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.
Practical advice on safe and efficient travel tech management for fulltime travelers
Quick Navigation: USB Security | Battery Packs | Multi-Port Chargers | Our Current Setup | Product Checklist (read before you leave the United States) Traveling light is more than just packing fewer clothes; it’s about optimizing the travel tech accessories you bring along. For those of us embracing fulltime travel with only what we can carry, optimizing our electronic setup becomes crucial. Prior to leaving…
Dinosaurs to Butterflies: What to Expect at Costa Rica’s Natural Science Museum la Salle
Since we had a few extra days in San Jose, Costa Rica, we decided to venture off the beaten path and check out Costa Rica’s Natural Science Museum la Salle. This museum doesn’t make it onto most travel itineraries. Oh sure local families and schools love to take the kids there but it’s kind of hidden in an industrial-looking compound – behind a gate and…
Our Puerto Viejo Accommodation Review: Brisas del Caribe
If you are visiting Costa Rica, especially the Caribbean side, it’s probably for the beaches and you’re probably thinking Puerto Viejo. Peaceful, quiet villages, beautiful sunny weather, black sand beaches, laid-back attitude… Ahhh, I can feel the relaxation seeping into my bones just thinking about it…. And you’ll need is a place to park your stuff and rest your head at night. We chose Brisas…
Navigating Culinary Crossroads: A Guide to Dining Out When Traveling
Ever scrolled through Facebook and stumbled upon posts about dining out when traveling, full of questions, criticisms, and tales of culinary adventures? You’re not alone. In this post about dining out when traveling, I want to talk about the differences and even provide some tips to help you have a better experience. (Yeah, I’ll also talk about tips because it comes up frequently) On any…
Schengenicity 101: Navigating the Complexities of Extended Stays in Europe
We are full-time travelers, nomads. Our retirement lifestyle takes us around the world and part of our mission is to share the lessons we learn along the way. From the moment we decided that our retirement would be as one long ‘road’ trip, we have researched and investigated. We approached retirement as a project where we can learn and teach as we go. We’ve been…
Our Visit to the Azulejo Tile Museum Lisbon (& The Mistake We Made)
One of the highlights of our time in Lisbon was our visit to the National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo). Ranked as #8 out of 18 things to do in Lisbon we knew we had to add it to our itinerary, we just wished we would have visited the museum earlier in our trip to Portugal. The ceramic tiles adorn the facades of buildings…
Things to do in Faro, Portugal – Catedral de Faro
Located in the old town of Faro, Faro Cathedral – Igreja de Santa Maria or Se de Faro – is an amazing display of craftsmanship. We found Faro’s bone chapel – Capelo dos Ossos – to be delightfully creepy, as we always do when we find one, and the overall experience at the cathedral to be enjoyable. The cathedral includes multiple chapels and altars; both…
Best Times to Visit Lisbon: Weather & Prices for Budget Travelers Like Us
TL;DR: The best time to visit Lisbon for budget travelers is during the winter months (December to February), when prices for flights and accommodations are lowest and crowds are minimal. For a balance of pleasant weather and affordability, early spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are ideal shoulder seasons. Summer (June to August) offers beach weather but is the most expensive and…
Lisboa Card Review: A First-Timer’s Guide to Saving Money with the Lisbon Card
we went all in with the 72-hour Lisboa Card, the official Lisbon tourist card. Here’s what we learned while using it
My Portuguese Sandwich Recipe: Bringing Lisbon’s Flavors to Your Kitchen
My Portuguese Sandwich Recipe: Bringing Lisbon’s Flavors to Your Kitchen Lisbon – I’ll never forget the first time I tried a Bifana, the traditional Portuguese sandwich. It was love at first bite—the tender, marinated pork, the slight crunch of the bread, and the burst of flavor from the garlic and paprika. I was hooked. Today, I’m sharing how to bring this mouthwatering experience to 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.
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