.
We’re planning on doing this as well in the next two years, but I struggle with being a super planner. I am a super planner. That’s my biggest struggle and my next biggest struggle is going to be not having a home to go back to that. I’m really struggling with butI have a year and a half to get used to the idea lol thanks for all your information. You’re a beacon to me.
It is ok to be a super planner, Paula! 😊 And a year in a half is plenty of time to get used to the idea of a new, exciting life!! ❤️
We're in the same position, we are fortunate to travel quite a lot but my husband is worried that he's going to be board. We're taking early retirement at 50 in just over 2 years, I love to research and plan, I think travelling to new places will take up a lot of my time but think my husband will need to keep busy.
I am so enjoying watching your vlogs, you tell it as it is and share the reality of early retirement. I love all the tips we are picking up from you thank you for sharing, I can see how much making the films means to you. Keep up the good work ❤
Thank you, Lynn!❤️
A lot of really good and valid points to consider. I retired at 46 and it was great but took some time to develop a new routine and activities as well as how to think about activities. Much more relaxing for the same tasks and activities that used to be rushed. In Vienna right now after traveling through Warsaw,Lublin,Zamosc, Krakow, Prague over the last month. Much more enjoyable when not rushed or feeling pressured to see and do everything. Live in the moment as Brian said in the video is exactly it. Watching your videos and others on You Tube during down time is my regular routine as well as catching up on TV or emails in the evenings.
Feeling the pressure to see everything is something that really affected us in the begging. We have learned to stop and relax!!
Very helpful and informative video guys! Brian thank you for always "saving the day"!! 🤣
😁
The thing i hear is the earlier the better as some e traveling yiu may want to do requires maybe walking,standing,hiking,crouds which gets harder fir the mond and bidy as we age.retired at 64
We hear all the time that it is nice that we started when we did. Most of the time it is from someone that had the opportunity and didn't take it.
I LOVE this video!!! Great tips and learning to be less planned out and go more with the flow and I am much more like Carrie and my partner is so much like Brian and it is a nice balance (most of the time!!- he can make me laugh when I’m stressed)
Very true! We balance each other out nicely. That is why it works!! 😁
Great video! You mentioned one of your mistakes early on was that you were not spending enough money on your accommodations and you needed to spend “a little more “. Can you give us a feeling of how much more you needed to increase the housing budget to get something better? Twenty percent?
We upped our budget about $300 a month. We recently had a very bad experience in Chania, Greece. We spent even more than our budget allows and had the worst experience in 3 years. Prices are going up; you just never know what you may get.
I totally agree with traveling with carry-on only and being in the present. Thank you for your honest reviews and introspection.
Thank YOU for watching!!! 😁
Nice vlog! I would like to see “bloopers” showing Brian going off on a tangent recording a vlog and seeing Carrie reining him in :)
That would be a long video!! 🤣
Great video. So genuine and super honest. Thanks for posting and giving us things to think about before making the leap. We can especially relate to trying to stay in the moment.
Such wonderful advice, thank you for another great video packed with useful content. Also the lighting in this one with you two in blue is beautiful!
Thank you! Some places that we stay offer a better makeshift studio than others. 😉
another great video!!! While travelling we often get very bored, we run out of things to do, it is a big problem, I love to keep busy, while in Thailand last year for 4 months we often ran out of things to do, then we ended up spending more money to find things to do, if that makes sense. We are both not readers, we are people people, and love exploring. We often end up renting a car to find new places to explore and have more things to do, it all takes money though. We travelled for 4 months last winter, we went to Japan for 2 weeks, Thailand for 3.5 months, and vietnam for 1 week, total was $28,000 CAD, or about $20,000 USD, so $5,000 USD per month, that includes all airfares on good airlines with short layovers (costs a lot more), car rental for 2 of the 4 months, we lived well, rented a cheap condo in Hua Hin ($300 USD), not extravagant, but not at all cheap.Still lots of free time to fill in every day
That is very reasonable considering all airfares are included. Thank you for sharing! We appreciate all of your comments!! 😊
Hey Brian and Carrie, great video! We have been on the road for 1 year now and you nailed so many great points! Currently in Istanbul and going through a bit of a boredom month but hearing you talk about it being normal and knowing you guys are in the same part of the world and doing the same thing is comforting. We are 34 and 30 so struggle a bit with such an early retirement, can we really do this for 45 more years? The thought of going back into the 9-5 world makes me dizzy but I can't imagine doing this nomadic life for the next 45 years either. You two look so young, do you see yourselves doing this into you 60's-70's and beyond?
Great question! We often think about the young TH-camrs out there doing the same thing we are and wonder how will they be able to maintain this for another 35 years? I think the key is is to pace yourself and dont move too fast. We are 54 and 53 so need to do this for another 5 years or until we lose the desire. Maybe we can meet up someplace for a beer and discuse. Sometimes that helps break up the bordem. 😁
Really enjoyed this video so much hearing about what you used to do and how your life has transformed. Quite a few people have told me when they retired they have lost their identity...I get it. It is your status symbol in society but this doesn't stop you from adapting to do something else , something challenging like you two have . I admire you both so much...
BTW I'm going to New York tomorrow, staying on Wall Street. First time in America. Can't wait !! I will raise a glass for you both when I have a beer.
That is so exciting, Andy! Thank you for all of your comments and enjoy NYC!! Happy travels! ❤️
My biggest worry is boredom. I have severe ADD. I don't know how to relax or turn my brain off. There are only 2 times when I have been able to relax. 1 - sitting in the Historic District of Brasov sipping a cappuccino and 2 - sitting in the ocean in Florida. In fact, my wife made a comment last time we went to Florida (St Pete's Beach area) that she has never seen me go for so long without my phone or laptop - I was literally in the ocean 5-6 hours a day. It was soooo relaxing. I am learning to allow myself to be PRESENT in the moment. It is NOT easy! I don't know if I could ever fully retire. I need a purpose. We've talked about building an AirBnb property in Poiana Brasov that has 8-10 little A-frame cabins on it or buying a beach bar in Belize just to have something to do daily.
Hi, Steven. We keep busy with our channel, but we do have down time and finding something to do can be difficult. We have found that staying in new places each month keeps us stimulated and boredom only starts to set in towards the end.
My daughter lives in St. Pete so I understand how easy it can be to relax there!
Thank you for always providing great insights. This episode was particularly good for me right now. By the way, greetings from Vancouver WA!
Hello fellow Washingtonian! Thank you, Dominic!
Now 74, I started full time solo travel at 60. Sometimes in USA (Airbnb). Usually Europe/in & out of Schengen 6-8 months yearly. At 65, you can/should sign up for GAP insurance which covers 1-6 gaps in Medicare Part B (which costs $200 monthly) which started at $115 monthly to increase each year to $324 in 2024 at which time I switched companies. I have Plan G covering all gaps except Medicare deductible (now $240). FYI: Medicare Part A is free. Part D is the drug plan. Additionally, I pay for travel medical insurance when I exit USA & ,of course, must continue to pay GAP. After researching where I have lived now for 6 month maximum as a USA citizen in San Miguel DeAllende or Mexico City - both wonderful & now expensive - I would not ever give up my Medicare as If you drop Medicare and don't have creditable employer coverage, you'll face penalties when getting Medicare back. You have that choice. I did have excellent dental work in SMA.
Thak you for your insights and adding to the channel!
Cheers!!🍻
Great advice. Really appreciate these videos
Thank you.❤️
You guys always inspire me. This video really hit home for me as it’s been on my mind lately being 9 months from early retirement myself. The aim will be to live a nomadic life in a few years time as my other half needs to work a little while longer (and wants to BTW 😂).
We always doubt that we can live on less (having a good western incomes) and we are trying to overcome this mindset. We are trying the one income lifestyle to start the adaption process and then we’ll just jump…. I started sweating just typing that out 😂
Thank you for all that you do on your channel, always entertaining and so informative.
Thank you for sharing this! We are always inspired by this type of comment. Believe me when I say we were sweating as well. We finally decided that in the worst case, we would return where we started with a few years of travel under our belts. Not too bad! 😊
@@BrianandCarrie it’s just the unknown that makes me sideline at the moment. We have good superannuation (your 401K equivalent) that we cannot access until 60 and will most probably not qualify for a part pension in Australia - that’s not even a guarantee even if you do qualify the way our country is headed!!
Trying to change my consumer mindset that’s been so ingrained and developing the less is actually more mindset.
Hi, I love your videos. I have a question and I don't know if anybody asked it before. How do you handle buying flights to countries when you need a return ticket. Do you buy round tickets or you plan your next location to buy a ticket out to that new location? Please elaborate if you can. Thanks
As a full-time traveler, I generally plan far enough ahead that I have already purchased an onward flight from the country I'm entering (Country A). You can just show that onward flight reservation to whomever asks to see it. If you aren't someone who plans that far ahead, or if you just don't know yet when you'll be leaving Country A, you can use a service like OnwardTicket which will reserve a legitimate onward flight leaving Country A to go to Country B (which can be any country you choose) at a later date that they then cancel in 48 hours. You pay $12 to have them reserve it and cancel it for you. You reserve the onward ticket within 48 hours of the time you will be flying to Country A. If you are asked by the airline or immigration about your plans for onward travel, you can show them that reservation. After 48 hours, OnwardTicket will cancel your reservation, so you never have to pay the full price for that onward flight. Many people use this service and it is perfectly legal, since the reservation they make is a legitimate reservation, not a dummy one.
We have only been required to have one entering Thailand and we had already purchased on onward ticket to Vietnam. Thank you, Jim for all the details!!
Everybody on TH-cam talks about early retirement but what about REGULAR retirement? There are a lot of people who are grossly unprepared for retirement and I'm not talking about financially either. Would be nice to see videos about that transition.
how do you two keep from getting tired of each other? I want to travel again but can I do it with my wife? She isn't as easy going as me.
It takes a special relationship. Learning to compromise and take things in stride is key. Traveling like we do you need to be easy going for sure.
Great video! Question for Carrie: if I remember correctly, you mentioned you are more introverted and socializing with people, especially new people, takes a lot of energy. It's the same for my partner and I. It takes a lot of energy unless it's people we are already comfortable with, so having to meet new people every time you travel to another country seems daunting!
So I was wondering, did this change throughout the years? Does it get easier, more enjoyable,... or perhaps it gets even harder? It is a topic we struggle with because on the one hand we are introverts and we definitely need our quiet 'me-time', on the other hand full time traveling will get lonely and at some point we will probably crave friendship. English is also not our first language so it is hard(er) to get our personality across.
Would be very interested in any insights or tips :-)
Also: you guys have such a great life, it is a huge motivation for us and gives us a goal to strive towards. I hope you two will enjoy it for many more years to come!
Hi! Sorry for the delayed response.
I would say my introverted ways have gotten more so as I've gotten older. I now really recognize after a day of socializing I will be completely wiped out. I have learned what works for me and that is spacing out those times.
I do look forward to meeting people in our travels though, and hearing their stories.
I think just like everything it's all about balance and compromise 😉
Really enjoy your channel & info. Wife & I hope to "Slow" retire at age 50.
Thank you for watching!! 😊
Thank you so much
Thank you!!
Brian there’s some great body weight workouts for guys on TH-cam
Yes, I've used a couple of them. It doesn't take much, just make the time. Thank you!!
Where in Greece are you. My wife and I will be dropped off in Athens in Mid-October after a 30 day cruise from Rome. We’ll be working our way back to Germany for the Christmas markets.
We started in Rhodes and leaving Crete today. We are now heading to Budapest!!
Love the info. Brian, can't tell your poker face if you're joking or being serious lol
It's my dry humor. If you aren't sure, then assume I'm joking! 😁
Hi Brian. I'm a prior video you said you were 54, now you say you're 65. Would you please clear this up for us?
65?!? When did I say 65? 😮 I'm just turned 54 in May.
Do you typically stay 1 month in each place or longer if visa allows?
We typical stay one month at each location. We will move through one country and stay until our visa runs out. Usually 90 days.
Brian, not only did you use twitterpated in a sentence, you used it incorrectly. If you will recall from Bambi, it means infatuated or besotted, not stressed or discombobulated. ❤
Damn it!!! You know that I'll start using besotted now!! Wait for it in an upcoming video! 😁
Good. I look forward to it. Just use it correctly, please. ;-)
What company do you use for travel insurance?
SafetyWing for travel insurance. Here is a link.
safetywing.com/?referenceID=brianandcarrie&Ambassador&
What do you use when in the US? For US residents, SafetyWing's plans state, "Not covered as your country of residence." Maybe I don't understand the intended meaning of their statement.
The problem with retiring early is the money … not filling up the time.
So … first, what is the solution here?
Guaranteed public pension
@@Fell214 :)
Maybe after 65
@@meinetv8174 I took my pension at 58. Pays me 85% of my final salary for life. COLA-adjusted annually and 100% passed to surviving spouse for life.
Do you always book cancellable Airbnb? Have you ever gotten stuck without a refund?
We do not and only one time have we had to try to get one. We received 30% off on nights stayed and refunded 100% on the rest of the booked time.
It's not just that you are retired, its travelling, your routine is all screwed up, unless you stay put in one place your routine is all messed up
Not really. You reestablish your routine in each new place you go. In fact, establishing the routine is what makes it feel like home. It takes a little effort to do at first, but after traveling for a while, you find yourself falling into your usual routine right away as soon as you arrive in a new place. It becomes quite comfortable to do. Give it a try...you might be surprised by how well it works out for you.
@@nomadjim I agree with you, but only if you stay put for at least a week or more, a few days is not enough to get into a routine
@@kleerogers Agree with that. All the more reason to slow down and spend more time!
@@nomadjim totally agree, but sometimes you make a mistake going to a area for a month, you think you will want to stay there for a month or more, but after a week or so you get bored and want to move on, and you already paid for a months rent in advance, to save money, this has happened to us a few times, we just leave and go to another place, it does not cost any more because the monthly rental was cheaper than renting for 2 or so weeks, You can do all the research you want, you still need to be on the ground to know for sure if you want to stay somewhere for a month or more. Hun Thailand is the only place we have stayed for 3 months, and we plan to go back.
Y’all have been a big inspiration for my wife and I. We are both still working and have pension income well exceeding your monthly budget. We are now planning on selling everything and traveling.
Thank you, Wallace, we appreciate the kind words. Comments like this inspire us. 😁
Thanks for the mindset tips. I am about to retire from the Air Force at age 40. We also have 4 kids. Any advice on how to find families that are traveling? I know... I still am looking through what came up on the Google search. 🎉
facebook pages, like "xyz City super moms" or other page names including kids.
Hi, Mike! Check out TH-camrs Flying the Nest. There are several others with older kids as well. Retiring at 40 is amazing! Congratulations and most of all, thank you for your service!!
Cheers!!🍻
My nephew and his wife joined military travel Facebook groups and he said that they were incredibly helpful. So people offered information on apartments to rent, as well as offering of extra furniture for cheap, because they are moving. He said that the military family looks out for each other. He's mid 40s in Germany currently.
Thanks!
WOW! Thank you so much, Joanne! Unexpected and very much appreciated! ❤️❤️