Your Time To Travel

What do you actually need on your phone before you retire abroad? I'm opening up my phone and walking you through every app, card and account I use almost daily as a full-time slow traveler in Bangkok: how I get cash with no ATM fees, pay rent in baht, scan-pay at street stalls, stay connected, get around, and turn everyday spending into business-class flights and airport lounges.CHAPTERS0:00 Cold open0:42 What you need on your phone2:31 Part 1: Money on the ground2:56 Charles Schwab4:47 Wise5:54 Moreta Pay7:33 Currency converter7:59 Part 2: Staying connected8:11 eSIMs (Holafly + local)10:17 VPN11:31 WhatsApp and LINE12:35 Part 3: Getting around12:52 Google Maps + Apple Maps14:01 Grab, Bolt and Uber15:24 Part 4: Points, perks and lounges15:49 Amex Platinum17:08 Chase IHG18:50 Priority Pass21:22 The setup checklist22:09 Free guide + what's nextFREE GUIDE: The Honest Pros and Cons of Retiring Abroad After 50https://yourtimetotravel.life/freeSmart Travel Hacks for Stress-Free Adventures (e-guide)https://yourtimetotravel.life/hacksAll my guides and links: https://yourtimetotravel.life/linksWatch this episode on YouTube to see every app on screen: https://www.youtube.com/@YourTimeToTravelCards and apps I mentioned (referral links):- Amex Platinum: https://americanexpress.com/en-us/referral/platinum-card?ref=KARLHI5TA&xl=cp10o6- Chase IHG One Rewards Premier: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/210z/LH94T7C3H2- Holafly eSIM: holafly.sjv.io/bOZOmMDisclosure: the Amex, Chase IHG and Holafly links are referral links. If you use them, I may earn points or a commission at no extra cost to you.I'm not a financial advisor, and nothing here is financial advice. Fees, prices and rules change, so check the details for your own situation.Next episode: how to prepare for a trip to Thailand before peak season.

Is it safe for Black Americans to travel the world?Which countries feel the most welcoming?And is the experience actually different outside the United States?In this episode of Your Time To Travel, we’re sharing our real, unfiltered experience slow traveling the world as a Black American couple after 50.After selling everything to pursue a life of full-time travel, we’ve lived in places like Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and explored destinations across Africa and Southeast Asia—and what we’ve experienced might surprise you.We break down:What it really feels like to travel abroad as a Black AmericanWhere we felt the most welcomed (and why)The difference between curiosity vs. discriminationWhether racism is worse, better, or just different outside the U.S.Why more Black Americans are choosing to travel—and even leave the U.S.We also take a step back and talk about the origins of racial classifications, and why race isn’t experienced the same way around the world.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like—or if you’ve been thinking about traveling yourself—this episode is for you.

Are more Americans leaving the U.S.—or does it just feel that way?In this episode of Your Time To Travel, we break down the real data behind where Americans are relocating and why more people—especially over 50—are choosing to live abroad.We cover top destinations like Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Canada, and the United Kingdom—including:Real monthly cost of livingSafety comparisons vs the U.S.Where your Social Security stretches the furthestIf you’ve ever asked yourself:👉 “Could I actually live overseas on my retirement income?”This episode gives you a clear, data-backed answer.🌍 Start your journey today:👉 https://yourtimetotravel.life/pages/download-your-travel-checklist🎙️ Follow the podcast for weekly insights on slow travel and living abroad.

More Americans are seriously asking the question:“Can I live better outside the U.S.?”In this episode of Your Time To Travel, we break down the best countries where Americans can move quickly, stay longer, and actually enjoy a higher quality of life—without complicated visa processes.This isn’t backpacking or budget travel.This is about living comfortably as a middle-class couple, with:Safe neighborhoodsReliable healthcareStrong infrastructureAnd a lifestyle you can actually enjoyWe cover:🌍 Countries that allow 180 days or MORE (including some that allow up to a full year)🌎 The best 90-day visa countries where the world opens up if you’re willing to move💰 Real monthly costs for a comfortable lifestyle—not survival🏡 Where you can maintain or upgrade your American standard of livingFrom familiar options like Mexico to underrated gems like Albania and Georgia, we break it all down so you can decide what works best for YOU.If you’ve been feeling the pressure of rising costs, stress, or just wondering if there’s a better way to live—this episode gives you real, actionable options.🎯 Start your journey:Download our FREE travel checklist:👉 https://yourtimetotravel.life/pages/download-your-travel-checklist🌐 Explore more:👉 https://yourtimetotravel.life

In 2026, travel planning has fundamentally changed — and AI is now shaping how trips are researched, planned, priced, and managed.In this episode of Your Time To Travel, we break down how AI is reshaping travel planning, how travelers are actually using AI tools today, where AI works, where it falls short, and the powerful AI infrastructure quietly running the global travel industry behind the scenes.We explore how consumer AI tools help travelers plan smarter — while explaining the enterprise AI systems used by airlines and booking platforms that most travelers never see but everyone is affected by.How AI travel planning works in 2026The best ways travelers use AI for research, itineraries, and budgetingWhere AI saves time — and where human judgment still mattersThe difference between consumer AI tools and travel infrastructure AIHow airline pricing, seat availability, and rebooking decisions are actually madeWhy understanding AI makes you a smarter, less-stressed traveler🎧 Listen or watch on Spotify📺 Watch on YouTube🌍 More travel resources: https://yourtimetotravel.lifeChatGPT – https://chat.openai.comPerplexity AI – https://www.perplexity.aiGoogle Gemini – https://gemini.google.comWanderlog – https://wanderlog.comTripIt – https://www.tripit.comKayak – https://www.kayak.comNumbeo – https://www.numbeo.comSkyscanner – https://www.skyscanner.comHopper – https://www.hopper.comFlighty – https://www.flighty.comRome2Rio – https://www.rome2rio.comGoogle Maps – https://maps.google.comAirbnb – https://www.airbnb.comBooking.com – https://www.booking.comTripadvisor – https://www.tripadvisor.comOpenAI – https://openai.comAmadeus – https://amadeus.comSabre – https://www.sabre.comIn this episode, you’ll learn:🔗 AI PLATFORMS & TRAVEL TOOLS DISCUSSED🧠 Consumer AI & Travel Planning Tools🗺️ Itinerary & Trip Organization💰 Budgeting & Price Prediction✈️ Optimization & Real-Time Travel Intelligence🏨 Booking Platforms (Require Human Judgment)🔮 Emerging AI Travel Infrastructure (Not Publicly Accessible)

Send us a textCan you really slow travel or retire comfortably in the UAE after 50—or is it all just luxury hype?In this episode of Your Time To Travel Podcast, we share our firsthand experience traveling through Dubai and Abu Dhabi, breaking down what daily life actually looks like for retirees and long-term travelers.We talk about:Using the Dubai Metro straight from the airportAffordable, high-quality Uber transportation in both citiesDining in the Burj Khalifa district while watching the light showExploring Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina, and a sunset boat cruiseBeachfront lunch at JBR and relaxing at Abu Dhabi’s Corniche BeachVisiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Presidential PalaceWorld-class airports, facial recognition immigration, and stress-free travelMost importantly, we break down the real monthly cost of living for retirees, including housing, healthcare, transportation, and food—plus the financial requirements for UAE retirement visas, Golden Visas, and long-stay residency options.If you’re over 50 and considering:Slow travel in the Middle EastRetiring abroad on a pension or fixed incomeLiving somewhere safe, modern, and incredibly efficientThis episode gives you a clear, honest look at whether the UAE truly makes sense.🎧 Key Topics Covered:Dubai vs Abu Dhabi retirement scorecardMonthly retirement budget in the UAERetirement visa financial requirements (55+)Transportation without owning a carWhich city fits long-term living best👉 Best takeaway: Start in Dubai, settle in Abu Dhabi.Support the show🌍 Thank you for listening to "Your Time to Travel" podcast! 🌍 If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more travelers like you! ✈️ Stay connected and join the conversation: Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Check out our website for travel tips, stories, and more: yourtimetotravel.life 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast to never miss an episode and be part of our slow travel journey!

Send us a textWhere can retirees actually live safer, better, and more affordably than in the United States?In this episode of Your Time To Travel, we rank the top global retirement and slow travel destinations using real data — not hype. We compare each country directly to the U.S. across the factors that matter most to retirees and couples over 50.⏱️ Episode ChaptersIntro — 0:00Safety (Global Peace Index) — 1:09Holafly (Travel eSIM Sponsor) — 4:34Cost of Living (Upper-Middle-Class Couple) — 9:15Healthcare Quality — 14:49Public Transportation & Ease of Travel — 20:18Retirement Visas & Income Requirements — 27:20Currency vs U.S. Dollar — 31:35Your Time To Travel Scoreboard (Final Rankings)🌍 How countries are ranked:• Global Peace Index (safety)• Cost of living for an upper-middle-class retired couple• Healthcare quality• Public transportation & ease of travel• Ease of obtaining long-term retirement visas• Currency advantage vs the U.S. dollar🇺🇸 The United States is included in every category for direct comparison.This episode is for anyone thinking about:✔️ Retiring abroad✔️ Slow traveling after 50✔️ Stretching a pension or fixed income✔️ Living well with less stress📘 READY TO PREPARE FOR LIFE ABROAD?If you’re serious about retiring or traveling overseas, our step-by-step e-guide walks you through how to prepare, what to plan for, and how to avoid costly mistakes before you go.👉 Get the guide here:🔗 https://yourtimetotravel.life/products/adventure-wanderlust-wealth-the-50-guide-to-selling-it-all-and-retiring-abroad🎙️ We break down why some countries outperform the U.S. for retirees — and which destinations offer the best overall balance of safety, comfort, healthcare, and freedom.👉 Learn more, watch our journey, and access resources athttps://YourTimeToTravel.lifeSupport the show🌍 Thank you for listening to "Your Time to Travel" podcast! 🌍 If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more travelers like you! ✈️ Stay connected and join the conversation: Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Check out our website for travel tips, stories, and more: yourtimetotravel.life 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast to never miss an episode and be part of our slow travel journey!

Send us a textTraveling soon? Stay connected abroad with a Holafly eSIM — use code YOURTIMETOTRAVEL for a discount: https://holafly.sjv.io/bOZOmMWhat if your pension could buy you freedom instead of routine?In this episode, we share how we sold everything, grabbed two suitcases and our dog Bennie, and turned a pension into a slow-travel lifestyle across the world. If you're retired, a veteran, or 50+ and dreaming of living abroad, this episode gives you the roadmap.🌍 What You’ll Learn• The Slow Travel Mindset — Why living 30–90+ days in one place reduces stress, cuts costs, and deepens your experience.• Turning a Pension Into Freedom — How choosing the right countries (Thailand, Portugal, Mexico City) helps your income go further.• Picking Long-Stay Destinations — Visas, healthcare, safety, internet, pet-friendly options, and lifestyle rhythm.• Traveling With a Pet — How Bennie travels internationally and what you need to know about microchips, vaccines, and airline rules.• Preparing for the Leap — Downsizing, logistics, budgeting, mental shifts, and practical slow-travel planning.🎯 Your Next StepIf we can do it in our 50s with a dog, you can too.Start with our step-by-step e-guide:📘 Adventure, Wanderlust & Wealth: The 50+ Guide to Selling It All and Retiring Abroad👉 https://yourtimetotravel.life/products/adventure-wanderlust-wealth-the-50-guide-to-selling-it-all-and-retiring-abroad🔗 Links Mentioned🌐 More episodes & blogs: YourTimeToTravel.life▶️ Watch on YouTubeSupport the show🌍 Thank you for listening to "Your Time to Travel" podcast! 🌍 If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more travelers like you! ✈️ Stay connected and join the conversation: Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Check out our website for travel tips, stories, and more: yourtimetotravel.life 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast to never miss an episode and be part of our slow travel journey!

Send us a textIn this eye-opening episode, Karl & Tina Harris uncover the real truth about life expectancy, wealth gaps, and the 10-year “decade of decline”—that crucial period when your energy, mobility, and health begin to fade.Discover how long you’re really likely to live based on your occupation, income level, and demographics—and why waiting too long to retire could cost you your healthiest, most active years.We break down the latest data from Harvard, Stanford, the CDC, NIH, and more, and explore why retired military, first responders, and working-class Americans often face shorter lifespans—and what you can do to reclaim your time, freedom, and health before it’s too late.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The 10-Year Decade of Decline—and when it really beginsHow wealth and occupation influence longevity (Harvard & Stanford data)Why military veterans, police, and firefighters experience shorter lifespansRacial and geographic life expectancy gaps across AmericaThe truth about your health span vs. life spanHow to retire as soon as financially possible without sacrificing stabilitySimple steps to extend your active years and live your best life after 50🎯 Key Sources Cited:CDC, Social Security Administration, Harvard Health Publishing, JAMA (Harvard & Stanford Health Inequality Project), National Institutes of Health, Kaiser Family Foundation, WHO, PBS NewsHour, Annals of Epidemiology, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, and Harvard Medical School’s Lifespan research.📍 CTA:Calculate your “active decade” and start planning your slow travel lifestyle today at 🌎 YourTimeToTravel.life🎓 Enroll in our course: Slow Travel Freedom: A 50+ Guide to Life Beyond the Grind🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Your Time To Travel Podcast🎥 Watch on YouTube: Your Time To Travel ChannelSupport the show🌍 Thank you for listening to "Your Time to Travel" podcast! 🌍 If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more travelers like you! ✈️ Stay connected and join the conversation: Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Check out our website for travel tips, stories, and more: yourtimetotravel.life 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast to never miss an episode and be part of our slow travel journey!

Send us a textThinking about getting a health check while traveling abroad? In this episode of the Your Time To Travel Podcast, Karl & Tina Harris share their first-hand experience with health screenings in Thailand — from affordable costs and professional care to quick results and friendly service.As 50+ slow travelers living abroad, they discuss what it’s really like accessing international healthcare, including:Full health screening process in Thailand 🇹🇭How long it takes and what’s includedFollow-up doctor recommendationsReal costs and unexpected expensesThe surprising quality of medical services abroadIf you’re planning to live, retire, or slow travel internationally, this episode will help you stay informed and healthy while enjoying your adventure.🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform🎥 Watch this full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rGNk2AC880c🌍 Explore more travel stories, tips, and resources at:https://yourtimetotravel.lifeSupport the show🌍 Thank you for listening to "Your Time to Travel" podcast! 🌍 If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more travelers like you! ✈️ Stay connected and join the conversation: Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Check out our website for travel tips, stories, and more: yourtimetotravel.life 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast to never miss an episode and be part of our slow travel journey!