"We're not Kara and Nate" 🤣🤣 Here here! That high paced travel makes me tired just thinking about it. You guys are awesome! Brian's job didn't change, he just moved from Sales to Procurement 🤣🤣
Thanks for putting out these videos, I think your travel strategy and pace are spot on. And your ability to share really interesting info while being entertaining keeps us coming back! Bravo!
@@BrianandCarrie - you two are from Bellingham? Me too! My family has lived there since 1970, Mom and sibs still do (I live in Seattle). Would love to meet you and talk travel next time you're in Bham. Enjoy Portugal!
Wow! I just discovered your channel and am amazed at geographic arbitrage. I'll check out your other videos. I plan to travel the world. Thanks! Can't wait for your packing video!
Great job, we’ve just completed our first year of slow travel, fun however some similar learnings. I’ll be doing a re-cap shortly, Going Walkabout. I love that you guys are doing this when you are younger, we traveled a lot at your age and we’re so glad we did. Keep it up!
We have been loving our slow travel adventure. We are now in Thailand and very much enjoying SE Asia! Thank you for watching and safe travels! Cheers!!🍻
Great personal, insightful video. Thanks for sharing, lots of useful info. As one who is is embarking on a similar journey but different approach, I appreciate your candidness.
Thanks, so much guys! Last year we saw a video of you guys in Spain and it inspired us and we ended up going to Spain for a few weeks, basing ourselves out of Seville.
That is so nice to hear, James! We loved our tie in Seville and hope to get back to Spain in the next couple of years. We are now exploring SE Asia, most recently Vietnam. Beautiful country! Thank you for watching and commenting, James. Safe travels. Cheers!!🍻
Just started watching your videos, really enjoy them. I would love to travel full time, me and my wife have been to Europe many times on short vacations but having extended time would be great. Trying to figure out a way really soon. Safe travels!
Wow, I just love your channel. You put out quality tips and informative materials. You made a comment that you would not consider returning to the US because of health insurance.. Your are correct, the health care cost here is extremely costly whereas in many European countries, it is free.
Thank you. Our plan from the biggening was to try to be a little different than the rest. We do love getting out and exploring and bringing our experiences to the viewers. Thank you for watching and the kind words!! Cheers!!🍻
You can live now or you can live later. Love that attitude. Reminds me of something Jack Kerouac wrote: In the end you won't remember the time spent working in the office or mowing the lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain!
Thank you for the Q&A, Another suggestion while traveling for extended period of time people can port their number to google voice with a one time fee of $20 , you can check your text messages as well anywhere and make voice calls as well through Wi-Fi for those who are looking for alternate options so that you don’t end up paying every month to Verizon or ATT
This is very true and what we did initially when leaving the states. Unfortunately they only let you pause your account for so long so long. Being gone longer, we had to look for another option. But, you're correct, this would be a great option for those looking to travel shorter stretches. Cheers 🍻
Very informative! A few questions: Question 1 related to phone service abroad: how do you deal with 2-factor authentication? Do you receive texts sent from banks or gmail ti verify your identity? Question 2 is related to Cigna Global: Do you have resubmit a new application for health coverage each time you change countries ? Question 3: do you use local gyms to maintain your physical health?
Thank you! Yes, phone service 2-factor authentication works the same as in the US, either a text or email. With Cigna Global, you choose the country you are spending the most time in when you set up your account. In our case it was Spain. And we do not use local gyms. We walk everywhere and will occasionally do home exercises. Push-ups, planks, air squats, etc...Thank for the questions and for supporting our channel! Cheers!!!🍻
y'all are adorable! so glad I found this channel, this is our exact plan and most folks think we're crazy 🤣 but here you are doing it! thanks for all the detailed info 👍
You guys do a great job! Simple but very effective and helpful. My wife and I just visited several Eastern European countries for our honeymoon and I watched many of your videos preparing. Thank you!
I stopped caring a long time ago about being seen wearing the same T-shirt over and over again. One thing I found fascinating is my friends “retirement travelers“. They are traveling around the world full-time and they got T-shirts with their UA-cam channel logo on them. They wear that T-shirt every day! Obviously, they have multiples 😉. But I’m sure that really simplifies their packing and wardrobe decisions! 😂 I have a couple T-shirts with my logo on them, but in general I just wear a whole lot of magenta T-shirts! Loved your video ❤️ Cheers! Dara
Great stuff guys, Our “slow travel” adventure begins next month, also in Greece After watching this video, I realise that we are on the right path and look forward to following your adventures. Keep up the good work
Thanks, David! That's great your adventures are starting!! Congratulations. Thank you for watching and supporting our channel. Safe travels. Cheers!!!🍻
So great guys! Especially the packing… it’s been one year on the road for us and we have one full suitcase and carry on each… plus the personal item 😆 we’re happy to have a stop in England in June to drop off some things and travel with only a carry on for a few months! Great video.. enjoy the journey! Happy to connect
Hey guys! Thank you! We are heading back out tomorrow with only a carry-on and personal item each for six months. We will see how it goes!!!😆 Happy to connect anytime, safe travels. Cheers!!!🍻
Just saw this video. very helpful.Just opened a Schwab account. I worked on Wall St in NYc for over 20 years so the brokerage account will come in handy for me. Hope you had a great weekend.
Just found your site! Love you guys! We plan to retire in 3 years at age 57. Our plans have been to retire to Italy. We won’t have unlimited funds so it is wonderful to see how much you two have lived on. I would say we will definitely end up spending time in Montenegro and Albania. Thanks and keep up the great work!
Thanks, Mac. Glad you found our site!! We will be in Italy in the fall of 2023, that's the plan for now anyway. We are currently in Portugal and really loving it!! The next three years will go by in no time! Cheers!!🍻
I am sure I will stay in touch. We have planned this for quite a while. Our plan has changed over the years. I didn’t think you could get away with traveling around as cheap as you guys are doing it. I thought we would have to find a place to settle in. Now I see we may be able to do what you are doing, travel around until we find the perfect place.
Craig and Mandy, we really do believe we can continue to live on this budget long term. We are heading into our first summer so we will see how that changes. We will be going to Southeast Asia in Jan. 2023 so we are thinking our budget may be a bit less than now. Thanks again for the support!!🍻
I just watched this video. Very good information! And maybe this will help me talk Craig into starting our adventure sooner! 🤞I do have a question that was not mentioned…how is it navigating through the language barrier in each area? Especially in more rural areas and when trying to get medical care (like a well check or chiropractic etc..)? Thank you for documenting your travels and helping us get prepare for ours!
Hi Mandy. For the most part, we have had very few problems communicating. Most of Europe speaks some English, so we haven't had any real issues. As far as medical we haven't used it yet but we have researched and most preventative care is so inexpensive (outside the US) that you can just pay out of pocket. Tell Craig he won't regret starting now!!! 🍻
My husband and I love your video's because we're hoping to do what you're doing in the future. Great tips and information. Heading to Europe ourselves in 10 days! Safe travels!
Thanks again for the informative video and very relatable...we hope to mirror some of your journey starting next year...Enjoy SE Asia we loved Thailand and Vietnam...get ready to sweat lol
@@BrianandCarrie I have so many ideas it’s overwhelming! I’ve only done a fraction of the videos I have ideas for. They aren’t all good ideas mind you, but topics that I want to do videos about anyway!🤣
Great Vlog... Good tip on the Schengen calendar as the rules are pretty strict. Have heard that if you're over by a day or two that it's best to depart from Spain as they're a little lenient.
Thank you so much for sharing. A key take away for me was that health care was a major driver for not only your early retirements to live life but how it has and will shape your journey/adventure. Also curious if you would share the buckets (I.e. investments 40%, house sale proceeds 35% etc) that make up your retirement fund and if you keep some or all actively invested? With a Schwab account I assume the answer is yes.
Hi John! Yes, we continue to be actively invested. We have savings but mostly IRA, 401, pension, etc. Health insurance is a key component in early retirement, besides our rent each month it is the biggest monthly expense. Cheers!!! 🍻
You are both inspirational. After spending 6 1/2 years in Ireland, I am departing on my global slow traveling adventure in just 4 days. Heading initially to Prague but only for a few days (The refugees have inundated the housing stock so there is not much available at all)... SOOO, I am off to Montenegro where I will spend a month or two. I would love to run into you sometime. Similar to you Brian, I spent 40 years in Food & Beverage, so the first round is on me.
Very cool John! We really enjoyed Montenegro. We may end up back in the Balkans in July and August and Croatia in Sept and Oct. If we do run into you the second round is on me!!! Cheers!!!🍻
@@carsmusicfan I also enjoy dual citizenship which will come in handy. Between the two passports, I can use whichever one is most beneficial in whatever country I am traveling to. For the last 6 1/2 years, I have been in County Kerry, in a tiny village called Camp, out on the Dingle Peninsula. The furthest point on that peninsula (called Slea Head) is the Western-most point in Ireland and the closest you can get to the U.S. without getting your feet wet! In these parts they say "The next parish over is Boston!"
@@carsmusicfan Absolutely breath-takingly beautiful and peaceful out here. I truly love the area and made many good friends. I had planned to spend the rest of my life here but Ireland has become entirely too Woke (with the predictable results). The first country in the world to vote in Gay marriage. Next they voted to legalize abortion, always the first to flood the country with every variety of "refugee", (most wearing Air Jordans and toting I-Phones) which they virtue-signal about ad nauseum, while 10K native IRISH are homeless and languishing on the streets of Dublin. Any new "migrant" goes right to the top of the housing list and receives substantial subsidies while TONS of native Irish have been waiting DECADES on the housing lists. (Note: I believe the current batch of Ukrainian refugees ARE legitimate and will most likely RETURN home, once it is safe to do so.) The government just voted to outlaw Irish peat as a fuel source (global warming dontcha know) while IMPORTING peat from other EU countries. There are as many Rainbow Flags. as tri-colors flying in Dublin, including atop the GPO(!) and outside every Sin Fein office(!). COVID was the straw that broke this camel's back. The longest and most draconian lockdown in the EU. I value my freedom far too much to see what they have next in store. Sorry to be so negative but that is a large part of my decision to go on the road.
Health care in US sounds so ........ Seems like they dont take care of their ppl... I live in Norway, and everything is sorted out for us within the tax system, one of the best health care in the world. Im so glad i found your channel today, this is the first video i watch and will be surfing the rest of your videos =) Love the slow pase traveling, most ppl just rush throw countries. How about Poland? My favorite in Europe, been there many times. One of the cheapest countries in Europe, very affordable when it comes to rly EVERYTHING, specially food and accomadation. Poznan is very in the middle, u are just one train from Gdansk, Warsaw, Wroclow and even Berlin Germany. Longer train to Katowice, Krakow and Prague. CANT WAIT TO SURF ALL YOUR VIDEOES NOW! Love the energy and goodvibes
Hi, Adrian! We are glad you found our channel as well! We had planned on Poland and the rest of Eastern Europe just before the war broke out. We decided to wait and went to Portugal instead. We will get there soon for sure. We have really enjoyed our time in Romania and really want to come back and explore the rest of this region. Thank you so much for the kind words and for supporting our channel!! Cheers!!!🍻
Thanks so much for this video! The hubby and I just sold house and all our stuff to begin our world travels! Your info is always so helpful and we can’t wait for the packing video! We have barely started and already we need to revisit the packing conundrum! Keep it up!
Congratulations!! We just arrived in Portugal for our second tour after being back in the US for 3 weeks and completely changed the way we packed from our first go-around. We will have the packing video out a week from Saturday. Thank you so much for watching and safe travels!! So exciting!!! Cheers!!!🍻
Diane & I enjoyed this video! We were curious about your backstop, similar to ours. In fact, I worked 4 a beer distributor years ago. We are having lunch at the Red Corner as I write...your fav.
Hi Tom. Thank you so much! We love the Red Corner! We have another video that gives more details on how we came to our decision. It's the "Retire Early" video. Thank you for watching and enjoy the Red Corner!! Cheers 🍻
Also FYI we also use Cigna Global and the have been pretty good so far once we got in touch with a case manager but be prepared for them to make things difficult and expect long response times.
We have heard about staffing issues from others. Maybe that's why? Hopefully, we won't have to be using it any time soon!! Thank you for the information! Cheers!!!🍻
Hello from Ireland! We enjoy watching your videos and appreciate the great info delivered by two very lovely people. BTW my hubby and I went to Alicante in February ;) Thank you!
Thank you for watching and the nice comment!! We really enjoyed Alicante, hopefully, you two did as well. Ireland is on our bucket list but just out of our budget at the moment. We will get there soon!! Cheers!!!🍻
@@BrianandCarrie Yes we absolutely loved Alicante...the tram system alone 'sold us' and we look forward to spending more time in that particular sunny region. When you are ready...please let us know that you are coming over. We'd be happy to give you a few pointers and share a pint. Also plan around months of June - October for your (in theory at least) better weather opportunities ;) Sláinte!
Brian, do you keep any of your sim cards? I know you don't return to too many of the same countries, but there have been a few. Thinking it would be easier to re-up a plan upon return than buying a new card. Is it even an option to re-up that easy in most countries? 🤷♂ Thx
Hi Brian and Carrie. We are your new followers. We like the way you have taken life and the desire to travel full time. We travel with the motorhome and now we live in it. The videos you are making about the costs of living can be useful for a lot of people. Thank you for sharing your stories and opinions about places and cities. Good luck on your travels. Romana & Pablo
Another interesting video! Thank you! I live in Scotland, UK and Brexit had really ended my dream of living somewhere warmer during the cold winter months. Your experiences have opened up a whole new area for consideration! The practical aspect of how much everything costs is really useful! When I have costed up AirBnBs from the UK site there doesn't seem to be any reduction for staying for a month as opposed to 4 consecutive weeks. However... there is free cancellation if you change your mind ... as long as it's not last minute ... then the refunded amount gets less the closer you are to the arrival date. Looking forward to your next video! Happy travels Lorna
Thank you, Lorna. It is really sad about Brexit. We have found that the UK and Ireland are expensive for accommodations. As much as we would love to travel to that area, unfortunately, we won't be there anytime soon. Thank you again for watching! Cheers!!🍻
@@BrianandCarrie I don't mean for using AirBnB to stay here in UK for a longer period ... I have looked at staying in Italy and Spain in various places on Air BnB for a month in the off season. It comes up at the same price as the high season. Thanks Lorna
We haven't looked into Italy yet but we did stay in Spain and got big discounts for staying longer than 28 days in each place. These discounts were in the off-season.
I made a really good friend over UA-cam who lived in Scotland. Her name was Lorraine, similar to you! She moved to Spain last year. So funny because she hated Scotland, but I absolutely love Scotland!❤️🏴 I guess the grass is always greener! 😂😂 But she sure is loving living in sunny Spain ☀️🇪🇸 Good luck with your plans! Cheers! XX Dara
Hello Brian and Carrie, I just started following you and thanks for the videos. I would like to ask about your plans for the far future when travelling becomes harder. Any plans to retire in one place?
At some point we will slow down for 3 months at a time. Spend more time in the US possibly. We do have our favorite places that we will be discussing in an upcoming video soon. For now we will continue on our current path until something changes. Thank you for watching! Cheers!
Thank you for the very down to earth videos. Some of these travel vloggers (certainly not yourselves) can be so pretentious. You guys are refreshing 😀. I'm also looking at travel insurance for travel and have you looked at the reviews of Cigna global on Google? They are quite bad. Of course unhappy people usually complain but still.
Hi Brad! Thank you so much, we really appreciate the kind words. When I was researching medical insurance and deciding which would be best for us, Cigna Global checked all the boxes. Unfortunately, when I researched, none of them had rave reviews. As you said, unhappy people are the ones that leave the reviews typically. To this point, we have been very happy with Cigna, and have found their customer service to be very helpful. Granted we haven't needed to use the coverage, but I figure if/when we do we will deal with it at that time (fingers crossed all would go well). Thanks for watching! Cheers 🍻
Just a suggestion, but I would love to see a tour of the airbnbs you guys get and know the cost. We are seriously considering trying the same thing you guys are doing within the next couple of years.
Thank you for the suggestion. We do a cost of living video after each country that we visit and disclose all of our costs including our Airbnb. However, moving forward we will try to share more costs in all of our videos. Thank you again! Cheers 🍻
This is all awesome advice! We're super impressed with your packing skills. After four years of traveling full-time, packing is still the thing we struggle most with! Always feeling like we have too much 😆
I am really enjoying hearing about your early retirement traveling on a budget! Now that I have seen several videos, I am wondering how you fill your days besides food shopping, people watching, walking and drinking beer. Do you get bored? Are you meeting other people and having interesting conversations and connections with others? Are you going to a gym, reading books, painting, writing or other creative expressions? Thanks! Bob
Thanks, Bob! We have been asked that question many times!! 😆 Being so new to UA-cam, cameras, and everything that goes into making a video we actually spend a good portion of our morning editing our next video, planning the one after that, Instagram, Facebook, and replying to ALL comments we receive. We really do enjoy doing it, not only seeing the end result but also seeing what response we may (or may not) get from viewers. It is a new way we have discovered to be creative! We really appreciate you watching and supporting us! Cheers!!! 🍻
Hi Brian & Carrie! When you decided to take on this new adventure of full time travel. How did you budget to have enough money to travel full time and not work at all? How long did it take you to build your $$ and know when it was a good time to leave and start traveling full time? My husband and I are looking to start out on this journey, so any information and insight would be so helpful. Thank you for sharing your travel adventures with us! 🙂
Hi, Allison. First off, we are both debt free so that helped make the decision easier. We had a couple of years of savings. If we really budgeted correctly and travel to less expensive countries, cooked meals at home, and use public transportation, etc. we can make 2 years of savings in the US into 4 or 5 in the Balkens or SE Asia, where we are now. We did go in with the idea of starting this UA-cam channel that has become a 20 to 30+ hr. a week "job" to maybe help supplement our costs but didn't count on it. We didn't realize at the time the amount of work it would take but we do enjoy learning something new and the challenges that it brings. We are also very grateful to our viewers that keep us inspired to continue. So thank you!! 🙂 We each spent over 30+ years in the typical work life, raising kids and getting by. All the while contributing to our retirement investments, 401k, and pension, which of course, we can't get to until we are 59.5. Any financial adviser would have told us to continue to work our 9-5 jobs. We decided to sell everything and enjoy life. Thank you again for watching our channel and asking the questions. Cheers!🍻
@@BrianandCarrie I appreciate all the details its so helpful and inspiring! Thank you for your videos and taking us with you on your adventures. Live your best life! 🙂
Congratulations on your adventures!! My question is. What about mail.. I currently use a po box but it's not ideal as someone has to empty the box once in awhile and the cost is 120 a year in bham now plus unless you want to inconvenience a person to govthrough I for important pieces you don't know what's in there.. Have you guys figured out something better? Enjoyed the videos, thanks
Hi Rick. We each use our parent's addresses. We go paperless for most all banking documents so the mail they do get is minimal. It isn't ideal but that's all we can do for now. Thanks for watching from Bellingham!!! Cheers!!!🍻
When you first left the United States on this adventure, did you have to purchase a round trip ticket to prove your plan to return? Or were you able to purchase a one-way ticket. Also what was your first destination after leaving the US? We absolutely love your videos! Thank you thank you for the time you take to share all of this helpful information!
Hi, Dawn. Most countries do not require an exit ticket, however, when we leave for Thailand in January, we do. Our first destination was Spain. We moved from there to Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Bosnia, and soon Croatia. Thank you for watching!! Cheers!!!🍻
Thanks guys, good stuff! I am curious, you said you have not yet used Cigna Global. Do either of you have daily prescriptions you need & if so, how do you manage that while slow traveling? Thank you
Hi Key. I occasionally use an inhaler, and Carrie does not have a prescription. We will stop by a pharmacy here in Portugal and see what I would need if anything to get a new one. I do know that what I need is available and less expensive than in the US. We will have a better idea in a day or two. Thank you for watching!!
Found you guys yesterday and have been enjoying watching your cost videos, congratulations on living the life of world travel, that is my plan in the near future as well. One thing I haven't seen yet, if you did address it, please point me at the right video. My question is what do your typical days look like or what is a sample monthly activities calendar look like for you? Am trying to figure out how the days will be spent when doing long term travel. It's great to see the highlight videos, but what are you doing in between those :) ? Thanks and enjoy your current location.
Hi, Greg! Great question, you have not missed anything. We will be doing a video in a few weeks about "slow travel'. You are correct about the highlight real! This can't possibly be what they do all day every day!! We actually put a lot of time into these videos. The planning, shooting, and editing take time. We try to offer the viewer something besides us walking around some cool town and talking, we wish we were that interesting but that's just not the case. 😀 Thank you for watching and supporting the channel!! Cheers!!!🍻
Thank you so much! We are living off our savings for now and trying to make some extra money doing this UA-cam channel. We will have another, updated, question and answere video coming out this weekend! Thank you for watching!! Cheers!!!🍻
We have been healthy for the most part. There are pharmacies everywhere so if you do happen to get sick you can get anything that you would get in the US.
Hi - Great question! We will have a new Q & A video coming out in a bit and I will add this to the list ☺. Fortunately, we haven't really had any issues at this point, but we do have some things we do keep in mind, just in case. Cheers!!
I loved this video, such important information to consider before traveling long-term. The one question I have is related to prescriptions that are taken on a daily basis. If you do have daily prescriptions, how do you manage to stock up enough pills for 3-6 months? If no daily prescriptions are being used then would Cigna Global cover the cost of any new prescription?
We do not take daily pills, but I do use an inhaler. My inhaler in the US was a $45 co-pay with my insurance. In Portugal, I paid $5, and in Croatia, it cost me $17. Our Cigna Global does not cover prescriptions. Medical costs around the world are much less than in the US. We would recommend keeping the original prescription from your doctor. 🍻
Great video! Thanks for being an example to all Americans that there are amazing things to see AWAY from the US! What is your overall language experience been? Has English been prevalent enough to get by in all these countries you've stayed in? My wife and I are reasonably able to speak Spanish and German, so we are curious if those three languages will get us by.
Thank you, John! The only problem we have had is in Spain. When shopping local there was some difficulty. However, everyplace else we have been to we have had no problems. That includes Albania, Montenegro, Greece, and now Portugal. It is always best to learn "please" and "thank you" no matter what country you are in. You will have NO problems, most of Europe is bilingual to some extent. Thanks again for supporting our channel!! Cheers!!!🍻
@@BrianandCarrie Great, thank you! Spain is our target homestead, but my wife speaks Spanish well, so we should be ok. We do want to travel around as well. You both (and your videos) are the closest thing we've found to 'us' and our plans for retirement next year.
Loved this video and it helped us answer some important questions! Do you have preference between the Schwab & Fidelity? Considering opening a checking account with Schwab.
I know you do most all of your banking and contact by email and online, but how do you handle those few things that have to be on paper, snail mail? Family member or mail service like full time RVers do?
We send any paper mail that we may get to our parent's place back in our hometown. We have gone paper less as much as possible, so we don't get much of anything.
Hey at 6m20s you mention putting a link to the website to track your Schengen time, I can't see the link. Are you able to let me now what that is please.
Just found your channel and enjoying the videos a lot, very informative. I am wandering though how much of a budget are you living on to be able to travel this way, I hope I'm not offending you by asking, but I'm very curious because my husband and I want to also travel the world. Thank you! Keep the vids coming!
Hi, Evelyn. We do a cost of living video after each location. We also did our yearly cost video just this last week. We will leave the link below. This video will answer your questions. Thank you for watching! Cheers!!🍻 ua-cam.com/video/X2vcUeSqVqQ/v-deo.html
@@BrianandCarrie thank you! I actually saw it after sending my question lol...I see its totally doable and I'm more excited for this coming year, maybe taking a year leave of absence from my job is something I'm seriously considering. Thank for the videos! Keep them coming!
@@BrianandCarrie thanks for reply. You keep costs down by raising deductible or else? I see it's much more than what you mentioned in your video. Thanks again
We did. Our first few months out we booked our accommodations in advance so we had a good idea of what we may spend. That number can vary from month to month.
I have a question: How do you generate money to continue to travel? Are you digital nomads? Do you do odd jobs in each city that you visit? In my case, I work remote, so I am able to travel and still generate income. Curious because I would love to do what you guys are doing. Keep it up! Love the videos.
When we decided to leave, we, each had sold all our belongings and debt-free, so we had a few years saved up. We are now finally generating income through UA-cam. Not enough to finance all our travels but it does help. We will have retirement funds and pensions when we reach the qualifying age as well. Over 30 years working the 9 to 5 it is well earned.
That's awesome! I just found your channel and I'm going through the videos in order... did you guys ever find that ideal city where you will stay most of the year? For me it would probably have to be either Madrid or some other city in Spain. I've visited over 25 countries and could definitely see myself staying there for my retirement years. How about you guys? I'm curious to hear your thoughts.
Thank you!!! HA!! I do have a brother 🙂We stay with family and friends. We have only been together 4 nights in the almost three weeks since we've been home. I actually had to fly to Arizona for a week. We have been very busy!!! Thank you again for watching our videos!! Cheers!!! 🍻
Great video! How old are the two of you? I never even thought about the health insurance part. If you retire early (before 65) health care is very expensive.
I got a quote from Cigna. The higher tier plan was $1900/month. The lower plan 950. I didn’t waste time reading the details since I doubt they were offering eternal life. Maybe it’s cause I am 69 but in 8 years I haven’t filed a claim in Thailand.
The price that we pay has a high deductible and we are only 52 so I'm sure that makes a difference. Cigna Global isn't really needed if you have Meda-Care, Safety Wings would be a better option as a secondary travel insurance. Thank you for supporting our channel. Cheers!!🍻
@@BrianandCarrie Thank you! Will be waiting for your packing video! We are traveling to Spain for 3 months, September, October and November, so trying to figure out our packing situation with season changes in mind.
Thanks! Have a few beers on Craig and Mandy!
Craig and Mandy, thank you so much!!! We really appreciate the support!!!🍻🍻
"We're not Kara and Nate" 🤣🤣 Here here! That high paced travel makes me tired just thinking about it. You guys are awesome! Brian's job didn't change, he just moved from Sales to Procurement 🤣🤣
HAHA!! Yes, I am quality control now!!! It doesn't pay as well but is much more enjoyable!
Cheers guys!!🍻
Thank you for being transparent
Thanks for putting out these videos, I think your travel strategy and pace are spot on. And your ability to share really interesting info while being entertaining keeps us coming back! Bravo!
Hi Michael, thank you so much for watching and supporting our channel. We really do appreciate it!! Cheers!!🍻
@@BrianandCarrie - you two are from Bellingham? Me too! My family has lived there since 1970, Mom and sibs still do (I live in Seattle). Would love to meet you and talk travel next time you're in Bham. Enjoy Portugal!
We are from Bellingham! We will be home in November and would love to meet up! You can message us on our Instagram. Keep in touch!
Cheers!!!🍻
Wow! I just discovered your channel and am amazed at geographic arbitrage. I'll check out your other videos. I plan to travel the world. Thanks! Can't wait for your packing video!
Thank you, Kimberly. We really appriciat you watching our videos!!!
Cheers!!!🍻
Fantastic! Got all my questions answered, Thanks again guys have sage travels in Thailand!!!
I ♥️ the fact that you plan on doing this indefinitely... See you out there!
Carrie, my husband and I are both in the PERS system in WA also. Enjoying your videos a lot.
Great job, we’ve just completed our first year of slow travel, fun however some similar learnings. I’ll be doing a re-cap shortly, Going Walkabout. I love that you guys are doing this when you are younger, we traveled a lot at your age and we’re so glad we did. Keep it up!
We have been loving our slow travel adventure. We are now in Thailand and very much enjoying SE Asia! Thank you for watching and safe travels!
Cheers!!🍻
Glad we found you.
Will look forward to your videos on Saturdays.
Thank you!! We are glad you found us!!
Cheers!!!🍻
Great personal, insightful video. Thanks for sharing, lots of useful info. As one who is is embarking on a similar journey but different approach, I appreciate your candidness.
There are so many ways to travel, as long as you get out there and do it!! Thank you for watching and be safe!
Cheers!!🍻
What a great video. This is the new Bible for everyone thinking of longterm travel. Thank you B & C!
Hi Mark! Thank you for watching and supporting us! We really appreciate it!!
Cheers 🍻
Thanks, so much guys! Last year we saw a video of you guys in Spain and it inspired us and we ended up going to Spain for a few weeks, basing ourselves out of Seville.
That is so nice to hear, James! We loved our tie in Seville and hope to get back to Spain in the next couple of years. We are now exploring SE Asia, most recently Vietnam. Beautiful country! Thank you for watching and commenting, James. Safe travels.
Cheers!!🍻
We have Amex Hilton Honors. Our points go to free hotels. We've stayed free in Hilton's all over the world.
I love binge watching your channel! I can’t wait for our adventure to begin 😁
So happy to hear that 😊. Where are you heading first on your adventure?
Just started watching your videos, really enjoy them. I would love to travel full time, me and my wife have been to Europe many times on short vacations but having extended time would be great. Trying to figure out a way really soon. Safe travels!
So happy to hear that you have been enjoying our videos 😊. Extended, long term travel is amazing and gives you a whole different experience. Cheers!!
Wow, I just love your channel. You put out quality tips and informative materials. You made a comment that you would not consider returning to the US because of health insurance.. Your are correct, the health care cost here is extremely costly whereas in many European countries, it is free.
Thank you. Our plan from the biggening was to try to be a little different than the rest. We do love getting out and exploring and bringing our experiences to the viewers. Thank you for watching and the kind words!!
Cheers!!🍻
You can live now or you can live later. Love that attitude. Reminds me of something Jack Kerouac wrote: In the end you won't remember the time spent working in the office or mowing the lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain!
Love it!!! Thank you so much for the support and for watching our channel!
Cheers!!!🍻
Your Kerouac quote reminds me of my favorite quote from 'The Shawshank Redemption': Get Busy Living, or Get Busy Dying.
An all time favorite movie of mine!!!
Thanks for this video! Great tangible info here. Happy & Safe Travels!!! ✈️🚅🚘🏖
Thank you, John!!
Cheers!!!🍻
Thank you for the Q&A, Another suggestion while traveling for extended period of time people can port their number to google voice with a one time fee of $20 , you can check your text messages as well anywhere and make voice calls as well through Wi-Fi for those who are looking for alternate options so that you don’t end up paying every month to Verizon or ATT
This is very true and what we did initially when leaving the states. Unfortunately they only let you pause your account for so long so long. Being gone longer, we had to look for another option. But, you're correct, this would be a great option for those looking to travel shorter stretches. Cheers 🍻
Maybe you are confusing Google Fi with Google Voice.
Thanks, as always, for the info. Always great to see you folks dropping a vid!
Thank you!!
Very informative! A few questions: Question 1 related to phone service abroad: how do you deal with 2-factor authentication? Do you receive texts sent from banks or gmail ti verify your identity? Question 2 is related to Cigna Global: Do you have resubmit a new application for health coverage each time you change countries ? Question 3: do you use local gyms to maintain your physical health?
Thank you! Yes, phone service 2-factor authentication works the same as in the US, either a text or email. With Cigna Global, you choose the country you are spending the most time in when you set up your account. In our case it was Spain. And we do not use local gyms. We walk everywhere and will occasionally do home exercises. Push-ups, planks, air squats, etc...Thank for the questions and for supporting our channel!
Cheers!!!🍻
Google Voice number for two factor. No matter where you're getting data from that number stays the same.
y'all are adorable!
so glad I found this channel, this is our exact plan and most folks think we're crazy 🤣 but here you are doing it! thanks for all the detailed info 👍
Thank you so much!! People think we are crazy too but here we are!! You can do it!!
Cheers!!!🍻
You guys do a great job! Simple but very effective and helpful. My wife and I just visited several Eastern European countries for our honeymoon and I watched many of your videos preparing. Thank you!
Thank you, Ben!
I stopped caring a long time ago about being seen wearing the same T-shirt over and over again. One thing I found fascinating is my friends “retirement travelers“. They are traveling around the world full-time and they got T-shirts with their UA-cam channel logo on them. They wear that T-shirt every day! Obviously, they have multiples 😉. But I’m sure that really simplifies their packing and wardrobe decisions! 😂
I have a couple T-shirts with my logo on them, but in general I just wear a whole lot of magenta T-shirts!
Loved your video ❤️ Cheers! Dara
Thanks, Dara! We don't have gear yet!! 😆 We may have something soon and would make it easier! Thanks again for all your support!!
Do you have any additional questions we didn't cover in this video? Let us know in the comments below :)
Do you get tired of it being just two of you? Have you been able to create friendships along the way? How often have you “hosted” family/ friends?
Thanks for keep sharing these wonderful and useful video. I have been binge watched your content.
Awesome, thank you!
Cheers!!!🍻
Thanks for the helpful information!🙏🏼
Thank you for watching!!
Cheers!!🍻
This is EXTREMELY HELPFUL !!!!! Thank you !!!!
Thank you for watching!!! Comments like this make us feel like we are doing something right!! Thank you so much!
Cheers!!!🍻
Great stuff guys,
Our “slow travel” adventure begins next month, also in Greece
After watching this video, I realise that we are on the right path and look forward to following your adventures.
Keep up the good work
Thanks, David! That's great your adventures are starting!! Congratulations. Thank you for watching and supporting our channel. Safe travels.
Cheers!!!🍻
So great guys! Especially the packing… it’s been one year on the road for us and we have one full suitcase and carry on each… plus the personal item 😆 we’re happy to have a stop in England in June to drop off some things and travel with only a carry on for a few months! Great video.. enjoy the journey! Happy to connect
Hey guys! Thank you! We are heading back out tomorrow with only a carry-on and personal item each for six months. We will see how it goes!!!😆 Happy to connect anytime, safe travels.
Cheers!!!🍻
We are considering transitioning into slow travel vacations and find your videos very informative.
Btw, Go Huskies in Houston next week!
Thank you for watching our channel!! YES!! GO DAWGS!!! 😀
Love the videos. Plan on doing the same thing in approx. 4 years. Can’t wait. Great information and videos. Keep finding them pubs.
Thanks Bubba! We'll always find a pub somewhere!! Thanks again for watching!
Cheers 🍻
Just saw this video. very helpful.Just opened a Schwab account. I worked on Wall St in NYc for over 20 years so the brokerage account will come in handy for me. Hope you had a great weekend.
Thanks, Yank Fan!!
Cheers!!🍻
Just found your site! Love you guys! We plan to retire in 3 years at age 57. Our plans have been to retire to Italy. We won’t have unlimited funds so it is wonderful to see how much you two have lived on. I would say we will definitely end up spending time in Montenegro and Albania. Thanks and keep up the great work!
Thanks, Mac. Glad you found our site!! We will be in Italy in the fall of 2023, that's the plan for now anyway. We are currently in Portugal and really loving it!! The next three years will go by in no time!
Cheers!!🍻
I am sure I will stay in touch. We have planned this for quite a while. Our plan has changed over the years. I didn’t think you could get away with traveling around as cheap as you guys are doing it. I thought we would have to find a place to settle in. Now I see we may be able to do what you are doing, travel around until we find the perfect place.
Craig and Mandy, we really do believe we can continue to live on this budget long term. We are heading into our first summer so we will see how that changes. We will be going to Southeast Asia in Jan. 2023 so we are thinking our budget may be a bit less than now. Thanks again for the support!!🍻
I just watched this video. Very good information! And maybe this will help me talk Craig into starting our adventure sooner! 🤞I do have a question that was not mentioned…how is it navigating through the language barrier in each area? Especially in more rural areas and when trying to get medical care (like a well check or chiropractic etc..)?
Thank you for documenting your travels and helping us get prepare for ours!
Hi Mandy. For the most part, we have had very few problems communicating. Most of Europe speaks some English, so we haven't had any real issues. As far as medical we haven't used it yet but we have researched and most preventative care is so inexpensive (outside the US) that you can just pay out of pocket. Tell Craig he won't regret starting now!!!
🍻
My husband and I love your video's because we're hoping to do what you're doing in the future. Great tips and information. Heading to Europe ourselves in 10 days! Safe travels!
Thank you Delsia! Have fun and safe travels! Thanks again for watching our channel!
Cheers 🍻
Thanks again for the informative video and very relatable...we hope to mirror some of your journey starting next year...Enjoy SE Asia we loved Thailand and Vietnam...get ready to sweat lol
Thanks Rob!! We will be ready!! Thailand and Vietnam are on the list.
Just stumbled onto your site. We appreciate the the information and style. We are doing the same as you. Thank you.
Awesome! Thank you for watching and safe travels!!
Cheers!!!🍻
You are doing YT so well… great topic ideas!
Thank you!! Sometimes coming up with good topics is the hardest part.
@@BrianandCarrie I have so many ideas it’s overwhelming! I’ve only done a fraction of the videos I have ideas for. They aren’t all good ideas mind you, but topics that I want to do videos about anyway!🤣
We feel as long as the video is well done it will only help your channel!! Just do it!!
Great Vlog... Good tip on the Schengen calendar as the rules are pretty strict. Have heard that if you're over by a day or two that it's best to depart from Spain as they're a little lenient.
Thank you, Mike! We have heard that Spain is lenient but we won't risk it. We left Spain ON the 90th day. Thanks again for watching!!
Cheers!!🍻
You bet.... No use risking a ban from the EU. Safe travels! 🧳🧳
Great video, very informative. Love your monthly budget videos too.
Thank you so much!
Cheers 🍻
Another awesome video! Thank you both for the candid information while we all live vicariously through you :)
HAHA 😀Our pleasure Mel!!
Cheers!!!🍻
Thank you so much for sharing. A key take away for me was that health care was a major driver for not only your early retirements to live life but how it has and will shape your journey/adventure. Also curious if you would share the buckets (I.e. investments 40%, house sale proceeds 35% etc) that make up your retirement fund and if you keep some or all actively invested? With a Schwab account I assume the answer is yes.
Hi John! Yes, we continue to be actively invested. We have savings but mostly IRA, 401, pension, etc. Health insurance is a key component in early retirement, besides our rent each month it is the biggest monthly expense.
Cheers!!! 🍻
As usual you two, very nice video! Cheers 🍻
Thanks, Brad! We really appriciat your support.
Just discovered (and subscribed to) your channel. I’d love to have an “atypical” retirement. Thanks for showing that it can be done!
Thank you for subscribing! It is possible if we can do it so can you!! Thank you for the support!!
Cheers!!!🍻
You are both inspirational. After spending 6 1/2 years in Ireland, I am departing on my global slow traveling adventure in just 4 days. Heading initially to Prague but only for a few days (The refugees have inundated the housing stock so there is not much available at all)... SOOO, I am off to Montenegro where I will spend a month or two. I would love to run into you sometime. Similar to you Brian, I spent 40 years in Food & Beverage, so the first round is on me.
Very cool John! We really enjoyed Montenegro. We may end up back in the Balkans in July and August and Croatia in Sept and Oct. If we do run into you the second round is on me!!!
Cheers!!!🍻
Where did you live in Ireland? I'm US/IE duel citizen and it's always an option.
@@carsmusicfan I also enjoy dual citizenship which will come in handy. Between the two passports, I can use whichever one is most beneficial in whatever country I am traveling to. For the last 6 1/2 years, I have been in County Kerry, in a tiny village called Camp, out on the Dingle Peninsula. The furthest point on that peninsula (called Slea Head) is the Western-most point in Ireland and the closest you can get to the U.S. without getting your feet wet! In these parts they say "The next parish over is Boston!"
Nice place out there on Dingle... Any pros or cons from your 6.5 years there?
@@carsmusicfan Absolutely breath-takingly beautiful and peaceful out here. I truly love the area and made many good friends. I had planned to spend the rest of my life here but Ireland has become entirely too Woke (with the predictable results). The first country in the world to vote in Gay marriage. Next they voted to legalize abortion, always the first to flood the country with every variety of "refugee", (most wearing Air Jordans and toting I-Phones) which they virtue-signal about ad nauseum, while 10K native IRISH are homeless and languishing on the streets of Dublin. Any new "migrant" goes right to the top of the housing list and receives substantial subsidies while TONS of native Irish have been waiting DECADES on the housing lists. (Note: I believe the current batch of Ukrainian refugees ARE legitimate and will most likely RETURN home, once it is safe to do so.) The government just voted to outlaw Irish peat as a fuel source (global warming dontcha know) while IMPORTING peat from other EU countries. There are as many Rainbow Flags. as tri-colors flying in Dublin, including atop the GPO(!) and outside every Sin Fein office(!). COVID was the straw that broke this camel's back. The longest and most draconian lockdown in the EU. I value my freedom far too much to see what they have next in store. Sorry to be so negative but that is a large part of my decision to go on the road.
You guys actually answered all my questions, we want to do the same thing as you do. thank you very much!
Hi Tracy! If you come across any questions we didn't answer please ask. Safe travels!!!
Cheers!!!🍻
Health care in US sounds so ........ Seems like they dont take care of their ppl... I live in Norway, and everything is sorted out for us within the tax system, one of the best health care in the world.
Im so glad i found your channel today, this is the first video i watch and will be surfing the rest of your videos =)
Love the slow pase traveling, most ppl just rush throw countries. How about Poland? My favorite in Europe, been there many times. One of the cheapest countries in Europe, very affordable when it comes to rly EVERYTHING, specially food and accomadation. Poznan is very in the middle, u are just one train from Gdansk, Warsaw, Wroclow and even Berlin Germany. Longer train to Katowice, Krakow and Prague.
CANT WAIT TO SURF ALL YOUR VIDEOES NOW! Love the energy and goodvibes
Hi, Adrian! We are glad you found our channel as well! We had planned on Poland and the rest of Eastern Europe just before the war broke out. We decided to wait and went to Portugal instead. We will get there soon for sure. We have really enjoyed our time in Romania and really want to come back and explore the rest of this region. Thank you so much for the kind words and for supporting our channel!!
Cheers!!!🍻
Another awesome video full of information will have to binge watch all your guys videos
Thank you so much!!! Maybe one day can buy you guys a 🍺
Thank you for watching!! We would love to have a beer someday!!
Cheers!!!🍻
Good to hear about the Schengen area.
Yeah, it can be a little tricky to navigate sometimes. Thank you for watching Moises!
Cheers!!!🍻
Thanks so much for this video! The hubby and I just sold house and all our stuff to begin our world travels! Your info is always so helpful and we can’t wait for the packing video! We have barely started and already we need to revisit the packing conundrum! Keep it up!
Congratulations!! We just arrived in Portugal for our second tour after being back in the US for 3 weeks and completely changed the way we packed from our first go-around. We will have the packing video out a week from Saturday. Thank you so much for watching and safe travels!! So exciting!!!
Cheers!!!🍻
Great content! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Darius!
Cheers!!!🍻
Very helpful thanks!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching ☺
Diane & I enjoyed this video! We were curious about your backstop, similar to ours. In fact, I worked 4 a beer distributor years ago. We are having lunch at the Red Corner as I write...your fav.
Hi Tom. Thank you so much! We love the Red Corner! We have another video that gives more details on how we came to our decision. It's the "Retire Early" video. Thank you for watching and enjoy the Red Corner!!
Cheers 🍻
Also FYI we also use Cigna Global and the have been pretty good so far once we got in touch with a case manager but be prepared for them to make things difficult and expect long response times.
We have heard about staffing issues from others. Maybe that's why? Hopefully, we won't have to be using it any time soon!! Thank you for the information!
Cheers!!!🍻
Hello from Ireland! We enjoy watching your videos and appreciate the great info delivered by two very lovely people. BTW my hubby and I went to Alicante in February ;) Thank you!
Thank you for watching and the nice comment!! We really enjoyed Alicante, hopefully, you two did as well. Ireland is on our bucket list but just out of our budget at the moment. We will get there soon!!
Cheers!!!🍻
@@BrianandCarrie Yes we absolutely loved Alicante...the tram system alone 'sold us' and we look forward to spending more time in that particular sunny region. When you are ready...please let us know that you are coming over. We'd be happy to give you a few pointers and share a pint. Also plan around months of June - October for your (in theory at least) better weather opportunities ;) Sláinte!
We will let you know when the time comes! We are always ready for pointers and pints!!
🍻😆🍻
Brian, do you keep any of your sim cards? I know you don't return to too many of the same countries, but there have been a few. Thinking it would be easier to re-up a plan upon return than buying a new card. Is it even an option to re-up that easy in most countries? 🤷♂ Thx
I do not. It is easier to buy a new one for $15 and most are 30-day cards.
Carrie ... you used to work with a friend of mine, Paul G.
cheers ! Karen
Hi - Yes, I sure did! Loved working there and all the great people I got to work with. 😊
Hi Brian and Carrie. We are your new followers. We like the way you have taken life and the desire to travel full time. We travel with the motorhome and now we live in it. The videos you are making about the costs of living can be useful for a lot of people. Thank you for sharing your stories and opinions about places and cities. Good luck on your travels. Romana & Pablo
Thank you so much!! Your adventure is very cool as well!! We will check out your channel for sure. Safe travels!!
Cheers!!!🍻
Thank you. If you haven’t looked into them yet, I have been, look at the digital nomad visas that can last up to 2 years.
We are going to look at a couple visa options when we are in Portugal. Thanks for the tip!!!
Another interesting video! Thank you!
I live in Scotland, UK and Brexit had really ended my dream of living somewhere warmer during the cold winter months.
Your experiences have opened up a whole new area for consideration!
The practical aspect of how much everything costs is really useful!
When I have costed up AirBnBs from the UK site there doesn't seem to be any reduction for staying for a month as opposed to 4 consecutive weeks. However... there is free cancellation if you change your mind ... as long as it's not last minute ... then the refunded amount gets less the closer you are to the arrival date.
Looking forward to your next video!
Happy travels
Lorna
Thank you, Lorna. It is really sad about Brexit. We have found that the UK and Ireland are expensive for accommodations. As much as we would love to travel to that area, unfortunately, we won't be there anytime soon. Thank you again for watching!
Cheers!!🍻
@@BrianandCarrie I don't mean for using AirBnB to stay here in UK for a longer period ... I have looked at staying in Italy and Spain in various places on Air BnB for a month in the off season. It comes up at the same price as the high season.
Thanks
Lorna
We haven't looked into Italy yet but we did stay in Spain and got big discounts for staying longer than 28 days in each place. These discounts were in the off-season.
@@BrianandCarrie I am going to try looking at Air BnB through their American/Spanish etc base and see if the process are different!🤞👍
I made a really good friend over UA-cam who lived in Scotland. Her name was Lorraine, similar to you! She moved to Spain last year. So funny because she hated Scotland, but I absolutely love Scotland!❤️🏴
I guess the grass is always greener! 😂😂 But she sure is loving living in sunny Spain ☀️🇪🇸 Good luck with your plans! Cheers! XX Dara
Hello Brian and Carrie, I just started following you and thanks for the videos. I would like to ask about your plans for the far future when travelling becomes harder. Any plans to retire in one place?
At some point we will slow down for 3 months at a time. Spend more time in the US possibly. We do have our favorite places that we will be discussing in an upcoming video soon. For now we will continue on our current path until something changes. Thank you for watching!
Cheers!
Thank you for the very down to earth videos. Some of these travel vloggers (certainly not yourselves) can be so pretentious. You guys are refreshing 😀. I'm also looking at travel insurance for travel and have you looked at the reviews of Cigna global on Google? They are quite bad. Of course unhappy people usually complain but still.
Hi Brad! Thank you so much, we really appreciate the kind words. When I was researching medical insurance and deciding which would be best for us, Cigna Global checked all the boxes. Unfortunately, when I researched, none of them had rave reviews. As you said, unhappy people are the ones that leave the reviews typically. To this point, we have been very happy with Cigna, and have found their customer service to be very helpful. Granted we haven't needed to use the coverage, but I figure if/when we do we will deal with it at that time (fingers crossed all would go well). Thanks for watching! Cheers 🍻
Just a suggestion, but I would love to see a tour of the airbnbs you guys get and know the cost. We are seriously considering trying the same thing you guys are doing within the next couple of years.
Thank you for the suggestion. We do a cost of living video after each country that we visit and disclose all of our costs including our Airbnb. However, moving forward we will try to share more costs in all of our videos. Thank you again!
Cheers 🍻
This is all awesome advice! We're super impressed with your packing skills. After four years of traveling full-time, packing is still the thing we struggle most with! Always feeling like we have too much 😆
Hey Guys! We will see how the second round goes! 🤣🤣
You've talked about the "Shengen Shuffle" before. My question is ... Have you ever stayed in Andorra or Gibraltar to pas your 90 days?
From everything we've read and been told, even though they are not in the Schengen, they count as if they are. The 90 rules still apply.
Another excellent video!! Thanks for sharing great tips.
Thank you for watching, Gabriella!!
@@BrianandCarrie , thank you for taking the taking in sharing your tips and responding our comments. I really appreciate that!!!
Thank you for watching!!! We appreciate the comments!!
I am really enjoying hearing about your early retirement traveling on a budget! Now that I have seen several videos, I am wondering how you fill your days besides food shopping, people watching, walking and drinking beer. Do you get bored? Are you meeting other people and having interesting conversations and connections with others? Are you going to a gym, reading books, painting, writing or other creative expressions? Thanks! Bob
Thanks, Bob! We have been asked that question many times!! 😆 Being so new to UA-cam, cameras, and everything that goes into making a video we actually spend a good portion of our morning editing our next video, planning the one after that, Instagram, Facebook, and replying to ALL comments we receive. We really do enjoy doing it, not only seeing the end result but also seeing what response we may (or may not) get from viewers. It is a new way we have discovered to be creative! We really appreciate you watching and supporting us!
Cheers!!! 🍻
Hi Brian & Carrie! When you decided to take on this new adventure of full time travel. How did you budget to have enough money to travel full time and not work at all? How long did it take you to build your $$ and know when it was a good time to leave and start traveling full time? My husband and I are looking to start out on this journey, so any information and insight would be so helpful.
Thank you for sharing your travel adventures with us! 🙂
Hi, Allison. First off, we are both debt free so that helped make the decision easier. We had a couple of years of savings. If we really budgeted correctly and travel to less expensive countries, cooked meals at home, and use public transportation, etc. we can make 2 years of savings in the US into 4 or 5 in the Balkens or SE Asia, where we are now.
We did go in with the idea of starting this UA-cam channel that has become a 20 to 30+ hr. a week "job" to maybe help supplement our costs but didn't count on it. We didn't realize at the time the amount of work it would take but we do enjoy learning something new and the challenges that it brings. We are also very grateful to our viewers that keep us inspired to continue. So thank you!! 🙂
We each spent over 30+ years in the typical work life, raising kids and getting by. All the while contributing to our retirement investments, 401k, and pension, which of course, we can't get to until we are 59.5. Any financial adviser would have told us to continue to work our 9-5 jobs. We decided to sell everything and enjoy life.
Thank you again for watching our channel and asking the questions.
Cheers!🍻
@@BrianandCarrie I appreciate all the details its so helpful and inspiring! Thank you for your videos and taking us with you on your adventures. Live your best life! 🙂
Congratulations on your adventures!!
My question is. What about mail..
I currently use a po box but it's not ideal as someone has to empty the box once in awhile and the cost is 120 a year in bham now plus unless you want to inconvenience a person to govthrough I for important pieces you don't know what's in there..
Have you guys figured out something better?
Enjoyed the videos, thanks
Hi Rick. We each use our parent's addresses. We go paperless for most all banking documents so the mail they do get is minimal. It isn't ideal but that's all we can do for now. Thanks for watching from Bellingham!!!
Cheers!!!🍻
When you first left the United States on this adventure, did you have to purchase a round trip ticket to prove your plan to return? Or were you able to purchase a one-way ticket. Also what was your first destination after leaving the US? We absolutely love your videos! Thank you thank you for the time you take to share all of this helpful information!
Hi, Dawn. Most countries do not require an exit ticket, however, when we leave for Thailand in January, we do.
Our first destination was Spain. We moved from there to Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Bosnia, and soon Croatia. Thank you for watching!!
Cheers!!!🍻
Thanks guys, good stuff! I am curious, you said you have not yet used Cigna Global. Do either of you have daily prescriptions you need & if so, how do you manage that while slow traveling? Thank you
Hi Key. I occasionally use an inhaler, and Carrie does not have a prescription. We will stop by a pharmacy here in Portugal and see what I would need if anything to get a new one. I do know that what I need is available and less expensive than in the US. We will have a better idea in a day or two. Thank you for watching!!
Found you guys yesterday and have been enjoying watching your cost videos, congratulations on living the life of world travel, that is my plan in the near future as well. One thing I haven't seen yet, if you did address it, please point me at the right video. My question is what do your typical days look like or what is a sample monthly activities calendar look like for you? Am trying to figure out how the days will be spent when doing long term travel. It's great to see the highlight videos, but what are you doing in between those :) ? Thanks and enjoy your current location.
Hi, Greg! Great question, you have not missed anything. We will be doing a video in a few weeks about "slow travel'. You are correct about the highlight real! This can't possibly be what they do all day every day!! We actually put a lot of time into these videos. The planning, shooting, and editing take time. We try to offer the viewer something besides us walking around some cool town and talking, we wish we were that interesting but that's just not the case. 😀 Thank you for watching and supporting the channel!!
Cheers!!!🍻
You guys are so enjoyable to watch. How do you make a living while on the road? Thanks
Thank you so much! We are living off our savings for now and trying to make some extra money doing this UA-cam channel. We will have another, updated, question and answere video coming out this weekend! Thank you for watching!!
Cheers!!!🍻
I admire your choices.
Thank you, Jim!
Cheers!!!🍻
great q&a thank you!
Thank you for watching!!
Cheers!!!🍻
Thanks!
Thank you so much ♥ - we truly appreciate your support of our channel ☺
The thought of giving up Google maps navigation terrifies me! Lol
HAHA! Yes, we have been lost a couple times now! 😆
Could you share any experiences of getting sick while travelling of it occurred? Like the cold, flu etc?
We have been healthy for the most part. There are pharmacies everywhere so if you do happen to get sick you can get anything that you would get in the US.
Hi - Great question! We will have a new Q & A video coming out in a bit and I will add this to the list ☺. Fortunately, we haven't really had any issues at this point, but we do have some things we do keep in mind, just in case. Cheers!!
I loved this video, such important information to consider before traveling long-term. The one question I have is related to prescriptions that are taken on a daily basis. If you do have daily prescriptions, how do you manage to stock up enough pills for 3-6 months? If no daily prescriptions are being used then would Cigna Global cover the cost of any new prescription?
We do not take daily pills, but I do use an inhaler. My inhaler in the US was a $45 co-pay with my insurance. In Portugal, I paid $5, and in Croatia, it cost me $17. Our Cigna Global does not cover prescriptions. Medical costs around the world are much less than in the US. We would recommend keeping the original prescription from your doctor. 🍻
Love the tips thank you
thank you, Breonie.
Thanks guys for the info.
Our pleasure Joel!!
Cheers!!!🍻
brian carrie great crubby enjoyed
Great video! Thanks for being an example to all Americans that there are amazing things to see AWAY from the US! What is your overall language experience been? Has English been prevalent enough to get by in all these countries you've stayed in? My wife and I are reasonably able to speak Spanish and German, so we are curious if those three languages will get us by.
Thank you, John! The only problem we have had is in Spain. When shopping local there was some difficulty. However, everyplace else we have been to we have had no problems. That includes Albania, Montenegro, Greece, and now Portugal. It is always best to learn "please" and "thank you" no matter what country you are in. You will have NO problems, most of Europe is bilingual to some extent. Thanks again for supporting our channel!!
Cheers!!!🍻
@@BrianandCarrie Great, thank you! Spain is our target homestead, but my wife speaks Spanish well, so we should be ok. We do want to travel around as well. You both (and your videos) are the closest thing we've found to 'us' and our plans for retirement next year.
Knowing what we now know John we are really excited for you two! This next year will fly by!!!
Cheers!!🍻
Loved this video and it helped us answer some important questions! Do you have preference between the Schwab & Fidelity? Considering opening a checking account with Schwab.
I (Brian) only use my Schwab and have my Fidelity as a backup. We have had no problems with Charles Schwab. Thank you for watching!!
Cheers!!!🍻
Do you have a home base in the US? Did you sell everything, do you have personal effects in a storage unit.
We sold everything to travel. When we return to our hometown, we either house sit or stay with family.
I know you do most all of your banking and contact by email and online, but how do you handle those few things that have to be on paper, snail mail? Family member or mail service like full time RVers do?
We send any paper mail that we may get to our parent's place back in our hometown. We have gone paper less as much as possible, so we don't get much of anything.
@@BrianandCarrie I use Anytime Mailbox as a virtual mailbox. They will scan the mail for a small fee.
Hey at 6m20s you mention putting a link to the website to track your Schengen time, I can't see the link. Are you able to let me now what that is please.
www.schengenvisainfo.com/visa-calculator/ here you go ☺
Just found your channel and enjoying the videos a lot, very informative. I am wandering though how much of a budget are you living on to be able to travel this way, I hope I'm not offending you by asking, but I'm very curious because my husband and I want to also travel the world. Thank you! Keep the vids coming!
Hi, Evelyn. We do a cost of living video after each location. We also did our yearly cost video just this last week. We will leave the link below. This video will answer your questions. Thank you for watching!
Cheers!!🍻 ua-cam.com/video/X2vcUeSqVqQ/v-deo.html
@@BrianandCarrie thank you! I actually saw it after sending my question lol...I see its totally doable and I'm more excited for this coming year, maybe taking a year leave of absence from my job is something I'm seriously considering. Thank for the videos! Keep them coming!
Thank you, Evelyn and we encourage you to travel as much as you can. Take that year off! You won't regret it!
Can you send me link to where you cover which health insurance you guys use. Thanks and keep up the great work
We use Cigna Global.
@@BrianandCarrie thanks for reply. You keep costs down by raising deductible or else? I see it's much more than what you mentioned in your video. Thanks again
Yes, our deductible is $3000, and our age is 51 and 52.
Question 8 - What helped you determine $900 each? Did you do extensive research to get that number? Thanks
We did. Our first few months out we booked our accommodations in advance so we had a good idea of what we may spend. That number can vary from month to month.
I have a question: How do you generate money to continue to travel? Are you digital nomads? Do you do odd jobs in each city that you visit? In my case, I work remote, so I am able to travel and still generate income. Curious because I would love to do what you guys are doing. Keep it up! Love the videos.
When we decided to leave, we, each had sold all our belongings and debt-free, so we had a few years saved up. We are now finally generating income through UA-cam. Not enough to finance all our travels but it does help. We will have retirement funds and pensions when we reach the qualifying age as well. Over 30 years working the 9 to 5 it is well earned.
That's awesome! I just found your channel and I'm going through the videos in order... did you guys ever find that ideal city where you will stay most of the year? For me it would probably have to be either Madrid or some other city in Spain. I've visited over 25 countries and could definitely see myself staying there for my retirement years. How about you guys? I'm curious to hear your thoughts.
We have found some amazing places and Spain has a few. We really enjoyed the Algarve in Portugal as well.
Do you have credit monitoring too? Thanks for the video.
Yes, we do. Credit Karma and Experian are good options. Thanks, Erin!
Cheers!!!🍻
Love both of you! Brian, do you have a brother? ;) Question...where do you stay when you go home twice a year?
Thank you!!! HA!! I do have a brother 🙂We stay with family and friends. We have only been together 4 nights in the almost three weeks since we've been home. I actually had to fly to Arizona for a week. We have been very busy!!! Thank you again for watching our videos!!
Cheers!!! 🍻
Hi guys,
I've heard you speak about a VPN and I've googled it to find out what it is (virtual private network). Who do you get it from?
We get ours from Surfshark. It seems to work really well.
Would love to show hou guys around Budapest when you make it there.
George, we could very well be there this summer!!!
Great video! How old are the two of you? I never even thought about the health insurance part. If you retire early (before 65) health care is very expensive.
Hi Kaynen. We are 51. Health insurance makes it very difficult to retire early in the US.
The insurance isn't too bad if you can qualify for ACA subsidies. Just have to keep your income below 70k per year.
@@carsmusicfan how much if you keep the income under 70K?
Kaynen.... $146 month for my wife (I'm under VA care $0)
Is the 900 each per month also includes accommodation? Keep doing the great work!
Yes, that includes accommodations.
I got a quote from Cigna. The higher tier plan was $1900/month. The lower plan 950. I didn’t waste time reading the details since I doubt they were offering eternal life. Maybe it’s cause I am 69 but in 8 years I haven’t filed a claim in Thailand.
The price that we pay has a high deductible and we are only 52 so I'm sure that makes a difference. Cigna Global isn't really needed if you have Meda-Care, Safety Wings would be a better option as a secondary travel insurance. Thank you for supporting our channel.
Cheers!!🍻
Great video, guys! Where is your VPN service from?
Thank you! We use Surfshark. Seems to work really well.
Cheers 🍻
@@BrianandCarrie Thank you! Will be waiting for your packing video! We are traveling to Spain for 3 months, September, October and November, so trying to figure out our packing situation with season changes in mind.
Yes!! We will have that video out in a couple weeks!! We are changing our packing situation up a bit so stay tuned!!!
Cheers!!!🍻