A lot of older people stop traveling full-time for reasons other than money. Some want (or need) to be close to family, others stop for health reasons, others want to find projects that are more fulfilling. If you plan it well, you can adjust your travel to start and stop as you wish. What works for one person may not work for someone else. And what felt right a few years ago, may not feel right a few years from now.
Hi Linda, Absolutely, actually that is why we wanted to say in the video that 'this is OUR experiment, not yours'. We wouldn't like to hear people modelling their travel style on ours, everyone is different with different needs, desires and obligations and that is very cool. Thanks as ever for you comment. Best regards, Neil & Sarah
So true, we travelled a lot in our 50s and 60s but long haul flights, long days and a lot of walking are not pleasurable now. I say do it while you still enjoy it.
We change a lot between 50 and 60 and 60 and 70 in terms of your needs/interests. At 62 I started to learn to play Saxophone …. who knew this was going to become a passion! From 50-60 my passion was climbing volcanoes….. the point is we change.
(Dave typing) Brilliant video, agree with everything you said. I backpacked throughout 2007-2009 and came back to work (start a business) in the UK because travelling itself became a “day job” and I yearned to sit on my own sofa and sleep in my own bed again for more than a few days at a time. Fast forward to today and, 24 years later, my suitcase is open again and I’m about take an extended travel again (flights book, leaving next week). I noticed that a lot of questions that you were asked were focused on “when your money runs out, you’ll have to return to work”. Whilst that might be a risk for many (although doesn’t appear to current risk for you), one dynamic the questions missed is that you might get bored of moving around a lot and desire to stay put in one place for an extended period (I note you do “slow travel”, which was different to my first backpack but something I’ll be doing next time around). At the end of the day, I’ve learnt that [my own] life seems to run in blocks of 10-20 years and that it’s OK, expected even, for those blocks to have a start, a middle and an end. An individual doesn’t need to define themself as just one thing for their whole life (e.g. “I’m a {insert job title here]”, you can reinvent yourself whenever you like. Hope we get to bump into each other someday/someplace✌️ Dave from @TravelsWithRose
Hi Dave, Yes you are absolutely right. When we first started traveling we started to feel like we were boxing ourselves into a corner from a RU-vid perspective and that 'travel' needed to be exotic in some way but like you we realise that we are constantly reinventing ourselves. The slow travel does enable us to take stock as we go and this is a style that works well for us. Funny though, as we slow travel, we sometimes have a desire to do some fast travel. Likewise we hope we bump into you on the road, sharing stories would likely be a lot of fun. Best wishes Neil & Sarah
I’m not sure why ‘keeping it real’ is watching your channel if they’re so negative about it. I’m comfortable in my current lifestyle, I have a beautiful farm, lovely friends and a very close family. Travelling and leaving everyone behind for months or even a year at a time will be a positive addition to the life I want to live. I travelled a lot when young and travelled to Europe and Ireland with 4 kids. Although travelling has slowed down somewhat in the last 10 yrs, because of the kid’s education, I’m ready to get travelling again in my 50’s. So it’s off to Europe next year, my kids are meeting me there and I’m catching up with two friends in England too. Thanks for sharing your experiences and thoughts. Safe and happy travels. ❤Zeljka
Hey Zeljka! Absolutely love the life plan you have sorted out. You know what you want and you are going for it. Also, your family are working around you which is also pretty cool. Thanks for getting in touch. Best regards, Neil & Sarah
I retired at 43, enjoying financial comfort. I prioritize my well-being, recognizing that life is precious, and time holds greater value than my wealth. My lifestyle is fulfilling, marked by freedom. In my priorities, character takes precedence, followed by health, with money as a secondary concern.
EXCELLENT. We read this a few times, very poetic and very true also. There is a video that we are currently in the writing phase of which will be about being the richest person in the graveyard. We hope it gives someone the kick up the backside to stop being a spectator in life, but to take the bull by the horns. Best regards, Neil & Sarah
Wow, ‘keeping it real’ has such a negative, defeatist attitude - more like ‘keeping it depressed’. 🙄 😂 You handled those comments very kindly! Great video full of interesting info! ❤ PS There’s an 18 yr old pool champ in my family here in the US who’s educated me on the wide variety of games and rules, including snooker. Hope you enjoyed the tourney!
That is so cool! Today is the final of the British Open here in Cheltenham, we are very excited. One day... I would love to have a Snooker Room in my house but I fear that is a pipe dream.
Great video! I'm turning 70 soon just before boarding a three week transatlantic cruise to get me to Europe where I'll be exploring by backpack till spring. Carpe Diem!
Absolutely GREAT video. THANK YOU for this! We are two "seniors" almost 72 and almost 68 and we CAN'T WAIT to get to our next travel destination. It might be just two weeks here or a month there, in the USA or overseas. Life is an adventure and there's so much to see and do before that clock runs out! You guys are an inspiration. (And for the record.... You look GREAT!)
Fantastic video as always. These tips.are really helpung us as we gear up for 2026 and our first year of "slow/deep" travel. Thanks so much. In the meantime we are slowly selling everything and downsizing in prep as a family of four to go nomad. Thank you sincerely for giving us the courage to go for it. Keep up the good work.
Hey Fused! 2026, that is just round the corner, the excitement must be huge at the moment, magical times. The downsizing is fun, don't you think? We found that the less we owned the free'er we felt. Please keep in touch. Best regards, Neil & Sarah
Three years of slow travel here. I love your videos. And we’re headed to Australia and New Zealand for 2024-so I’m reviewing some of your older videos. Thanks!
Hey Slowmads. Aus and New Zealand are frankly amazing places and we would love to revisit soon. You will have a fabulous time. Best regards, Neil & Sarah
An excellent video full of top tips. An open common sense Q&A covering a range of subjects of real value to slow travellers. Neil and Sarah's channel makes for compelling viewing.
Hey Tim, Lovely comment thank you. We like to provide balance in our videos, it isn't all sunshine and roses but we share what happens as honest accounts of what we are living. Best regards, Neil & Sarah
What a great Q and A session. The 4% rule is just a guide, I am also withdrawing less. I would have to agree once you achieve FIRE, nothing really anything to talk about lol. Keep the videos coming, and looking forward to the yearly updates on cost of living. Stay safe guy’s. Oh and yes I don’t miss the corporate life 😂
Hey Drifting, Great to hear from you. FIRE is pretty simple when you think about it and it was tricky thinking of worthwhile things to say on the subject once we got to the other side. Pleased we're not the only ones that think that. :-) Those sunday nights thinking about all the hassles of work on a monday... We will never miss that. Best regards, Neil & Sarah
Hi Neil and Sarah: You guys are fabulous. Thanks for sharing your adventures! On a Riverboat soon but first Paris then Germany and then the Swiss Alps. Low stress but expensive travel sometimes is our fun! Stay safe. Cheers from Canada!
Hey Paul, We'd love to do a riverboat cruise through Germany one day. Hope you have a fantastic trip. Have fun, those are some amazing locations you are going though. Best regards, Neil & Sarah
Loved this video. We needed to catch up with you all. Glad that you all plan on continuing to travel. And really happy you’re bringing back monthly costs. Those are the videos that made me realize I could do slow travel in a couple of years.
Ive watched several of your videos and this was the best. I really admire the positive and helpful responses to the somewhat negative questions. I also love traveling in a fiscally conservative way. For one thing you see more of the actual places and people that live there when you're not limited to the expensive resort with other tourists. And for another you find community through sharing and adventure. I have new friends from repeat dog sits and from cycle touring. My new friends might have been richer if I'd gone luxury traveling I suppose... But friendly, sharing, adventuresome people are more my type!
The advice for stocking up on pharmaceuticals works for disposable contact lenses as well. I order a years' supply online a few times while my eye exam prescription is valid and then I have enough for 2-3 years. Just be sure to pack contact lenses in your carry-on not checked baggage. They might get lost or damaged in a cargo hold.
I always appreciate your videos. You are both delightful. My husband and I hope to do extended slow travel in the near future and find your videos informative and enjoyable. Best wishes.
I thought you handled the “Penny pinching “ question very well… I’d have been less accommodating! Keep going guys, you’re living a great life and your love of travel is clearly written on your faces.
Hey Dave, We think it is funny when we read that people think that they can 'read' something from our faces when we are making videos... if they want to really read something on our faces... they should see the hour of recording when it doesn't make it to our final video when we are getting annoyed with each other messing up on camera. Thanks for getting in touch. Best regards, Neil & Sarah
We’ve been following you since before you began traveling and love your openness, and tenacity. We have been full time nomads for 15 months, splitting our time between our self built sprinter van and international travel (with only 40 liter backpacks.) Right now we are eight months in the van to four months with the backpacks. We have a lot to see in North America but at some point the van to backpack ratio will be 50/50. You helped us to prepare in those early videos and we greatly appreciate the lessons that you both shared. You’ve helped us to transition with confidence. BTW- our van will be featured on Tiny Home Tours in the coming weeks. We’d love to talk about a van trade. Thank you.
Love all your videos, but especially the Q&A's. Thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge. We have 2.5 years to go (maybe less), and your videos are a big part of our planning. Thank you. 🥰😍🤩❤
Hey Chrissy, That is great. We remember when it was over 2 years until we press the button on the next stage of our lives. It seems like an age, but it really isn't... it'll be here before you know it. Excited to hear about your travels when you are there! Best regards, Neil & Sarah
UK and Europe look brilliant at Christmas for those of us in the southern hemisphere, all the twinkling lights in the snow and rain makes it so magical. Along with the fun at the Christmas markets
Yes, I used to get my blood pressure meds over the counter in Philippines - amazing as they virtually never have it in stock in UK pharmacies! :) However, on last trip (Jan 2024) I did notice they are tightening up a bit on certain meds and asking for prescriptions. But, you can get a doctor's appointment in one of the private clinics, who will then write you the prescription - it's pretty cheap, quick, and easy - none of the saga that you get trying to see a GP on the NHS.
I'm new to your channel and really enjoying your videos! My husband and I are starting our full-time slow travel lifestyle in 40 days and your content is extremely helpful.
Well there were some interesting questions in there, some of which we werent expecting - so well done on the way that you handled them. Looking forward to the upincoming videos that you mentioned. Your both looking very well and happy 👍
Impressive content! So positive in your presenting..You guys absolutely rock and can’t wait to view much more as this is my first two videos of watching!! Going to make a big move of relocating with my two children 8b & 12g to Andalucia, Spain in 2024 so want to thank you for your inspiration and helpful information. Any videos of a year prior to traveling of what you had done to sell your home and move furniture to storage or apps you used to sell personal stuff and how you got your documents to apply for NLV etc..Do you have children? They must be so proud!! Stay safe and stay healthy!!
Fantastic video, love your content massively. We've started to travel more and intend to try slow travel at some point in the near future. Your videos are packed with experience based advice. Thanks for posting these videos, much appreciated from two who are about to retire and travel.
We're really excited for you both. It is such an exciting thing to start doing. We also are over the moon that you get so much from our videos. This makes it all worthwhile.
I have been traveling and vlogging for just under a year now. I have loved every last moment and feel so blessed to be able to realise my travel dreams. I’m back in uk until January as my dad has been extremely poorly. If you’re around Southampton area let me know be great to meet up. 🥰 Really enjoy your content. Definitely going to check out the eSIM.
Hey! Also do check out Devyce (Xpatfone) that really does help to keep your UK number when traveling, we are big fans. Sorry to hear about your dad, very best wishes, we understand your pain only too well. We were in Southampton a short time ago, in fact the 10 day Cat Sit we did was in Andover, just up the road. Best regards, Neil & Sarah
I'm slow traveling full time with my husband and your videos have been informative and inspirational. I completely relate to what you said about not being to travel when you were younger, and that this is the only life we get. I feel exactly the same. We plan to travel as long as we are physically able. It has been a joyful and fascinating experience.
Hey FlairGuy! Thank you so much, we enjoyed putting this one together. We came into it by not reading the questions too closely before turning on the camera so that we could capture our thoughts in the moment. Best regards, Neil & Sarah
Thank you for your taking the time to share details with us! Appreciate those that came before us and showing us the way.. we leave Jan 2025! Counting down. 🎉
We have travelled for six months and have done Intercontinentals, AirBnbs and house sits. The house sits have provided the best properties. Literal mountaintop mansions in California etc. The penny-pinching reference is ridiculous.
Love the Q&A vid’s. Really good information. Very much looking forward to next couple of videos and seeing more of the UK. Also, thanks for the rec on JL Collins. I’m ready for a new book so just ordered. Take care!
Russ & Sherri, you are in for a treat. Once you have read his book I recommend seeking out a Podcast where he is interviewed. You will then get a sense of him... He isn't a smart suited Snakeoil salesman, he is a very, very down to earth chap. He gave us the confidence to prepare financially for our future. Best regards, Neil & Sarah
Yes do come to South America to visit. It is amazing. We've traveled throughout the continent and now live in Medellin, Colombia after living in Mexico for 7 years. We would love to show you around this amazing and extremely affordable city. Everyone is so surprised in a good way, when they come here.
Many thanks. Enjoyed the q & a. Yes would love to see costs and breakdowns. I can only speak for me but I would love to see the costs to see if this is something I can do.
Living as an expat is like traveling everyday. In our case, Colombia. We however can make a difference in our community and have a pet. Then we travel twice a year for six weeks at a time. It’s like the best of both worlds.
Guys! I have a great idea! Come to Canada next summer! We have been travelling full time for two years but as we are Canadian, we spend June -November in Canada (usually Ontario where our family live)and we'd love to show you around. In the summer we live in our camper van, hotels and AIRBNB. We are setting off for the UK in a couple of weeks (!!) and will be in Scotland for a couple of weeks, Sicily for November and London for most of December (doing a housesit). Cheers:)
Loved the video but could have read through the questions because it seemed many were asking the same question. I agree with the cost of living videos yearly. Would be an interesting video. Great job Neil and Sarah
This a very interesting approach to seeing the world as you said it’s not a rehearsal .We started travelling in 97 To see our relatives and children abroad ,when I took early retirement ,as they are textile designer’s visiting far away places like china, Oz ,south America , Europe etc we decided to do it too,but just America and Europe and still do ,as we have no health issues at 81 yet? I have certainly other hobbies and one was hillwalking which means we are, a bit restricted with distance now. Be aware it creeps up on you. Another hobby is video and photography, can I ask you if you use a camcorder or phone ,I thought I caught a shadow of you using a camcorder on one of your fascinating YTs . Do you not find it a bit tedious making them and editing . I remember my brother in law stating you spend to much time video the holiday and not observing it. Love both your enthusiasm !
Brilliant video guys and thanks for answering my questions 😀👍. Quick question. If you were still currently working, saving up for Fire, and planned to retire in the next couple of years (a bit like us really), but wanted to keep your house, what kind of savings pot (SIPPs, ISAs, cash etc) do you think you’d need to slow travel like you guys do, knowing what you do now? Would £1m cover it, or has inflation and the cost of living crisis pushed the boat out further? Cheers 🍻
Nice video as always. Currently in the UK and cannot believe how expensive it has become (vs Australia=home). The groceries are cheap, but beer (similar to Aus now) , eating out (worse than Aus for similar quality meals) and petrol (woeful) are horrendous. Doing 7 weeks in UK/Italy. Have a few weeks in Vietnam/Thailand in March and a 28 day European cruise this time next year (Amsterdam to Athens via Spain/Portugal/Turkey/Egypt) . I admire your ability to sustain travel for so long, as we find that a month or two at a time leads us to yearning for home and the laziness that allows 8-) PS I REALLY liked your bravery in addressing the confronting (but fair) questions from "Keeping it Real".
Hey Daniel, Beer is ridiculous... we are at the Snooker tournament and it is 6 quid a pint! Sounds like you have a brilliant trip planned. Your list contains places we have either been to or plan to go to. Look forward to hearing how it all goes. Thanks as ever for your kind support. Best regards, Neil & Sarah
Another great video. Thank you! Hope you had a good time snooker watching. I've just returned from Naples - somewhere I never knew I wanted to go lol. Its far cheaper than Rome and the trains are cheap and comfortable. We went to Sorrento which was beautiful, Pompeii, Capri and more. If you ever end up there I'd suggest trying out different place. We found a beach near a place that looked just like Monte Carlo but significantly cheaper. At first crossing the roads was terrifying. I aced it by the end though 😂 I'm having the time of my life with my friends travelling.. and you guys gave me the confidence to do it. Long may your travels continue. Take care both ❤
I wish you were coming to North America next summer because I would have you housesit for me for two weeks and watch my little puppy. I think she would love you!
At coming up 67 years of age in A few more days it will be my 1 year travelling for me, like you experienced i lost a parent, my dad which impacted for over 3 months of my travel. Now i can travel again something else has cropped up, i severely put my knee out of joint ! I have history of this dam knee so now waiting for MRI. The thing to get from my experience is do it asap, don’t keep waiting as there will always be something that crops up. I’m hopeful of one more game at The County Ground, then off again to Europe first.
On our last trip to Europe I relied on my credit card for car excess insurance. When I got home I actually read the policy and it said it only covered Australia! Luckily no claim. In Ireland Budget at the airport gave me a car with a 2007 build plate but insisted later that it was 2021 because that when it was registered. In Bordeaux Budget hit us with extra fees without telling me (extra driver for 11 Euros a day and a dodgy fuel deal) - they never relented - fortunately my bank credit card provider covered it for me. I use QEEQ and probably will get cover via them in future.
Ha that is an interesting experience. I remember by brother returning a car once and they tried to charge him as the windows were tinted. They thought that he would have rented a car for a week then head to a place to get the windows tinted... Crazy!
Thanks for the video! as usual you two are great. We are a couple month's in on our world tour as " TravelingAbreastAbroad" and launching our RU-vid channel and newsletter. Look forward to keep hearing about your adventures and maybe we will cross paths at some point.
I love your videos and especially the Q&As. They are the most honest and real that I have seen. I’ve heard you mention you like your alone time in a few videos. So it got me thinking about my own situation. But do you think you would be living this lifestyle if you were single?
Hey Steven, That is in fact a fabulous question to ask. We have had a lot of singles over the years asking us whether this is the lifestyle for them. It always comes down to personality really. I (Neil) can be a loner but that lasts for all of a day at a time. Totally unrelated to our RU-vid channel we discussed this between us just a couple of weeks ago... question being 'If the other one wasn't here, would we still travel'. We both settled on the same, that we would travel a lot but likely need some kind of place to call home as that would be where we would build a circle of friends. So it would probably be 3months on/ 3 months off travel for both of us. Best regards, Neil & Sarah
Love this Q&A. Glad to see you're exploring the UK and soon off the beaten path Europe. Yes, I want to visit the big things in a country for a day or two. Overall, though, we prefer smaller, more local experiences. I'm really looking forward to this content as well as the cost of living info to go along with it. Safe travels!
Hey Janell, we replied but our reply appears to have disappeared! Yes, we are very excited to really explore Europe! We can't wait to take you all there with us too!
The car insurance excess company you mention, have you ever had to make a claim with them? Like any insurance, you only find out how good they are when you come to need/use them!
When can we have some more travel videos. We haven’t seen New Zealand, your cruise to Vancouver and your Norway Cruise. I’m past travel now so I enjoy living through others.
Hello Kaye, we will share a response we left to a similar comment here... We promise you will be getting your travel fix from us again but that will be in a couple of months. "Hi David, We would love to... funny thing is, when we started to make our travel series in Australia it was virtually killing our channel and we started to see that RU-vid stopped recommending our channel. So, although we shot a load of video on the cruises and North America, to share it would be bad for our channel. We may release it in a different form some day soon, if that happens we will let people know where to find it (we won't be charging for it though lol!) Best regards, Neil & Sarah"
OMG the sink plug! Yes! I was in a lovely airbnb in Jamaica, and my friend wanted to take a bath - well, we searched the entire apt, and none could be found. We ended up going out to the garden and grabbing a smooth, good-sized rock! 😂 It worked, but what you've shared here would be brilliant to take with. And thanks for answering my question re bkg hotels guys 😊 I'm leaving for Yucatan in 3 days and can't wait - 14 days vacation 💃 Have a fabulous week, guys ✌🏻 PS If you two feel like exploring greater Toronto area, you are welcome to stay w me & my 5 kitties 😅 I have a 3 bdm townhouse and would be happy to host you. Canada is big and best to break it down in to segments. Throwing that out there for consideration 🤙🏻When I get back from vacation I'll email you.
Re: Hilton- the international chains like Hilton and Marriott are expensive in many countries relative to more local hotels. I stay away from them in Asia, for sure.
Do you have specific videos where you talk about what you did rather than what you spent? I want to hear about the actual adventures on-top of this type of outstanding content
Hi David, We would love to... funny thing is, when we started to make our travel series in Australia it was virtually killing our channel and we started to see that RU-vid stopped recommending our channel. So, although we shot a load of video on the cruises and North America, to share it would be bad for our channel. We may release it in a different form some day soon, if that happens we will let people know where to find it (we won't be charging for it though lol!) Best regards, Neil & Sarah
@@2GoRoam Bummer about the RU-vid issue, because I would love to see your Sydney-to-Vancouver cruise videos! My husband and I will be doing the Vancouver-to-Sydney repositioning cruise September 2024 and we're super excited about it.
2GoRoam but not 2GoRome (sorry, couldn't resist). Very much looking forward to seeing more UK and European content and also your Norway adventure. Coincidentally, about three weeks ago a friend posted on Facebook from a Norway cruise. Thirty minutes later another friend popped up on Facebook, also on a Norwegian cruise. Same location as the first and this was repeated the next day, so it wasn't hard to suss that they were on the same ship. They do not know each other but my attempts to introduce fell on deaf ears :) I have to say I completely disagree with the negative opinion at 39.03 - I certainly don't get the impression you are jaded and about to pack it all in (quite the opposite). Keep on doing what you are doing and keep on having fun.
Has anyone ever noticed when you book a hotel through a third party like Booking or Hotels that the hotel chain treats you different? Sometimes when I check in they'll say something like, "oh, I see you booked through Booking" and then the service becomes a bit mor curt?
Yes. Depending on how sniffy they are, I might point out that customers can’t be blamed for seeking the best deal - a point that they seem to grudgingly accept. Same goes for car hire.
Another great video. What cruise line did you take from Australia to Canada and what site did you use to book it? I am looking at doing the same thing from New Zealand or Australia.
Hey RR! No, in fact, I'll copy the response we made to another comment above that hopefully clarifies. "Hi David, We would love to... funny thing is, when we started to make our travel series in Australia it was virtually killing our channel and we started to see that RU-vid stopped recommending our channel. So, although we shot a load of video on the cruises and North America, to share it would be bad for our channel. We may release it in a different form some day soon, if that happens we will let people know where to find it (we won't be charging for it though lol!) Best regards, Neil & Sarah"
actually the plug thing can be a cultural thing. I live in Turkey for part of every year and I was told that it was not normal to have a plug........cant remember if it was cultural or religious and not sure of the significance, but it made total sense to the person telling me😀
“Keeping it real” is projecting!! I wouldn’t even spend time on these types of long winded questions, that aren’t actually question but grim statements. If this person wanted to hear what you have to say they would ask open ended questions. I listen to the first couple of answers then skipped the rest. TOGOROAM, DO NOT let these questions take up space on your channel. Complete waste of time.
When discussing travel interest/desires with others who say they like to travel who even do travel here and there, you/we are not using the same vocabulary as them. There was a moment in your video when your expressions reflect the urge/need/quasi-obsession to travel that others "who travel" just don't understand...like in their gut. My husband and I have almost a physical need to get on the road/plane/train and try to pack it all in before we no longer can...by age and physical limitations, not by cost. And when we're not traveling, we're planning future trips. And it's not 'touring', it's travel to the middle of nowhere and then to the edge of everywhere Very hard to translate this need even when using the same vocabulary
Lisa! This is a fantastic comment and you sum it up perfectly. There is travel and there is travel... Age is the barrier and we want to get as much interesting and exciting travel done before that barrier gets too high for us. LOVED this comment, thank you so much for leaving it. Best regards, Neil & Sarah
