Travel Changed Us! How Full Time Travel Enhanced Our Lives for the Better

Join us as we reflect on three years of full time travel! 🌍✈️ In this video, we’ll cover our evolving travel pace, how often we visit family, our long-term plans, and budget changes. Flexibility is key as we roll with new changes and ideas-often, things shift unexpectedly.
👋JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: patreon.com/br...
🏠 Find FREE Accommodations with House sitting: trustedhousesi...
💻 VPN we use: www.avantlink....
💳Best Travel Credit Cards: www.dailydrop....
💳Best Low Fee Credit Cards: www.dailydrop....
► Stay Connected and FREEBIES
* WEBSITE www.brianandca...
* FREE AIRBNB CHECKLIST ✅ brianandcarrie...
* FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 📰 brianandcarrie...
* FREE PACKING LIST ✅ brianandcarrie...
* INSTAGRAM / brian.andcarrie
* FACEBOOK / brianandcarrie21
How to Support our Channel
🍺Buy us a Beer (helps us to continue to produce videos): www.buymeacoff...
💛PayPal: www.paypal.com...
😍 SUBSCRIBE: / @brianandcarrie
Some links below are affiliate links. By using them, there is no additional cost to you. This helps us continue bringing you videos from around the world! If you do choose to use them - Thank you!!
👇🏻Our DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT Travel Essentials:
www.brianandca...
🏥 Travel Insurance we use: safetywing.com...
💻 VPN we use: www.avantlink....

[@BarbaraWisdom-bg6ul]

You two inspired my husband and me to be part time slow travelers. If it weren't for content like you two are providing, I don't know if we would have had the nerve. We are 73 years old, getting ready to celebrate our third wedding anniversary in Paris. We just left Istanbul where we took buses and trams, and are now in Tuscany, walking up and down hills you wouldn't believe with our groceries. It truly keeps us young! Thanks for the inspiration, great content, and good humor! Rock and Barb Travel

[@BrianandCarrie]

You two inspire us!! Amazing story!! Thank you so much for watching and your comments! Safe and happy travels and happy anniversary!! 😊❤️

[@margog9604]

"Jeans... They shrink when you leave them in the closet too long." Priceless, Brian.😂

[@BrianandCarrie]

😁

[@Positively46]

When I lived in Germany, the big eye opener for me was that mothers would leave their baby carriages outside the local shops (with baby in it). I still tried to go into the store with my carriage and baby and the lady told me to leave him outside. I was not used to the safeness and trust after living in the states. After many similar reassurances …I started to feel safer as my son ran ahead more than 2 feet 😊

[@BarryandKaren]

You guys are the ONE channel on YT that Karen and myself have absolute respect for your opinions on countries and places to see, your safety related experiences, etc - to the point where we have booked our own VERY FIRST SLOW TRAVEL trip of 4 months during this coming winter season (Dec 1 thru March 31) - we are booked for Algarve region (Albufeira), Spain (Alicante), Turkey (Antalya and Instanbul), Croatia (Split) and then a few days in Lisbon, before heading "home" to Yuma, AZ! Recognize those places?? LOL!!! Anyway, as people who HAVE lived on multiple continents (Africa, Europe, North America) and have travelled to many, many countries (but NOT to the slightly "off kilter" choices that you've opened our eyes to, we are so looking forward to this first attempt at "slow travel" that you guys brought to our attention as a very viable travel method for us budget minded folks, so.....THANK YOU!!!! Please stick to your specific YT vibe as you come across as exceptionally down-to-earth, honest, sincere and you provide the most useful information. I'm hoping you don't get TOO "professional" and slick! A large part of your appeal to many of us (I am sure) is your simple, honest, open approach. I've stopped watching some channels that became so big and "professional" and so clearly sponsored and deeply focussed on monetization that they've become less believable and interesting to some of us. You have such a great approach and are so personable....it's very refreshing!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you two for the kind words! We will always be who we are and will never hire any of our work to editors or a film crew! We will also never do a sponsored video. We get offers weekly and say "No thank you" 😊 As for adding dates to our videos, we have started doing this in our more recent destination-style videos. This is new for us so thank you for the reminder!! 😁 Again, thank you so much for the support!! ❤️

[@msbeecee1]

Congrats on ur first slow travel plans!

In a school we were given maps and were asked to enter the names of capital cities, main rivers, oceans and seas, mountain ranges, etc. it always fascinated me and I day dreamt about visiting these places. Now I am living those dreams. Happy travels everyone 😊

[@BrianandCarrie]

Happy travels to you as well 😊

[@holtkar]

My husband and I have been traveling fulltime for the past 15 months and I can relate to everthing you said--especially about the need for sunshine. We are native Washingtonians (met as undergrads at WWU) and while I love going back to visit family and friends (including in Bellingham), the weather reminds me I will never want to live there again. Thank you for working so hard to bring this content to us!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for watching!! 😊

[@TravelerJerryLee]

95% of people are nice and helpful no matter where you are in the world. Bad news sells so you see and read more about it but the vast majority of people have helped me in multiple countries even with language barriers. Headed to South America and Antartica this fall and early spring 2025.

[@espesq]

Exactly right, people are generally good everywhere. There is always bad apples in areas, but the good people can help you avoid those people also.

[@BrianandCarrie]

This is exactly how we feel! Spot on!!

[@Laura-kb5sr]

"Bad news sells"--thank you. Interrogating what "news" is lets us put it into perspective.

[@ahaugen67]

When family and friends visit us in the U.S., they have been told by their state departments to watch out for things in the U.S. (e.g. one couple was told about child kidnappings, others be aware of surroundings because of mass shootings, make sure you are insured because healthcare is prohibitive and so on). We hear things about other countries, but I don’t think many realize others are warned about us, too. 2 cents.

[@BrianandCarrie]

This is a great comment! We read the US State Department travel warnings and find them interesting. Türkiye is a great example of a beautiful and safe country. Thank you for pointing this out to others!

[@johnrodgers2424]

The same goes for Costa Rica. The Canadian government site warns of travel there, but we have family there and have visited the entire country many times, and never felt unsafe. I don’t know what the criteria is for these warnings. Honestly I felt more unsafe in Memphis than most countries I’ve visited.

[@Brendan30]

@@BrianandCarrieGreat channel, thanks for sharing your slow travel experiences. As someone who has spent a long time supporting overseas U.S. citizens in need, there are very good reasons to make folks fully aware of the risks they may encounter in a particular country. Of course, the majority of travelers will have no issues but every day I see the minority who need help when things go bad. And in many places there is no shortage of ways that things can get ugly in a hurry. Travel warnings are not intended to scare people away from travel, but it’s important for people to have their eyes wide open before they pop up in a foreign country where they don’t know the terrain. All the best and continued safe travels.

[@b.bgs2036]

My wife and I totally agree with your lifestyle and we are trying to move in this direction. You are very inspiring. Thank you.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you! 🤎

[@carynsteele1706]

Thank you Brian and Carrie for sharing like you do! We too have been changed by full time travel for the last seven years. There is so much good out there! Totally agree! Thanks for shedding light on it and encouraging us all to get out there!

[@catherine8332]

Ok I appreciate you guys even more now. And carrie is the perfect example of the difference between being intelligent and doing well in school! In October we will be going to Europe for a month. Never went for a whole month before. It’s because of you guys! When we return my husband is quitting his job. We are in our mid fifties and while we are not doing exactly what you’re doing…you are definitely one of the elements that have inspired us to semi retire early…why wait until 65 when these are our gogo years… Anyway thanks again and can’t wait to hear about Mexico!! 😁🙏😊

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Catherine. You two have so much to be excited about!!! Why wait?! 😊

[@DeanRamser]

Thank you both, Brian & Carrie! After we traveled to Ukraine, Poland, and Estonia, we are now processing our experience. Like you are in this video. Travel provides an opportunity for critical analysis of our lived experiences. Your collective insight helps us navigate our next move. Thank you! Dean & Cindy

[@MrJokerh61]

Where in Ukraine did you visit ??

[@DeanRamser]

@@MrJokerh61 We arrived in L'viv around midnight on August 21st. We were there to help a new school open its door for 4YOs to 11YOs. The building and lot were not completed, yet. It was a partnership between a British educator and a Ukrainian developer. We left in mid-December for Poland. Since our PDX condo was rented to a Ukrainian singer-mother-refugee and her daughter, we wandered around Europe...

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Dan and Cindy for watching! 😊

[@BarryandKaren]

If I could ask one favor for you to consider....could you include the Date or at least the month at the beginning of each of your overseas travel videos? You do sometimes mention the timing of some of the places you visit in your recaps, but it would be so useful to those of us who really are trying to plan specific locations at specific times of the year - because of climate/temperature/rainy season/brush burning/smoke, etc, etc. Your experiences are absolutely instrumental for us to help planning possibilities , etc! Thanks again!

[@ulisessala6483]

Thank you both for been an inspiration for me. I am now a slow traveler in my 6 month traveling and love it. I this episode you touch the subject of water bottle and recycling which I agree with you. I am a tea drinker and uses the boiled water from the tea kettle for drinking. Simply refill bottles and refrigerate . This has worked for me in Mexico, Peru, Ecuador and never been sick.

[@BrianandCarrie]

That is so smart! We've done that in the past as well to save on buying water. Thankful now for our water bottles, but that is great for larger quantities. Thanks for watching 😊

[@kleerogers]

things always change, life is like that, make plans, but be prepared for change and go with the flow!!!!

[@nomadjim]

Great video! Yes, travel does change us in so many positive ways. You learn so much about the rest of the world and the people who live in it. So much of what we're told is wrong or overstated. It takes actually visiting these places to find out for yourself. What's that quote?..."The world is a book and those who don't travel read only one page." If I hadn't seen them for myself, I would have just believed all of those things (usually negative) that I heard from the news or from others (who haven't been there themselves). Fundamentally, it's true...we all do the same things no matter where you are in the world. And you learn so much about yourself and surprise yourself with how well you learn to manage all of the various aspects of this type of lifestyle. Learning to go with the flow is key because there will always be things that don't go as you expect. I've become better able to be patient, roll with the punches, and just let things go. Embracing minimalism has been so liberating for me. Once you learn how to eat properly as a full-time traveler and naturally become more active, you really do find yourself feeling in better shape...and finding that you lose that feeling when you are back home visiting family and friends. After two years of being a full-time nomad, I can't imagine not living this way. It gets better all the time!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Great comments, Jim! Thank you for watching and taking the time with us! We appreciate the support. Safe travels!!

[@martina5923]

I first started traveling abroad when I was in grade school, because my parents were in the oil business. We lived and traveled throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and North & South America into my early adult years. When one travels like this, we learn to embrace other people groups and their cultures. And, I have to agree with you both, that full time travel makes us better people. Thanks for another great video!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you!! ❤️

[@Ramsesdgr8]

Well said. Love your videos! My wife and I will be full time travelers in about a year-and-a-half. Hope to meet up some.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We will be available! Thank you for watching!! 😊

[@rickcarlsonofficial]

Was in Peru in February and can definitely give you the tips and tricks! It was a trip to remember!

[@Jim_and_Angela_Hammit]

My husband and I travel western US full time in our RV. We camp host in National Forests during the summer and we work the sugar beet harvest in Minnesota every October. In the past we go to Arizona in the winter chasing the sun and warm winters. We’ve spent 5 winters in AZ and want to do something different this year. We are going to SE Asia to slow travel for 3 months. This is how I found your channel. You have inspired me in many ways ands I thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Angela! We look forward to staying in the US for a three month stretch and exploring our own country soon. 😊 Thank you for watching and safe travels in SE Asia!!

[@lindadills5523]

We have traveled to Mexico many times and love it! The people are great and helpful. You just have to use common sense and don’t walk down that alley that just doesn’t seem right. One other thing we have learned, no matter were you go, is remembering you are a “guest” in “their” country. Respect goes a long way! Enjoy!!

[@Fell214]

Excellent episode. Best of this topic I’ve heard. I’ve always wished retired nomads would talk about this topic. We spent several days in Mostar last May. Really challenged our understanding of the history of conflict in Bosnia and how the area has been portrayed by the U.S. media. Took the best video walking tour we’ve ever attended (Sheva Tours) that was led by a longtime resident who was a soldier during the Bosnian War and the Attack on Mostar. Really made us think. Will always be grateful for being able to have such experiences while slow traveling.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We were there last year along with Sarajevo. The history is so recent and very sad.

[@Fell214]

@@BrianandCarrie We went to Mostar for several days between stays in Dubrovnik and Split because of your Mostar video.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Very cool! It is an amazing little old town that is a must visit.

[@Fell214]

@@BrianandCarrie Stay safe in Mexico

[@christiandavis5014]

It is comical how similar Brian and I are (rabbit holes researching things, geography to name a couple). My Kari and I have enjoyed your feed. We are about 3 years from starting our adventures. Thanks for all of the info you have shared. We are doing our own test planning for 2025 just to get familiar with the process. Also studying up on video editing and filming with phones and GP. Safe travels!

[@denisefitzgerald7653]

LOVE this video. We agree 100% with EVERYTHING you mentioned. This is our 3rd year of travel we head to Europe tomorrow for 4months. Start Italy and go to all of the countries east, then out to SEAsia Vietnam. We are going to a lot of the places you have visited.😊

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Denise and safe travels!! 😊

[@denisefitzgerald7653]

@@BrianandCarrie Your videos have been so helpful. Our home base is Boise, Idaho. Our weather is literally grey and/or cold 6mos of the year.

[@lyndalozner6706]

Brian your 2 best shirts are the light blue one and the pineapple shirt. Both will work great in Mexico. I could listen/watch the two of you for hoùrs and hours.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Lynda! I may have to pull out the Pineapple again!! 😁

[@melindavictorson7973]

I love watching you guys and hearing of your adventures and things you have learned along the way. While I am unable to do this kind of travel now, you give me hope for future travels and it keeps me excited!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Malinda! ❤️

[@Ll_jfdk]

Salaam, I hope you come to the gulf and Saudi, we would love for you to experience the culture and can’t wait to welcome you. You will love it I promise.

[@pictureretirement2953]

I couldn't agree more that travel can be a relationship builder, even when you have opposite ideas of what travel should look like. I am more of an adventure lover, while my husband likes sightseeing, local cuisine, beer-drinking, and wine-tasting. He is better at planning, but we both love research. He books everything and I keep it all organized. I take photos and manage our blog, while he manages our finances and keeps life on track. We are not minimalists, but we have downsized considerably during the past three years. At our ages 68 and 69, we feel comfortable having a landing zone that we own. We will travel about 4 months this year and likely more next year. I agree with you about expectations, preconceived notions, and life outside the US. It can be a wonderful lifestyle for those who are open to it. I love your videos and always learn something. Thanks for sharing.

[@louiseperry6920]

You two met each other at the right time your lives. Young enough to fulfil your dreams. You have grown so much together and are contributing to so many people’s adventures. Your channel just gets better and better. Keep doing what you’re doing! 😘😘

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you so much ❤️. We are so thankful to have each other and be able to do what we are doing.

[@johncarter8539]

Awesome video! Exactly my experience living and traveling abroad!!!! Don't be afraid! Adventure is good for you! You learn and grow when you travel! GET GOING! You can do it.. ENJOY!!!! Can't wait for your future videos! THANKS!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, John!! 😊

[@SusanMacInnis-s9w]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with all of us. In the spring, I visited Turkey. Prior to my trip, I watched your vlogs. I found the information very helpful. I loved my time there.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for following the channel, Susan! 😊

[@msbeecee1]

Now, when ur home, ur in "vacation mode" and when ur traveling ur in home routines. Yes, SUN is critical for my mental health as well.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Yes, when we are home, we have shot most of our videos for KZbin.

[@pandabearoceanpark]

Your videos are always inspiring and informative!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you so much, we love hearing this ❤️

[@KathyinKentuckyUSA]

I love that you watch world a news channel that is informative and not upsetting.. That is so cool. I hope the pants shopping goes well.! Look at Brian pretending like a child but is actually a mature adult! On a more serious note , I loved this specific video. Not all of your stuff is relevant to me, but this really hit many high notes. I consider myself one of you faithful followers, as I have been there from the start of the channel. You guys are killing it. I was recently out your way, in Vancouver for a week and loved the nature. Here in the midwest, the gloomy days will start soon and I am dreading it. We plan to take a long, long trip next year after my husband retires. I wish we could go to the sun January 1, but that is not possible. Honestly, we cannot decide where to start! I am feeling blessed, I have rode scooters (Vespas) in 4 countries in the past 10 months, Spain, Canada, USA and France. Having the ability and skill to ride Vespas has opened up all kinds of fun!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Kathy. Having the skill and ability to ride would have opened doors for us in SE Asia. Unfortunately, we don't have the skill. The gloomy days will start in the PNW soon enough!!

[@Midlifewanders]

Great video, thanks for sharing! Two months out from starting our journey! I really enjoy the community that I’ve found with your videos and other slow travelers. In our “normal lives” raising kids and working the 9-5, we’ve never found community of people who have had the sense of wanderlust that we have. We love the history of places, learning the culture, and feel like we thrive with exploration. It’s so great to find like minded people through these KZbin communities!

[@BrianandCarrie]

We have had some great experiences meeting and hearing from others about their travels. We can all learn from each other!!

[@MrJokerh61]

❤ watching from Ireland keep up the amazing videos

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you so much 😊. Hello in Ireland!

[@JimK1020]

Thanks guys. I rarely post here, but my spouse and I diligently watch and enjoy your show. I retired a year ago and my spouse and I have been slow traveling since October 1. Related to your discussion, I really wondered if we could survive 24/7-but it is nice to know we can. I especially want to comment on discovering local news. Last December we were in Belgrade Serbia, which is well worth a visit. At the time the country was in the throes of a highly contested presidential election. Opposing sides were demonstrating downtown, and in the mix a department store Santa was pushed out a window. Both sides blamed the other for manhandling Santa, but it turned out the culprit was Santa’s wife. This news never got reported worldwide. What I learned. The US doesn’t have a monopoly on crazy elections.

[@BrianandCarrie]

That's funny but not funny, poor Santa! Mrs. Claus needs to simmer down!! What you are saying is very true and most of the world doesn't care about the US elections as much as we might think they do. Thank you for watching and commenting, Jim. We appreciate the support!

[@bw5911]

I got this so much from my sister who had no clue and had never been to many of the countries I have. It’s just general ignorance and traveling really opens your eyes I how everyone is basically the same around the world. My confidence is that I am basically a bad ass.😂

[@BrianandCarrie]

You are a badass!! 😁

[@seandavie3672]

Thanks guys. Travel has certainly improved me as a person. I am much more accepting and empathetic after experiencing other places, people, and cultures.

[@BrianandCarrie]

That's the biggest take away we've loved about travel ❤️

[@JohnS-zq8ks]

Enjoyed the talk. Cheers

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, John!

[@TNTTravelsWW]

Regarding culture shock, we had this same realization visiting shopping malls in other counties. We are all the same really. You families and kids doing the same thing anywhere in the world, just living their lives. It’s really cool.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Yes, very cool to see how similar everyone is no matter where you travel. Cheers!!

[@TheLucilleZ]

We love to travel but only get away on a long trip about once a year. Three to four weeks. We are inspired by your content. The biggest challenge to us is leaving our grand babies, age 8, 5, and newborn. I just don't think we could make the leap now, but maybe someday.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We understand leaving friends and family, especially the grandkids behind. We are returning 3 times a year moving forward. This should keep us from getting homesick. 😊 Thank you for the kind words and for watching our channel! ❤️

[@mariaparker-d8t]

Thank you for sharing! I learned something every time I listened to your travels! I have beautiful experiences with meeting people at the right time during my travels, helping me along the way! I also think that we definitely touched people during our travels. I am always grateful for every experience, good or bad! Both of you are an inspiration to me! Thank you, and enjoy the delicious food in Mexico! My favorite country in the world 🌎. My country 🏡! Take care ❤❤

[@BrianandCarrie]

The food is absolutely amazing!! Our first video will be out next Saturday!!

[@johnhafner2337]

Greetings from South King County, Auburn specifically! I enjoy your videos and am excited when I see a new one. In just over two years I retire and them begins our adventure. We have traveled to Ecuador twice and a third time early next year. I hope you will have that country on your list of places to visit. Wonderful people, scenery, and food. Looking forward to the next video!

[@BrianandCarrie]

We are planning a trip to Argentina in January and figuring out where to go for Feb. and March. Peru and Ecuador are possibilities.

[@diaryformydad]

You two are so awesome! I really love this video idea. Thanks for sharing!!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you so much ❤️. We are happy you enjoyed it.

[@SandiHooper]

I loved this discussion. I appreciate the thought that you put into this, and it’s always a treat to see you two laughing together over your memories of the experiences you’ve gained. Can you recommend a good water bottle- Also, does your carry on bag get checked a lot? Isn’t it a little bigger than 19”

[@BrianandCarrie]

Our carry-on is right size, but it will always be overweight. Weve only been weighed one time. The 19" I believe is your personal item? We use the Larq water bottles and love them. You can find them on our website BrianandCarrieTravels.com. Thank you for always watching and commenting, Sandi!! 😁

[@SandiHooper]

@@BrianandCarrie thanks.

[@elizabethfajardo9655]

Hi guys. Good for you that you have a better understanding of the world. It is really funny that an American says that any country is dangerous. Some of the Chicago areas more dangerous than Afghanistan. Most of the Americans have a very wrong idea about the world. We have spent 5 months in Mexico and South America without any problems. Quality of life is way superior to USA. I’m about 50 countries now, but I consider myself still a moderately experienced traveler. Good luck to you.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Totally agree! Our views of other countries was very much skewed by what we saw and heard on the news. Only until we actually visited and spent time there did we see things much differently. Thank you so much for watching 😊

[@Wanderer_family]

11:04 hi barin and Carrie, we are the couple from Tel Aviv.. it’s was very nice to meet you, we still touring Hungary and then we heading to Thessaloniki Greece , hope to meet you again - cheers

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi! It was so wonderful meeting you both. Hope you're enjoying your travels through Hungary and have a wonderful time in Greece! Hopefully our paths cross somewhere down the road. Cheers!!

[@davidkiernan5901]

I live in Hu Hin Thailand full time and am constantly shocked and disgusted with the amount of plastic on the roads. Between the roadside garbage cans, streeet dogs ripping the cans apart every morning and ect.ect.ect Its pretty hard to have a positive attitude with our environment. My house and neiborhood is great but once we are outside it's hard to take.

[@BrianandCarrie]

It's so unfortunate and sad to see. All we can each do is try our best not to contribute to it. Thanks so much for watching 😊

[@robertmcfarlane4151]

If you take on any new venture you're bound to learn some new skills and about yourself. I think you recognize well where you started three years ago and where you are today. Imagine if you stuck with the original plan and stayed in Portugal and bought a house there. How different would you be? But thankfully for the viewer you embarked on an unknown adventure and we got to watch as you explored and developped. Good on you both. You are ambassadors of slow travel with a connected partner. Please keep it up! Cheers!

[@BrianandCarrie]

We very much appreciate all the comments that you add to the channel, Robert! 😁

[@Andy-su8ch]

We spent a month in a Airbnb in Mexico City in may 2023 we enjoyed the museums traveled on the metro the food was great and the people were very kind and helpful

[@BrianandCarrie]

We are very excited to explore Mexico city as well 😊

[@martypoll]

When I first went to Bangkok I literally had no expectations. On the first day I experienced it as being very different from the US but also very east to adapt to. I ended up living there for 6 years.

[@BrianandCarrie]

That's a great way to do it, go with no expectations ☺️

[@mactravelandfinance]

Happy for you both, have a great day!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you! ❤️

[@user-gf7dj1oj7k]

just went to mexico city. the most beautiful city, clean and everything is amazing but the biggest difference from the US people are NICE! Before people come at me let me explain. The US (my home country) is full of nice people but as a country we have somehow become mean… we criminalize the poor, disabled, disadvantaged and immigrant populations. We often excuse our country saying it’s because of xyz. We give our cities an even bigger pass on rudeness. We normalize rude behavior because of the size of the city/population. Well Mexico City is a city of 22 million, a number US citizens can’t even fathom and yet everyone there was do nice. Not just to us ( US travelers) but to each other AND to immigrants because yes Mexico has it’s share of immigrants too (people from their neighboring countries looking for a better life). The very very few people we saw sleeping on the street ( because homelessness is not an acceptable situation in other countries!) are usually immigrants and we witnessed more than once shop keeper carefully sweeping around a sleeping person and the homeless are not being threatened or disrespected or attacked. We ate at a really well known luxury restaurant and the street sellers were polite ( a simple no gracias sufficied) and the restaurant staff just worked naturally no worries about the vendors. All very peaceful and pleasant. So yes get out in the world and even better bring the humanity and compassion you find out in the world home with you. The US could use an intervention. Peace ❤

[@mztango]

WELL SAID.

[@BrianandCarrie]

This is wonderfully said, thank you so much for sharing ❤️

[@jenniferconlan9861]

Mexico is great. We will be traveling from East to West for 4 months in 2025. The people are very kind and travel is very safe.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We have only been here a couple of days and are finding the people to be amazingly friendly!

[@AdeleFrizzell-j7e]

Resident of Mexico here. I do not recommend driving down to Mexico right now. Other than that, things are pretty safe in certain areas - safe as Wyoming, statistically speaking, and the people and food are wonderful.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We are in Oaxaca now and very much enjoying the food and friendly people. 😀

[@Laura-kb5sr]

Yeah, last year we thought about taking a road trip to Mexico from the U.S., and my Los Angeles daughter's roommate (from Zacatecas) strongly recommended against it--and Facebook groups of people making that trip (and checking local news and talking to people) pretty much backed that up. We did plenty of due diligence and traveled by plane, bus, and transport company in specific areas (Isla Mujeres, Guanajuato City, and Huasteca Potosina region) and loved loved loved it.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We will be traveling by bus and one flight while here.

[@SoloRetirementwithLydia]

I appreciate the minimalist aspect. I am glad your normalizing wearing the same clothes repeatedly because i want to just have a carry on, too. Thanks for the video!

[@BrianandCarrie]

It's the only way to go, but takes a little getting used to 😂. Less is so much more in full time travel.

[@jeannettejones4029]

I carry a grayl bottle with me to purify the water. You can drink water out of the faucet without having to buy bottled water.

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

12:41 Love the change in materialism. The amount of money saved. 💰 😮 Side note: Olympic break dancing may be no more. Here's to Ms. "RayGun" You maybe forgotten but you're not gone...😳😉 Recycling ♻️: How are your water 💧 uvc bottles holding up

[@BrianandCarrie]

Our Larq bottles are used daily! We are putting them to the test here in Mexico!! RayGun the legend!! 🤣

[@sf3413]

We moved to Texas from overseas. I've gained 10 kilo. You can't walk everywhere like before. Also, there's a very low standard for food. I think I pay triple for produce that tastes like cardboard. There is of course so much opportunity and freedom here, and those previously mentioned problems. Do you guys experience price shock when you come home?

[@BrianandCarrie]

Yes, we do experience price shock when we are home, and the food is much better everywhere we go!! You take the good with the bad and enjoy! 😊

[@BrianandCarrie]

Yes, we do experience price shock when we come home, and the food is much better everywhere we go! You take the good with the bad and enjoy what you can!! 😁

[@StefanEdburg]

People are people wherever you go. As for food, it's a matter of taste. For me the issue is infrastructure. Some of the developing countries really leave a lot to be desired. Oh well, to each his own.

[@FotosLostnFound]

hi what are your water bottles you use now? brand? ty

[@BrianandCarrie]

These are the ones we use and love: imp.i263265.net/g15ZX0

[@lindadorman2869]

After 15 years of full-time travel, I came back to the US in 2018. I’ve kept many travel habits such as watching international news, capsule wardrobe and mindful budgeting but also got used to American culture. But I really miss the lifestyle I experienced in other countries. Now I think, how can I combine the convenience of keeping a US home base with slow travel abroad? At age 64, it might be time to get back out there while I still can.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Having a home base would be ideal. Maybe someday we will figure out a way as well. Thank you, Linda! ❤️

[@Laura-kb5sr]

Yeah, we wonder about making our US house (just outside Washington DC) more rentable and, in the future, doing houseswaps or short-term rentals in some way while we do slow-travel stints. With housing shortages (driving up prices) worldwide, that would also feel better than taking up two homes at once.

[@elizaC3024]

We have gained so much knowledge from watching your channel. We so much appreciate the knowledge on a down to earth basis. I am tired of the channels that are so into monetizing and courses, and membership, that they never respond to questions you post, repeatedly to numerous of their video's. I have unsubcribed from them.😊

[@BrianandCarrie]

We just do our best to be real and give our audience what they want to see. We are always learning from our viewers! We are also consumers and know what we like to watch and try to follow those guidelines. Thank you for watching and continuing to support our channel, Eliza!! 😊❤️

[@BoninBrighton]

3 other slow travel channels I follow are settling down and giving up after around 4 years …

[@patric5076]

I always enjoy your videos. Thanks for another good one. I'm with you on wanting to travel full time. Unfortunately, my current partner is not keen on the idea of traveling full time, any suggestions on how to bridge the gap?

[@BrianandCarrie]

We would suggest starting with 2-to-4-week trips that aren't packed with too many activities. That can be overwhelming! Having a home to return to isn't a bad option if you can. Good luck and thank you for watching! 😊

[@user-hx4jh7ik5x]

Growing up in south Cali I learn pretty good conversational Spanish and we have all the food. But one thing I'diss is the American greenback. The colored currency around the world is like Monopoly money. Have fun in mexico

[@mztango]

Always good advice. We are going to Mazatlán for 1 month for Xmas& New years. Looking forward to your Mexican adventures especially your accommodations. Can you tell us why you changed your VPN? My Surfshark will expire soon. Thanks

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you! We had a few connectivity issues last year so decided to try Nord.

[@mztango]

Thanks. Good to know.

[@Laura-kb5sr]

@@BrianandCarrie Good to know, thanks! Surfshark really annoyed us at times last year, way slowing down our connections or not connecting at all.

[@ReneeNiquette-gq1ye]

I am looking for a UV water bottle. Which brand did you buy? Great video

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you! This is the bottle we went with and are very happy with: imp.i263265.net/g15ZX0 (they have the new Purevis 2 that just came out, which we would choose now if we had that option).

[@melodyn6419]

Can you do a new video to talk about your updated youtubes ads income?

[@GaryMalcolm]

The whole how much it costs, how much we make travel stuff is getting old. I'm glad these two do other stuff.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We do not discuss our income. We do talk about how budgeted we are so that should give you an idea on our wealth. 😁

[@dgasmd1]

Good content as usual. Curious as to how much longer you think you'll be doing this for before settle back down somewhere, weather that is back to the US or in another country. Eventually, the traveling, feeling homeless, and living out of a suitcase gets old and tiring regardless of how good it is now. Just curious.........

[@BrianandCarrie]

Great question! Stay tuned for our video coming this Saturday! 😊

[@deritaratcliffe4592]

What is the bottle you all travel with?

[@BrianandCarrie]

We travel with this one and love it: imp.i263265.net/g15ZX0. We have the filter and UV... They now how the latest model which combined both which we would choose now.

[@armenpetrosyan425]

I just opened my own channel for our travel (currently in SEA) do you write off your eating out too? It gets expensive for family of 3 lol

[@BrianandCarrie]

We will write off everything that we are allowed! 😉

[@JohanHurlsman]

Belgium has the best beer in the world. Has drinking all these lesser beers throughout your travels ruined your palate? 😉LOL!

[@BrianandCarrie]

It has not ruined our palate just made us appreciate good beer even more than we already did! Belgium is high on our list!! 😊🍻

[@marlam3891]

Which countries in Europe do you recommend as the safest for a solo female traveler?

[@BrianandCarrie]

You will be safe in most any European country. We would start in Portugal!!

[@marlam3891]

@@BrianandCarrie Thank you.

[@edwardsaunders5529]

Hello guys… Where are you going to be in Mexico?

[@BrianandCarrie]

We're making our way from Oaxaca to San Miguel de Allende, then headed to Merida 😊

[@susanwhite3729]

Which video is it that goes over what video camera you use?

[@bss-rp5pl]

There is one that is a year old called "How to Vlog...". I'd give you a link but that usually gets deleted. Go to their YT homepage, the far right end of the Home, Videos, Shorts...line is the hourglass for searching. Type in "vlog" and search. I think they may have updated some of their equipment. You can verify by going to their website (there's a link in the video comment section), then "Resources" and "Camera Gear."

[@susanwhite3729]

Thank you, I'll go look for it!

[@GennaFaia101]

Is your advice the same to a retired woman traveling alone?

[@BrianandCarrie]

Yes! Everyplace we've traveled, I would have felt comfortable traveling alone as a woman. Just like anywhere, I'm always aware of my surroundings and belongings and would choose not to be out in the late evening, especially well out of the tourist area.

[@GennaFaia101]

@@BrianandCarrie thank you.

[@margiedenavarre7919]

I do not mean by this comment to take away from anything you guys have said, including about Turkey. However, the timing of this video is a bit sad since it was only yesterday that two American Marines were beaten up in the streets with bags placed over their heads. Apparently the gang or mob that attacked them said that the Marines represented those who were against Gaza. You guys probably made this video before this event even happened so it just shows how quickly things can change. Not that everyone in Turkey has changed of course, but that a sentiment can rapidly change based on wars and conditions around the world and spread through a society. Stay safe out there.

[@BrianandCarrie]

That's very sad 😢. Unfortunately, everything is always changing and we always try to be aware of what's going on around us best we can. Thanks for watching.

[@Laura-kb5sr]

That is really terrible and scary. I would think that anyone who appears to be outright representing the U.S. government & policies (even in civilian clothing) could be at greater risk in parts of the world...even though servicemembers (like any group of people) have varied ideas on different aspects of U.S. foreign policy, and actually also different reasons for being in their jobs/careers. And just being American could increase risk. That said--a crucial piece here for me is that the perpetrators were quickly arrested and were part of a violent fringe group not representative of most Turkish people. And I do believe that most people around the world feel that individuals and governments are very different things. And violence against people for appearing to be part of [X] group unfortunately happens all over the world, and can turn on a dime as well, including in the United States.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Well said, Laura!

[@KathyinKentuckyUSA]

PS: most people don't really enjoy history until they are adults.

[@Laura-kb5sr]

Yeah, honestly, as a kid and an adult, historical fiction is my best way into history

[@damienbates]

Too many people expect their spouse to be met their every need. This is such an outrageous expectation on any person. You have to have a group of friends and family, often of the same sex, that can fill those gaps. My wife doesn’t need to enjoy talking about cars or sports. She doesn’t need to do the same hobbies or enjoy the same music or entertainment.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We agree, Damien! Thank you for watching and commenting!! .😊 Cheers!! 🍻

[@user00165]

Turkey is Armenian, Assirians and Greek lands and cultures.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Amazing country!

[@telluwide5553]

"Turkey, not so scary?" Have you seen the recent video and story of the 2 off duty US Marines who were targeted and publically beaten by 15 people in the middle of a market? Yankee, go home is still alive and well in some parts of the world, even in countries that are supposed to be our allies....

[@BrianandCarrie]

Scary things happen everywhere. Do you watch the news and see all that goes on in our country?

[@BrianandCarrie]

That is incredibly sad. Unfortunately, things can happen anywhere you are all over the world, including in the US. We do our best to stay aware of any surrounding issues where we are.

[@RJthing]

Sound judge tbh

[@nursynikki]

Clothes shrink for sure. 😂

[@BrianandCarrie]

Funny how that happens! 🤣

[@andrewkamchi7478]

Hey Brian and Carrie, Christine and I, who are both in our 50's, are in month 2 of long term slow travel plans. We write to you here in Frome, UK, just outside of Bristol. We spent a good bit of time in Mexico right before the pandemic, and highly recommend you put Merida on your list. Great community, interesting architecture, safe, lot's of food options (we would be happy to send you some faves and you MUST get a cruffin at Pan & Køf.feé), and it is a great base to go to ruins, cenotes, haciendas, etc. San Miguel and Guanajuato were great, so was Puebla and Cholula. People rave about Bacalar too. Be well.

[@BrianandCarrie]

This is great to hear, Andrew! We will be in Oaxaca (currently) Puebla, Mexico City, San Miguel, Guanajuato, and Merida. We will be in Merida for a month before returning home for the Holidays. Thank you for the tips and for watching our channel! 😊

[@andrewkamchi7478]

@@BrianandCarrie Nice! We were just in Oaxaca for a couple of weeks. Great place.