One Year of Slow Travel: Which Countries Blew Us Away and Which Let Us Down

[@BruceM8]

That was a fun video. On Africa, I found Ghana (specifically Accra) full of life. Sao Tome and Principe was poor but charming, with some beautiful places. Both Namibia and Botswana felt low-key yet full of great things to see and experience. South Africa is terrific and gorgeous with amazing variety. Mauritius and Seychelles are both lovely and comfortable, as is Reunion.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Awesome! Thanks so much for the suggestions! We'll definitely check out your recommendations for Africa!

[@FunandBudget]

You already know I ADORE this life you guys created for yourselves

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Girl, we still can't believe we're out here. We're beyond lucky!

[@marieboyd3463]

you guys are just too cute! I love Kendra's giggle/laugh, makes me smile when I hear her. Hubby and I will be starting our slow travel journey in May. I really hope we bump into you

[@LucasWorldTravel]

How exciting! Congrats on starting your slow travel journey! What countries are you going to first?

[@geraldmoore3904]

Happy New Year 🎉 Thanks for sharing your exciting journey over the past year. Kim and I are still here living in Jomtien Thailand since March 2023 and we love it here!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Happy New Year Gerald! Thanks so much for the 'super thanks'! It's much appreciated! So glad you guys are loving Thailand. We still haven't tried Pattaya yet. We'll definitely have to see it next trip.

[@SaundraMcBrearty]

I appreciate how in tune you are with your energy harmonizing with the environment. Knowing what doesn't fit is information just as valuable as knowing what does.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Yes, indeed. Most of our impressions come from vibes alone which is something that is just not quantifiable. That's why although internet research is helpful. Going someplace yourself in 100% necessary before deciding whether you want to live there or not.

[@cjjohnson4231]

Just found you two and new sub now. Great video and congrats on 60 countries. Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Thanks so much for subscribing and welcome to the channel!

[@jackiebarnes9741]

In Africa check out Namibia, Botswana, Rwanda, Ghana, Ethiopia, Mauritius and South Africa. Did you visit Portugal and Croatia as yet? Portugal is a country a number of people are retiring to.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Yes, we've been. We've have quite a few videos about Croatia and Portugal on the channel as well. We still prefer Malta to Portugal but Porto is still an option.

[@jd3422]

Wonderful to encounter your channel. Thanks for your analysis of these destinations. Slow travel is definitely the way to go! I have just subscribed and I look forward to seeing more of your posts.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Many thanks and a big welcome to the channel! 👍🏾

[@jerseycatmews828]

when you didn't mention philippines early in video, i knew it was not in the good category. as filipino american, broke my heart but at same time i completely understand. philippines has so much potential as business and tourist destination but the infrastructure definitely needs work. poverty is rampant and sad but people look out for each other. change of topic: i went to kenya in 2022 and i fell in love with Kenya and want to see all of Africa. I can't wait to hear about your experiences in Africa and please stop at Kenya.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Yes, we are learned how important infrastructure is this year because of this. Because the beaches were indeed very beautiful, but if I’m uncomfortable walking down the street the rest of the time, I just can’t enjoy my stay. We look forward to getting to see Kenya! Thanks for the tip!

[@yogsfrancis2805]

Thanks for being real! People overhyped things and a lot of us fall for it 😢

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Agreed because we are the people who fell for it! I find it’s much better to go in with low expectations and to be pleasantly surprised.

[@haleymadimckenzie]

Thank you guys! I love your travel videos ever since I saw your bosnia series, your presentation style of informativness, intelligence and chill vibe are always a good watch!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Aww thanks! We really appreciate the kind words and glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@chadmartinez459]

Burkina Faso! Friendly people and an interesting country in W. Africa.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

That's interesting! You are the first person to recommend Burkina Faso. Most consider it too dangerous to travel.

[@chadmartinez459]

@ sadly it has become sketchier in last few years, but not from the people themselves. It’s the isis stuff from Mali in the north.

[@pleasantjourneys]

Happy New Year 🎉 and Pleasant Journeys!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Happy New Year to you too! Happy travels!

[@agl5132]

The problem with many content creators is they are only looking for that Instagram shot and clicks. You are grown folks looking at the reality of a potential life home base. I've traveled on and off over 40 years. The past six years I've lived in three different countries and I'm getting ready for my fourth. I'm curious as to what your views will be regarding Malta. I know someone that lives in Gozo and may visit her. I'm not sure it would work for me as I'd need more greenery vs all that limestone. I'd love your indepth thoughts afterward. I see many visiting Albania, Croatia, Montenegro and Georgia has a one year visitor offering. Much to see and explore. I look forward to your upcoming videos.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Yes, we’re curious about Malta as well. We love trees too and wonder if we will miss them but we love water more so we hope being around water will be enough.

[@awalker916]

HNY! I just discovered your channel. I love the vibe & spirit you all have. My husband & I will be slow traveling as of 2026. I look forward to watching your journey. Btw, you had me as a subscriber as soon as you said "KL was in the friend zone". I howled! 😂😂

[@LucasWorldTravel]

How exciting! Congrats on starting your slow travel journey soon. Glad, we could make you laugh with our friendzoned countries. 😆 A big welcome to the channel! Thanks for subscribing!

[@kimfleming8097]

Agreed, the Phillipines was more underdeveloped than I expected (except Manila, Cebu, & town centers). The beautiful photos are on distant islands where you'll need to fly or ferry. That said, I'm a backpacker, so I kinda fit in and enjoyed myself. The people were amazing. I got invited to so many local events (a wedding, a cock fight, a pork roast, a house party) with no request for money...

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Wow, that does sound like an incredible experience! Very cool!

[@TheWalkingThomasGuide]

Thanks for the recap! I actually have not been to Curacao or any of those islands as I always felt that I would be bored after a while. Did you guys feel that any of them would be somewhere that you would want to be forever? Also I agree with namad Jim in that sometimes you just don't vibe with a place! I love that you used the term the "friend zone!" That is a perfect way to put it!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Yes, we loved Curacao enough to live there. I don’t know about forever but a year or two sounds divine.

[@TheWalkingThomasGuide]

@@LucasWorldTravel Thanks! It is so fun to hear a different take on it, since that was not somewhere that was on my radar at all!

[@davidludford2164]

What a lovely video,happy new year,I am currently living in Bangkok,I have been married to a Thai for 38 years,I have been to 154 countries and territories,some of my favourite countries in no order,Thailand ,Philippines,Brazil,Portugal,all good people countries,my favourite 2 in Africa are Namibia and Ethiopia,and a very special country for me is Nicaragua,when I can no longer travel insurance,Nicaragua has universal health care for very one even tourists,happy travels

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Thanks and happy New Year! I had no idea Nicaragua had universal health care for tourists too. We loved Ometepe! We kept saying we could live there. Thanks for the Africa suggestions. Namibia is high on our list. Hopefully we'll get to Ethiopia as well!

[@R1M1r1m1]

Thanks for giving us the real deal! Bali is a good SE Asian country to visit. Don't forget to try South Africa!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

South Africa is definitely on our list! Thanks for the tip!

[@nomadjim]

Great breakdown of your travels this past year. Appreciate your honesty. It really is all about the vibe that you feel in a place. If you don't feel it, you don't feel it. And the time of year (weather, etc.) can make a big difference as well. You're not really feeling Kuala Lumpur, but for me it's one of my favorite cities in the world. I love the vibe there and feel totally at home when I visit. As I always tell people, just because someone raves about a place doesn't mean it's going to be the same for you. The only way to know for sure is to go and visit for yourself. I'm glad to hear you are in KL for medical tourism. I visit KL each year for my annual health screening at Prince Court Medical Centre. It puts our physicals back in the US to shame, and at such an affordable price. The high quality, affordable healthcare in KL is another reason why I like the city. I'm on the same path as you...slowly traveling the world to scope out a place (or places) that could be a permanent home base someday. But I've found I have so many favorites, I don't know that I could ever narrow it down to one or two! Safe travels in 2025!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Yes we did the health screening as well and were so impressed. The medical care here has been to notch! We feel the same about narrowing down a forever home though. There are so many cool places. It’s so hard to decide. We can’t even decide whether or not to keep traveling or stop. But that’s the beauty of life. Just figuring it out as you go along.

[@dennisty07]

Agree, it’s how you feel. Go where you feel / are treated best. Malta is not for me. But KL, KL feels like home. Japan is ok. I like hearing different views.

[@jdubya9650]

I absolutely love Curaçao…the people, the vibe, the overall experience. 😊

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Us too! It's the best!

[@belindasanders1719]

I loved being stationed in Japan. South Korea, Thailand, Philippines and Singapore were also nice.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

We met someone stationed in Japan and they loved it as well.

[@meaganwilkinson8918]

Love your videos! I am all about "slow travel" too and it's refreshing to see videos from that perspective! My fiance and I have been looking into either Curacao or St. Lucia for our honeymoon and we've been leaning towards St. Lucia but now I'm not sure! The difference is we want our honeymoon trip to just be laid back and not doing too much. Do you think St. Lucia would do that side of things - luxury resort stay - well, or would you still not recommend the country based on vibe or experiences you had?

[@LucasWorldTravel]

St. Lucia is good for relaxing and not doing much. Their luxury resorts are amazing. For us, we rented an Airbnb and stayed in a local neighborhood so you can’t compare our local experience to a luxury experience. But comparing local life in Curacao and local life in St. Lucia, Curacao is much better. We are not luxury experts through. So we have no idea which island has the better luxury experience.

[@meaganwilkinson8918]

@ thank you so much for answering! That’s super helpful. We’re thinking we want to spend more time in Curaçao to explore it fully, so a week of sitting around for the honeymoon might be better in St. Lucia. I just wanted to check that it didn’t feel unfriendly to foreigners. I wasn’t sure what the cryptic oatmeal at the gas station story meant lol. Love following your travels! Will be revisiting the Japan ones soon for a trip later in the year. Thanks!

[@heather6679]

Japan is also my love. I’ve lived there 3 times and will live there again. I also enjoyed Korea and hope to spend more time there in the future. Thank you for sharing your experiences!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Yes, Japan is a place that we want to keep going back to for sure. David wants to live there. Kendra thinks the apartments are too small for long-term living. We'll see who wins out!

[@heather6679]

@@LucasWorldTravelif you live in an older building or outside the city center you can definitely get more space 😁

[@t.l1357]

I thought for sure that I was gonna move to Potigal. Lisbon put it on my friend zone. I like Porto better but it still wasn't giving enough. Maybe if I traveled to more cities 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@LucasWorldTravel]

We liked Porto better as well but not enough to move there. We’re still leaning more toward Malta.

[@seanhenriques808]

great to hear your thoughts. i am tickled that Curacao was on your amazing list. My friend just went there in 2024 and LOVED it. She's already planning a trip back. I also would consider going to Japan on my bucket list. Great content. Subscribing now. Safe travels!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Since we’ve posted this video, so many people have told me how much they love Curacao. Yet it’s definitely not as well known as Aruba and Barbados. I really think it’s the next up and coming island. Thanks for subscribing though! Welcome to the channel!

[@sherrlynntreanor-v3w]

Love your videos, helps my future destinations I want to adventure too, thank you

[@LucasWorldTravel]

We’re so glad our experiences can help you plan your adventures! Happy travels! 🤗

[@amyavalon9188]

Love this video! New subscriber - and my husband and I just sold everything we own except our five bags we're carrying and are starting our slow travel journey to eventually find our long-term home base outside the US! You are so inspiring! We have wanted to go to Curacao - is there a place you'd recommend staying? Thanks for the great channel!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Congrats on starting your slow travel journey! How exciting! For a first time visit to Curacao, stay in Willemstad in either Punda or Otrobanda neighborhood. Happy travels!

[@thierrycasseus5675]

Keep putting out the amazing content and positive energy. I share your experience with Curacao this island is enchanting and visit at least twice yearly and sadly you are on point about st Lucia.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Thanks for kind comment! Glad we're not alone on our thoughts on St. Lucia. The way people were ranting and raving about it, I thought we were missing something.

[@FunandBudget]

I can't wait to see your Morocco experience...I need a do over but perhaps in a different part than Marrakech

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Did you like Marrakech? We're trying to decide how long to stay there.

[@gabriellehollis9081]

Curious about your trip to Morocco, I’ve heard some not so nice feedback. Love this video, very informative and honest. Thanks

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Interesting to hear that feedback on Morocco. We'll be sure to post our feedback once we go.

[@christinemv9542]

Rwanda, Botswana, Kenya

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Awesome thanks for the suggestions!

[@laura_and_shanman]

Great video!!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Thanks!

[@LisaF777]

Always so informative. Japan and Malaysia are also destinations I've enjoyed 😊. A few questions: How was South Korea for you as POC? I've seen mixed reviews but keen to visit as a solo traveller. Same with Beijing, if you ever add it to your list, I'd be looking forward to your review! Secondly, I also recently learnt how to swim. When in the ocean, do you blow out bubbles with your mouth as taught? Or would you suggest using a snorkel? Next week will be my first time swimming in the ocean using my skills. Wish me luck! P.S. I can see you both settling in your top pick. Even I considered it. I live in England. For Africa, I've heard great things about Namibia! Really appreciate your videos. 💙

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Yes, there is a little something going of POC wise in South Korea i.e. people not sitting next to you on the subway or restaurant. This happened only twice in our two month stay, and we actually appreciated the extra personal space in a crowded space at the time. So yes, not 100% welcoming, but nothing dangerous that could get us killed or imprisoned like in the US. And yes, we 1000% recommend a snorkel. It makes swimming in the ocean much more enjoyable. And Namibia is definitely on our list. We just hope we can afford the plane tickets!

[@LisaF777]

Thanks for responding!

[@lilremy3]

Dominica got different sessions lol, it all depends on the time you go to the island, you go there for the carnival or creole sessions and it transforms to a totally different island with food, culture and vibes. And trust me, the party doesn't stop, lol.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Good to know!

[@kingantonio3775]

I'm a little confused. Last July I traveled with my family to both Curacao and Aruba and our experience was the total opposite. It was our first time in Curacao and I was shocked with how high the prices were. A breakfast for 4 in Curacao was $104 when in Aruba basically the same breakfast was $54 and the service in Aruba is so much better. The only thing I found cheaper in Curacao is accommodations.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

We stayed in an Airbnb and made our own breakfast, so can’t relate. But for lunch and dinner we found plenty of affordable restaurants in Punda.

[@1benarmour]

Vacayed in Dubai. Absolutely beautiful. Living there is for the rich. Luxury city with luxury prices. The people are friendly, we were treated awesomely. I may go back, would love to go back but I would never try to live there. If you’re rich by all means, do you. I hope you find your dream country❤

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed Dubai. We are only there for 10 days for sightseeing. It's not even on our list as a place to live. Dubai is just for fun and to cure own curiosity about it.

[@robh6854]

Just found your channel. Great content! Only constructive item re this video is that his commentary is super hard to hear due to lack of volume attributed to his voice. Add a mic or speak louder 😅🙌🏾 Thanks again!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@bw5911]

I like how real you keep it.❤

[@LucasWorldTravel]

We try! We never want anyone to arrive at a destination and say we misrepresented it.

[@ibelieveinjesuschrist8911]

if you can, take a flight from Europe i.e spain or portugal closest to Morocco. flights can be around 100

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Thanks for the tip! We're flying from Malta and only already brought our tickets. It was around 200 but that's still affordable to us. Other flights within Africa are 600-800 and these are the prices we are trying to avoid.

[@Dawn-er9ft]

I love yall! We could hang out!! lol love your video.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Aww, how nice! We always love meeting fellow travelers too!

[@bw5911]

Great video!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Many thanks! Thanks for watching!

[@MeccaMakeba]

Happy New Year !!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Happy New Year to you too! 🎉

[@oliviachenault2212]

KL is slow and on paper it’s fantastic!!! But Penang, is different!!! I had a better time the 2nd trip.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

We’re in Penang now and agree 100%. For us, once we saw the water in Penang, we knew that was what KL was missing. Water gives us so much life. I think we’ve determined we can’t live without water. So wherever we chose to move must have a river, lake, or sea.

[@linahfit7995]

Would you please share with us once you find a way to get affordable tickets for Africa? I'm an African that plans to travel around Africa but those ticket prices just don't even make sense. And thanks to you guys and this video, I now have Japan and Curacao on my list for 2025.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

We agree! Hopefully, we'll figure out those plane tickets, and can let you know. Enjoy Curacao and Japan! Happy travels!

[@gordonwilliams-z5u]

Happy New Year to both of you, i hope you have great health and continue to travel safely and enjoy your adventure, I just discover your site and i am having a ball watching your adventure take shape, I would suggest you visit Southern Africa, Cape Town, and Joe Burg, Swakopmund, and Windhoek in Namibia, Gaborone, Okavango Botswana, Luanda, Angola you will be wonderfully surprised its the Africa that is wonderful and just awesome, East Africa, I would look at Rwanda, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia wonderful countries very affordable I understand that is relative but base on your budget i notice you spend i would say you will be very pleased, the beauty about Southern Africa its set up nicely for you to get around to those countries, Wild cards Zambia and Zimbabwe of course they are other countries but I think you would seriously consider one of those countries as a life spot good luck let me know what you think I am happy I found your site

[@robh6854]

Have you visited Panama..?? That’s really matching up my list.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

We have, and really liked Panama City. We actually thought about living there too, but it was a bit too big for us. We like smaller more chill cities. We also liked Bocas del Toro as well, but that town is a bit too small. So we didn't find the perfect fit for us there.

[@robh6854]

Got it. Planning to peep it out in July for a few weeks. Right now it’s research research research…… I too prefer that mid size per se ,,, so we will see how it goes. Never been to Malta and wanted to hit Thailand but Panama won the spot. Thailand has been high on my list. Malta I keep hearing about but and need to look into further. I need to check your channel for Malta content!

[@robh6854]

We are actually on Aruba right now lol

[@macdaddymgiarc]

Your review of the Philippines sounds like it could be describing any number of places in the USA. I guess this is why you are world travelers and not someone to stay in one place for a long time. Thanks for your video and best of luck hitting your 100 countries and search for "the one" for your future 🙂

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Many thanks! The search continues!

[@everettmoore8304]

Hi Guys, love your YT videos. Why have you not gone to Jamaica? I’m Jamaican but I promise I will not be offended 😊

[@LucasWorldTravel]

David went to Jamaica before, but back in the 80’s. It’s definitely worth a repeat, and Kendra hasn’t been yet.

[@lovan_travels]

First time seeing you guys and instantly subbed. I feel like you both are like the older versions of my wife and I. Lots of light and positivity just flowing from you. Look forward to seeing more of your content. I'll sub from our joint channel Going Farther Together as well when I get a chance, I don't wanna mess up your watch time analytics 😩

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Lol, very considerate! Thanks for subscribing! We welcome you both to the channel!

[@flutingaround]

I wonder if you got to visit Okinawa, Japan? I have heard it's a nice place to be if you enjoy warmer weather

[@LucasWorldTravel]

We hear great things about Okinawa as well but have never been unfortunately. It will be for our next trip to Japan.

[@LisaF777]

You both look great ❤️

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Aww, thanks Lisa!

[@miguellbs3303]

I Understand about the Philippine's. I did not like it either and I stayed in the capital Manilia. It sounds like Cubu is the same. Love Thailand and Cambodia! also Viet Nam and Korea.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Glad we are not alone on the Philippine's. The way people rant and rave about it, I thought we were missing something.

[@tounisiyasser]

she is a nice place and please and please be careful about natural disaster in your country but i wish you are fine and have a nice day with peace and have a good healthcare and going an oher country and no death in your country and i wish you are fine and have a good healthcare

[@bw5911]

What month are you going to be in Malta?

[@LucasWorldTravel]

We'll be there in March.

[@tounisiyasser]

beauiful country and she is a nice country ,please and please be careful about natural disaster in your country but i wish you are fine and have a nice day with peace and have a good healthcare and going an oher country and no death in your country

[@davidludford2164]

From Bangkok next month I am heading to New Zealand(to visit 2 cousins I have never meet) and to the Cook Islands and Australia,all 3 countries us British have a reciprocal heath agreement with the UK for emergency care,I am 60 next month and I know there will be a day when I cannot get travel insurance,and I do not want to spend a winter in the uk again,so far ,it’s Nicaragua Australia New Zealand Cook Islands all the EU (but to cold in the winter) a few in the Caribbean (to expensive)and all the overseas French departments,I have no idea if emergency heath care would be available to US citizens,happy travels

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Nice! Well enjoy your trip! Best wishes on figuring out where to retire!

[@mattieclan8957]

I would think one needs to be living for at least the year to really feel the good and bad of everything from weather to culture to everything in between.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

It’s true, but first you need to narrow down the countries you are willing to stay a year.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

It’s true, but first you need to narrow down the countries you are willing to stay a year.

[@ronalddorville9609]

I heard Ghana is where it’s happening. Please visit and tell us how it is.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Yes, we definitely want to go. We need to research the visa situation though. I hear it's quite complex. Requires a trip to the consulate.

[@yvesderival634]

Terrible .Kenya ,Botswana ,Zambia are probably the best options .

[@ronalddorville9609]

@@yvesderival634 why? I’m just curious.

[@stefanossmitty3318]

I’d suggest Rwanda. Immaculately Clean, safe, affordable, great infrastructure, friendly people, no hassle.

[@broccolibeater]

i like you guys

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Aww thanks! Much appreciated!

[@ibelieveinjesuschrist8911]

nice

[@susanmarling2079]

go to egypt

[@LucasWorldTravel]

We visited Egypt in 2023 as a family trip. It was great for sightseeing, but it’s not a place we would want to live.

[@thechosenjuan269]

You went to the wrong places in Philippines

[@thomasbradley6990]

Great video. I'm in like your honesty. The Phillipines keeps getting off of my radar. But I love Thailand the best. I wanna check out Vietnam. And yes st.lucia I had an ex girlfriend who was from there. Beautiful but boring

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Yes, beautiful but boring is a good way to put it. Good luck with your travels. We love Thailand too but are still driven to explore even more of the world.

[@lex400h9]

I HAVE TO AGREE WITH YOUR ASSESSMENT. MY WIFE AND I WERE NOT IMPRESSED WITH ST LUCIA. WE LOVED BARBADOS AND DOMINICA

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Glad we're not alone! Thanks for sharing!

[@otaviovieira1041]

Happy New Year 🎉🎊🎉🥂🍻🍾🙏

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Happy New Year to you as well! 🎉