Expat community is my biggest disappointment with moving to Thailand. I thought that the community would be like me, well traveled and exploring new cultures. Nope vast majority just moved to Thailand and never been anywhere else. Most are bitter and complain about everything.
@@danporath536 I'm learning to get away from such expats. I'm in Chiangmai and better to associate with the traveling expats vs those that have settled in the area long term. Chiang Rai I will be visiting soon
@@TNKeith I lived in Chiang Mai for three years teaching English at Dara Academy, so most of my relationships were with fellow teachers, both Thai and farang, which eased my way into Thai culture. I am also not much of a drinker of alcohol which is the grease of relationships for too many in bars. My wife is Thai, and we have both farang and Thai friends here, but we spend a great deal of our time with each other.
I have been to the Philippines many times. The first 6 months I guess being deprived of being around native English speakers when I would see someone who was a foreigner I would be gravitate towards that person. Thinking we could be friends. But most of the time after a few minutes I would pick up on some mental or social issues. I could see why they had to leave their home country to have a romantic life. One guy at a empty bar in the afternoon. Told me that he mainly have sex with this girlfriend. She was his MAIN piece. I thought she would get upset. NoPE she was ok with his insult.
I'm not going to avoid the ex-pats in Guatemala but I'm kinda leaving the U.S.partly because I'm over the soul-eating existence of living amongst sheeple, and want to discover a new beginning.
I’m Australian just moving to Nha Trang Vietnam… I agree if I don’t see another western sheeple I’d live a happier life, the drone sub-servant class in Australia is so obtuse it’s painful to listen to them about there daily mundane lives of importance 😂😂😂😂
I have been living abroad for more than 22 years. The largest downfall IMHO is if you compare your current country/lifestyle you are living with where you came from. Try to see everything through your "honeymoon phase" glasses and you won't fall into a deep depression. I have seen that so many times from other Expats. Here is another one: You won't survive in a foreign country if you don't have your finances under 100% control. This happens to many Expats in their first year.
Great info Dan. I needed this. I’m a solo female living in Playa del Carmen Mexico for over a year now. I’ve noticed most expats act pretty standoffish and cold 🥶 I live far north of the tourist side of town but can’t stop thinking about moving to a quieter town where I can grow my own food and be far away from tourism.
Good topic. One of the mental frames I used in adapting to Middle Eastern/Muslim culture was "how does this work for them [the host country's citizens and residents]?" That frame enabled me to see how a different way of doing things (from my US/Western experience) worked. I concluded that Arabs and Muslims had a lot of good ideas!
11:22 This tip was huge for us. Researching, reading about, and looking forward to the adventure ahead was what kept us going. It makes being stuck at airports for delays and long layovers a lot more bearable ❤ - Whoever is reading this, don’t give up. You are doing great! The world is your oyster.
Interesting. I’m not a traveler. However, I am a retired trucker in the States. Your experience with expats continually complaining parallels my experience with truckers in many truck stops doing the same thing. Hanging with them is a fast track to a rotten attitude. I avoid negative people like the plague.
My first wife said that we could never migrate to Australia because I wouldn't be able to leave my family behind . I came over in 2004 and never looked back. I never looked for products, shops or beers from home. It was like I left home and then that chapter closed . My ex wife on the other hand was unhappy in her new country for about 6 years before she settled in. After 20 years here though, I'm looking to move on from here too. My best advice to new arrivals anywhere..... Don't be surprised when you step off the plane , that everything is a. Bit different. Shops , food, culture, administration, government. I also avoided cultural clubs from my home country as I found that to be the the "Losers Lounge "where all the ones that didn't assimilate, went to to drown their sorrows in their fellow countrymens misery. Enjoy the adventure and embrace change!🎉😊
I had honeymoon for the first year, then homesickness/frustration in months 13-18. Fortunately I hung on. It's a good thing to have a tough beginning, provided you survive it: then everything becomes playing with house money. Patience is required.
I love your delectable choice of words, Dan, when it comes to explaining a point. For instance, 'I think it is better to be a student of new world than to be a teacher of the old world.' You are both a logical and courageous man, which is a rare combination
great channel mate. love it. i love that u dont just talk about girls like most vloggers. u help us what actual travel and live overseas is lke. very helpful thankyou so much for your work.
My first assignment overseas in 91 was at the US Embassy in Manila and I experienced exactly what you described. I am getting ready to start traveling overseas again, this time on my own dime. I needed to remember this, thanks for the great video.
My life has sucked( here in the Philippines as well for various reasons and mistakes, I will keep to myself), mixed with some good times. Trudat!! Real talk!! I feel ya Dan!! ❤🎉😢😊
I somehow missed all these phases. I moved to Thailand from the San Francisco Bay Area 6 years ago and never looked back. I just returned from a US visit. It was great to catch up with family & friends but 2 weeks was more than enough and I returned home (to Thailand) with no interest in living in the US. I've also met a terrific bunch of expats here. Much more interesting people than I was meeting in the US. I've always kept an open mind about my new and different living environment. Very few frustrations. I just go with the flow. I was ready to be someplace else and now here I am.
Thank you Dan. This information is really helpful to reflect on. Tapping into my curiosity, my daily learning really does help me open up to the new places, new faces, and a universe of the unknown. I really relate to that frustration you spoke about, and the oddness of returning to my home and feeling blank. I appreciate the framework this video provides. Thanks again. Stan
This is exactly right. You are spot on with your explanation and the phases. I experienced this myself living in Russia in the 90s. Once you get the travel bug it never leaves your soul even if you “settle down” in one place for a long time. Learning to navigate thru these phases is a great skill to learn.
I never doubted brother. Maybe that will happen to me sometime in the future? Mosf of the time, on the important things, I feel life in Mexico, is very similar to my life growing up in rural Maine. When I consider my neighbors, I can't help but smile. Similar in MANY ways to people in Maine.
So true! I worked and lived in Saudi Arabia for two years was in my twenties. I went through all of the phases you are talking about. The good thing is that these continue after you get home, so the next time you go abroad you are wiser and not so critical with the other country. Everything you said was spot on!!! Great job!
In the Air Force, when you go overseas, they give you a local orientation to help with this adjustment period. It's very helpful. Often they tell you about restaurants near base and other types of attractions. It really helps! 09:11 I see you still can't seem to keep that clown from following you around.
All great suggestions Dan. I have never had a big challenge experiencing those phases you mentioned as I love "different" and do not want the "familiar". I am here in Makati till Saturday then Baguio😊
I am just now beginning my international Journey… But I have been traveling my entire life inside the US. A comment you made about expat communities being a source of discontent, wishing for the home ways… reminds me of a truth I realized, even in the USA… There is a right way and a wrong way to do everything…. Problem that people don’t realize is… those ways change every 100 miles or so. What’s right in Minneapolis is not the same as what’s write in Dallas. I grew up living in different places. Different cultures. By the time I went to kindergarten I had lived in upstate New York, Burbank California, & St Louis Missouri. Want to talk cultural differences?😁 not even sure all the places in the US I have lived spoke the same language😁. Curt Lifelong Traveler 36 states 7 countries & counting
I experienced this - still do TBH - moving 2 1/2 years ago from CA to TX. And I’m not a rookie (MI-CA-MN-CA-TX). Plus this has everything I wanted to escape to (escape from). So I wondered what was wrong with me? Is it my age or what 🤷🏽♂️ Gonna use his tips here, as well as the expectation of reframing “chaos” for “fun and adventure,” when I make the slow travel in 2025.
I am planning on keeping my house and renting it out so that if things don’t work out I could return and I also will lock-in the cost of housing here and inflation will allow the value to grow. Lately I’ve been thinking that may be a mistake and that cutting the cord COMPLETELY may be better. Still not sure but either way I’m looking forward to the adventures to come.
Me too. Recently learned about the idea of “slow travel” and I find that framing it this way relaxes me. It does add to your financials but a small footprint back home seems worth it while you work everything out and “test out” your new adventure.
I admire your outlook of the world around you. I'm going to adopt many of your attitudes when I start my long term travels after my retirement in a few months (I'll be 63 by then). My first stay will be in San Juan, La Union. Thanks and wish me luck!
Your approach is the best Dan, for those than can do it. Slow travel. That way you always, more or less, stay in the honeymoon phase, granted that the honeymoon phase is going to be longer or shorter based on the particulars of different locations. If you make the diameter of your 'slow travel circle' wide enough, by the time you get around to going back to some of the previous places, they will have changed so much that they`ll almost seem brand new to you.
Excellent, Dan. But then we've all come to expect this from your videos. Thank you. All your points were ideal and very valuable, having been there and done that. Whether we live at home or abroad, laboring to get others to agree to our own opinions, ideals, and ways of doing things, is a miserable way to live life. Travel is not about "continuous comfort and excess", in my humble opinion. Travel is all about change, and I thrive on change. We are the ones who change. We are not there (wherever that may be) to change the country, the culture or the people. We are there to experience live through the eyes of the locals. Staying in a resort is a pitiful waste of time, energy, and money. One usually not leave home to find excessive living in a resort. I experienced the best life now, living among the locals and joining them in how they live. You may not agree with them, or how they do things. But remember, it's their country and they are free to do it the way they choose. Trying to change "things", is a pipeline to frustration and disatisfaction. Whatever they ask of you, just go with it. Sharing without demanding is a good way to interface with locals also. Not charity as much as just intermingling. And as Dan says, become a foodie. Experience the adventure of food. I'm from Louisiana, so my preferences in eating can be well defined. But I'm learned to loosen up and enjoy local food. One day I want to make it to Bangkok and spend my time there sampling the food in the night street market. I watch the videos and drool. I was in a plaza in a small town in Mexico, and a vendor there had a bucked full of fried grasshoppers. I had seen others try them. So I decided that I needed that merit badge and asked him if I could try one. He was happy to have me sample them. It was chewy, like trying to chew a sour dried weed. But I tried it, and eventually spit it out. But I tried it. I'm so glad I did. And there is a whole world of culture and friendship in experiencing food wherever you are. Now I'm not saying that I would be like Andrew Zimmern or Anthony Bourdain. But locals love for you to try their cuisine. And trust me, some wonderful and pleasant discoveries will adorn your palate and you'll want to go back several times and try even the same dish again. Beaucracy can stretch your patience when staying in another country. Lower your expectations and just do what they ask of you. Allow yourself plenty of time, and just wait it out. Do it their way, and move on. Just a few of my thoughts that came to mine watching your video, Dan. Thank you from all of us, who learn so much because you care enough to share. - Lahry
Why would I move to a different country and then hang out with people who are from my home country? I want to get away from the old rut and meet new people and a new culture
Thank you for your words of wisdom sir! Am couple more tips for the frustration phase born of my own experiences of slow travel in SE Asia and Central America three decades ago...learn to surrender, but also be prepared for possible consequences. For example, if you have to go to the visa office, assume you will spend your day there and come with water and snacks. You might be pleasantly surprised, but if not, you won't get dehydrated of hangry.Another example: going for a long bus ride? Don't go if you're having even mild stomach problems, and don't assume your stops will be sufficiently frequent to provide adequate bathroom service, food or water. Be prepared and relax. Take it slow in the heat. You have to have a sense of surrender to destiny, and most especially in cases of illness. Do what you can, but beyond that, it's in God's hands. Best wishes!
This video is excellent 👍👍 I have a 2 month trip in December and am already preparing. Ive worked to adjust my mindset, and even start cooking local foods from the Philippines while im in the states in order to begin acclamation early. I'm watching walking videos in the area ill visit and also videos of local events and festivals. Although i know that watching a video isn't even close to being there first hand im working to immerse myself ahead of time. Even watching a bunch of videos not in English so i can start to pickup on social ques. I won't be spending time with other expats when im there, and i also believe that will help me have a more positive outlook & having more reasonable expectations. Excellent video as always my friend and thanks for all the great work you do 😁👍👍
Have fun in the Philippines. We were there four years ago for two weeks. As a different way we put ourselves in high gear and moved about more often. Transportation is fun the trycycles are cheap way to get around. Around 25 cents US, jeepney less but runs in a pattern just like US buses. Food was good but tended to be on the sweet side for us. Hard to find super spicy foods. if that's not your thing then all is good. Spoons are like forks but they are still a spoon and look like a spoon but are used like a fork. So not uncommon to sit down to eat and be given a knife and spoon. If you want a fork they'll find one for you. Rice is served portioned size very large if too much ask that it be cut back. They'll for the most part adjust the meal price. We had zero problem not knowing the language most speak English.
@@thecountrybunkins8896 Sounds like you had a great experience without a doubt. I'm with ya on the love for spicy food, the only thing I've found so far that's spicy is the spicy vinegar, but hopefully I'll find more. I'm going to try to not load up on carbs, so I'll definitely be turning down a mountain of rice from what it sounds like haha. Yeah, it's amazing how much rice they provide with an entree, that would spike my blood sugar like nobody's business haha. As for transport I've pre-arranged to rent a Honda 160 scooter for the 2 months. My goal is to spend very little time in the city other than for sleep and dive out into the deep country side. I can definitely see most folks speaking English in the city, but should be very interesting how much English is spoken when I get into the super off grid/off paved road areas. One of my goals in the next 6 months is to learn ilocano since it's the predominant language in the areas I'll be going. But finding resources to learn it definitely isn't as easy as finding resources for Tagalog. Plus I've heard that some of the mountain tribes speak their own languages as well, so it should be a great adventure navigating communication. All in all, I'm absolutely looking forward to the trip, and know it will be a life changer without a doubt. Many thanks for sharing the details of your trip, and I'll be ok the lookout for the things you mentioned, even the fork shortage 😜. That said, do you have plans to go back anytime soon or are you planning to visit other countries instead?
Peru is next on the list for two or three months to slow travel the coast line. Not interested in the high mountain areas as my lungs would never hold up. I couldn't handle being 4000 feet up in Vietnam let alone go 10000 ft plus. So ceviche it is, we want to try all forms of fish.
@@thecountrybunkins8896 Very cool & I hope you enjoy your journey! Lucky for me I've grown up at 4300 feet, so it's definitely not as much of an impact. For me I get sick with the high heat of the lowlands. Gotta love it when our bodies dictate where we go haha.
Sounds like you're heading north to the mountains. The time we were there was during the beginning of rain season so that dictated where we went and how long we could stay in one area.
There is a saying you can never go home again which basically means you can’t return to the past. There is always going to be adjustments not only food but lifestyle. If you are used to fast paced lifestyle where businesses are always open you probably aren’t going to be happy in a village with one restaurant and grocery store that closes at 6 pm. And the same the same if you are used to a slow lifestyle you may not be happy in a city with a fast lifestyle.
Like you sir at 47 years of age I had a dramatic change in my lifestyle I was suddenly divorced and starting a new career now I am 63 going on 64 and I'm looking to retire next year I have an idea to travel to the Philippines and or Thailand but I wonder if my age would interfere with me traveling too many places such as you have I am in good health but I do feel a little inhibited thank you so much for sharing your information it doesn't courage me to bust out and see new things
I felt awkward the first week in Bangkok. It was so different that it felt overwhelming. Hardly anyone spoke English and I had a hard time adjusting to the baht to dollar ratio. Many expats were unfriendly and stand-off ish. I went to Dumaguete Philippines and felt like I was on mars. They were not very friendly either. I was turned down twice for a ride on a trike. I don’t know why. I think if I would have known someone in these areas my experience would have been better.
My experience in Dumaguete was the opposite Everyone seem to be nice I have not been to Thailand. I do want to go there. Just curious are you living in the Philippines or was that just a vacation your own? I hope that you’re happy where we are.
@@marcrichard7251 I went to visit the Philippines and Thailand. Almost a month between both places. I’ve heard that the locals in Dumaguete aren’t as friendly as they use to be because there are so many expats. I found this to be true. And let’s be honest. They prefer white men. Other groups have opportunities also but many of them worship white skin.
Trudat on the skin thing, I noticed it too after living here( in some ways), but I have my fiancee2wife Charlie( as I call her) and all and any negative punks or ladies who have no time to be friendly or even speak when spoken too, can kiss my tookus, "6" or puwit( tagalogfilipino for butt)!! On the positive, I have met some great expats and locals here in Angeles City. Real talk&Nuff Said!!
Dan, I have no desire to stay or return to the U.S. either. I'm only here now, north of Seattle, because of aging parents. But have you ever thought of renouncing your American citizenship? You know why I'm asking of course .. because of having to pay taxes "back home". Or is the issue with you that you move around from place to place too much to call anywhere else home just yet? Anyway, wondering about your thoughts on the matter? Thanks.
How is that even possible? Maybe this assessment has more to do with the locations you are choosing? Getting off the beaten track anywhere is easy but it takes courage and curiosity.
All this is about handling culture shock and reverse culture shock when you lack the experience to recognise and deal with them effectively. As an ancient Brit, I've lived in Japan for a total of 40 years (two, twenty-year blocks). Essentially homesickness is a mental health issue that only affects the weak minded. So if and when you do make a home visit, avoid making contact with friends you had in the previous life as you have practical nothing in common and they lack any knowledge or interest in Japan. And on a short visit, your time is too valuable to waste "chit-chatting with the likes of you." Pre-Covid 19, I used to visit Penang in winter, often staying for some three months or more. Winter in the Japan Alps is cold, but if you fly the coop before the snow and return after, the savings go a long way cover the costs. As an aside, I could stay in Malaysia for three months for the same or less than a two-week visit to UK. Travel from Japan to south and southeast Asia is a relatively long flight, so often expensive to get there, but cheap when you arrive. Essentially the same for UK residents. Which means in order to capitalise on travel costs, you need to stay for an extended period, not the two-to-three weeks which is the usual wage-slave Brit's summer holiday. Also, why take a foreign holiday from Britain in summer, the only time when the weather is even halfway decent? It's winter when you should be leaving Britain for a warmer climate. Bit impractical as you wouldn't have a job to come back to. So crack that one and you've got it made. Jack, the Japan Alps Brit
I would love to move to Thailand or Bali but have no idea how people do it, find work etc. I work in Marketing in UK and would love to relocate to Asia.
Then why does everybody want to move in the usa? lol the world is big and beatyfull but nothing like riding a harley on the highway in North america. I love both
Primarily the high cost of living and the politics here in the States compared to many overseas countries 😉 I'm moving to Turkiye in a few months, where a two story villa one block from the beach is $326.00 a month...
Expat community is my biggest disappointment with moving to Thailand. I thought that the community would be like me, well traveled and exploring new cultures. Nope vast majority just moved to Thailand and never been anywhere else. Most are bitter and complain about everything.
Perhaps that is your experience, but it isn’t mine in Chiang Rai.
@@danporath536 I'm learning to get away from such expats. I'm in Chiangmai and better to associate with the traveling expats vs those that have settled in the area long term. Chiang Rai I will be visiting soon
@@TNKeith
I lived in Chiang Mai for three years teaching English at Dara Academy, so most of my relationships were with fellow teachers, both Thai and farang, which eased my way into Thai culture.
I am also not much of a drinker of alcohol which is the grease of relationships for too many in bars. My wife is Thai, and we have both farang and Thai friends here, but we spend a great deal of our time with each other.
I have been to the Philippines many times. The first 6 months I guess being deprived of being around native English speakers when I would see someone who was a foreigner I would be gravitate towards that person. Thinking we could be friends. But most of the time after a few minutes I would pick up on some mental or social issues. I could see why they had to leave their home country to have a romantic life. One guy at a empty bar in the afternoon. Told me that he mainly have sex with this girlfriend. She was his MAIN piece. I thought she would get upset. NoPE she was ok with his insult.
@@TNKeithChang Mai might as well be Miami/NYC with people pretending to work on their laptops.
I'm not going to avoid the ex-pats in Guatemala but I'm kinda leaving the U.S.partly because I'm over the soul-eating existence of living amongst sheeple, and want to discover a new beginning.
I’m Australian just moving to Nha Trang Vietnam… I agree if I don’t see another western sheeple I’d live a happier life, the drone sub-servant class in Australia is so obtuse it’s painful to listen to them about there daily mundane lives of importance 😂😂😂😂
I have been living abroad for more than 22 years. The largest downfall IMHO is if you compare your current country/lifestyle you are living with where you came from. Try to see everything through your "honeymoon phase" glasses and you won't fall into a deep depression. I have seen that so many times from other Expats. Here is another one: You won't survive in a foreign country if you don't have your finances under 100% control. This happens to many Expats in their first year.
So true.
Great info Dan. I needed this. I’m a solo female living in Playa del Carmen Mexico for over a year now. I’ve noticed most expats act pretty standoffish and cold 🥶 I live far north of the tourist side of town but can’t stop thinking about moving to a quieter town where I can grow my own food and be far away from tourism.
Glad it was helpful!
Good topic. One of the mental frames I used in adapting to Middle Eastern/Muslim culture was "how does this work for them [the host country's citizens and residents]?" That frame enabled me to see how a different way of doing things (from my US/Western experience) worked. I concluded that Arabs and Muslims had a lot of good ideas!
11:22 This tip was huge for us. Researching, reading about, and looking forward to the adventure ahead was what kept us going. It makes being stuck at airports for delays and long layovers a lot more bearable ❤ - Whoever is reading this, don’t give up. You are doing great! The world is your oyster.
Interesting. I’m not a traveler. However, I am a retired trucker in the States. Your experience with expats continually complaining parallels my experience with truckers in many truck stops doing the same thing. Hanging with them is a fast track to a rotten attitude. I avoid negative people like the plague.
My first wife said that we could never migrate to Australia because I wouldn't be able to leave my family behind . I came over in 2004 and never looked back. I never looked for products, shops or beers from home. It was like I left home and then that chapter closed . My ex wife on the other hand was unhappy in her new country for about 6 years before she settled in. After 20 years here though, I'm looking to move on from here too. My best advice to new arrivals anywhere..... Don't be surprised when you step off the plane , that everything is a. Bit different. Shops , food, culture, administration, government. I also avoided cultural clubs from my home country as I found that to be the the "Losers Lounge "where all the ones that didn't assimilate, went to to drown their sorrows in their fellow countrymens misery. Enjoy the adventure and embrace change!🎉😊
I had honeymoon for the first year, then homesickness/frustration in months 13-18. Fortunately I hung on. It's a good thing to have a tough beginning, provided you survive it: then everything becomes playing with house money. Patience is required.
I love your delectable choice of words, Dan, when it comes to explaining a point. For instance, 'I think it is better to be a student of new world than to be a teacher of the old world.' You are both a logical and courageous man, which is a rare combination
great channel mate. love it. i love that u dont just talk about girls like most vloggers. u help us what actual travel and live overseas is lke. very helpful thankyou so much for your work.
I agree with you 💯 I've been living in Vietnam for 4 years now and it definitely took time
I love Vietnam. :-)
My first assignment overseas in 91 was at the US Embassy in Manila and I experienced exactly what you described. I am getting ready to start traveling overseas again, this time on my own dime. I needed to remember this, thanks for the great video.
Speaking with a relaxed tone while the rooster going non-stop. Yea, Dan made it......
My life has sucked( here in the Philippines as well for various reasons and mistakes, I will keep to myself), mixed with some good times. Trudat!! Real talk!! I feel ya Dan!! ❤🎉😢😊
You have a rare insight into these issues. A wholeee lot of people talk about this stuff on YT but you’re the real deal 👍
I somehow missed all these phases. I moved to Thailand from the San Francisco Bay Area 6 years ago and never looked back. I just returned from a US visit. It was great to catch up with family & friends but 2 weeks was more than enough and I returned home (to Thailand) with no interest in living in the US. I've also met a terrific bunch of expats here. Much more interesting people than I was meeting in the US. I've always kept an open mind about my new and different living environment. Very few frustrations. I just go with the flow. I was ready to be someplace else and now here I am.
Well said Marty. Not everyone goes through this.
Just shows a flexible personality will always find ways to be happy. Happiness is a state of mind not everyone can achieve.
Thank you Dan. This information is really helpful to reflect on. Tapping into my curiosity, my daily learning really does help me open up to the new places, new faces, and a universe of the unknown. I really relate to that frustration you spoke about, and the oddness of returning to my home and feeling blank. I appreciate the framework this video provides. Thanks again. Stan
This is exactly right. You are spot on with your explanation and the phases. I experienced this myself living in Russia in the 90s. Once you get the travel bug it never leaves your soul even if you “settle down” in one place for a long time. Learning to navigate thru these phases is a great skill to learn.
Love your 5 minute mark about hanging out with expats. So true. I focus on the voyage and not the destination.
A very needed video for those wanting to live the overseas life! Great tips on adapting. Love your channel - it's always an adventure.
Great video, one of your best ever. Really appreciate the thought you placed in this video. I was a walking example, this happened to me!!
I never doubted brother. Maybe that will happen to me sometime in the future? Mosf of the time, on the important things, I feel life in Mexico, is very similar to my life growing up in rural Maine. When I consider my neighbors, I can't help but smile. Similar in MANY ways to people in Maine.
True. Not everyone struggles initially overseas.
So true! I worked and lived in Saudi Arabia for two years was in my twenties. I went through all of the phases you are talking about. The good thing is that these continue after you get home, so the next time you go abroad you are wiser and not so critical with the other country. Everything you said was spot on!!! Great job!
@@RetireandGo You will never regret what you are doing! It will probably be one of the highlites looking back! Enjoy!!!
In the Air Force, when you go overseas, they give you a local orientation to help with this adjustment period. It's very helpful. Often they tell you about restaurants near base and other types of attractions. It really helps! 09:11 I see you still can't seem to keep that clown from following you around.
@@RetireandGo Best wishes to you as well!
Thank you for the psychology class here.
All great suggestions Dan. I have never had a big challenge experiencing those phases you mentioned as I love "different" and do not want the "familiar". I am here in Makati till Saturday then Baguio😊
Great to hear that Robert. That doesn't surprise me about you. You roll with the punches quite well.
I am just now beginning my international Journey… But I have been traveling my entire life inside the US. A comment you made about expat communities being a source of discontent, wishing for the home ways… reminds me of a truth I realized, even in the USA… There is a right way and a wrong way to do everything…. Problem that people don’t realize is… those ways change every 100 miles or so. What’s right in Minneapolis is not the same as what’s write in Dallas. I grew up living in different places. Different cultures. By the time I went to kindergarten I had lived in upstate New York, Burbank California, & St Louis Missouri. Want to talk cultural differences?😁 not even sure all the places in the US I have lived spoke the same language😁.
Curt
Lifelong Traveler 36 states 7 countries & counting
I experienced this - still do TBH - moving 2 1/2 years ago from CA to TX. And I’m not a rookie (MI-CA-MN-CA-TX). Plus this has everything I wanted to escape to (escape from).
So I wondered what was wrong with me? Is it my age or what 🤷🏽♂️
Gonna use his tips here, as well as the expectation of reframing “chaos” for “fun and adventure,” when I make the slow travel in 2025.
good info. I will remember this once i move to the philippines
Wise words. Agreed on the observation
I am planning on keeping my house and renting it out so that if things don’t work out I could return and I also will lock-in the cost of housing here and inflation will allow the value to grow. Lately I’ve been thinking that may be a mistake and that cutting the cord COMPLETELY may be better. Still not sure but either way I’m looking forward to the adventures to come.
That is my theory too!
Me too. Recently learned about the idea of “slow travel” and I find that framing it this way relaxes me.
It does add to your financials but a small footprint back home seems worth it while you work everything out and “test out” your new adventure.
Thank you for this thoughtful discussion. It is really helpful to consider these topics, and settle our noisy mind a bit. 🎉
It never fails, Early retirees forget to figure inflation into the budget. Figure 2x daily and emergency every 10 to 20 years.
I admire your outlook of the world around you. I'm going to adopt many of your attitudes when I start my long term travels after my retirement in a few months (I'll be 63 by then). My first stay will be in San Juan, La Union. Thanks and wish me luck!
Good luck 🎉
Travel with an open mind and be accepting of different quirks of people and culture and for sure you’re already 50% without frustrations.
Wise advice as always Dan you are amazing
Your approach is the best Dan, for those than can do it. Slow travel. That way you always, more or less, stay in the honeymoon phase, granted that the honeymoon phase is going to be longer or shorter based on the particulars of different locations. If you make the diameter of your 'slow travel circle' wide enough, by the time you get around to going back to some of the previous places, they will have changed so much that they`ll almost seem brand new to you.
Really good insights, thanks
Thanks Dan and Qiang!
Excellent, Dan. But then we've all come to expect this from your videos. Thank you.
All your points were ideal and very valuable, having been there and done that.
Whether we live at home or abroad, laboring to get others to agree to our own opinions, ideals, and ways of doing things, is a miserable way to live life.
Travel is not about "continuous comfort and excess", in my humble opinion. Travel is all about change, and I thrive on change. We are the ones who change. We are not there (wherever that may be) to change the country, the culture or the people. We are there to experience live through the eyes of the locals. Staying in a resort is a pitiful waste of time, energy, and money. One usually not leave home to find excessive living in a resort. I experienced the best life now, living among the locals and joining them in how they live. You may not agree with them, or how they do things. But remember, it's their country and they are free to do it the way they choose. Trying to change "things", is a pipeline to frustration and disatisfaction. Whatever they ask of you, just go with it.
Sharing without demanding is a good way to interface with locals also. Not charity as much as just intermingling. And as Dan says, become a foodie. Experience the adventure of food. I'm from Louisiana, so my preferences in eating can be well defined. But I'm learned to loosen up and enjoy local food. One day I want to make it to Bangkok and spend my time there sampling the food in the night street market. I watch the videos and drool. I was in a plaza in a small town in Mexico, and a vendor there had a bucked full of fried grasshoppers. I had seen others try them. So I decided that I needed that merit badge and asked him if I could try one. He was happy to have me sample them. It was chewy, like trying to chew a sour dried weed. But I tried it, and eventually spit it out. But I tried it. I'm so glad I did. And there is a whole world of culture and friendship in experiencing food wherever you are. Now I'm not saying that I would be like Andrew Zimmern or Anthony Bourdain. But locals love for you to try their cuisine. And trust me, some wonderful and pleasant discoveries will adorn your palate and you'll want to go back several times and try even the same dish again.
Beaucracy can stretch your patience when staying in another country. Lower your expectations and just do what they ask of you. Allow yourself plenty of time, and just wait it out. Do it their way, and move on.
Just a few of my thoughts that came to mine watching your video, Dan. Thank you from all of us, who learn so much because you care enough to share. - Lahry
Very good advice 😊
Yaay, UA-cam brought back the Oldest video button!😂🏝️👍🏽
Where is the apartment at 11:30? 😍 Incredible report Dan! Thank you for always showing amazing places
Why would I move to a different country and then hang out with people who are from my home country? I want to get away from the old rut and meet new people and a new culture
Thank you for your words of wisdom sir! Am couple more tips for the frustration phase born of my own experiences of slow travel in SE Asia and Central America three decades ago...learn to surrender, but also be prepared for possible consequences. For example, if you have to go to the visa office, assume you will spend your day there and come with water and snacks. You might be pleasantly surprised, but if not, you won't get dehydrated of hangry.Another example: going for a long bus ride? Don't go if you're having even mild stomach problems, and don't assume your stops will be sufficiently frequent to provide adequate bathroom service, food or water. Be prepared and relax. Take it slow in the heat. You have to have a sense of surrender to destiny, and most especially in cases of illness. Do what you can, but beyond that, it's in God's hands. Best wishes!
Great ideas. As the the Beatles said, Let it be. :-)
Another great video Dan 👍 will save a lot of aggravation for many people
Thanks 👍
Always enjoy your videos!!!
First time to watch your YT channel, Dan. Great and insightful content. Can you please share where this place is that you featured in this video?
This video is excellent 👍👍 I have a 2 month trip in December and am already preparing. Ive worked to adjust my mindset, and even start cooking local foods from the Philippines while im in the states in order to begin acclamation early. I'm watching walking videos in the area ill visit and also videos of local events and festivals. Although i know that watching a video isn't even close to being there first hand im working to immerse myself ahead of time. Even watching a bunch of videos not in English so i can start to pickup on social ques. I won't be spending time with other expats when im there, and i also believe that will help me have a more positive outlook & having more reasonable expectations. Excellent video as always my friend and thanks for all the great work you do 😁👍👍
Have fun in the Philippines. We were there four years ago for two weeks. As a different way we put ourselves in high gear and moved about more often. Transportation is fun the trycycles are cheap way to get around. Around 25 cents US, jeepney less but runs in a pattern just like US buses. Food was good but tended to be on the sweet side for us. Hard to find super spicy foods. if that's not your thing then all is good. Spoons are like forks but they are still a spoon and look like a spoon but are used like a fork. So not uncommon to sit down to eat and be given a knife and spoon. If you want a fork they'll find one for you. Rice is served portioned size very large if too much ask that it be cut back. They'll for the most part adjust the meal price. We had zero problem not knowing the language most speak English.
@@thecountrybunkins8896 Sounds like you had a great experience without a doubt. I'm with ya on the love for spicy food, the only thing I've found so far that's spicy is the spicy vinegar, but hopefully I'll find more. I'm going to try to not load up on carbs, so I'll definitely be turning down a mountain of rice from what it sounds like haha. Yeah, it's amazing how much rice they provide with an entree, that would spike my blood sugar like nobody's business haha. As for transport I've pre-arranged to rent a Honda 160 scooter for the 2 months. My goal is to spend very little time in the city other than for sleep and dive out into the deep country side. I can definitely see most folks speaking English in the city, but should be very interesting how much English is spoken when I get into the super off grid/off paved road areas. One of my goals in the next 6 months is to learn ilocano since it's the predominant language in the areas I'll be going. But finding resources to learn it definitely isn't as easy as finding resources for Tagalog. Plus I've heard that some of the mountain tribes speak their own languages as well, so it should be a great adventure navigating communication. All in all, I'm absolutely looking forward to the trip, and know it will be a life changer without a doubt. Many thanks for sharing the details of your trip, and I'll be ok the lookout for the things you mentioned, even the fork shortage 😜. That said, do you have plans to go back anytime soon or are you planning to visit other countries instead?
Peru is next on the list for two or three months to slow travel the coast line. Not interested in the high mountain areas as my lungs would never hold up. I couldn't handle being 4000 feet up in Vietnam let alone go 10000 ft plus. So ceviche it is, we want to try all forms of fish.
@@thecountrybunkins8896 Very cool & I hope you enjoy your journey! Lucky for me I've grown up at 4300 feet, so it's definitely not as much of an impact. For me I get sick with the high heat of the lowlands. Gotta love it when our bodies dictate where we go haha.
Sounds like you're heading north to the mountains. The time we were there was during the beginning of rain season so that dictated where we went and how long we could stay in one area.
Thank you thank you so much for this video!
Nice video. I found it to be very informative.
What a valuable video, thank you sir. I could totally see myself falling into this situation.
Great insights and explanations!
Glad you liked it!
Very nice video,
I always in joy you 2
excellent video, thank you
Thank you!
Very good thanks.
Depression is natural I think for many people. It's part of the Detoxing of being away from your home country I believe.
There is a saying you can never go home again which basically means you can’t return to the past. There is always going to be adjustments not only food but lifestyle. If you are used to fast paced lifestyle where businesses are always open you probably aren’t going to be happy in a village with one restaurant and grocery store that closes at 6 pm. And the same the same if you are used to a slow lifestyle you may not be happy in a city with a fast lifestyle.
As a lifelong loner, I won't have the issue of "missing home". LOL
Thanks 🙏🥹🙏
Like you sir at 47 years of age I had a dramatic change in my lifestyle I was suddenly divorced and starting a new career now I am 63 going on 64 and I'm looking to retire next year I have an idea to travel to the Philippines and or Thailand but I wonder if my age would interfere with me traveling too many places such as you have I am in good health but I do feel a little inhibited thank you so much for sharing your information it doesn't courage me to bust out and see new things
Heres to an enjoyable retirement 🍸🍸and hope the travel smooths away you slight inhibitions, enjoy the world how exciting for you 😀
I felt awkward the first week in Bangkok. It was so different that it felt overwhelming. Hardly anyone spoke English and I had a hard time adjusting to the baht to dollar ratio. Many expats were unfriendly and stand-off ish. I went to Dumaguete Philippines and felt like I was on mars. They were not very friendly either. I was turned down twice for a ride on a trike. I don’t know why. I think if I would have known someone in these areas my experience would have been better.
My experience in Dumaguete was the opposite Everyone seem to be nice I have not been to Thailand. I do want to go there. Just curious are you living in the Philippines or was that just a vacation your own? I hope that you’re happy where we are.
Great points you both made. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. Dan
@@marcrichard7251 I went to visit the Philippines and Thailand. Almost a month between both places. I’ve heard that the locals in Dumaguete aren’t as friendly as they use to be because there are so many expats. I found this to be true. And let’s be honest. They prefer white men. Other groups have opportunities also but many of them worship white skin.
Trudat on the skin thing, I noticed it too after living here( in some ways), but I have my fiancee2wife Charlie( as I call her) and all and any negative punks or ladies who have no time to be friendly or even speak when spoken too, can kiss my tookus, "6" or puwit( tagalogfilipino for butt)!! On the positive, I have met some great expats and locals here in Angeles City. Real talk&Nuff Said!!
Top three affordable small beach towns you have been too? Love you content. Keep up the good work.😊
I have this one: vagabondbuddha.com/top-10-beaches-to-retire-early-in-se-asia-in-2023/
Dan, I have no desire to stay or return to the U.S. either. I'm only here now, north of Seattle, because of aging parents. But have you ever thought of renouncing your American citizenship? You know why I'm asking of course .. because of having to pay taxes "back home". Or is the issue with you that you move around from place to place too much to call anywhere else home just yet? Anyway, wondering about your thoughts on the matter? Thanks.
I like my passport and the USA made this life possible.
The thing that bugs me most about traveling overseas is that most everybody in those other countries are a bunch of foreigners.
How is that even possible? Maybe this assessment has more to do with the locations you are choosing? Getting off the beaten track anywhere is easy but it takes courage and curiosity.
Is this comment tongue in check or do you actually dislike all foreigners? lol.
Thank you
All this is about handling culture shock and reverse culture shock when you lack the experience to recognise and deal with them effectively. As an ancient Brit, I've lived in Japan for a total of 40 years (two, twenty-year blocks). Essentially homesickness is a mental health issue that only affects the weak minded. So if and when you do make a home visit, avoid making contact with friends you had in the previous life as you have practical nothing in common and they lack any knowledge or interest in Japan. And on a short visit, your time is too valuable to waste "chit-chatting with the likes of you."
Pre-Covid 19, I used to visit Penang in winter, often staying for some three months or more. Winter in the Japan Alps is cold, but if you fly the coop before the snow and return after, the savings go a long way cover the costs. As an aside, I could stay in Malaysia for three months for the same or less than a two-week visit to UK. Travel from Japan to south and southeast Asia is a relatively long flight, so often expensive to get there, but cheap when you arrive. Essentially the same for UK residents. Which means in order to capitalise on travel costs, you need to stay for an extended period, not the two-to-three weeks which is the usual wage-slave Brit's summer holiday.
Also, why take a foreign holiday from Britain in summer, the only time when the weather is even halfway decent? It's winter when you should be leaving Britain for a warmer climate. Bit impractical as you wouldn't have a job to come back to. So crack that one and you've got it made.
Jack, the Japan Alps Brit
I find the language and health care issues as the only ones that are difficult.
Hi Dan, appreciate the tips! did you get a different passport? or did you maintain your US passport?
He maintained… only wealthy (sorry Dan) need a different passport for tax reasons.
Just American Passport. I am looking forward to my social security so I plan on keeping my passport.
win the lotto, or put out 10k a month...no worries
How should I start I was thinking a bunch of 2 month trips before I retire
Yes, you should do exploratory visits. :-)
go dan
I am surprised that you are telling people to go out on excursions- don’t people do that anyway? What the heck do they do then?
Sleep , 1st meal , 1st beer , 2nd beer , 3rd beer , ...
Great point!
4 phases of overseas life:
1: new dates
2: new girlfriend
3: new fiancé
4: new wife
Jeez .
lol
Just call it what it is......Home Sickness.
Why the ‘old world’ is better … ha ha why did they leave that old world ?
The problem is either “them” or you - mostly it will be you - just FYI 😂
Bravo fantastic from Palo Alto Caly
I would love to move to Thailand or Bali but have no idea how people do it, find work etc.
I work in Marketing in UK and would love to relocate to Asia.
Then why does everybody want to move in the usa? lol the world is big and beatyfull but nothing like riding a harley on the highway in North america. I love both
Primarily the high cost of living and the politics here in the States compared to many overseas countries 😉
I'm moving to Turkiye in a few months, where a two story villa one block from the beach is $326.00 a month...
@sianefer-ptah1258 go where a men is the dictator for life it is the explication of 326 a month lol plus if you like doing money, there is way better