Turning Wanderlust into Reality: Our Journey as Full-Time Travelers
We’re thrilled to share our story with you. We’re the Petersons-empty nesters who decided to turn our dreams into reality by selling everything we owned to travel the world full-time. This decision wasn’t easy, especially leaving behind our four daughters and seven grandkids, but it has been the most rewarding adventure of our lives.
The Decision to Go All-In
After 35 wonderful years of marriage, we found ourselves with an empty nest. Our daughters had grown up, started families of their own, and it was just the two of us again. We always had a passion for travel, but like many, our adventures were limited to vacations and long weekends. We dreamed of exploring the world without time constraints, but it always seemed like a far-off fantasy.
My mom passed away about 8 months before her retirement and never got to do the things that she and my dad had dreamed about. We realized there are no guarantees in life, and for years we talked and dreamed about what we wanted the second half of our lives to look like. We knew we wanted to travel more and have grand adventures together, but didn’t really have a plan more than that. But one day, we woke up and asked ourselves: “Why wait?” We realized that if we didn’t take the leap now, we might never do it. So, we made the bold decision to sell our house, cars, and even our business. We wanted to show that it’s possible to live your travel dreams, regardless of your budget or age.
Saying Goodbye to the Familiar
Selling everything we owned was a daunting task. Our home was filled with memories, our cars had taken us on countless family road trips, and our business was a labor of love. But the desire to see the world together was stronger. We donated a lot, listed some items online, and watched as years of accumulated belongings found new homes.
The hardest part was saying goodbye to our family. Our daughters and grandkids were supportive but understandably emotional. We promised them frequent visits and video calls to stay connected. This journey wasn’t about leaving them behind but rather about finding new ways to connect and create stories to share.
Traveling on a Budget
Many people think you need to be wealthy to travel the world, but we’re here to bust that myth. We’ve been to 48 countries so far, and we’ve done it all on a budget, with a few splurges here and there. Here are a few ways we make it work:
- Slow Travel: Instead of rushing through destinations, we stay longer in each place. This not only allows us to immerse ourselves in the local culture but also saves money on transportation. By staying in one location for a month or more, we can often negotiate lower rates for accommodations and truly get to know the area. Many Airbnb’s offer a significant discount for one month or longer stays. We build relationships with local vendors, learn about hidden gems, and avoid the high costs associated with constantly moving from place to place.
- Local Eats: We try to eat where the locals eat. Street food and local markets offer delicious and affordable options that also provide an authentic taste of the region. We avoid touristy restaurants and instead seek out food stalls, small eateries, and markets where locals gather. Not only is the food cheaper, but it’s often fresher and more flavorful. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to meet and interact with locals, learning more about their culture and traditions through their cuisine. In Thailand and Bali, we have enjoyed many delicious dinners for less than $5. Even in Paris, we were able to eat out inexpensively by visiting bullions. These french restaurants date from the 19th century and are where the working class used to eat. We enjoyed steak and frites and fresh fish for around $12 each.
- Public Transport: We use public transportation to get around. It’s cost-effective and gives us a chance to experience travel like a local. Buses, trains, and ferries provide an affordable way to explore new destinations. Traveling like a local also allows us to see more of the “real life” of the place we’re visiting and meet people. Google maps now even provides public transportation directions, which are incredibly useful. Our last 2 trips to Bali, we have rented a scooter. This cost us about $65 a month and is a fun way to get around. We also walk whenever possible, which not only saves money but also keeps us active and allows us to see more of the places we visit.
- Let the Deal Determine the Destination: We used to request PTO, decide where we wanted to go and plan our trip around that. If we had a week off work in the summer and wanted to go to Paris, we would book it. But we ended up spending so much more money this way. Now we watch for flight deals with Jet Set Club cheap flight alerts and plan travel around that. We also use Google Flights to search for the best deals.
- Travel Hacking: We’ve become adept at using travel reward points and miles. This helps us save on flights and accommodations, making travel more affordable. By signing up for travel credit cards and loyalty programs, we earn points for every dollar spent, which can then be redeemed for free or discounted travel. We also take advantage of special promotions, bonus offers, and referral programs to maximize our rewards. American Airlines has shopping portals where we earn extra miles on regular shopping, eating out, and booking hotels and cruises. United has similar programs. And Delta has a partnership with Airbnb where we earn an extra 1 mile for every $1 spent.
- Grocery Shopping and Cooking Our Own Meals: One of the biggest ways we save money while traveling is by grocery shopping and cooking our own meals. We visit local markets and grocery stores to stock up on fresh produce, meats, and staples. Cooking our own meals not only saves money but also gives us a chance to experiment with local ingredients and recipes. Many accommodations, such as Airbnb rentals, come with fully equipped kitchens, making it easy to prepare our own meals. When it’s available where we’re traveling, we sign up for a meal prep delivery service like Hello Fresh or Blue Apron. Even in places without a kitchen, we’ve gotten creative with picnic-style meals.
- Using Technology: Apps and websites have become our best friends on the road. We use apps like Rome2Rio to find the cheapest transportation options, Airbnb, Agoda or Booking.com to book budget accommodations. Technology helps us plan our trips more efficiently, find deals, and stay connected with loved ones back home.
- Traveling Off-Season: We often travel during the off-season to avoid the crowds and take advantage of lower prices. Off-season travel means cheaper flights, discounted accommodations, and fewer tourists, allowing us to enjoy popular destinations without the hustle and bustle. We research the best times to visit each destination, balancing weather conditions and local events with our budget.
- Free and Low-Cost Activities: We seek out free and low-cost activities wherever we go. Many cities offer free walking tours, museums with free admission days, and beautiful parks and nature reserves to explore. We also enjoy hiking, swimming, and other outdoor activities that don’t require expensive equipment or entry fees. By focusing on experiences rather than spending money on souvenirs and attractions, we create lasting memories without breaking the bank.
Living Our Dream
Every day is a new adventure. We’ve hiked through the lush landscapes of Fiji, ridden scooters on the beaches of Bali, and marveled at the historical wonders of Europe. The world has become our classroom, teaching us lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the joy of discovery.
Our journey isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about inspiring others. We want to show that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Whether you’re an empty nester like us, a young professional, or someone just yearning for a change, know that it’s possible to turn your wanderlust into reality.
Join Us on Our Adventure
We invite you to follow our journey here on Jet Set Petersons. We’ll be sharing travel tips, budget hacks, and stories from our adventures. We hope our experiences inspire you to take that leap and explore the world.
