One Year of Slow Traveling: The Journey Behind the Podcast

Introduction

Just over a year ago, we made the bold decision to sell nearly everything we owned, pack up two suitcases and a golf bag, and begin a new life as slow travelers in our 50s. The idea was born out of a desire to live with more freedom, intentionality, and purpose. Fast forward to today, and we've spent the last 12 months exploring the world, building our brand "Your Time To Travel," and now launching our podcast to inspire and empower others to do the same. In this blog, we reflect on our first year of slow travel, what we've learned, how we've chronicled our adventures on YouTube, and why Episode 2 of our podcast is such a special and pivotal moment in our journey.

The Origins of Our Journey

Our slow travel journey didn’t start overnight. It was the result of months of planning, conversations, research, and, most importantly, mindset shifts. We knew we wanted something different from the traditional retirement path. We weren't ready to settle down in one place; we were ready to explore, connect, and experience life in a deeper, more meaningful way.

We downsized everything—furniture, clothes, mementos, even the beloved PlayStation 4 that made the cut but never got used. We knew that traveling light wasn’t just about baggage, it was about making space for new experiences. We focused on keeping what brought us joy, including our dog Bennie, who is very much a part of this story.

Episode 2: Capturing the First Steps

Episode 2 of the Your Time To Travel Podcast, titled "Before We Hit the Road: How We Prepared to Slow Travel the World," was recorded shortly after we began our journey. This makes it one of the most authentic snapshots of that exciting and slightly nerve-wracking time. It wasn’t polished or overly planned—and that’s exactly why it matters.

This is not our official podcast launch—that’s coming up on August 4th, marking our 1-year anniversary of slow traveling. But we wanted to share this early episode as a preview and give listeners a glimpse into the beginning of our transformation.

In this episode, we talk about the real emotions behind the decision to leave comfort zones. We share:

• How we mentally and emotionally prepared to leave our home

• The practical side of downsizing and planning our first destinations

• The essentials we packed (and what we would leave behind if we had to do it again)

• The fears and doubts we faced, and how we overcame them

It’s a candid conversation that serves as a milestone for us and a guidepost for others thinking about taking the leap.

What Is Slow Travel Anyway?

For those new to the term, slow travel is about immersing yourself in each location rather than rushing from one tourist attraction to another. It’s about building routines in new places, connecting with locals, and truly experiencing the culture, food, and daily life.

Over the past year, we’ve spent months at a time in places like Thailand, Mexico City, and Malaysia. We’ve stayed in both luxurious villas and cozy local apartments. We’ve found our favorite coffee shops, made friends with restaurant owners, and even found a dog boarding service in Hua Hin that Bennie loves.

We have now made Bangkok, Thailand our home base for our slow travels. It gives us the perfect mix of urban energy, comfort, and accessibility to the rest of Southeast Asia.

Chronicling Our Journey on YouTube

One of the biggest decisions we made early on was to share our journey through YouTube. The Your Time To Travel YouTube channel has been a way to document, reflect, and inspire. We wanted our audience to see the real side of slow travel—not just the highlight reels, but also the travel hiccups, culture shocks, and beautiful surprises.

Our channel has evolved into a digital scrapbook of memories and lessons. From behind-the-scenes vlogs and accommodation reviews to travel tips and cultural experiences, YouTube has allowed us to connect with people all over the world. We’ve received messages from viewers who are considering slow travel, asking for advice, and thanking us for showing them what’s possible.

As we've grown more confident in front of the camera, our storytelling has improved. We've started to focus more on themes that resonate deeply with people in our season of life: reinvention, living with purpose, downsizing, travel with pets, and embracing the unknown.

Transitioning to Podcasting

While YouTube has been an incredible platform for storytelling through video, we knew we wanted to deepen the conversation. That's where podcasting comes in. Podcasting allows us to slow down the narrative, explore topics in more depth, and bring guests into the mix.

The Your Time To Travel Podcast is our next step in building a community and a resource for other 50+ travelers and dreamers. It's more intimate than video, more portable, and gives us the freedom to dive into meaningful conversations without the visual constraints of editing and camera work.

We see the podcast as a complement to our YouTube channel—offering a different kind of access to our thoughts, stories, and insights. With each episode, we'll unpack topics like budgeting, handling logistics, the emotional rollercoaster of change, cultural differences, and more. We'll also be introducing listener questions and expert interviews.

Lessons from Our First Year

The first year brought more lessons than we could have imagined. Some were joyful; others were hard-earned. Here are a few that stand out:

1. You Don’t Need As Much As You Think: Packing light not only made travel easier, but it also shifted our mindset about what we really value.

2. Routine Matters: Even in new environments, having a sense of routine—whether it’s morning coffee, gym sessions, or evening walks—grounds you.

3. Flexibility is Freedom: Plans change. Weather shifts. Accommodations fall through. The beauty of slow travel is that you can adapt and find new paths.

4. Community is Everywhere: We’ve been amazed at how welcoming people are. From digital nomads to local families, community can be found if you’re open to it.

5. You Grow Together: Traveling as a couple in close quarters has taught us so much about communication, patience, and appreciation.

6. Travel With a Pet is Possible: Traveling with our dog Bennie has added complexity, but also incredible joy. We've learned how to navigate pet-friendly accommodations, international health requirements, and cultural expectations.

7. Digital Nomad Life Isn’t Just for the Young: We’ve met 20-somethings and 70-somethings on this journey. Age is not a barrier to adventure.

Launching the Podcast

The podcast has been on our minds for a while, but we knew we wanted to build a foundation of experience first. Now, with a year under our belts, we’re ready to share what we’ve learned—and learn from others along the way. Episode 2 is just one of many conversations we plan to have.

Each episode will explore different aspects of slow travel, from budgeting and pet travel to cultural experiences and guest interviews. It’s not just about our journey—it’s about creating a resource and a community for fellow travelers, dreamers, and freedom-seekers.

A Few Highlights from Our Travels

• Thailand: We spent 90 days in Hua Hin, where we found a perfect mix of comfort and adventure. Our villa had gated security and a beautiful pool, and the local markets became our favorite spots.

• Mexico City: From rooftop cafes to dog-friendly parks, this city surprised us with its vibrant energy and charm. We explored historic neighborhoods, sampled local cuisine, and met wonderful people.

• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: A quick trip turned into a cultural immersion. We explored Batu Caves, bought the best green tea powder, and experienced some of the warmest hospitality.

• Bangkok, Thailand: Our current home base has given us access to incredible street food, modern conveniences, and a diverse blend of cultures. We’ve grown to love the rhythm of this city and plan to stay a while.

Each destination brought new challenges, discoveries, and memories. We've filmed countless hours of footage, shared our thoughts on camera, and now we’re translating those experiences into deeper conversations through podcasting.

Looking Ahead

As we move into our second year of slow travel, we’re excited about what’s to come. More countries. More stories. More connections. And of course, more podcast episodes.

We’re also working on a companion course to the podcast—designed for anyone curious about how to start their own slow travel journey, especially those in their 50s and beyond. It will include checklists, planning tools, destination tips, and real talk about what it takes.

We plan to feature stories from fellow travelers, spotlight affordable destinations, and explore how to balance purpose, pleasure, and practicality in your travels. We’ll also discuss the realities of digital work, managing health on the road, and sustaining relationships while traveling full-time.

Final Thoughts

Recording Episode 2 shortly after we hit the road gave us a raw and honest look at what starting this lifestyle really means. Looking back now, it feels like a time capsule of courage, excitement, and transformation.

Through our YouTube channel and now our podcast, we hope to empower others to consider what life could look like outside the norm. Whether you want to travel for a few months, a few years, or indefinitely, know that it is possible to design a life on your terms.

We hope it inspires you to explore what freedom could look like in your own life.

Whether you’re ready to pack your bags or just dreaming of the possibilities, we invite you to join us on this journey. Listen to the podcast, visit our website, subscribe to our YouTube channel, follow our travels, and know that it really is Your Time To Travel.

🎷 Listen to Episode 2 now:

• Website: https://yourtimetotravel.life/pages/podcast

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-time-to-travel/id1824647472

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3K3WKbzhxRhuK6yRdiasiN?si=112c843fca224ef8

• iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/your-time-to-travel-284273291/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourTimeToTravel/podcasts

Let us know what you think, and share your questions or thoughts in the comments below!