What a joy and privilege it is for all of us to have time for longer travel and a bit of money to enable this.

I spent over two weeks travelling the San Juan and Canadian Gulf Islands with one couple who sold their home, bought a yacht and are using their new boat as their main home – mooring it in the city or wherever takes their fancy.

Currently they have no plans to buy a new house.

There are some great blogs out there on retirees who have sold or rented out their house and have been living in short term rentals around the world for years; really getting to know another place. 

The best blog for me is Senior Nomads by a couple who rented out their house and went travelling for two years, but then came back to sell their house and keep travelling.

They have called over 175 Airbnbs home (a few of them were actually boats!), and visited over 70 countries. 

After travelling for over four years they still don’t know if they’ll ever settle back to one home again.

I have really enjoyed reading some of their adventures in different countries, and they have lots of hints to share.

I know of one younger couple who have saved and rented out their home and are currently half way though their six month around the world trip.

They are having a ball but are moving around at a much faster pace than the grey nomads, staying days, rather than months in one place.

Some hints for financial independence to be able to spend retirement in a different way include:

Most people who choose to travel do more in the first few years of retirement when the nest egg and the bodies are still healthy, but many people are enjoying their lives at home: reading, studying, doing charity work, perfecting sports and craft, spending time with family and friends, having leisurely coffee on the veranda, going to movies, entertaining, taking long walks and more.

I read a great quote: “Retirement gives you the time to live ordinary life well.” 

Hope you enjoy yours.