For Americans thinking about living abroad
Can you really retire abroad on a budget? We’re finding out.
We’re Sandra and Jeff. Since 2023, we’ve been living slowly across countries — tracking exactly what we spend so you can plan with real numbers, not estimates. No guesswork.
Our Walking Tour of Korçë Albania: Coffee, Cobbles & Culture
We set out from our apartment in Pogradec for a simple day trip to Korçë. Since the bus station is less than a mile away, it’s an easy walk up Boulevard Europa and Rruga Industriale, which is lined with cafés, coffee shops stores and fruit stands. Everything we’d read said buses ran between Pogradec and Korçë every half hour, from 0600 to 1730. Sounded easy…
Best Things to Do in Southampton (Cruise Port & Day Trips)
When we were preparing for our four month stay in England, the city of Southampton kept surprising us. We went in thinking of it mainly as a ferry/cruise port, but the more we dug into it, the more we realized it’s a city with layers – medieval history, Titanic stories, leafy parks, and easy day trips. 🗺️ Quick Facts 🧭 Planning Your Visit Senior Railcard…
Boiled Milk Dressing: An Old-Fashioned, Budget-Friendly Recipe for Modern Nomads
One of the quirks of full-time travel is cooking in kitchens that are never quite fully equipped. Most Airbnb kitchens have the basics – a pot, a pan, and a few utensils – but rarely the extras that make cooking feel easy. On top of that, buying a whole lineup of condiments for a short stay doesn’t make much sense when you’re living out of…
Should You Take Social Security at 62? The Travel Planning Question That Changes Everything
The conventional wisdom says wait. But what if the “smart money” advice is wrong for your life? Quick Answer: The Social Security at 62 pros and cons aren’t what most people think. You can claim at 62 and receive about 70-75% of your full benefit. But this isn’t really about math – it’s about what you want your early retirement years to look like and…
No Cook Bean Salad Recipe: Perfect for Travelers in Minimalist Kitchens (15 Minutes)
This no cook bean salad recipe is perfect for nomads, travelers, and anyone cooking in unfamiliar kitchens with minimal equipment Why This No Cook Bean Salad Recipe Works for Nomads When you’re living the nomad life with nothing but a questionable can opener and three mismatched utensils, this protein-packed salad becomes your absolute lifesaver. It’s one of those throw-everything-together nomad recipes that somehow always works…
Where to stay in Lisbon; 6 Best Neighborhood PLUS Hotel Recommendations
After living in Lisbon for over a month as budget nomads, we’ve tested which neighborhoods actually work for different types of travelers – from dealing with the famous hills to finding affordable stays that don’t sacrifice location. In A Hurry? Here a short list of the best hotels!! 💎 Best Luxury Hotel: Corinthia Lisbon🎯 Best Budget-Friendly — Vila Garden Guesthouse 6 Best Neighborhoods in Lisbon…
15 Best Historical Fiction Books Set in Europe: Literary Inspiration for Your Next Trip
Planning a trip to Europe? These historical fiction books set in Europe will transform you from a tourist into a cultural explorer. Each novel opens a window into the historical events, local perspectives, and hidden stories that shaped the Europe you’ll experience today. Why Historical Fiction Inspires European Travel Finishing a good novel often makes you yearn to visit its setting — not as a…
Planning a Trip to Multiple European Countries? What do American Expats and Senior Nomads Need to Know
Whether you’re planning an extended European vacation or, like us, scouting potential retirement spots across Europe, you’ll run into terms like “Schengen Area,” “EU,” and “Eurozone”. These aren’t just bureaucratic jargon; they can actually affect your trip in practical ways. We’ve put together this guide because understanding these distinctions helps you plan better, avoid surprises at borders, and know which currency to bring where. Europe…
Cost of Living in Chile: What We Spent Living Abroad for 6 Weeks as American Expats and Nomads
If you’re researching the cost of living in Chile, you want real numbers and a full picture, not just tourist prices or discounted stays. We get that. That’s why in this post, we’re sharing every dollar we spent during our 6 weeks living nomadically in Chile, including the expenses many travel budgets overlook. Our goal with these cost of living posts is to show what…
Which Budget-Friendly Country Should You Move to First?
Which Budget-Friendly Country Should You Move to First? Which Budget-Friendly Country Should You Move to First? Discover your perfect expat destination based on your priorities and lifestyle Ready to take the leap and live abroad? This quiz will help you discover which budget-friendly country aligns best with your lifestyle, preferences, and financial goals. Answer 10 questions to get your personalized recommendation! Start Quiz What’s your…
About Us
We’re Jeff and Sandra, two retired Americans, living abroad, on a budget, one country at at time. Most days, we’re just doing what we’ve always done— making ourselves a home, working on projects, cooking, and running errands, wherever home might be at the moment.
Reader’s Favorite Blog Posts
- Cost of Living in Vlore Albania: Our April 2026 Expense Breakdown
- A Real-World Cost of Living Report: Our First Year in Albania
- Cost of Living in Sarandë, Albania: What We Actually Spent
- ATM Fees in Albania (2025): What Travelers Need to Know
- Best Merino Wool T-Shirts for Travel: I Purchased & Tested 3 Budget Brands vs 1 Expensive Brand
