When we first decided to sell everything and travel the world one month at a time, we expected adventure, culture, and a slower pace of life. What we didn’t expect was this: we now live more comfortably, more joyfully, and for less money than we did back home in the United States.

It sounds unbelievable until you experience it yourself. But slow travel — real slow travel — changes everything about how you spend, how you live, and how you see the world.

Here’s how we do it.

Slowing Down Saves Money Without Even Trying

The biggest secret?
We don’t hop around constantly. We settle in.

When you stay in one place for a month or more:

• Rent drops dramatically

• Utilities and Wi‑Fi are often included

• You’re not paying for hotels, daily transportation, or constant flights

A long stay turns travel from a series of expensive sprints into a calm, affordable rhythm.

We Live Like Locals, Not Tourists

Tourists pay tourist prices. Locals don’t.

Once you step out of the “vacation mindset,” everything shifts:

• We shop at neighborhood markets

• We cook at home with fresh, local ingredients

• We find cafés where people actually work and socialize

• We use public transportation

• We explore the places locals love, not the ones designed for visitors

It’s not just cheaper — it’s more authentic, more flavorful, and more connected.

We Choose Destinations Intentionally

Some of the most beautiful, culturally rich places in the world are also incredibly affordable.
By mixing regions — Europe one season, Asia or Latin America the next — we balance our budget without sacrificing comfort.

Slow travel gives us flexibility, and flexibility is one of the biggest money‑savers.

We Don’t Own “Stuff” Anymore — And That Changes Everything

Selling everything was one of the most freeing decisions we’ve ever made.

We no longer pay for:

• Home maintenance

• Property taxes

• Car payments

• Insurance

• Storage units

• Endless Amazon deliveries

Instead, our money goes toward:

• Experiences

• Food

• Culture

• Transportation

• Comfortable long‑stay apartments

Life feels lighter — financially and emotionally.

Cooking at Home Is a Cultural Experience (and a Budget Saver)

We love trying local restaurants, but we don’t eat out every day.
Cooking at home with ingredients from local markets is:

• Cheaper

• Healthier

• A fun way to learn about a culture

Every country has its own rhythm in the kitchen, and we love discovering it.

We Travel Slowly, So We Spend Less on Transportation

Flights are one of the biggest travel expenses — unless you take fewer of them.

By staying a month or more in each place, we:

• Fly less often

• Use trains, ferries, and buses

• Explore nearby towns instead of hopping countries

Slow travel isn’t just peaceful — it’s cost‑effective.

We Prioritize Comfort, Not Luxury

We don’t chase the cheapest option, and we don’t chase luxury either.
We choose:

• Clean, comfortable apartments

• Safe, walkable neighborhoods

• Places with good kitchens and natural light

It’s a sweet spot where comfort meets affordability.

We Stay Aware of Our Spending (Without Being Strict)

We’re not extreme budgeters.
But we do check in monthly to make sure we’re aligned with our goals.

Awareness keeps everything balanced.

The Bottom Line

Slow travel isn’t about giving things up.
It’s about choosing differently.

We live a fuller, richer life — for less money than we spent at home.
We wake up in new cultures, shop in local markets, cook with fresh ingredients, and explore the world at a pace that feels human.

And the best part?
Anyone can do this with the right mindset and a willingness to slow down.