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.
Cost-of-Living Reports, American Expat Life, Central America, Destinations, Guanajuato, Mexico, Mexico City, North AmericaCost of Living in Mexico for 6 Weeks: Our Detailed Breakdown
If you’re considering living in Mexico – whether as a digital nomad, expat, or part-time traveler – you’re probably trying to figure out: What’s the real cost of living in Mexico? We’re Jeff and Sandra, American expats and nomads. We spent 6 weeks (46 nights) living in two very different Mexican cities: Guanajuato and Mexico City. Here’s exactly what we spent – and why. If…
Jeff’s Carry-on Packing List
A practical carry-on packing list includes enough clothing for one week, such as pants or shorts, shirts, underwear, and a lightweight jacket. Essentials also include toiletries, electronics, and one pair of walking shoes (wear the bulkiest on the plane). He uses compression bags and sticks to lightweight, quick-dry layers to maximize space. Why Carry-on Only? Traveling with only a carry-on bag and a personal item…
Our Cost of Living in Buenos Aires Argentina for Two Months Report
From colorful Argentine pesos to surprising museum finds, here’s the breakdown of our cost of living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for two months, as American Expats and Nomads We started our second year of fulltime travel in late 2024. We headed to Buenos Aires, Argentina – part of our experiment to see if comfortable, full-time travel was possible on our modest budget. What we discovered…
Best Merino Wool T-Shirts for Travel: I Purchased & Tested 3 Budget Brands vs 1 Expensive Brand
We pack light, move often, and don’t always have access to dryers — which makes clothing choices matter more than we ever expected. After years of full-time travel through the USA, Canada, Europe, and Central America, I’ve tested four merino wool t-shirts to see which ones actually hold up to real travel life. The Short Answer (For Buyers Who Just Want to Know) If you…
How to Travel with a CPAP Machine: A Complete Guide for Every Journey
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or embarking on extended international travel, this How to Travel with a CPAP Machine guide will help you maintain your sleep therapy routine anywhere in the world. If you rely on CPAP therapy for sleep apnea, the thought of traveling can feel overwhelming. How do you navigate airport security? What about international power differences? Should you invest in a…
Budget Friendly Itineraries, Central America, Mexico, Mexico City, North America, Travel Guides, Trip Planning3 Days in Mexico City: A Budget-Friendly Itinerary
Three days in Mexico City is just enough to fall in love with its vibrant energy, world-class cuisine, and rich history. Whether you’re squeezing in a long weekend, planning a stopover, or simply want to experience the city’s highlights on a tight schedule, this 3-day itinerary is designed for curious, budget-conscious travelers who crave authentic local flavor. Expect walkable adventures, stunning architecture, and unforgettable eats—all…
Mexico City Travel Guide
We wrote this Mexico City Travel guide to help you explore Mexico City with confidence and curiosity. Thinking about visiting Mexico City but unsure where to start? As full-time travelers living abroad on a budget, we explored CDMX deeply—by foot, bike, bus, and taco stand. From world-class museums and hidden markets to must-know transit tips, we’ve pulled together everything we wish we’d known before our…
Budget Friendly Itineraries, Central America, Mexico, Mexico City, North America, Travel Guides, Trip PlanningMexico City 5-Day Itinerary: Culture, Cuisine & Local Charm on a Budget
You were planning a layover — but Mexico City had other plans. Whether you’re a budget-conscious nomad, curious traveler, or culture chaser, this Mexico City 5-Day Itinerary hits the sweet spot: affordable, walkable, packed with history, flavor, and heart. Day 1: Welcome to CDMX – Historic Core & Rooftop Views For more options on where to stay visit our Mexico City Travel Guide Day 2:…
South America Travel Guide
As budget-conscious slow travelers, we’re taking a different approach to traveling around the world: instead of rushing through tourist highlights, we’re spending 30 days (or more) in each location to truly understand what it’s like to live there. We created this South America Travel Guide base on the research we did to prep for our trip and information gathered while we were there. We hope…
Buenos Aires Travel Guide for American Expats & Retirees
Welcome to our Buenos Aires guide! If you found this via our newsletter, you know we value the ‘real’ version of travel – no fluff, just the logistics you need to know. When people ask us, “Is Buenos Aires worth visiting?” our answer is a resounding yes – but only if you know how to navigate it. As American expats and “mobile retirees,” we spent…
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.
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- Best Merino Wool T-Shirts for Travel: I Purchased & Tested 3 Budget Brands vs 1 Expensive Brand
