Our Slow Travel Mistakes (and how to avoid them) 

I need to write the ultimate guide to slow travel. I've been doing it for 30 years as a corporate expat, freelance digital nomad and now retiree. After 40 countries, I finally decided to keep a studio apartment in the US and travel twice a year for 2-3 months at a time. That way, I always have a home base but still get to explore new places. I still want to move outside the US but I just don't know where yet!

Knife sharpening, you can use the bottom of a ceramic coffee mug to put a great edge on a dull knife

After two years on the backpacker trail and 45 countries it would take me all day to list all of my mistakes/mishaps/wacky adventures! Live and learn. They do make the best travel stories you must admit🤣. Stay safe, have fun!

When we're on the move I find a lot of clothes at 2nd Hand or consignment shops. Kitchen stuff too(bake and cook ware, silverware , glasses). Then I donate what I'm not using.

If I was younger, slow travel would be great. However, at 63 & 65 respectively, my wife and I are happy expats in Panama who enjoy traveling for 10-14 days at a time. Ecuador is on our list!

As a teacher I say, they aren't mistakes...they are "learning opportunities" And after over 100 countries for me, oh does travel teach a lot. Interesting video.

Yes it can be exhausting to change locations that often. I would suggest doing longer stretches in one place as a hub with a couple excursions or side trips, for example, stay in one city in southern Spain for a couple months and use the high speed train or bus for day trips or a weekend away. It is easy to get burned out if you move too often.

Don't rule out campsites. Most of them have bungalows. We are vanlifers, been here since 2019. Began in BnBs in Portugal, rented a place for a year but now live in a van with our two dogs. Campsites here are very nice, clean, have cafes, a restaurant, laundry room and nearby public transportation. We stayed at a campsite in France, took the bus to Versailles, which meant no parking hassles! We have traveled for two years now and it's amazing what I have stowed away in our van. I dont feel deprived at all. Portugal is our home base, but I've not been to a bad campsite these past two years, This includes Portugal, France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Italy, and Monaco. Good luck!

I spent 20 years biz-traveling 9-10 months a year... monetary-costs were always covered, but the emotional strain NEVER was. And I grew to hate LUGGING. Lugging my bags onto my bed, loading them up, lugging them out of the house, into a car... into the airport... lugging them out to a rent-a-car or taxi. Lugging them into a hotel. Into that room, onto that bed. Then re-filling them and another round of lugging. It's wasn't the travel I objected to - it was THE LUGGING.

You two are too young to remember traveling pre-computers. Back in the day you would buy either Frommers or Fodors books " Europe on $5, $10, or $20 dollars a day". They always did their homework and list great hotels, pensions, restaurants etc,. They would even suggest what to do, visit, tour if you have two, three or more days in a destination. I know that Frommers is now online, but carrying those big books was so worth it, also great reading on the flights as there were no movies! lol Happy travels, stay safe

Try a down travel pillow. Mine came with ties attached so I can roll it up tight. It ends up being about the size of a long sleeved shirt. I consider a good pillow essential for my well being! 😴🛌

I've been slow traveling in Peru and Chile, and I'm glad I purchased my own small water boiler, French press, and knife!

Loved the video. My husband and I have slow traveled for a month or more through Mauritius, Bali, Thailand, Armenia and Vietnam. We encountered the exact same challenges as you and we had tears laughing and reminising over our similar experiences. Presently we are in Guam at an Airbnb we picked in part because it said it had a washer and dryer, but the host actually meant that there was a nearby laundry within driving distance. At least our knives were sharp. 😂

House/pet sitting helps with that desire to connect with a 4-legged friend.

We made a few of these mistakes too. We travel with a bullet blender and a Grayl water purifier. Instead of storage containers we carry ziplock bags. A towel is a must-pack. We also carry black office clips - great for clipping curtains closed, and a jar lid gripper pad, which doubles as a drain blocker in a pinch. For insurance I recommend Safety Wing’s Nomad plan until you get over age 60, when it gets pricy. This was a great, very relatable video. Thanks, unconventionals! (I still like the old name😉)

Love It! A screaming neighbor that yells for no apparent reason in the early morning and late at night…😂😂😂

Everything you talked about is exactly my experience! Been traveling from a suitcase 7 years now, all over the globe. Sometimes I volunteer but mostly am a "tourist." It was really comforting to know I am not alone in the pros and cons.

I’m carrying two chefs knives and a small sharpener because there is rarely a decent knife at an airbnb. I also carry a very large “everything pan”. It’s a large deep non-stick sauté pan that can be used as a frying pan, wok, pot for boiling pasta, can go in the oven, etc. Yes, it’s a bit heavy, but I’d skip on a pair of shoes for a decent pan for slow travel when I want to make scrambled eggs every morning without them sticking. It doesn’t take up much space because I can pack stuff in it. I use heavy duty ziplock type bags for food storage - airbnbs seldom have anything for leftovers but you can usually find storage bags in pretty much any store, and don’t take up any space when moving from one location to another.

I don't know of any other site that packs so much practical, insightful and useful information than this one.....plus it's done with such good humor. You're a great team. Learned a lot, as usual. Thanks for sharing.

Yeah… whoever said it’s the journey, not the destination….never traveled.

My wife and I sold our house and most of our stuff in 2020 and escaped California’s madness. We traveled to Texas and then spent six months traveling around Mexico on tourist visa, then back to Texas, then Florida, then back to Texas again in 2023. We stayed in mostly Airbnbs for about 30 days at a time. It was fun and interesting, but also stressful and a lot of hard work. My wife is happy to have a house again. But, I can agree with a lot of what you have experienced pro and con. Enjoy your videos, good luck!

'Slow travel' sounds like work. When I travel I dislike moving all the time, as it's too hectic. I'll travel from a base.

This was very interesting. I like to think I'm a very experienced traveler, and I would not have thought of these things. I did laugh at the internet because it is so true that anything faster than dial-up can be sold as "high speed." You probably saved your viewers considerable money, time, and stress with all this information. It would be fun to see a comparison video after you've been doing this for a while on the monthly costs of slow travel vs. the place in Ecuador. I'm loving these videos. Nice job!!

You sound like you were having a better time when you lived in Cuenca. If I were you I would go back to Cuenca, make it my home base and explore South America....

"Been there. Done that." ... It took a few years, but have now adapted to most of the situations you mention. Finally down to travelling with one carry-on bag and a "personal item" ... and sticking to one climatic zone. Have discovered there are a lot of things I can actually do without! I asked a friend in Kiribati what "thing" I needed before arriving there on a 2 year volunteer assignment, she said, "F-n flexibility". Found that to be the "secret" when it comes to many aspects of life. Buen camino.

Thanks for the great content! I just finished 6 months traveling through Mexico and experienced all of these things. The lack of supplies in Airbnbs was especially anniying. I wouldnt trade my experiences with slow travel for anything, but learned it's not for me. Im a nester. Im returning to mexico soon and getting a year long lease so i can build a home again.

I travel 3 months a year, one month at a time. I am a recent dual citizen American and Italian. Based in Sicily. When I cross weather zones or find myself shopping for clothes, I give my unused clothes to the local homeless. Try it. It feels good to see their faces when someone gifts them nearly new clothes 😊

Really agree with all of this. We travelled and lived out of suitcases for 3 years before the pandemic. 100% Agree with the kitchen stuff, we learned the hard way to pack lighter, but also bring kitchen essentials *and decent towels with us. And not having any routine gets more tiring than you might expect. Never knowing where to go for groceries, always figuring things out, getting in a routine that you have to re-invent all the time....fun at first but gets old eventually. I'm pushing to do the most travel we can now while we are in our 50's, because honestly I can see my patience getting thinner in time and I won't want to bother with all the hassles later in life. Thanks for sharing your experiences!

This video hit home. We have been slow traveling since December. We are currently in Ecuador - but we have been in Mexico and Belize as well. You nailed it on so many things - dull knives, living out of a small suit case, home sickness ( even though you don't have a home). I refer to us as gypsies . I do feel that we are living our best life doing this and it has brought us even closer. This life style is not for everyone - some days are extremely hard.

For me it's best to get to one spot in a country for the limit of the visa. 3 - 6 months at a time.

just found you guys and what an absolute treasure you two are ! binge watching your videos and they are so informative and right up alley. I am planning on my escape from the matrix , Im 49 and spent the last 4 years slow travelling pretty much everywhere I've recently returned to Canada and I am having a very tough time adjusting to my old life in the rat race life of Canada. I have decided that I can longer be a part of this life here in canada and I am looking to continue slow travelling and Ill be looking for a property in a country where life is a bit slower and the sun is shining. Your videos are amazing and I really appreciate the effort andf knowledge you two provide. Thanks !

Love your honest and straightforward comments. Really eye-opening. Thank you.

Thank you for your very honest assessment.

Looks like just pure ADVENTURE to me.....which is why I travel!! Enjoy!

GREAT video. I really appreciate how real you both are.

I was just ahead of you guys this winter. Stated in Portugal went to Spain, then made the mistake of going north in Spain. It gets cold in Madrid and Valencia in December! I scooted over to Egypt, where they had one of the coldest January s on record. I managed to get serious respiratory issues, and couldn't shake it with the cold. I came back to US to change my wardrobe, and plan to head back to UK in May, but following the sun is a MUST or carting around winter clothes! And you didn't mention that buying clothes can blow your budget real quick. 90€ for a cotton sweater! 170€ for a jacket!

Thanks for doing the research!

Thank you for your channel. I subscribed and have been watching to learn. Your plans are similar to my retirement goals. Very informative! I also appreciate the great nuggets of wisdom in the comments.

Charity shops are my friend when I travel. If I need something, I look in the charity shops and then regift to them when I leave (if item not needed after).

You inspired me to visit Albania ! will be there likely May at some point. If youre still there, happy to take you two for lunch to thank you for all your great videos and recommendations !

Great video guys. I've been slow traveling for 7 months now and have experienced all of the challenges and frustrations that you mention. For me, as a solo traveler, travel days are the most challenging. There are soooo many things that can go wrong. My advice would be to try and stay in each place for at least a month and embrace the chaos of the lifestyle. Things will never go totally smooth but just try not to make the same mistake more than once. The goal is to be living "la dolce vita"......

Yes. Apartments that are not at all equipped for cooking. Common. If I'm not going to be flying for long enough I'll buy a small sharp knife. And I've gone to second hand/thrift stores to get a fork and spoon when the kitchen stuff was pretty unusable. I try to land at a hotel that has 24 hour desk service the first night. Then move to an apartment the next day. I've had transportation problems along the lines of telling the host I'd be there at 8pm but not arriving until 1am. Consider packing a thermal undershirt and windbreaker. Layer what you have until you can go to the market and buy something warmer if it's needed. But spending winters in warmer places, places closer to the equator is a good solution.

You guys are the best! Thanks for all the great advice.

Very happy that you guys are enjoying it but frankly it sounds exhausting!

Such great info! Thanks so much. So great for planning. I live in Wisconsin and we barely get any sun. Everyone goes through seasonal affective disorder. Chase that sun! ☀️ I just saw a video on another couple who always chases 75°. What an interesting concept. I love colder weather. So maybe I chase 55 degrees. 😃 I’ve also heard that people will go to buy from secondhand stores when they get in a country and then go and sell it again or donate it when they go out. Because it’s so inexpensive. So many great ideas out there! So great to message the host with needs. I never thought of that except when I’ve needed help when something hasn’t worked like the washer dryer or to know how something works. It is a great thing when you have great hosts that help. You guys have so many great points. I do miss having a dog as well. I would love to have a permanent place in Europe with a pet. Maybe one day with a dual citizenship. I think the dealbreaker for slow travel with me would be chronic health issues because I have many. Once I can stop working, hopefully I can get on European healthcare with the dual citizenship and not worry. I hope that you continue to enjoy your travels and be safe and happy. 💗

Good video, especially for newbies - we've experienced many of the same things. A couple tips: What you are describing is not what I would consider slow travel, which would be 1-3 months. You are still in the honeymoon phase and moving pretty fast. Slowing down will help some of the issues you mention, and also save money! I also hate dull knives - bought a very small/light sharpener on Amazon.

I appreciate this post it really helps me get an idea about slow travel. One of the things I've been finding is not discussed a lot of this decision fatigue. Which is one of the things you're talking about as far as routines are concerned. Thank you for this post it really helps me get some ideas about this lifestyle.

Thanks for sharing!

Thanks, guy. Slow travel always sounds good, but thanks for this down-to-earth or wake-up call - that makes you think. Not as change your plans but to prepare better

You guys are great. And your videos are so good and so full of information. You’ve definitely found your niche!

I’m really glad I found your channel. Can relate to everything you said. I spent 11 months in 2023 around the world and had all 4 seasons to deal with. My best solution to the seasons has been a timeless waterproof trenchcoat that is light enough for summer showers and to loop in the handle of my backpack/carryon but warm enough with layers. I am the queen of layering. I am also constantly on the lookout for chiffon tops (sorry men) because I can layer them , they dry overnight, and weigh nothing. I look forward to following your adventures!!

We house sit and Airbnb ling term. Carry a very light (dollar store) zipper bag with portable knife sharpener, peeler, measuring spoons, twist ties, temperature probe. Been doing it for 10 years but we do now have a studio in home of our family which really helps!

Yes. Slow travel is our plan in the next 12 months! Thank you for the information

THANKS FOR YOUR TIPS - we feel your pain !

Eexcellent video. I am contending with each of these. I can so identify with you.

Thanks to you two, we can learn from your mistakes. We are grateful you are willing to share. 😊

EVERYTHING you talked about here resonated with me. Some made me chuckle, some got an empathetic nod and some made me cringe a bit. You’ve got the gist of slow travel 🤗. Also, the longer you travel this way, the more your luggage is filled with non-clothing things 🥴: doorstop, 3-4 clothes pins, steak knife, spoon, tiny screwdriver set, piece of rope, sponges, tea towel, salt/pepper, zip-locks, vitamins, power strip, extension cord, adapter, yarn/thread, needles … Of course, you also end up with things that you can’t really use but just cannot part with 🤦‍♀️ … I bought a piece of leather a while back and I know what I want to do with it but, atm, it is not happening. It weighs at least a pound and is now my luggage liner 🤷🏼‍♀️. Your videos are very informative and to the point. Great job, thank you.

I definitely want to try slow travel so this video is very timely. I'm more concerned about how my wife takes to it than I am myself. She's game for it though so I am praying it is a good experience. A lot of the mistakes you have made are mistakes we all make and can be hard to avoid. Even like booking travel only to find an Airbnb may not be available or booking an airbnb and realizing the travel may not be available. It's all sometimes just the lock of the draw. I didn't hear any deal breakers for me but surely these are all things to be weighed and considered so that you go into it as informed as possible. Thanks for the great content.

I’ve been happily doing slow travel for years, but you guys have me exhausted.

As usual, excellent practical information.

When I lived and worked in London in the mid-80's during I swear it was dusk at 3:30 pm!!!

I prefer housesitting to Airbnbs; the kitchens are always well stocked, the internet is high speed, and the furniture is comfortable! And you can pick sits that have a dog so you can get your dog fix! Oh, and it's free lodging. :)

Please visit one of the Ionian islands before you leave Albania. The islands are a whole different world from Athens!

What a wonderful energy you 2 have!!!, always joyful and smiling. My husband (gringo) and i (ecuatoriana) enjoy a lot your videos, thank you!!. We are also slow travelers, for year and a half and we love it. Right now in Ohrid, North Macedonia. Really recommend it since you are in Albania, beautiful, cheap and so peaceful. Hope some days our paths cross and get the joy to meet you in person😊

Amelia and JP. Good video, good information. The great thing is, no matter the down side of experiences, you get to do this, which is much more than most people can dream of. When there are down sides, like the screaming lady, it is only temporary for you, since you will be moving on. Good thing there was no year's lease at this location 🙂. Maybe the slow travel helps you to get to know yourselves better and what you are capable of and as you said, you are learning from your experiences. You both are an inspiration and many of us simply are enjoying your life's adventures.Thank you so much. Love and Hugs.

Great tips and I was happy to hear that I already knew a few of these! We are planning our exit from the US with some summer travel and then a 3 month exploratory trip planned for next spring. I like the Schengen hopping idea - my husband wants a home base, very likely in Spain. It's wise to spend some significant time in different areas to find a best fit before going through the time & expense of the visa. So many people get there and realize they miss home & family too much to stay and it's a costly lesson. We'll see what he says after a tax consultation - we are tax optimized in the US, not so elsewhere!

Nice jobs guys.... Thanks

No dealbreakers for me. Can’t wait for my slow travel journey to begin. January 2026.

Winter stuff costs a whole lot more to replace than summer stuff, too! This was a very useful informative video... thank you! Back in the day, I travelled (backpacking) for 9 months overland from Australia through Bali, Indonesia, SE Asia, India... then Turkey & the Middle East (arriving in November, so I know exactly what you mean about the clothes!). I bailed out in Jerusalem just before Christmas when I found a letter from a friend who I had just missed (this was in pre-internet days, so Poste Restante).... overwhelmed by homesickness, living out of my bags, not being able to put down roots anywhere. Travel is great for a while - but when it stops being fun, then you need to change your strategy. Having periods of a month or so when you stop & live like a local can also help - up to a point. But then you move on... Contrast this with a 3 year stint in Japan (also a while back, 30+ years at this point) where I settled in and was able to enjoy the experience in a different way, making friends, working, getting to know all the things you would miss as a tourist. Now being older and in my retirement years, my travel is going to be different... I think being flexible and understanding this process, being willing to re-evaluate your needs and preferences as you go, changing tack when something really doesn't work (even after allowing for some adjustment time)... all these are necessary parts of the process. Happy journeying for your next step!

Yes, I now travel with a wine bottle opener! Going to places when the temperature is warm is a great idea. I have made that mistake in the past, making it necessary to carry around more luggage. I think when I begin slow traveling that I will try to commit to a place a minimum of one month. Thanks

Guys this is my favorite video so far! Thank you!

I love to travel but have decided I need a homebase. I have had a number of health problems since I retired eight years ago and it’s no fun to get sick on the road. I’m grateful when I have the health and money to travel outside the USA a couple times a year. I also miss my friends too much. You’re so right. Travel days are totally exhausting and rentals are very expensive.

I have never heard of analysis paralysis, but oh that’s me too Amelia!

Great, informative, eye opening videos! Comments are also very helpful! Thanks to all and safe travels. In fact, TRAVEL SAFETY is a good topic. Please.🙏🏻

Just recently found your channel. LOVE it! You are both very entertaining and the videos are engaging. Definitely feel like I'm learning useful info for my 2025 goals. Thank you!

Now this is a video. I'm old subr...and this is why we like your channel. Brave to teach from your bumps. Stay honest👍🤙..the teams best video lately, but not your worst mistake. 😉

Oh, you guys! So many times I wanted to stop your video and say something! Yeah everything you've said makes sense. Our family has traveled plenty and we relate to your thoughts. We are planning on leaving the US. Had enough. And, Ecuador is at the top of our list due to the weather, language (not terribly difficult), cost of living, and safety. It seems that the smaller towns are fine,safety-wise. Also, I read that Cuenca and the towns around are quite nice. We enjoy your videos. Is it weird thinking about all of us out here who are familiar with you? Much love and thanks, Shelley

Thank you for your honesty. I want to travel and would miss home if it were indefinite.

Yep, I made just about all of those mistakes and more. I'm getting better but I still sometimes make some of those, especially not packing for the proper weather.

Great information . I 'll love to travel around Europe before settle down in Ecuador. Don't know if I 'm build for that.

Thanks!

Great advice. For room and transportation, I reserve both at same time!!!😊

I have been in two airbnbs that had induction cooktops but half the pots were not induction capable. I always bring a small sharp kitchen knife in my checked luggage.

I asked you guys months ago what your 1 must have item is. I think I figured it out. Patience. ❤ Amelia watch out JP is obsessed with sharp knives...Lol 😂

I think when I do this, I’m going to need two things: 1mo+ stays in a town and also joining local FB groups. But this is a very helpful and honest tale. Thank you’s!

In Europe the budget hotels are generally cleaner than you find in budget hotels in the US. I find it easier to book an inexpensive hotel two days, walk the community and see the apt before renting. My concern is finding a safe, nice community. close to cafes and a supermarket That is what I start with. I only go places that have elevators.

If you chase the sun you will be traveling with tons of other tourists. It may have been a blessing to go in the off season. Knife sharpener, kitchen towels, knife, ... Yes to language exchanges, hostels, meeting locals, etc

It was great meeting you today! We watch every video but never comment. That changes now :-)

I actually live quite cheap in the US, last year I spent only $25k or so excluding travel. I am transitioning to fully nomadic soon and anticipate actually spending more.

This is a very helpful video from my favourite American RU-vidrs.

My wife and I have been nomadic for 3 years and we certainly relate to these issues. In fact, we travel with our own kitchen knives! We just got back to the US (for a wedding) from South America after 8 months and it's been nice to have some modern conveniences and a plethora of choices for everything. There is no one perfect place!

This is so relatable! My partner and I have been traveling/slowmading since 2018 (and solo before then), and we found a lot of the same situations. Now, we both travel with a carry on size (though we have to check it in because of the weight). We chase the sun, with occasional short bouts in cold places, so we carry one jacket plus layers. We use packing cubes to compress our clothing. Kitchen stuff: vegetable peeler, kitchen towel, water purifier to fit on a faucet, ziplock bags for storage, one food tin to store food for day trips, and a bunch of spices! You'll be surprised that certain spices are hard to find in some countries. I could go on and on, but thank you for this video -- it is really well thought out!

Welcome to my world. My last two winters were in Ecuador. I became an international housesitter this year and started in Panama to Guatemala then Colombia but all bets were off once I landed in Seville, then Portugal in March. More clothes, another suitcase, just a heavy hassle. Lisbon is warmer... now, and by the time I reach Spain next month, I'll be able to use the clothes in the first suitcase. I'm gonna send those cozy clothes back to the states. I have learned my expensive lesson, once and for all.😂

Going to spend a couple months this summer in Spain. It’s always a beautiful place! We are thinking about looking for a vacation home in Buenos Aires. Looks like some interesting things are going on there. When are you going to try there?

Thanks for this video. I was just planning a trip. I used most of your suggestions especially booking travel before housing.

my goal is to one day not make mistake number 2. i.e., pack exactly what I need, nothing extra, nothin lacking. I doubt it will ever happen, but I'll keep trying.

I very much enjoy your videos. I also watch Nomad Capitalist, who has some very interesting ideas on best bang for your buck countries to get additional passports and/or citizenships. In my case (65 y/o), I will most likely purchase a lot, and place a 500 sqft. home in a tiny home community (somewhere Montana or Wyoming) where I can always return in the summer to rest my bones. Then head for six months to somewhere where it is summer also chasing the sun :)

Like Kramer, Amelia is a minimalist, love your travels! Try Catania Sicily. Medieval and modern in blocks, very reasonable and great produce market HUGE!

Had a good laugh, not at your expense. The whole cold weather thang. Given I too lived in Denver and Chicago and now in Australia - the whole cold weather clothes what are those 🤣I hate the fact that here 10-12c or 50-53f is cold lmao -10 or worse like in November 1985 it was -35f with wind chill - I for one am over sun heat sweating so I’d follow clouds rain snow - great honest video truly a good chuckle - Blizzards in Denver I miss ‘em.

Where are you now? Always great videos. As a pastor for almost 35 years I can’t tell you how many young jubilant couples come to me to get married and have already booked and paid down payment for the reception only to find out that the church is already booked. Ouch. Definitely book the transportation first and then the stay. Happy travels