We lived in Germany for almost 5 years. Being Canadian I was used to a large refrigerator and was shocked to see the kitchen we had to buy (!) from the last renter for our rental townhouse had an under counter bar refrigerator. I was able to fit 3 days groceries for the 6 of us into a bundle buggy and then into that refrigerator. I couldn't shop every day with four little kids! So yes, I was definitely more active in Germany - walking the kids to school, walking back and forth to the grocery store, walking to the bus stop - because, oh yeah, we only had one car! Many of our neighbors didn't have a car at all. Very different and we could see why their lifestyle had many health advantages.

Great video! I'm sure I'm going to be just like the guy on the train at some point because I'll be so excited lol! I've got 58 days until I leave for Argentina!

I agree you live a more active lifestyle abroad but you don't have to drive everywhere in the US. When I returned from living abroad, I moved near public transit and a big supermarket. I still grocery shop every 3 days and take the bus/train to other stores. I also frequent outdoor farmer's markets. But mostly I walk to/from the store hauling groceries on my back or rolling cart. If you live in a city with good transportation and don't own a car, it feels a lot like life abroad...if you want it to.

@nncadi1

28 күн бұрын

unfortunately, good public transport is not the norm in the US

For myself being on a single person on a tight budget in the US you kinda imprison yourself because you can't afford to do anything extra. All I do is buy my groceries and literally go home. Most of my entertainment is at home because I cant afford to do much else. I have a government job and is worth it because of the pension and Healthcare. Pay not so much. Definitely looking at retiring outside the US, so I can enjoy life.

You don't have to tell me twice! Two years until retirement. I'm so looking forward to it. I'll be checking out your course. Thank you again for another great video!

@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel

28 күн бұрын

Thanks so much!

The advice to look into a place more long term rather than short term is great advice. My brother and his wife learned they can visit hot/humid climates for a week or two, but longer term was too difficult because the heat made them sick.

We are soooo looking forward to experiencing Thailand in depth this winter. 😊 We want to get a feel for what it is like to be there for an extended period. At this point we plan to keep our small home( that we downsized to). But we keep an open mind about changing our minds later on. Life is an adventure, get out there and explore it.

@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel

28 күн бұрын

Have fun!

@LawrenceStevens01

27 күн бұрын

FYI, there is unhealthy air quality in many parts of Thailand December through April, especially in the north. Better in Phuket and the southern beach areas. I had been a 20-year winter visitor.

This is an easy one - here you simply never retire, beyond reach for many. Plenty of places overseas offers some cost effective alternatives.

Another good video, thanks. I always learn something even though I left the USA for SE Asia (mainly Thailand) over ten years ago. Now when I visit the USA I feel like I enjoy it more, because I'm a tourist but in a very familiar place where I understand the language and customs completely. You might want to do a video about the Foreign Earned Income Exemption (FEIE) for US taxpayers. That's a potentially huge tax savings available to Americans who live overseas for 335+ days/year.

I want to meet you all!! I am a ways off from retiring, but keep plugging away with hope in my heart. Thank you for your videos courses, and info! You all truly have given me hope, and ability to set goals and have dreams of a brighter happier future ❤ you guys!! Thank you!

@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel

27 күн бұрын

You can do it!

@1RoseLia1

27 күн бұрын

​@GroundedLifeFinances thank you both!

I suspect that the biggest adaptation for people will not be solely about moving to a new country. It will be from moving from a rural/suburban lifestyle to a very dense urban city center, especially as congested and polluted as many Asian cities. As a New Yorker, I am used to not driving a car every day, walking everywhere and carrying groceries, as well as all of the noise, smells and unpleasantries of city life. Accordingly, I totally enjoyed chaotic cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Bangkok, Mumbai, etc. You have to develop the ability to tune out certain frequencies in your surroundings; otherwise, all of that sensory stimulation can be quite overwhelming.

@pixpusher

17 күн бұрын

Well said. I live in a city in the USA and it’s pretty easy. People belong in cities. Learn to live with each other.

It would be great if you put chapter markers. Thanks for your videos.

I share your thoughts. Just retired to Chiang Mai from California on 27 April. Still in the honeymoon phase, but have so many friends here already. And..best of all, I am living on Social Security strictly, and have not spent more than I bring in yet. I fully plan on living another 65 years to enjoy this life. Think. Plan. Slight hesitate, then....GO FOR IT. That is my advice for everyone.

I'm investigating between a nomadic lifestyle vs. having a fixed overseas location (and combinations of the two). For instance, my hobbies are intangible so travelling light-weight is super easy, but since I'm married it's not just about me.

@tenminutetravelbreak

28 күн бұрын

same. I'd bail out next week if it were just me.

@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel

28 күн бұрын

We are similar, our hobby is photography so it's actually helpful to go new places to take pictures.

@virginiajordan5567

28 күн бұрын

Although flawed, I love the USA and never want to reside in a foreign country permanently !!!

@tenminutetravelbreak

28 күн бұрын

@@virginiajordan5567 same. I was an expat for over 10 years, but I always knew I could go back to the States when the time was right. I am, however, interested in going some other places and stretching my dollar.

Hi, Rob and Allie! Where may we find more information concerning your upcoming group cruises, please? We love your videos.

@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel

28 күн бұрын

The info is in the Retirement Travel Jumpstart community group, the trips are part of the group/course

@kennethwilliams1301

28 күн бұрын

Is that $297 each, for my Wifey-dear and me?​@GroundedLifeFinances

Thank you for being the sweet pragmatic voice of reason. It is so comforting to share your videos with family and friends in the USA. I gain new travel perspectives with every video.🙏 Will you be having an event here in Bangkok? ¿Dónde estan los latinos en Bangkok?

You commented on living on 4,000 USD/month- that is a lot! How about 2100USD a month?!!!

Thanks for the video and info. Can you please explain how your Jumpstart course is different or more in depth than your KZread videos. Thank you again.

I am concerned about aging (health issues, mobility, socializing) outside of the US.

One thing I would find really helpful is if you guys could do a video on eSIMs. You have mentioned before that’s what you use, but as someone that doesn’t have a lot of international travel experience, it’s an area I’m not real familiar with. I would love your take on the pros and cons of different providers. Whether you get one for each country you visit or a regional or global one, whether you have data only and use FaceTime for calls or have one that provides a local phone number, etc etc

@LawrenceStevens01

27 күн бұрын

I've used Airalo all over the world.

You are my inspiration. I have lived abroad many time before and plan to retire early when I reach my forties but with your inspiration I am already a part time digital nomad three months a year. Can you do a video about the business side of your KZread account? Did you set up an LLC for your KZread business? How do you file US taxes as slow travelers?

Hi! I swear you're making your videos and courses for me! I started my channel a couple of weeks ago, but could definitely use some guidance. Also, budget slow travel is the retirement decision I had come to after looking at my financial picture. Just trying to hang in for a couple more years to get that pension. I'm going to check out the Jumpstart course, as well. Coincidentally, I live in the Atlanta area, too! Thank you for helping to meet a need out here!

@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel

27 күн бұрын

Thanks! You can do it!

@SoloRetirementwithLydia

27 күн бұрын

@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel Thanks! Is someone impersonating y'all in the comments. I got some strange messages from someone using the name Rob and Allie.

@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel

27 күн бұрын

@@SoloRetirementwithLydia yes, likely, that happens a lot unfortunately.

future video topic suggestion: ethical concerns about travel/living in these poor countries. I wonder about this.

@gregjor

27 күн бұрын

Quite a few poor and less-developed countries rely heavily on tourism. Thailand maybe at the top of that list. Spending US dollars helps the local economy. There's a line between taking advantage of differences in wealth and opportunity (most Thais can't afford to travel, or get visas to go anywhere outside of SE Asia) and contributing to the host country. I'm not sure if that's what you mean by ethical concerns. I have yet to experience anti-immigrant or anti-foreigner sentiment abroad comparable to what I witnessed first-hand in the USA. Something that often surprises Americans abroad: we are a drop in the bucket in numbers of tourists and expats. In SE Asia the vast majority of foreigners taking advantage of wealth/income disparities come from China, Japan, and Korea, not from the USA or western Europe. And not all nomads/expats have so much money they can live like kings -- retirees on pensions and social insurance (Social Security for Americans), and young people traveling on a shoestring budget outnumber well-off nomads by a very wide margin.

When westerners meet other westerners especially in Asia they are more inclined to be more friendly to each other than in their own country. I believe it’s because they actually miss a part of their western culture while in Asia even if they don’t realize it. It’s not easy to gain foreign friends especially a couple while in Asia. Language barrier and culture customs play a big part to this. So if you are a Westerner on a long travel journey you will find yourself being more open to other westerners. I will say my own experience in the Philippines was different than this. I felt like there westerners were fairly distrustful of other westerners.

Great info!

@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel

28 күн бұрын

Thank you

When is your next live!?! I have so many questions. Lol

@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel

28 күн бұрын

Sunday at noon eastern

Thanks for your enlightening channel. We love it. You are absolutely right, most Americans do not think outside the box and give little consideration to how they are living. You offer an excellent alternate way to retire. As someone once said, "The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions." When we are abroad I often take my rolling bag to carry more groceries than I could carry in a backpack. They even know me when I am home and shopping at Costco ;-)

@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel

28 күн бұрын

Great idea!

MÉRIDA! I have two air bnbs right in Centro. Let me know if your travels take you there and I'll give you a deal on one of my houses. :)

@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel

27 күн бұрын

Thanks so much!

When traveling, we always make it a point to check out a mall or two - and we're not big mall people. It's a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture, and the food courts, typically on the top floor - can be incredible. Also, how they typically have a grocery store on the bottom floor is a great idea!

any channel suggestions for a solo traveler under 2k monthly budget???

Would you also upgrade at intercontinental to Ambassador status. Or just get IHG Diamond

It does seem that meeting people while abroad is easier. Ment to ask if you went anywhere else in the Philippines besides Manila? I miss chicken and pork adobo. 😋 😊

@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel

27 күн бұрын

We did not, our purpose there was to finish up a project, mostly the retirement travel jumpstart course, so we didn't venture out too far.

Hi guys, Have you guys visit Jakarta (capital city of Indonesia)? And have you visit lombok when you are in Bali ?

@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel

28 күн бұрын

We have not been yet, but are hoping to go

Retiring abroad can be more luxurious, affordable and just as convenient as in the US, if you're in a mid-size/large city. But once you get out into the provinces or rural towns away from tourist areas, not so much. Slow unreliable internet, electrical black/brown-outs, water problems, bug infestations, lack of public transport, poor healthcare systems, few shopping options, language barriers can all be frustrating and exhausting. Make sure where you go matches the lifestyle you want and can comfortably afford.

@gregjor

27 күн бұрын

Just as true in rural America, except for the language barrier.

What type of camera and mic set up do you use

When you say you need to let your guard down, I will assume your not talking about most, if not all of Latin America. We lived in various countries in Latin America for many years and you always need to have the protection radar on...... ALWAYS. Some countries , or areas in the country more than others of course. No shortage of people we knew had difficult situations, and even the locals had their radars on 24/7.

@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel

28 күн бұрын

Yes, you are correct

@5metoo

27 күн бұрын

@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel - Also don't understand why you generalize that people need to be on defense in the US. I've never felt that way, but of course I know there are dangerous places.

Do you have US medical insurance, or do you just have nomad travel insurance since you're traveling?

@gregjor

27 күн бұрын

US medical insurance, including Medicare and VA, generally not usable overseas. Some exceptions especially for VA. Many companies, including US insurers, offer both short- and long-term nomad and travel insurance, and expat policies. I have used CIGNA and SafetyWing with good results (they paid the claims quickly). Medical and dental care in many countries works out so much cheaper than in the US that it doesn’t hurt to pay out of pocket. My wife and I have never spent more out of pocket in Asia than our ACA premiums cost in the USA.

Please talk about getting around in Japan without english speakers

@gregjor

27 күн бұрын

My limited experience in Japan: not a problem in cities. Important signs, train/subway maps, etc. all in English. I never had much problem communicating, always someone around who could speak English and offered to help. I’m told rural Japan presents more language challenges but that’s true everywhere.

Do you do visa upon arrival or apply online for Thailand?

@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel

28 күн бұрын

Visa on arrival for us (American)

@gregjor

27 күн бұрын

Depends on your passport. US passport holders get 30 days visa waiver on arrival, can get 30 days extension. You can get longer visas by applying in advance at any Thai consulate. Long-term visas for a year or more have multiple options, depends on your circumstances and budget (Thailand Privilege for example). Wikipedia is a good resource. Google for “visa requirements US citizen” and change US to the country that issued your passport.

@gregjor

27 күн бұрын

@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel Tiny correction... US passport holders get a visa WAIVER on arrival. Thailand has visa on arrival as well -- Indian citizens get that, for example. I bring it up because those are separate lines at the airport. Getting in the wrong line not usually a problem and the staff can point you to the right line.

You guys don’t have an issue with language in Bangkok because you are in Sukhumvit. If you were to travel to most other cities that are not full of tourists, then you will not hear English as often.

@gregjor

27 күн бұрын

I've been all around Thailand. In Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi, Samui, etc. -- the places tourists go -- you can easily get by with English (or "Angrit" as Thais say). In more rural areas (most of Thailand) you may have to work harder. Usually someone speaks English -- Thai kids/teenagers study English in school so they may understand better than adults. It's hard to find a rural village in Thailand that doesn't have one or two expats living there. We visit family in a rural village in the middle of nowhere. Many of the kids can speak some English. When I get stuck I use Google Translate or pantomime. Learn how to count to 20, how to say please and thank you and excuse me, how to ask where the toilet is, and the words for any allergies or food preferences you might have. Vegans may get surprised because Thais don't think of fish, chicken, or eggs as "meat" the way Americans do, for example.