Live Q&A: Big Changes Ahead!

[@WrldExplorer]

I really miss your videos. I remember watching them at work when I was on light duty, 2 years before retirement. I’ve been researching Airbnb prices , food cost and travel. I really like to take advantage of good advice of the reality. With that said, I decided it’s best to have a base, and still be able to travel. My current base is Medellin, Colombia 🇨🇴. Cost of living is great. Been here since May now. Actually met a local almost a year ago, and we are making a life here. Eventually were hoping to relocate to Europe for ease of travel there. Was granted a 3 year retirement visa. You just verified what someone mentioned a few months ago. Those who traveled full time, or lived abroad, when and if they move back to their country, they all mostly go to a small town. You inspired me to keep finding a way that works for me, even if it isn’t the same as how you did not. It’s all the same. Travel, and enjoy the local culture.

[@rdunland]

My wife and I did the same thing 2 years ago! We went from fully-nomadic to semi-nomadic and now travel about 6 months of the year and love the balance of travel with having a place to come back to for some normality and to plan future trips.

[@OurFreedomYears]

That sounds amazing and exactly what we aspire to do. It's all about striking a balance! 😊

[@desarrollos720]

I miss your videos :)

[@denise-stevens]

You’ve had years of adventures, and not surprised at all to hear your longing for your own bed, pillow and garden. THANK YOU for your KZbin channel, a complete labor of love. I’ve enjoyed all your videos and looked forward to seeing them. Onward to the next phase of your lives! Consider the Coachella Valley area in winter (Palm Springs and environs) when you’re tired of the cold. It’s really lovely for 2/3 the year, though it’s hell on Earth the other third. Lots of Canadian snowbirds come during the winter. There is great hiking!

[@OurFreedomYears]

You're very welcome! And thanks for the interesting idea. We hadn't considered US destinations for the winter but there are a lot of wonderful national parks...something to think about 🤔

[@Julie-ys2tk]

Wow - big news!! You two have been a joy and an inspiration to watch. I hope there will be more videos…but absolutely understand either way. Congratulations on your new roots!

[@OurFreedomYears]

Thanks so much! We're really looking forward to starting this next chapter and seeing where it takes us. 😊

[@lynnesunshine]

Thank You . Can you detail how to go none residence please ? Congratulations ❤❤

[@scottb6269]

Loved following your travels over the years. Congratulations on the home. One thing we learned from you is that full time travel, while it sounds like fun, would not be for us. We love having a home base here in the States and then setting out for adventures from here. Thanks for all of the great content and travel ideas. Best of luck with your new exciting future.

[@OurFreedomYears]

Thanks so much! Happy to hear that all our misadventures helped you to see that full-time travel wasn't the best fit for you. 😂 We always love sharing what we've learned along the way and hearing that it benefits others.

[@lizzydod]

I missed the live stream. Have watched all your videos from here in Pennsylvania. Don’t know if I’ve ever commented. Decided this was the year I should speak up and let my favorite channels know I’m out here watching. Love watching your videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@OurFreedomYears]

Thanks so much for reaching out! It really means a lot to us to know that our videos are appreciated. 😊

[@feliciamartin6200]

I hope you continue to post videos to KZbin even if they are not as often. I have really enjoyed watching you guys!

[@OurFreedomYears]

So nice to hear! And you can always join us on Instagram or sign up for our monthly newsletter bit.ly/30su3H7

[@nncadi1]

“We made it gay friendly just by being there.” 😂😂

[@OurFreedomYears]

We do our best! 😊😊

[@kirstenl8528]

Congratulations on your new chapter!! As we are in year 3 we are kicking around the home base idea too. We do miss community

[@OurFreedomYears]

Maybe you'll be ready by year 4 -- like us! We debated it for more than a year before finally taking the plunge.

[@4nshale]

Congratulations on your new home. The pups look like they are perfectly content with the new place.

[@Babushka_Kat]

congrats on your new home base and the future plans. thanks for sharing all of your learnings with us!

[@Moorea2008]

The first time I read this, I thought it said, "Thanks for sharing all your earnings with us." 🤣

[@OurFreedomYears]

It's been our pleasure! It's been a jam-packed four years and we're glad to have shared the experience with everyone. 😊

[@aliwalker6459]

This was really fun to watch! I’m sorry we missed the live feed. But so excited as always to hear your updates!

[@OurFreedomYears]

Glad you could catch the replay! Hopefully we'll have the real life meet up soon now that we're settled in one place. 😊

[@leapintothewild]

Couldn’t watch live, but excited for you for your next phase! I too would love to see vids about exploring Canada, as well as any others you’d share for other worldwide travels. But if you decide to live real life v. behind a lens, I get it and wish you happy trails! ❤

[@OurFreedomYears]

Glad to have had you along for the journey! I think we'll probably have a mix of real life with some sharing on social media. We find that sharing our experiences is helpful for us and also for others who are interested in the same pursuits.

[@bobyonker3100]

Just want to wish you happy times with your home base. We are working on building ours here in Portugal. Many blessings for your own bed and pillow they make a big difference. One of the first things we bought even though we have been renting.

[@OurFreedomYears]

Portugal is certainly a great location for a base and we spent a lot of time fantasizing about making a home there. Certainly we'll be making our way back to Portugal one day soon as it's such a beautiful country.

[@BoninBrighton]

I’ve followed several slow travel channels….and 4 years appears to be the drop away moment. I suspect I’ll do this again in 20 years maybe?

[@nicksmom1998]

I’m happy for you but I will miss your content.. I love how you always break down your costs at the end. That is really useful information. I’ll also miss the dogs.

[@OurFreedomYears]

So sweet - thank you! 😊 If you're interested in more content, you can always join us on Instagram instagram.com/ourfreedomyears/ or even subscribe to our monthly newsletter bit.ly/30su3H7

[@valeria-militiamessalina5672]

"A piece of yard" that's how we talked during Eisenhower when I was growing up.

[@OurFreedomYears]

😂 Love it!

[@kateevansnomadicwriter]

Congratulations! I have been nomadic for a decade and have been enjoying my home base in Mexico more and more as time goes on. Have fun nesting!

[@OurFreedomYears]

Loving the nesting! 😊😊😊

[@julietravels6400]

Congratulations on your new home base!

[@OurFreedomYears]

Thank you so much 😀

[@leeanneNZ]

All the very best with the next phase of your life. Thanks for sharing your travels. It’s been neat to learn from you.

[@OurFreedomYears]

Thanks so much! We've really enjoyed bringing everyone along for the journey. 😊

[@tammyvig8253]

I missed this yesterday, but I wish you both the best in this new phase of your life! I have enjoyed your videos and I guess will head over to Instagram to follow from now on. I am not usually on IG. Our plan is to live in Palm Springs for the winter and travel during the summer, when it is way too hot in PS. However, some destinations that I want to get to, are only good in winter (thinking southern Italy, Spain etc. ), we don't tolerate heat real well!

[@denise-stevens]

Same here

[@OurFreedomYears]

Thanks for being part of the adventure! Sounds like you have a great plan ahead with wintering in Palm Springs. And if you're not keen on Instagram, you can subscribe to our monthly newsletter bit.ly/30su3H7

[@fosterfoster1218]

Ahh. You'll be missed! Perhaps you snow birds will visit us in Palm Springs!

[@OurFreedomYears]

We'll certainly be heading somewhere sunny in the winters. It's our first January back in Canada and the cold is quite shocking. 😂

[@ceciBA1]

Oh, you will be missed. Thanks for all and if you want and can, continue making videos. We have also travelled a lot and finally decided to stay much more home in Sweden, in our little town. Wegot tired from travelling 😅

[@OurFreedomYears]

Traveling is a wonderful experience but also very exhausting! 😂 We're happy to take a break for a while.

[@barbarahill4281]

Hello: I am living 8 miles west of Lake Erie and note that many folks are moving north. I have a home base in a small gay friendly town and travel 3-4 times (x 15 yrs) per year at age 77. Have rented my house while gone. For myself and others i know this is best option. Good luck with your home base.

[@OurFreedomYears]

Sounds like you have an excellent set up! We're looking forward to doing much the same going forward. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@dogmaxine]

Oh how I can relate to everything you said! Full time travel is amazing even with its challenges. It was absolutely exhausting though. Since we've settled into our new place, I've been able to enjoy our travels so much more. I can deal with a less than ideal Airbnb when I know I'll be going back to my own bed and own kitchen (and garden!). And... It's summer here right now... So the perfect escape from your winter when your ready! 🥰🥰🥰 Carrie And Jim

[@OurFreedomYears]

Full time travel is an amazing experience but it does come with trade offs. We're looking forward to having some different types of hobbies plus travel on the side. Heading south sounds quite appealing right as the arctic blast continues! 😱

[@DenLD]

I somehow missed this video when it came out. Congratulations on your new home! You guys are really good at following your dreams! 🎉🎉🎉 See you on the gram.

[@OurFreedomYears]

Thanks so much! We're really excited about the next chapter. Yes, we'll see you on the gram 😂

[@2sianalexander]

Hello from Portland, Oregon I have enjoyed your travel vlogs very much ❤ I am curious about your cute little dogs 🐕 I am considering adopting a mini poodle as well and travel with my pet friend, I would be interested in a video on how you dealt with care and grooming etc... Thank you for sharing your travel experience ❤

[@OurFreedomYears]

Here's a video to get you started...it's all about traveling with dogs bit.ly/42XVAxH Gillian does all the grooming of our poodles...she bought clippers and taught herself using youtube videos.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Congrats you two for a great run! So excited for your next chapter... Will it still be "Our Freedom Years?" I can't wait to find out

[@OurFreedomYears]

Technically the freedom years should last forever since we're no longer working 😂😂😂 We're excited about the change of pace and seeing what comes next.

[@Thatwhiteb]

Your upcoming plans make sense. Congratulations on getting a home base. I’ll miss your travel videos though. They were really good.

[@OurFreedomYears]

Thanks so much! We really did enjoy creating the videos but we're also looking forward to pursuing other projects now.

[@beththomas6514]

Thanks for all the videos you've made sharing your travels. I've really enjoyed them. I wish you the best with this new chapter of your lives.

[@OurFreedomYears]

It's a huge change but one that we're really excited about. Thanks for being along for the journey! 😊

[@barbarahill4281]

Presently in Ecuador. Ready to go home Wed. It is OK in Cuenca but not exactly comfortable. Thanks so much for all you share

[@OurFreedomYears]

Ecuador is certainly a beautiful and interesting country but of course there are challenges as well. Hopefully you had an enriching time! 😊

[@mike90278]

Congratulations on the decision to have a home base. We just started our world travel this month 1/8, can already see the benefits of having a home base. Bty, Romania and Bulgaria will become part of the Schengen starting 3/1/2024.

[@OurFreedomYears]

Thank you! Yes we managed to visit just in time... the Schengen shuffle is getting more and more tricky these days. Have a wonderful time on your travels.

[@rundbaum]

i'm so glad you gave the update about jordan--that trip already feelz like it would be an exotic trek so it's not surprising that it would remain 'exotic' just a little bit further! isn't that the way life is. & now that youre thinkimg of 'settling down,' it's like that johnny river's song, "summer rain"--'settlin' down, to raise up a family, we've found a home.' i'm sure there MAY be dancing to 'sgt pepper's lonely hearts club band!' . . .

[@OurFreedomYears]

Maybe...not sure about that last one 😂😂😂 Definitely taking a wait and see approach to Jordan as I do want to put safety first.

[@rundbaum]

@@OurFreedomYears it's just a 'song!' tone & resonance--i say "you're heading toward 'Summer Rain'" any time anyone tells me they're buying a home . . .

[@sarah9404]

Congratulations! Would love to continue seeing videos from you both whether they be random day-in-the-life vlogs or anything haha I enjoy your videos. Also curious to how a mortgage is imacting your budget and if you are bugeting for everything mainly through your dividends

[@OurFreedomYears]

If you're interested in ongoing content, you can join us on Instagram instagram.com/ourfreedomyears/ or even subscribe to our monthly newsletter bit.ly/30su3H7 Given the current interest rate climate, we decided again a mortgage. And yes, our everyday expenses are covered through dividends and interest income.

[@heidibreckenridge9131]

Oh gosh, I did missed it. 😢😢 My sunday schedule changed totally, so I couldn't have time to watch you Live. Hopefully next time. Good I can waych you afterwards anyhow.

[@OurFreedomYears]

No worries! Hopefully you were able to catch the replay. 😊

[@heyjonesy9199]

We have love watching these videos! Travel burnout is real. We are in the same position.

[@OurFreedomYears]

It good to take a break every so often and regain that love of travel!

[@felicialesmana1910]

Congrats on the big news! Where in Europe do you recommend traveling to in Jan- Feb?

[@OurFreedomYears]

You might consider some European destinations that aren't on the mainland, like Madeira, Canaries, Malta. Much of Europe can be pretty chilly and rainy in the winter.

[@felicialesmana1910]

@@OurFreedomYears thank you for the suggestion!!

[@BPe-ie9je]

yes

[@OurFreedomYears]

😊

[@nicolagilmour1914]

Makes absolute sense.

[@OurFreedomYears]

We thought so too! 😊

[@BPe-ie9je]

With all your travels, and time, what is your favorite sling bag? size ? manuf. ?

[@OurFreedomYears]

We both really love the Patagonia Atom as an everyday sling bag. It's small but it can store quite a lot.

[@Moorea2008]

I missed the part where you said where you're going next. I imagine you'll be working on your new home in Ontario for a while? 🙂

[@OurFreedomYears]

Next stop is Peru! We had to cancel all our Peru plans last year due to the political situation. We're very excited that we can finally get there and this time without any dogs. 😂

[@Moorea2008]

So exciting. Enjoy! I was there the summer of 2002. Brrr! You're smart to go during the northern hemisphere's winter.@@OurFreedomYears

[@heidibreckenridge9131]

I live in Queretaro, a city 3 hrs from Mexico City, 45 min from San Miguel de Allende. I'd love to be able to meet you two. I'm married since 3 years ago with my wife l. We started going out 8 years ago, thou met 30 something ago.

[@OurFreedomYears]

Mexico is such a beautiful country -- we hope to get back there one day soon. Congrats on setting up a wonderful home base with your wife!

[@heidibreckenridge9131]

We're planning to move to Merida, Yucatan. We already have a townhouse in Cancun, which we put as airbnb.

[@User12345fan]

Are you gonna buy cash in Toronto or mortgage? I doubt mortgage.

[@OurFreedomYears]

Interest rates are a little too high for mortgages these days 😅

[@JRspeaking]

Canada?! Well that's a bit anticlimactic. 🙃

[@OurFreedomYears]

It's the place we call home after a decade overseas 😊

[@denabruni9086]

Congratulations ! You both have had such great adventures. Good luck with your future ventures.

[@OurFreedomYears]

Thank you so much! We're really looking forward to seeing what the next chapter brings.