Everyone thinks we must be rich. But our lives as digital nomads cost less than half what we'd be spending back in Seattle. Let's run the numbers, shall we?
Feb 5, 2022Liked by Brent Hartinger, Michael Jensen
I always enjoy your newsletters, pictures and more. It is unlikely I would ever travel like you two do, but I feel as if I am sometimes with your stories. Thank you again. :)
Though we are not nomads, as retirees in Spain, we've had some very similar experiences and outcomes. We had a comfortable retirement budget for staying in the states (on the Delaware shore, after retiring from DC), but decided that, if we could at least break even, we'd like to move for the adventure and great year-round weather. We very roughly figured out the costs should be a bit less, so made the jump (after lots of planning). It turns out that our running costs have been about half of those from our first two years in relatively low-cost Delaware! Yet we're traveling much more (even with covid, we have been able to travel responsibility all over Spain -- from a three-week road trip through northern Spain, to periodic two-day stays a little closer by, to weekly day trips visiting nearby villages); and eating out more and better. And we've developed a wonderfully healthy new hobby, hiking almost weekly with friends in the surrounding mountains. And, huge bonus, we wake up to beautiful views of the sea and mountains -- something we could never have afforded in the US, if we could even find such a place. There are of course many challenges, but that's partly good, too -- they help keep us learning. We recently heard a statement about the stages of retirement: There's the go-go, followed by slow-go, followed by no-go. Our goal is to extend the go-go as long as possible, by keeping physically and mentally active -- things that come with the territory of locating in a different country.
Another great article! I think that the food is so incredibly fresh. We are currently in Lisbon and loving every tasty meal. We eat at our current home mornings and nights; lunch is out! Broccoli must be in season, fabulous flavor! Our favorite dish is…seafood stew. So yummy and filling! If it is expensive or touristy we move on. Local food is the BEST!!!
I have been a nomad in the American west for the past eight years, and recently settled down in a small trailer in the forest. I love it but you are making me envious! Do you know anyone on your travels who brings a dog? I wonder how that would work.
This was very inspiring…❤️Thank you for sharing your insights and joy! Hope 2022 is full of new adventures, views, people, and experiences for you all…
I always enjoy your newsletters, pictures and more. It is unlikely I would ever travel like you two do, but I feel as if I am sometimes with your stories. Thank you again. :)
Though we are not nomads, as retirees in Spain, we've had some very similar experiences and outcomes. We had a comfortable retirement budget for staying in the states (on the Delaware shore, after retiring from DC), but decided that, if we could at least break even, we'd like to move for the adventure and great year-round weather. We very roughly figured out the costs should be a bit less, so made the jump (after lots of planning). It turns out that our running costs have been about half of those from our first two years in relatively low-cost Delaware! Yet we're traveling much more (even with covid, we have been able to travel responsibility all over Spain -- from a three-week road trip through northern Spain, to periodic two-day stays a little closer by, to weekly day trips visiting nearby villages); and eating out more and better. And we've developed a wonderfully healthy new hobby, hiking almost weekly with friends in the surrounding mountains. And, huge bonus, we wake up to beautiful views of the sea and mountains -- something we could never have afforded in the US, if we could even find such a place. There are of course many challenges, but that's partly good, too -- they help keep us learning. We recently heard a statement about the stages of retirement: There's the go-go, followed by slow-go, followed by no-go. Our goal is to extend the go-go as long as possible, by keeping physically and mentally active -- things that come with the territory of locating in a different country.
Another great article! I think that the food is so incredibly fresh. We are currently in Lisbon and loving every tasty meal. We eat at our current home mornings and nights; lunch is out! Broccoli must be in season, fabulous flavor! Our favorite dish is…seafood stew. So yummy and filling! If it is expensive or touristy we move on. Local food is the BEST!!!
I have been a nomad in the American west for the past eight years, and recently settled down in a small trailer in the forest. I love it but you are making me envious! Do you know anyone on your travels who brings a dog? I wonder how that would work.
This was very inspiring…❤️Thank you for sharing your insights and joy! Hope 2022 is full of new adventures, views, people, and experiences for you all…