Escape with us to the tropical allure of Panama as we, Rita and Jim Santos, alongside Panama enthusiast Diane Maxwell, share the hidden gems and candid realities of expat life in this sun-kissed paradise.
Embarking on a nomadic lifestyle isn't just a leap into the unknown; it's a dance with new horizons. Join us, Rita and Jim Santos, as we swap the familiarity of Knoxville for the sun-kissed beaches of Mexico and the rustic charm of mountain villages, all while debunking the myth that living abroad is an escape from American life.
Our latest episode takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and destinations. From my own serendipitous turn of events that steered me from Europe to China, to the heart rate monitor business venture that followed, we explore the found and lost opportunities that shape a life less ordinary.
Discover how we're securing our retirement savings by side-stepping the unpredictable real estate market and why High Yield Savings Accounts (HYSAs) have caught our eye. We're also unpacking the potential of banking in Uruguay, the financial haven often compared to Switzerland, and how it might just be the safe harbor for our hard-earned funds. Our conversation with Dr. Mark Teuten, a attorney who helps with Uruguayan banking for expats, throws light on managing money in a foreign land.
Embark on a voyage of discovery with the intrepid Maya and Dave, whose leap from the classroom to the vast world has led to a retirement brimming with purpose and adventure. As former educators, their tale is one of financial foresight and embracing a minimalist lifestyle to fuel a passion for exploration.
We're not really big city people, but would a month in the capital of Panama change our minds?
Have you ever wondered what it takes to trade a stationary life for one of global exploration? Join us as we chat with Kevin and Bonita, a couple who've made the leap from the comfort of their Florida home to the exhilarating uncertainties of backpacking the world. Their story begins with heartfelt goodbyes to their possessions, a journey kickstarted in the vibrant city of Barcelona, and the myriad adjustments from downsizing to decoding new languages. Travel alongside us as we navigate the emotional landscape of embracing the nomadic lifestyle, examining the blend of excitement and trepidation that transforms ordinary lives into extraordinary tales.
Join our escapade through the vibrant life of Panama as we, alongside seasoned expats Lesa Wollman, Stu Singleton, and their adventurous dog Ziggy, unveil the realities of forging a new path in the historic Casco Viejo. From the bustling streets of Panama City to the serene shores of Playa Coronado, we share the rhythm of everyday life in this tropical paradise. Lesa and Stu's stories weave through the rich tapestry of cultural adjustments, the comforting familiarity of the US dollar, and the warm welcome from local Panamanians, painting a vivid picture of expat life that's as diverse as it is delightful.
Embarking on a life less ordinary, Rita and I, Jim Santos, peeled back the layers of traditional retirement to reveal a tapestry woven with adventure and discovery. Our tale begins with shared grief, leading to a partnership rooted in the love of exploration. When the familiar confines of the United States seemed too small, we chased a dream to Ecuador—a journey that reshaped our golden years. Now, we pull back the curtain on the decision that sparked our move, the realities of adopting a new homeland, and the unexpected twist that led to our decision to try slow travel.
Ever fantasized about selling everything to explore the world? That's precisely what we, Jim and Rita, are doing as we turn our golden years into a globetrotting adventure. Buckle up for an episode that peels back the curtain on our daring decision to sell our home, dive into retirement travel, and live life to the fullest abroad. We share the nitty-gritty of our financial blueprint — the foundation of a plan that balances the thrill of new experiences with the poignant goodbye to our cherished home. From the bustling streets of Panama, we recount the meticulous budgeting that could potentially enrich our savings and detail our vigilant watch over the US housing market for the perfect moment to possibly return.
As the world becomes more interconnected, the idea of retiring abroad grows ever more enticing. Jim and Rita Santos, a couple who took the leap to relocate to Ecuador and now plan to travel the world, share their journey on their latest podcast episode. It's a tale that intertwines the excitement of new experiences with the practicalities and challenges of expat life.
Next up on our planned nine-week tour of Eastern Europe, a visit to the timeless city of Istanbul, Turkey
Have you ever wondered if the expat life is as glamorous as it sounds or if it's just a series of unexpected trials? Rita and I are here to give you the unvarnished truth, sharing our latest escapades in Panama, where the beauty of Playa Coronado meets the frustration of a broken air conditioner. It's a tale of resilience, as we balance the arduous process of selling our home back in the States with the daily grind of making it in a foreign land. Strap in for a candid recount of our Airbnb mishaps and triumphs that might just have you questioning our sanity.
But it's not all about the struggles; there's a silver lining in the form of travel tech that's changing the game for nomads like us. Imagine seamlessly hopping from country to country, staying connected without a hitch – that's the magic of eSIMs. In this episode, we also explore the communication lifeline that is WhatsApp, and I'll let you in on the most effective travel apps that have revolutionized our journeys. From deciphering foreign menus with Google Translate's camera to savvy booking hacks that save us time and money, these tools have become essential in our travel toolkit. Tune in and elevate your travel savvy to pro level with our hard-earned insights.
Retirement is often seen as a time for relaxation and reflection. However, for a growing number of retirees, it's becoming a gateway to new adventures, particularly in sunnier, cost-effective climes.
During our recent trip to Greece, my wife Rita and I wanted to get an idea of what it would be like to actually live in Greece, someplace a little less touristy and maybe a little more authentic.
After months of planning, we start off on a planned nine week tour through eastern Europe with a trip to Greece.
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