Leaving the US - Slow Travel the World 

You’re so right about the risk of never getting to go because of some unexpected health issue. One of my best friends died last year of cancer at age 52. Her husband was a few months into his retirement. They had big plans for the years ahead. It was a huge wake-up call for me. 💔

I got the heck out the USA and moved to Switzerland.... when I was 27! Now approaching 64, and am so glad I got out of there. The paradox is I had more paid vacation in the USA while living here than I did while living there. Healthy Social Security and subsidized company pensions are the norm here. We just even voted to increase Swiss social security benefits by about 8 percent... and that was done via direct democracy... citizens voted for it! Imagine that in the US. Soon I will be in the middle of Europe with all the time and money I need to enjoy it... plus a house that we bought here.

Be a little wary of people who call you selfish - they are telling you something about them, not you.

Just retired to Spain 2 weeks ago. Per my visa, I had to purchase health insurance with no copay, no deductible for the entire year. $1300 and it includes dental. And Brian, you look marvelous! (in my best Billy Crystal imitation).

So inspirational!! I am 52 this coming week! Goals!! I did the fast travel thing on a semi-sabbatical the year of my 50th, 28 countries & 7 continents in 10 months. So exhausting, but no regrets! Loved every minute! Looking forward to my slow travel era! Thank you for inspiring & educating!

Enjoyed the video. That's the thing I try to remind people, as Brian said...I'm not on vacation, I'm just living my life in other countries. It really can be a lot more affordable than people think. And I'm glad you mentioned about how some people say that you are being selfish by living your life this way. Retirement is the time in your life when you should do all the things you ever wanted to do. If that's being selfish, so be it! Happy travels!

You two inspire us (my husband and I) but probably not in the way many others are inspired. Oddly, I am also 53 and my husband is 54. At 31, I was diagnosed with cancer. A short few years later, my husband's mom died of the same cancer. She was 52. I had a co-worker die at 52 of cancer. One night, my husband had a bit of an existential melt down and we sat and discussed "what are we doing ?!!!!!" We had already traveled to Mexico and Thailand to rock climb at that point and we were back in Dallas, slaving away or the house and the cars. We didn't have kids, and weren't planning on having kids so the "What are we doing" question sat heavy. We knew we loved traveling so we decided to live differently. Not being guaranteed to make it to retirement was VERY top-of-mind for us. In my husband's words, "If I die atv52 not having gotten to see what I wanted to see, I'm gonna be pissed." So we put the house up for sale (having just moved in like 3 months previous), began getting rid of and giving away as much as we could. We put what we had left into storage and went backpacking/hostel hopping across western Europe (pre EU and Shengen). We came back, moved to UT, then to CO. Bought another house, sold it 2 years later and made some money... took 3 years off and circumnavigate the globe, loving a year of that time teaching in Vietnam. We hit some bucket list things during that time too.... walking the Camino, hiking in the Himilayas etc... but we also experienced a lot of time in Eastern Europe. It was during this 3 years that we discovered slow travel. We came back, went to CO again. I got certified in Life Coaching and 2020 happened. Never got my life coaching biz off the ground. We were supposed to be back out of country May 2020. Instead we worked some more, bought a van and left July 2021 on a road trip in Eastern US. We ended up in MT working a year of seasonal jobs and then back to CO briefly. We decided CO was too expensive and would take us too much longer to get the heck out of the US again so we moved to Kansas City, MO... where we are currently getting ourselves situated to leave the US gain on a more possibly permanent basis. We discovered you guys about a year ago-ish and find it helps us to keep the motivation to keep working to get out of here. We 100% know that by the time we reach retirement we won't be able to afford living here and other factors like political etc are making it preferable (for us) to want to be elsewhere.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Watching the two of you feels very comforting and confirming. We decided to live this way a long time ago so that we could be active and travel while we're still fit enough to hike and explore....we have a "use it or lose it" mentality. So thank you!!! We appreciate you guys!!!

As always nice message. Put shortly: Vacationing comfortablely in 80% of the world is cheaper than barely surviving in the USA.

I have been watching you two from the beginning and I loved how you explained how you started dating in this one. You are both a delight to follow!

“wherever ‘out here’ is” 👩‍🍳 😘 THAT is what gets me excited about slow travel.

Thanks for sharing your experience! My husband and I have decided that our home is the destination after 2 years of travel! The most important thing is housing for us and walkability around the area. We are just starting to figure out what we need to keep our marriage healthy because Happy Wife + Happy Husband = Happy Life😊

Fantastic video, I have just come out of a 30 year marriage and now I'm looking for my Carrie and I may pass you in a country somewhere one day. Sanding both of you my kindest regards and I love you content x

I retire early in 2015 and moved to Valencia Spain for a year and then start slow travel around Europe. Now I relocate to UK coastal area, bought a house as I kind of need to be 6 months summer here as we have a Pickleball group. I am thinking of going to Argentina next .

I live in Greece and when my friend from the US came, he insisted on going to Santorini and Mykonos. He spent the same amount of money in two weeks that I spend in six months

My husband and I are in the same age range as you. We retired early too... and yes.. you ARE inspiring us to World travel. Like you, we started-off planning to move abroad, but then "traveling" became more appealing for lots of reasons. Keep up the good work. You are reaching a lot of people and making a positive difference in people's lives. :-)

I’m heaving 🤣🤣🤣 the arm touch that sealed the deal 🤣🤣🤣 and the thick beer goggles 🤣🤣🤣 You guys keeping me on track and focused on the future…. I hope one day our paths cross somewhere in the world (our focus will be Thailand/Malaysia) and we can have a drink and have a few laughs. This video was the follow up I needed after your last video. When Carrie said she was done, resonated! I’m done too. Travis (my husband) is not quite there yet but hopefully after watching your videos, he will be. Thank you, again ❤ words cannot express how appreciative I am for your channel.

My wife and I retired in our early 50’s and utilized the 72-T Rule to tap into our 401-K’s early penalty free. We were savers all of our life, lived well below our means and have been happily retired for over 10 years now. Playing golf, pickleball, wallyball, biking and healthy eating (most of the time). =] Wife will be tapping into SS later this years as she turns 62 and I’ll be waiting until FRA (66+) before I tap into mine. We purchased a vacation home here in Mexico when we were in our 40’s and keep it rented out when we are back at our home in the US or out traveling the world. Our health is our new wealth. I’ve seen so many folks not able to enjoy retirement due to declining health or a drastic early death. Get out and enjoy life while you still can. Life is short, get out and live our best life now.

I have just one word for your strategy and lifestyle: "Brilliant."

Great video guys. So many great points. We are happy to be leaving the US fot 6 months this fall. We are retired and we will keep our affordable home in the US, but we will travel as much as possible, as long as we are able on a budget. Constantly learning, is always good for you 👍. 😊

Congratulations guys I’ve been following your channel since the beginning and my husband and I appreciate your work

Thanks, Brian & Carrie, for your informative video. This is my first time watching you sharing about retiring early and travel slowly outside of U.S.

I love your journey and you're not selfish at all. Life is for living and you both still make time for your families. You've been inspirational to me. I have just come back from a solo trip in Albania.. my first ever solo journey and I loved it. Thankfully my hubby was supportive but Sarande, Ksamil, Vlore and so much more will stay with me forever. I remember you guys being there and maybe I wouldn't have gone if I'd never heard you guys talking about it when you were there 😊

Another great video. Love the transparency in a way that still protects your privacy. Also really like the dynamic between you two.

Just discovered your channel and enjoying your content. We did wait to start traveling when my husband turned 65 so we could access his SS and other investments. We slow traveled for a couple of years abd were then ready to "settle" in one place. We moved to the Algarve in Portugal and never looked back. We had NO desire to move back to the US given the political chaos, gun issue and cost of living. My point is when you said you may go back to live in the US when you can access your retirement funds, you may surprise yourself. The last time we visited we felt so our of place and experience reverse culture shock. Best of luck on your journey!

I admire that you can travel the world,you only live once!

You guys are so inspiring! I hope see you one day during our travels ❤

Always a great conversation. I’m beyond retirement age and travel 4 to 5 weeks at a time a couple of times a year but it’s really expensive that way. You seemed to have found your rhythm. I wished I could pull the trigger to go full time. Ya’ll are still young enough to correct any mistakes. I watch all you videos and after each one say to myself, just do it. Continue to enjoy your journey

I have met a of world travelers renting out there primary home and living abroad. This appears the most ways I noticed people cashflowing there travels. The number one are the pensioners, but many pensioners also rent out there primary home in there home country while they travel for a few years or longer.

You guys are definitely inspiring us!! We are making plans now to retire early (not soon enough). We are turning 52 yo this year and cannot wait. Hope to meet you two sometime. If you’re ever wanting to see the Texas Hill Country when you’re back in the states we’d love to host you. DreamitLiveit!

Love the story on how you met, especially the blue socks 💙

Not related to this video, but rather one year ago I asked which credit cards you use in Europe that allow the contactless feature to work bc some of mine didn’t, and you recommended the Charles Schwab debit card….and I opened an account and used it today in Poland, and it worked! Thank you for being a repository of knowledge!

Im fortunate i am dual citizen. For now i still need to work but take a month off every year and travel to the Philippines. I feel relaxed every time i was there and once back here the US,the rat race feeling starts again.

Thanks! Happy Birthday.

We lived and worked in Japan for 3 1/2 years. When we returned to the US at the end of COVID, I became very unhappy. Living as an EXPAT changed my life. I retired early and my husband followed. We made the decision to sell all our home, cars and get rid of much of our belongings and travel full time. We took some of the proceeds of the sale of our home and helped my daughter in PA buy a home, with an in-law flat above the garage. So, we have the benefit of no mortgage, being close to a few grandkids and traveling 3/4 of the year.

I love this video so much! You too are seriously my favorite channel 😍

A little late getting to my Brian and Carrie video today as I drove down to central Texas to meet with a builder on some land I have down there. But I'm so conflicted over whether I can afford to go this route or pursue the slow travel or ex-pat journey you guys really are inspiring. There are some people I don't want to leave in Texas, but a couple of not so successful law practices and a CPA job that got outsourced 8 days after I started have given me a pretty strong understanding of how stressful financial difficulties can be. Greece, Portugal, even Panama, Thailand or Viet Nam, present such a compelling option (or my idea to get a motor yacht - not the $1 million variety - and circle the Adriatic and Aegean). Anyway, I always enjoy the videos, thanks!

Wow! Great content. Glad you guys have resolve in what you chose to do.

Interesting that Brian mentioned not getting exercise when back home. This is yet another reason car dependency in the US harms us. Owning a car not only costs $10K per year to won, but it requires that we dedicate 800 square feet of garage/driveway space to house it. Cars enable sprawl. Because of this low density development, we haven't built enough housing to meet demand. Where I live on the West Coast, we've run out of land so homes now start at $1M. Americans don't realize that our three biggest costs (housing/car/ health) are all car related and the two of you are showing what life you can live when you left car dependency behind.

Agree with 99% of your points, but if you are moderate income by using ACA you may be able to get good insurance for little to no cost. It depends on your location though. Our ACA plan, which is a PPO equal to my former workplace plan costs us $65/month. That covers both my husband and I and works by keeping our taxable income in the 75-85k range.

Hi there, since you are opposed to long stays in air bb,.where do you suggest staying for a 3-4 month stay? We love watching and listening to you both! Very inspiring lifestyle decision.

I've had two root canals completed in Portugal: One cost 250€ and the other cost about 900€. Amazing specialist dentists. Supremely efficient treatments. The dentist' and staff always seem to be genuinely happy to see me. The cost in my former home of about 38 years CALIFORNIA would have been $$THOUSANDS$$. JP Porto

You guys are great. I also watch Azul who provides a fabulous financial perspective on early retirement. He can't say "social security" either lol

Thumbs up to you both 👍

The illness issue was extremely evident in May. My wife and I work for a Power & Water Utility company with about 5600 employees. The company has always felt like a very big family. Each month they have a company e news letter. In the May issue, there were nine in memorial posts for employees. Six of them were in their 60's!

Thank you for all the good information.

There will always be people saying we are selfish. Never listen to them! There is NOTHING selfish with doing what makes you happy and if someone still wants you to be unhappy because being where you want, doing what you want is "selfish".... Well.. So be it. Don't give up your desires to anyone!

You guys are so right, life in the states is a rat race, always thinking how to make ends meet, paying bills constantly and really never think about just sit back and relax. Can’t wait to retire in Italy……

Moved to France with a visa 1 May. Feel like having an international option with all the political/cultural turmoil back home is prudent.

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

Really enjoy your videos. We’re in the not yet ready to retire but still vacationing stage. Your slow travel sounds amazing and we may consider it in a few years. Do you have your locations planned? It might be fun if we crossed paths. Go Dawgs!

Good to hear your story!

We moved to south Africa ten years ago, my 5 bedroom house costs about 300k in USD and costs especially medical are much lower. Can’t imagine retiring in the US too expensive

Another great video. My wife and I do our research and travel very much like you do. Here is a thought... I think you are doing a Mexico trip sometime soon. How about a planning video based on that trip, before you do the trip. We know Mexico pretty well, but two heads are better than one.

The cheapest state in the US is Mississippi. Medical insurance is our biggest unknown to figure into a budget.

Great content! A comment on travel while you're younger. People who haven't traveled internationally don't realize that it's the AMERICANS with Disabilities Act - many, many places throughout the world are practically inaccessible as you age. My Airbnb is on the 4th floor of a worn, slopey, 14th century spiral staircase - there's no way you're hauling your luggage up and down that in your 70s (it's not easy for me in my 50s and I stairstep for exercise!). A decade ago I went to the top of the Duomo in Florence with a girl who made it all the way to the iron ladder in heels! But she was petrified of going up that flimsy ancient iron ladder to access the very top (where the views are). It took a little coercion (which she now thanks me for) but she made it up the ladder and was thrilled with the view. Tomorrow isn't promised, and the world isn't America. Mark - from Clermont-Ferrand, France, Pascal's birthplace and where Urban II called for the First Crusade

Guys I live in Malaysia for the past 28 years and I'm from Seattle WA. Just to let you know its not easy getting a MM2H and have to show considerable amount of cash assets and a monthly income of at least $4000/month USD. And please don't say I dont know I've done this and have renewed my MM2H. I deposited $250,000 in a CD in a Bank. I also own my own condo out right and that cost me about $350,000. Just to give you a heads up.

Hey guys! My husband and I plan on hitting the road this December after he retires. I am 64 and he will be 62. Out of all the questions asked of you I only have one concern. Hope it’s not to morbid but what do you do if one of you passes away overseas? Will you be cremated and carried home by the other person? Will the other one continue to travel? Hope it’s not to bizarre of a question but you never know what can happen! 🍻

I don’t think you guys are being selfish at all. I’m 55 years old and I’ve been thinking about doing the same thing almost nonstop. Who knows what the next 2 years hold, especially with the leaders we have in power these days. You’re probably a lot like me, worked your whole life raise kids tried to do and make all the right decisions the best you could and now you’re looking at things like - what the hell?!? I swear, the only way to get truly wealthy in the United States, is to break laws. You follow all the rules walk a straight line and end up wealthy, consider yourself as lucky as winning the lotto. I’ve spent most of my life living paycheck to paycheck, but that all changed about six years ago. For the last six years I’ve been doing very well, and that will be hard to leave, but who says I won’t drop dead tomorrow? I’m 55, it could happen. I really admire what you guys are doing, and I think I’m going to end up doing the same thing here soon. I live in Coeur d’Alene Idaho, about 20 minutes east of Spokane Valley Washington. Probably not all that far from where you guys are from. thanks again for the videos that you guys post, they’re very inspiring!

Great Video, can’t wait to get started we will travel 4-6 months a year. If I could talk my lovely bride into it, we would sell everything and do the same as you. Safe Travels Cheers!

Three more years and I'm out of the US. I am counting down the days.

Hi Brian and Carrie, you mentioned that you spend about $28,000 a year while you slow travel. I hope you don’t find my question too forward but where does this income come from? The only thing stopping me and my husband from living our dream of early retirement is that we’re trying to find a way to earn extra income to add to the one social security check we get (his), if I were to leave my job. I’m in my late 50’s still working FT, ready to retire, but don’t want to lose my health insurance.

Out of curiousity, Brian, what is your blue tee shirt budget? May require its own video. Lol! Love the content guys!

It will be more than quadruple in the next 30years from now

We are planning our first trip in September to Portugal. We were inspired by your video describing Portugal as your number one pick. Where would you recommend staying in the Algar?

Guuuuurl, you are really making me re-think our need for that extra pension amount I'm actually staying for! Sooooooo ready to dump with my J-O-B!!!

Insurance is ridiculous!!! We are a family of four and pay almost $50,000 a year for healthcare. That is not affordable.!!! I’m so ready to retire.

just postponed early retirement by 5 weeks just to get dental work done. probably should have quit on time and gone abroad to get it done!

people are getting smart. about time. I quit the rat race in 1998 at age 43. I am now 70. what did I do you ask? I moved overseas to asean. bouncing around all over this area. my monthly budget all this time 26+ years and counting is about 900 usa dollars. that's all you need to live on. haven't worked a day since 1998. my life revolves around playing computer games, watching netflix, surfing the net, riding my bike, gym, people watching and hanging out with friends. every 2 or 3 months, I jump over to a neighboring country for change of pace. life is great. I'm currently receiving my social security. and I don't even spend all that I receive each month. between the social security that I don't spend each month and the 300 dollars in interest I receive from money invested in treasuries, I'm saving over 12k dollars a year. I don't have to. but my life is ok on just 900 dollars a month. imagine that. my monthly rent for a 35sqm furnished studio apartment is 140 usa dollars. I live a 10 minute walk to this modern aircon mall. 15 minute walk to the beach. they have all-you-can-eat breakfast buffets for 5 usa dollars. a fish combo at mcdonalds is 3 dollars. life is great. people in the usa can do what I do. it's easy.

I love you guys! almost went to Bellingham today but got lazy 😂 Question for you: how do you handle feelings of being homesick (if you experience it).

You mentioned traveling and being away from your children. I'm more concerned about traveling and being away from my aging parents. My husband, Bill, lost his parents early. However, both of my parents are still alive (82 and 90 years old) and they aren't in the best health and it's difficult to know how many years they might have left. I also know that if we delay traveling, we might pass up our "good years" to travel. Do you have any insights into how this affects your traveling decision? Jennifer

When entering a country, are you usually required to show you have a plane ticket out of the country? (ensuring you do not plan to overstay). Please comment on this topic, and indicate which countries, if any, you have encountered that requirement, and which ones you have not. Thanks in advance for your help.

No regrets, I get that so much! Is there some things you wish you knew in the beginning of your travel journey that you can share?

Great video! What health insurance company do you guys have? Thank you soo much!

Hello, we live in Portugal on the island of Madeira. Would you consider house sitting in Madeira ? Let us know…. We are American who moved to Madeira this year. We lived in WPB Florida for 40 years. Hope you are interested!!!

I am very surprised that a couple can travel the world for $28000 annual including health insurance.

I'm 58 1/2 single woman work my rear end at a home improvement store. I can't even afford health insurance and i walk everywhere. Question about the health insurance please explain how it works? And did you sell your homes? If you did where will you live when you get older? So many questions, sorry but i would like to leave miami. If your not retired and your not taking money out of your savings how are you living? Thank you

Are the RU-vid videos more for your own memories or does it actually pay the bills?

Love your video! Is it possible to "slow travel" with a pet?

May I ask how old you guys are? You mentioned you can return to the U.S. when you reach Medicare age and draw SS. I was curious how long you will be slow traveling to reach that age?

I love this idea, but I love my cats and don’t know how to include them …

Is July/August a good time to visit the Algarve?

Hi. I’m curious if the amount you spend per year is being covered by your RU-vid channel . Or are you living off interest from money saved . Thank you !

Why don't you have an America healthy diet? It is not that difficult if you want one. Sound like only overseas can eat healthy, don't blame US for this.

I just heard you say that you would like to come back to the US when you reach the age for Social Security and Medicare. At the current rate, you may not want to come back. Yes, it looks like Social Security will be available to you. We are using Medicare now and it is under seige by the healthcare corporations. There are two types of Medicare to choose from: The first is Original Medicare. Currently the healthcare companies have their hands on 20% of the cost and that is where costs are going up. The remainder gives seniors a lot of choice and covers almost everything. This is still the better choice than the other choice, Medicare Advantage, which has been taken over completely by the healthcare companies. It is a disaster. They offer dental care, hearing care, and other perks to entice you to join, but patients needing coverage for major care are being denied. This is before Congress at this time to decide how to regulate them, but it is so far out of control, it may not be fixed. These companies are also lobbying to transform Original Medicare to the same disaster, so not sure how long it will be before it gets ruined as well. In addition to the above, housing values and rents have shot upward, causing property taxes and home maintenance to do the same. And to add insult to injury, interest rates, homeowners insurance, HOA costs, and other fees have also gone up. After the pandemic everything shot upwards and has not come down. Many cars are still too expensive to buy. I am letting you know all of this because we have discussed leaving for good, because of the fleecing of America that is going on. I believe it is corporate America's plan to extract as much of the babyboomer wealth before we all die and can leave it to the kids. Some financial forecasters believe we will be going into a severe period of stagflation, where inflation stays high, economic growth slows, and unemployment increases and stays high. And with a shortage of home inventory, property values are expected to come down some for a while, but then climb again within the next couple of years. We have been watching yours and others travels and may have to leave as well as things get too expensive.

The British State Pension claimed now at age 66 is frozen if you move outside of the UK, so inflation gradually erodes its value. Within the UK it’s linked to the price index so is inflation proofed.

Where are you living now ?

it's NOT SELFISH to take care of your life and actually live the life you want because if you're happy and healthy everyone arounds you benefits including your children.

We left to retire abroad 3 years ago from USA and our lives and health and Mental health has totally improved 👏. We never look back and could never go back after living a peaceful and healthier , affordable lifestyle now. One doesn't realize how Toxic USA is Until you live in another Country that is opposite of what you have always lived and don't know there is better out there!!

Another cracking video guys. My wife and I retired last July, both aged 53, and sold everything to live nomadically. Then I had a heart attach out of the blue in January this year (I suppose working long hours in a high stress profession for 33 years should have been some clue). Luckily I received emergency care in short time and we are able to continue the dream. I'm watching your latest video from CDG airport in France, waiting to head off to our next 'home' on the road. Great to have you spreading the good word for this lifestyle in such an entertaining way. Great chemistry. I hope we cross paths one day and can share a beer or two.

The best thing I ever did was become fluent in Spanish. I took advantage of this skill and moved to Latin America. I have $3500 in a monthly pension and live on $1500. Healthcare costs $40/month. There is no way I could enjoy the quality of life I live in the states.

You guys are freakin awesome. This was so geniuine, so candid, so honest. Your ducks will never be in a row. Nobody's will. You are perfect for each other and it's so lovely to see you have found a lifestyle that makes you so happy. You are definitely inspring. Please keep doing your videos. Ignore the haters. We love you.

Brian, I AGREE! You've never looked BETTER. And me living in Portugal have never looked better either! Seriously, my European life is Much healthier than my life was in the US. Healthier food, more exercise, cleaner air, Less stress and so much More. JP Porto

I am so appreciative of your thorough videos each week. It has led me to start my journey next weekend, starting with a five week house sit in Malaysia. Yes, it will be hot. I am going solo and I'm scared $hitless. In three months or so I hope to be a confident solo slow traveler. As a finance guy I've tracked your expenses along with other solo travelers I follow on a spreadsheet for the last two years, and I agree your two person $28k USD budget is legit in the right countries. But everyone has their own comfort level. My starting budget is 3k/mo. And Brian, we did note the darker eyes are gone. I'm happy for you.

Step One: Find wife who is willing to uproot her life and travel the world with me. Step Two: Travel the world.

I have to start drinking beer so I can meet a cool guy to travel with! Unfortunately my husband passed away a while ago. Kids are almost grown. I am 53, corporate job, lots of vacation days but I am an introvert so it is hard to meet someone great, layback and without drama! 😂 :) While solo travels are great too, I do enjoy sharing the experience with likeminded people. Thank you for your story! Just found your channel. Thinking to travel to Budapest this fall or next one. I have many coworkers in that city so it should be fun!

I love that when you introduced yourself you didn’t mention what you did for work. So many people become their careers.

It was nice to meet you in Crete, we were in Bordeaux, now enjoying Périgueux with old French friend has lived here for 17 years.

Great video! Lots of good info. It's nice to see you have more than 50,000 subscribers now. I also enjoyed the story of how you both started dating. My wife and I are not typical Americans; I have dual US and UK citizenship, and my wife is a naturalized American citizen after marrying me. With my wife from Slovakia and I having a British passport before Brexit, we could live in the European Union, so we moved to Spain. At the time, we were living a successful life in New Jersey, and while we made plenty of money, we did not have time to travel. At age 50, I visited my mother, who had retired in Spain, and I fell in love with the place and how healthy the Mediterranean diet. I immediately realized how living a less stressful life could be beneficial to our health. We quit our jobs a year later and moved to a city about an hour from Valencia and 40 minutes from Alicante. In retrospect, 14 years later, it was our best decision.

Count me and Sunny as two more people you helped break out of our comfort zone and go live life to the fullest. Thanks and cheers! 🍻

Thanks for you guys insights. Everyone has different situation. My husband is 62 , currently he still has a very good paid job.Very hard to say bye to that . I'm homemaker now. Last yesar i went back to China to sell my two investment properties before the markets crashed. I realized the costs of living was super low there . And china has very good infrastructure everywhere. To be hoenst , China would be the retired destinations if the political weather is DIFFERENT 😂... But i grew up there , nothing is scared to me. It is definitely a gem for retirement. Thanks again for the info. And budget of usd23000 annually for both is amazing number to live on !