The fact that he tries to walk everywhere instead of taking public transportation is a such a smart way to maintain his good health, and probably one of the main reasons he is doing so well at 81.
I completely understand. When we started slow traveling in 2020, things were much less expensive than now. Lodging could be found for 30-40 percent less per month. I hope you enjoy your travels! Thanks for watching us and sharing your story.
@@graceweber2822 Have you seen the video about traveling with pets uploaded by Julie and Warren here on RU-vid? They travel with 2 dogs. Thanks for writing. The Other Warren
What a wonderful man and inspiration. To see him, at 81, walking with such a bounce to his step. His eyes express a vibrancy for life. I loved his travel packing - a small backpack and a satchel. "No rocking chair", i may have a t-shirt made with that slogan.
always inspiring to see single and older folks just doing what they feel called to do. You make a good point Warren (the original): we need to just get out there and don’t expect someone to take us by the hand and do it. Since my husband passed several years ago, I went south for several months and continued to just go ahead and not let fear or being alone stop me. I heard a great quote once something like when you go forward to meet your dreams, all these amazing sychronicities happen and start opening up for you. But you have to take the chance, and whether or not you are afraid, you have to have the courage to take risks. I think a lot of people want to do things but fear, insecurity, etc holds them back. Or fear of failure. It doesn’t mean that everything will be perfect and there won’t be challenges along the way (like loneliness, getting sick (like food poisoning!), discomfort, getting lost, feeling alone, but that’s life...
I am almost 64 and a full time RVer for the last five years.. I've met 80+ year old people travelling full time in camper vans in the US. This one lady told me that she was 85 and has been travelling full time in her campervan since she was 70 years old. I met this 82 year old guy who has been travelling the US full time in a campervan for the last 20 years. They were are as spry as one can be and full of plans for the future.
Yes, there is a reason a lot of people do not achieve their dreams, why they don’t take a promotion or reach for a promotion that could get them to Retirement quicker. Fear can disable a person from even trying to reach their dream, fear invents excuses to not move forward. The old quote "For of all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: 'It might have been!' "
It’s amazing how many people are out there doing this type of lifestyle at an advanced age that we are crossing paths with. So many in this age bracket believe their time has passed them by, and it’s not possible for them to check off their bucket list any longer.
@@WarrenJulieTravel I met the 85 yr old lady right in the beginning of my RV travels. What a stroke of luck that was for me! She told me that most of her friends are dead or just sitting and staring in front of them. That totally resonated with me since my parents were right there. Then she said that one day they'll find her in her RV and that was okay with her. When she walked off I thought that here I am pushing 60 and I just met my very first role model.
@@WarrenJulieTravel It’s so great that you are sharing the experiences of people over 50, 60++. You are too right about people feeling it is too late - I noticed this even in those who are younger who have given up already. As Dylaln Thomas wrote: “Rage, rage against the dying of the light”. Never give up on your dreams, big or small.
I will be 62 in June and this is exactly what I needed to hear. I just renewed my passport so I'm good till 2034 And I'm ready to go. I'm selling my house where I don't give away we'll be in storage for if and when I come back to the US for any reason mostly just to visit family. So this was a great video for me to see, thank you Warren Warren and Julie.
Americans seem to be stuck up on medical insurance. There is all kinds of long term travel insurance and most places in Asia medical expenses are a fration of the west and in fact people fly from the west to Malysia and Thailand to get stuff done.
Unfortunately, it’s very true, sad part is in the United States. If you have the simplest procedure done without insurance, you will find yourself going bankrupt if you do not have a sizable savings. We of course, have insurance on us as we travel, but we have a large deductible and it’s only there in case there’s a catastrophic situation. I would trust a doctor in most of the countries we go to just as well as I would any doctor in the United States. For some reason many Americans believe the doctors in the US hospitals are the best in the world, and that everybody else is second class in medical care. Maybe it’s all of those medical-based TV shows on TV.
@@WarrenJulieTravelmy insurance here has a $9k deductible in the USA. If I use their drs. If I don’t it can go up to $18k. It’s through affordable care act. It’s only 3.42 month though. But if I take more $ out of retirement it goes up.
When I was in Thailand years ago, a friend said she did not understand why people in the U.S. used health insurance until hearing about the costs. She said people she knows in Bangkok and around the country pay cash for medical care. Insurance was an unknown concept there.
We agree that Sarande is a beautiful city where one can live comfortably on a modest budget. We have thoroughly enjoyed the past 5 months living here. Friendly locals, great scenery, nice weather, active expat community and budget friendly are a few of the reasons why.
Hey it’s Boquete yurt Warren! So cool to see this video. Yes, he really does travel with just a backpack. We had the pleasure of knowing Warren here in Panama and we were all sad to see him go. But happy to see him traveling to so many fun places. Hello from Holly and Michael.
Wow, what an inspiration! I'm still working on getting up the guts to do the same in a few short years! This lovely gentleman gives me hope!!! Thanks for sharing!
My wife and I travel the world in our retirement and have no worries about medical care. We always have full medical care via insurance that provides us with full medical care with no out of pocket expenses. It also provides us with emergency air ambulance flight with nurses and doctors back to the US.
@user-mw3dd6ys1u Currently you would do fine with the SS income. I trust that will stay true in 4 years. I spend less than that each month, and I'm probably over insured with health insurance. The Other Warren
I'm living in an apartment which I found through Facebook. It's quite nice, with a view of the Ionian Sea. Can't beat it for 450.00 local currency/month (472.00 US $). Very reasonable. The Other Warren
@@warrenr.johnson7990the Other Warren. Do you plan on staying in the apartment through the summer months. If so did you lock in the rental rate; summer month rentals can jump 3X the off-season rates.
@@stevenjb.9275 You're right about the price escalation. I'm leaving for the summer for 4 months. Then I'll likely return. Sounds like you have knowledge about Albania? Thanks for writing. The Other Warren
Great video! I shared it with my Aunt (77 years old) who is afraid to leave America. My husband and I are in our 40’s. We moved to Portugal. We should have done it sooner. Just subscribed.
Warren is such an inspiration! I’m 65 and retiring soon but can’t afford the USA. The health care costs scares the pants off me. I’m wanting to live somewhere where I can take public transportation
Let me suggest Italy. If you want to own your own place there are some very good real estate prices. I bought a two bedroom apartment in a medieval hilltop village for less than $35k. Within a half mile walk I have a very decent supermarket, a pharmacy, a hospital, two bakeries, a butcher, a produce store, and lots of other stuff. On Thursday there's a large open air market selling produce, seafood, cheese, clothes, and household goods. There are multiple public buses to two cities less than an hour away. Easy to live without needing a car.
@@saraquips Let me suggest two sites you might want to check out. I'm not recommending these people, I've done no business with them, but they seem to be legit and you can learn a lot by watching their videos Karl Pierre. Karl bought a small house in Sicily for $5k (or 5k euros, I don't remember which). It is basically a ground floor living space and second floor (European numbering) bedroom/bath. He describes it as livable when he got it. He's fixed it up into something quite nice. He's probably talked about the cost in one of his videos, what I remember is that he spend $5k on the downstairs, mainly on the kitchen cabinets and appliances. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-uoZvcOE9nwo.html Chris at Super-Savvy Travelers Chris and her husband were in the real estate business in California and now live in Southern Italy where they run a B&B as well as assist people with finding places to buy and renovate. www.supersavvytravelers.com/ Sicily and the southern tip of Italy are where one can find some very affordable properties. I ran into a local (California) nurse who, along with her husband, bought a move-in ready house in Sicily for $16k. Complete with furniture. There are some very good prices in small villages but check carefully for public transportation. There's a guy who posts properties in the Abruzzo area and, at least in the past, said that there was public transportation. That's not what I found. Neither Google Maps nor Rome2Rio shows any way to get from those villages to a city except by private car or an expensive taxi ride. The same is true, I found for small remote villages in Sicily. I'd also suggest you use Idealista. www.idealista.it/en/ There's no multiple listing service in Italy like we have in the US. But sellers will post their properties on sites like Idealista. You can set screens and start learning what you can get for your dollar. I'd suggest you set an upper limit for your budget, leaving ample funds for renovations and remodeling. Perhaps set a lower limit as the really inexpensive places are typically in very bad shape or are in remote villages with no public transportation. Perhaps pick some regions that interest you. (Perhaps avoid inland mountain areas where earthquakes are more common.) You might never decide to move to Italy but what you learn can be applied to other parts of the world. There are lots of options where one can retire and live a much more comfortable life than in the US for the same amount of money.
Sara - I hear you. Just what I thought, so I left. I have no car and use very little public transportation wherever I am. I prefer walking and I get around just fine. You, too, can do it. - The Other Waren
My youngest daughter went to Romania (Transylvania area) alone and enjoyed it so much, that she wants to go back. Great for you to travel the world. I would love to do this, but no way would my husband want to join me, and I wouldn't go alone, because I have no sense of direction lol. My head is in the clouds as my daughters say.
Pearl - I wouldn't want to encourage you to leave without your husband. But should you ever go, there are tools you can use to get to where you want to go. One "tool" for me has been to just put one foot ahead of the other and keep going. Thanks for responding. The Other Warren
@@warrenr.johnson7990 It's an interesting question. I lived the-way-of-the-Warren in my 20s, I just didn't realize it was a thing then. 300 baud modem when I hit 28 slowed my pull into the information age. Being single tends to be a norm for many at least at points in ones life. Being with a partner that shares the nomad life is more of a unicorn condition. Both are blessings in their own right. Health, well you can do the best you can, but it's not really all in your hands. Then it's about coping. To that end, I'm acting on it.
What a nice gentleman . I would have love to try this kind of adventure, but i have a wonderful 17 month grandson, Gaël , and i did not think i would be so attached to this fantastic sunny little boy . I don’t want to be far from him, we share a super bound!
Family is so important. I think you should enjoy every moment with your grandson. The day may come when you will feel like stretching your wings a bit. Enjoy the moment. Thanks for writing. The Other Warren
Hi Warren, I’m 70 and also from the US. Been traveling in Thailand and Cambidia for nearly 2 years and loving it. You’ve inspired me to try Albania especially since one can get a 1-year visa. Take care and “keep truckin” friend! 😎
Wes - As Bob Barker used to say, "Come on down". There are a lot of advantages to Albania in addition to the 12-month visa-free living. How about health care? As much as I understan it, it's mostly free. My best friend here just spent a night in the local hospital, was ambulanced to Tirana the next day, received surgery, and will be brought back here -- all for free. How do you beat that?!
@@warrenr.johnson7990 - You don’t. That’s fantastic. Free healthcare and a 1-year visa! Wow. Once my apartment lease is up in mid-December of this year here in Siem Reap, Cambodia, I think I’ll head to Albania to where you’re at. Maybe we can meet up at D&D Pub there in Sarande if you’re still living there. At 70 years young, I still have a lot of travel miles left… just like you! Thanks for the encouragement.
My backpak carries a few essential clothes, some "office" supplies, a pair of slippers for the cold floors, a bag of toiletries, an umbrella (which I've only used once). I think that's it. Interesting question. Thanks for writing. The Other Warren
@@warrenr.johnson7990Thanks Warren! Amazed that you can live out of a backpack! 2 more questions, if you don’t mind: (1) With the amount of walking you do, what brand of shoes do you wear? And do you have 2 pair to swap in & out of to counter moisture & wear? (2) How do you secure/maintain “emergency contacts” as you travel to new locations alone? Do you check-in daily with family in the US or do you go to locations where you already have a friend-base? (My concern is being alone in a country I don’t know the language and having a serious medical or financial emergency)
Wow that's amazing with 81 birthdays and he's a nomad with a carryon! After I completed my US military career at age 41 (don't really like using the word retired:)), I started clearing and selling properties. With exception of being stationed in different places, I mostly visit countries in less than a week. I get bored easily. To date, I completed over sixty cruises and visited over sixty countries. I actually rode the ferry from Corfu Greece to Sarandë Albania when Celebrity Beyond docked in Corfu Greece in May 2023. I have few more states to visit to complete my 50th states. I'll probably do slow travels in couple years. I agree western Europe being more expensive as I was stationed in Wiesbaden Germany in 2009. I am preparing for my visit to complete my Balkan Countries. Hope to meet y'all one day. Thanks and safe travels!
Wow, it sounds like you have had an amazing life. Slow travel is a dream existence. We get bored very easily too and this lifestyle works for us. If we do cross paths we would love to meet up.
Cliff - You have a great story. I have done 47 US states, but I can't begin to compare on countries visited. I will continue to add contries, but where that will stop, I don't know. Thanks for sharing your story. The Other Warren
WHAT A GUY!!! Keep ENJOYING Your Life, Warren! HAPPY TRAVELS!!!💙 Thanks For This Video, The “Other” Warren and Julie. Hope I’ve Got Your Names Correctly!💁♀️
In Retirement we usually have far more freedom to choose our life style. Warren's doesn't appeal to me. Oh, and I'm seven years his senior (I'm 88 in April) I started work at 15, left at 59 and have been so-called 'retired' for 29. I go to the gym twice weekly, pump iron, ride 'the bike to nowhere' and do my stretches. I'm also into hatha yoga, twice daily Vipassana meditation, and go for a walk most days. And, yes, I've had a full and adventurous life, too - even a year as an Antarctic expeditioner. With all that I'm still married to the same little lady after 64 years, have three grown up children, four grown up grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Oh...we also manage to live on around $1500 a month, too. ...but then again, owning our own home helps.
Was curious and browsed your channel. It seemed you were 88 years, not well, had breath difficulty, struggling to speak like a car out of gasoline, not bouncing or walked around like the other Warren. You should slow down - and enjoy life
@@gambaridup okay I just looked after your comment, he has a YT channel he’s trying to pump. That’s why he’s over here trying to build himself up instead of appreciating the message of the interview.
I live on approx $1500 in the USA but i rent a small room for $600 with 3 other guys in the house. Id much rather have my own place but my rent would increase to at least $1000.
Robert - The most I've ever paid in my travels is $500/month. Usually I pay $450. My budget is $1500, but I never reach that high. If you can leave the states, you might want to consider going elsewhere. Thanks for writing. The Other Warren
Also I think this is good for people with very little family in the USA. And no kids or grandkids. It’s $1000 each way for me to fly from there to seattle! But I could go for 3 mos at a time. The USA is $$$. I retired a few years ago but it’s costing me $40-$50k a year to live in a RV!
Look for cheap air fares. They do exist. I did car traveling in the US (coast to coast, 4-1/2 months) for very little money, except gas. I wanted to go by RV, but I couldn't find one I liked or could afford . I don't think your RV expenses need to be as high as they are. Look for ways to trim those expenses.
Joe - You read the comments before watching the video? Kool. I'm glad you watched it. I only regret seeing what's happened to my weight in the last few months. I'm working hard now to change that. Thanks for writing. The Other Warren
How can I get in touch with warren living in albania? Living on less than $1000 in Albania and heaven, in the area where he lives. I would love to do this for the rest of my life. And I am 80 years old now this week.
After 50 years of playing a musical keyboard, I am now happy playing a computer keyboard. Variety is the spice of life. Thanks for writing. The Other Warren
I'm very frustrated that you didn't include a link to Warren's blog I tried to look it up from the info on screen and could not find it. I still want to if you feel like putting it under your video where most people would look for it
We put it in the video several times and it is in the video description. He is getting messages. It it www.travelsketches.info you are probably typing.com
I did a three month trip with a tiny backpack like he uses but you have to keep moving or people will notice that you only have a limited wardrobe, to say the least.
@@WarrenJulieTravel On one extended trip I got tired of one of the three shirts I brought with me. I bought a new shirt and gave the old one to someone who could obviously enjoy my old shirt. I traveled with a woman friend who carried almost nothing. If we got into a place where it was colder she would buy an inexpensive sweater in the market, wear it while we were there, and give it to someone as we left.
Steve - I do slow travel and have only 4 shirts; I started with 3 but had to buy another to go with a sweater. It really doesn't matter what you wear. You're probably not out to impress anyone. Frankly, I don't think most people take any notice. Please don't let that stop you from traveling. The Other Warren
Please see my reply directly above. You generally can stay only 3 months in most countries and then have to leave for 3 months. You must also take into account the Schengen Shuffle. Asia is another matter. Thanks for writing. The Other Warren
6-12 months at a time is not easy in most countries. There are some exceptions, but 3 months is much easier than 6-12. We have a video coming out tomorrow that I think you may find of particular interest.
Carol - I live on less than $1500/month which includes my travel. I think the only exception was the long travel to Europe (though fortunately I got a 50% ticket). I walk evverywhere. I have very rarely taken a taxi. I did house-sitting in England for 3-1/2 months and got a 1/3-off train pass. That helped. Remember. With slow travel, you not traveling that frequently. Thanks for asking. The Other Warren
Thanks for the compliment. I have Medicare, Travel Insurance, and Major Medical. I haven't had to use any of them. Remember, much of the world may be cheaper than where you are. Thanks for writing. The Other Warren
Just happened across your site and interview with Warren… thanks so much for that. I’m 65, very active (mostly cycling), and would very much like to “nomad” in Europe on a budget. But I have a question that I can’t seem to find an answer to… hoping you can help. What’s the secret to spending so much time in other countries when I only have a US passport? I’m familiar with Schengen countries and the “90-day in 180 days” rule, which makes it so difficult to stay overseas for extended periods. What’s the plan for getting around that, especially in non-Schengen countries? Are other countries more lenient? How do you manage this? How does the “other Warren” do it? Seems if I could figure this out, I’d make the leap. Thanks for your help and your videos.
But you can do it. It's true that most European countries are in the Schengen Zone, while those that are not are still doable. We do what we call the Schengen Shuffle. You can stay in a Schengen country for 90 days, move on to a nonSchengen country, and continue going back and forth. That's true for most all people. Americans can stay in Albania for 12 months without a visa and then have to leave for 3. They then can come back and start another 12 months. The countries of Georgia and Armenia also allow anyone 12 months. Then, of course, there's Asia which is not Schengen. Don't think you can't do it. You can. Thanks for asking the question. The Other Warren
I looked in Airbnb and found no airbnbs for that price. Most were 800 and up per month for long term. I looked at 2025 too. Have things really doubled? Also there isn’t much available.
When you use Airbnb, make sure you put the maximum price you are looking to pay. If you do not put a maximum you will get whatever AirBnB will show you first.
I just rented 2 apartments for around US $650/month. It's the summer time, so I have to accept higher rents. In Albania, I pay $450 for a nice apartment. It can be done if yu search.
@@dannyho6786 No Starbucks. In fact, Sarandë has no chain fast food establishments. That's not true in other parts of the country. Natives drink a lot of espressos. The Other Warren
Ian - When I can, I walk about 10,000 steps a day. From my apartment to the waterfront is 5,000 steps, so one trip and I'm half way done. Thanks for writing. The Other Warren
I just asked him this question for you. He said he does not take any medication’s. I can tell you from experience we are able to find most of anything we need abroad at much less than the cost in the USA
Yes and here is his response: Yes, I continue to elect Medicare in case I ever have to go back to the US. I also carry travel insurance and have a major medical policy. Hope that helps. See you later today.
@@WarrenJulieTravel Medicare A and B. If one is traveling full time and not returning to the States. I wonder if paying for Part B is necessary (Part A hospital is permanent - usually no cost). Returning to the States for a medical issue, one would need to find a doctor that accepts Original Medicare, be diagnosed and referred to an accepting hospital if needed.
@@stevenjb.9275 You have it exactly right. I've been waiting to see if I really want to continue outside the US and, if I do, I will try to eliminate Part B. I can't advise you on that as I haven't tried. I asked the question once and was told no I couldn't drop Part B, but I don't think that phone person was well educated on the subject. I do keep drug overage also, for now at least. I would suggest you talk with an expert. Thanks for writing. The Other Warren
Richard - We just had an expat potluck today and your answer was a topic of conversation with us. I could only counter in the conversation that I had investments doing the same thing for me. I'm glad now I don't have property. You raise a valid concern. Thanks for writing. The Other Warren
Good for him ! But most 80 year olds have numerous health issues! Living and travelling alone can be very challenging and not safe ! At that age most people need to be checked on for welfare check! I guess he is a feisty one 👍
I'm blessed with relatively good health, so traveling alone is not much of a problem. I just go. Hopefully nothing will stop me for awhile. The Other Warren
Great video. What I find a bit mis leading is the $450 per month price tag for the apartment. Looking on Airbnb there is no such price anywhere at all. Can you state where exactly is this location please.
I just looked and found some? Use your filters and place a max of $550 to see these properties. Airbnb may not be showing you the lowest without guidance. I searched the month of April. Monthly prices will go up for the summer season.
@@WarrenJulieTravel great thank you. I’ll try again. We are from Australia with family in italy. Looking at Albania for a true change in lifestyle. The cost of living in Australia is through the roof and getting worse. What area is the apartment Warren is living in please.
@@WarrenJulieTravel probably best not to reveal his location for safety reasons. If the OP can't figure it out from the video, which essentially you blatantly said what it was in the video then the OP probably isn't gonna make it traveling the world solo ( lol). There are definitely people out here stalking RU-vidrs. Be safe! Anyway thanks for the video I love it.
There's nothing unique about $450.00/month. I have been traveling since 2021 and, with one exception, $450/month has always been my rent wherever I've lived. This apartment, which I'm now leaving, was not listed on Airbnb. If you can, always contact the owner/manager directly to save on the price. If you don't know who the owner is, look at ads and on social media.
This is his response: Yes, I continue to elect Medicare in case I ever have to go back to the US. I also carry travel insurance and have a major medical policy. Hope that helps. See you later today.
We have no issues dealing with languages in other countries. We use Google Translate for most menus and grocery items and generally do not have any problems. The most difficult part of it is generally at local markets, because we can’t figure out the exact cost of something when someone tells it to us in another language. Overall, it’s not really an issue.
Language has not really been a problem as many people, especially the younger people, speak English. Learning at least a few words in each country is appreciated by the locals. The Other Warren
This was asked earlier. Here’s his response: Yes, I continue to elect Medicare in case I ever have to go back to the US. I also carry travel insurance and have a major medical policy. Hope that helps.
You mean his social security he was forced to pay into, if he was allowed to invest himself would be way more than he will ever collect from SS? What is not enough for him to live on in the US.
I used to say it correctly, but when American people hear me say it they look at me a bit differently 😃 so now we just opt for how we have always heard it in the US.
My US expenses were not that much more than my current expenses. Rent is about the same, food is somewhat lower. I did have car expense in the US but not now. I don't think that my expenses have changed that much. The Other Warren
i dont think that you have same level of apartment and size of it like him in Albania and he will have better and for free basically heqaltcare if something happens @@warrenr.johnson7990
That is not true. I just looked at apartments in the town where I live, which happens to be the state capital. There are several apartments under $1,000 and one for $550.
in USA you cannot rent nothing for this money or you must live with strangers and share expenses and that its not fine when you go over 60 @@WarrenJulieTravel
See my response above. I lived in Panamá in a yurt (glorified tent) for $500/month. That has been the highest rent I have paid since traveling. The Other Warren
In order to be able to live overseas comfortably, not luxuriously, but comfortably you must have a lot of savings or have a skill or a trade that is in demand. It all costs money 💰, no one is going to give be you anything for free. I’m all for leaving America for good, because of all the mess and chaos the establishment (the swamp) has created, but without some sort of solid and sufficient income it’s equivalent of jumping from frying pan into fire 🔥.
I live on passive income. I do not have a job. Remember, I'm an old guy. I get Social Security and I've had time to accrue the other sources. It's all individual. Where there's a will, there's a way. Think positively. You might be able to make it work. The Other Warren
@@warrenr.johnson7990: If it was only that simple! For some, like yourself, depending on the circumstances and your situation and talents, it can work, but for majority of the people it’s not realistic. Who wouldn’t want to be able to have passive income?
