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How We Became Full-Time Slomads (& How You Can Too)

Last Updated: January 17, 2022 · Digital Nomad, Living Abroad, Slow Travel

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Our journey of becoming full-time slomads — slow traveling digital nomads — began years before the slomad and digital nomad travel movement really picked up.

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a digital nomad then I hope our personal story can give you some insight as to how exactly our lifestyle of traveling and living abroad full-time became a reality.

In this guide, not only will I be sharing a behind-the-scenes look into our slow travel lifestyle, but I’ll also endeavor to give you practical information along the way so that, you too, can become a full-time slomad. If you have any questions, feel free to send me a DM on Instagram or write me an email!

 

Our Story: Becoming Full-Time Slomad Travelers

couple atop indian nose hike summit overlooking lake atitlan

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

Slow traveling and living in Guatemala

First things first, what’s a ‘slomad’ and what’s the difference between a digital nomad and a slomad? Basically, a slomad is a digital nomad who travels slowly. If you aren’t familiar with slow travel or the digital nomad lifestyle, then check out those pages and guides!

So, let’s get into it!

To understand our life of travel now, I first must state that Paul and I began traveling together years ago in order to stay together.

We chose to travel and live abroad, in countries other than our own (USA and France), because we wanted to physically be together. (We’re about to enter into our 10-year anniversary!) After years of maintaining a long-distance relationship, we decided to keep traveling abroad.

Before I get ahead here… What’s important to know is that we weren’t that couple that said screw it to our 9-5s and decided to go on a world trip. Instead, traveling abroad was already a part of our relationship, and that’s mainly thanks to higher education.

Traveling Abroad for Education

girl with bike on bridge living abroad in Appingdam, Netherlands

Living and studying in Groningen, Netherlands

When I was at university, where Paul and I met, I chose to do a year-long study abroad program. So for my junior year, I moved and lived for about 14 months in France. I completed a summer school in Chambéry and two semesters in Lyon, France.

After that, I returned home to the States for my final two semesters. During that time, I knew it wasn’t possible for Paul to move to the USA. We endured long-distance once again. So when it came time for me to graduate in May 2015, I began looking online in my desired career field (humanitarian aid) for jobs and graduate programs. I found a grad assistant position in Kathmandu, Nepal, and it just worked out that I would be moving there shortly after. Paul moved there with me, and we stayed there for about one year.

Keep in mind that, during this time, both Paul and I began dabbling in beginner online jobs to make money. We both began freelancing, translating, and learning how to build/grow affiliate blogs. We did whatever job online we could that matched our skills.

I terminated my grad program early, due to several reasons I won’t get into right now, and applied for another grad program in humanitarian aid that would take place in Europe. I chose my home university to be Groningen, Netherlands, but the program took me to live and study thereafter in Aix-en-Provence (France), Bogotá (Colombia), and finally in Brussels (Belgium) where I finished up my internship and wrote my master’s thesis.

Deciding to Live & Stay Abroad

digital nomads in mexico | bucketlist bri

The first year (2018) we moved to a beach town on the west coast of Mexico

It wasn’t until I was free of my educational responsibilities that Paul and I decided to move abroad once again. However, this time, we had free reign for where to move to.

Our thought process here was rather simple. We needed a country that could ‘satisfy’ our requirements, which were:

  • Easy to move to visa-free (in other words, we could go just on a simple tourist visa)
  • A place we could slow down and stay for 6 months
  • Relatively easy for Yoda, our travel cat, to move to
  • Somewhere warm
  • Not in Europe, not in the USA

From that criteria, the results shot out Canada (but not warm), Mexico, and Panama.

So, it was in February of 2018 that we decided to move to Mexico as digital nomads for the first time. We touched down at the Puerto Vallarta airport on April 22nd, 2018 — on Earth Day.

Since then, we have lived in Mexico on and off for about three years in a…

  • Small beach town in Nayarit called San Pancho
  • Popular boho resort town in Quintana Roo you no doubt know as Tulum
  • Magic Town in the Chiapas Highlands called San Cristóbal de las Casas

We left Mexico about every 6 months (the time we could spend on our tourist visas) and returned a couple of weeks or months later to restart another 6 months in-country.

In between that time, we also bought a van in Mexico and road-tripped across Canada, visited our families and spent the summers in France and the USA (Tennessee/North Carolina), and have temporarily lived in both Lake Atitlán and Antigua in Guatemala.

How We Slomad Travel – Practically

female digital nomad in front of the "follow that dream" sign in tulum, mexico

Living (and following that dream) temporarily in Tulum, Mexico

While most people will swoon over our full-time travel lifestyle, there are a lot of pros and cons of the digital nomad life. (Check out the guide in case you’re interested in this lifestyle!)

That said, below you’ll find how we actually pull this off practically. How much does it cost? How do we organize our travels? What’s the hardest part about traveling and living abroad?

How Much It Costs to Travel Slowly

It can be hard for our families and friends to understand our life of travel because they immediately default to the thinking that,

  1. we must be rich
  2. our travel lifestyle is like their vacations

The truth is, however, is that when you travel full-time it’s not like you are on vacation full-time. We still work and have jobs that require at least 40 hours per week, if not more, because we are building our own businesses and must rely on our own independence to bring that income in.

Secondly, we aren’t well off — and you don’t need to be in order to make this lifestyle a reality.

So how much does it really cost?

couple trekking and Slow Traveling in Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal

Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal 

Paul and I typically spend about $1500-2000 USD per month total whenever we are living in countries such as Mexico or Guatemala. That’s for two people living comfortably in a popular beach town or in a modern tiny home on the slope of a volcano.

That breaks down to be about:

  • $500 average for rent (the most we pay is around $750, the lowest we’ve paid is around $350)
  • $500-750 on entertainment and food, including restaurants, cafes, activities, etc
  • $0-100 on transportation (we always walk or bicycle once at our destination)
  • $200-400 on groceries (about $50-100 per week, depending on where we live and our shopping habits — i.e. shopping at local produce markets or buying organic imports from supermarkets)
  • $0-100 misc — SIM cards and data packages for our phones, random purchases, internet upgrades, etc.

Plus, whatever it costs to do the actual traveling part (as in, get from destination A to destination B).

I always say that living and traveling abroad is actually cheaper than living at home.

We don’t have a car payment, mortgage, trash collection fees, HBO subscription — or whatever other fees many families in the USA/Europe incur these days because they live a more consumerist lifestyle than we do on the road. In fact, those costs all go into our piggybank for when we need to purchase flights (or other modes of transport).

Planning Slomad Travel

As for how we actually plan our travels, it’s pretty easy! We typically do it in this order.

  1. Think about what lifestyle we want (e.g. do we want to live somewhere tropical?), then we start planning to make that happen
  2. Research countries we want to go to (how long do we have visa-free in the French West Indies?)
  3. Start eyeballing flights or planning overland travel to get there
  4. Wait until our apartment contract is up, and that we are all set to move onward
  5. Go!

OK, so a lot happens in between those five steps. But that’s the overall gist. We plan, prepare, pack, and just go.

Applying for visas, going to medical check-ups, taking Yoda to the vet for his travel certificate, and all of that stuff on the “to-do” list isn’t really hard. You just have to make a list and check it off.

digital nomad girl working on laptop

When we plan for long-term travel or slow travel, we break down the steps we need to take. For example,

  • Logistics — How are we literally getting from point A to point B? Uber, bus or taxi to the airport, then rental car or bus to the new apartment? Driving overland?
  • Preparing — Do we have everything important we need packed and ready to go? Are all of our belongings in order? Are we leaving the place better than we found it? Are all our payments to the homeowner squared away and we’re all set to go?
  • Expectations — Have we researched our new destination? Did we find an apartment beforehand or are we finding one when we arrive? What’s our work/life balance going to be like? What’s there to do in the area?

It truly helps to compartmentalize everything, so you’re sure not to have missed out on an important step in the planning and preparing process of travel.

Adapting to the Unfamiliar

One of my favorite things about this full-time slomad travel lifestyle is actually getting to enter, again and again, into the unknown. That feeling of the unfamiliarity of, “Where am I?” and then getting to explore to find out is the BEST. I love it.

boy putting holi powder on foreigner in kathmandu nepal during the holi festival

While living in Nepal we had the amazing opportunity to celebrate Holi — the festival of color

Of course, culture shock can happen — especially when you’re new to this lifestyle and have never jumped countries before. I’ll write another guide about dealing with culture shock soon!

In any case, whether you love or hate this sensation of being outside your comfort zone, adapting to your new destination is essential.

Things that I’ve found that have helped and/or bring value to my experience abroad are:

  • Practicing the language with locals whenever possible
  • Shopping locally and getting to know your neighborhood
  • Observing daily life in the local plazas, parks, or markets
  • Smiling and chatting with strangers
  • Checking out/attending local events (i.e. live music events, meet-ups, etc)
  • Leaning into the local culture and learning about its history
  • Avoiding playing into the stereotype of my nationality or physique
  • Learning about the problems and issues the inhabitants of X face, and how I can contribute or lessen my impact

Those things are what help me adapt to my new destination.

Staying curious and open-minded will really help you integrate into your temporary home, make new friendships, and leave a positive vibe or impression behind when you move on.

Final Thoughts About Slowmad Travel

Slow traveling as a digital nomad, rather than country-hopping every couple of weeks, makes all the difference in both your lived experience and of the locals living there.

I think it’s especially important that, as digital nomads, we make extra effort to integrate into the communities we visit and live in. We aren’t just tourists who come and go each week. We have the opportunity to plant seeds of change and make a positive impact. Even if it’s small, like nano or micro small.

I hope by sharing a little more insight into our personal journey that you can feel inspired to potentially one day live and travel abroad, even if it’s for a short period!

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!! I love hearing from you and chatting with you guys in my Instagram DMs and email.

If you found this helpful, I would so appreciate it if you give it a share!

  • photos of digital nomad couple traveling slowly
  • digital nomad girl sitting overlooking the city of Antigua Guatemala with text overlay
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By: Bri · In: Digital Nomad, Living Abroad, Slow Travel

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I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

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@bucketlistbri

National Park Week has got me feelin’ a serious National Park Week has got me feelin’ a serious case of nostalgia for our 2-week Southwest USA road trip! 🏜

The NP’s we visited on this trip:

📍Arches National Park
📍Canyonlands National Park
📍Zion National Park
📍Bryce Canyon National Park
📍Grand Canyon National Park (North & South Rims)
📍Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

+ Valley of Fire State Park, Red Rock State Park, & Monument Valley Navajo Park!

Head to my blog bucketlistbri.com for the full 2-week itinerary plus detailed guides & itineraries to each NP!*

*except for BCotG

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#nationalparkweek #utahrocks #zion #bryce #southwestusa #roadtripusa #desertvibes #archesnationalpark #moab #canyonlands #roadtripamerica #grandcanyonnationalpark
"From Santa Catarina Palopó" 💜 I saw her gigg "From Santa Catarina Palopó" 💜

I saw her giggling and chatting with a friend from across the street and, despite my shyness, waltzed over to ask if I could take her photo. 

She was simply radiating sitting there; an amateur portrait photographer's dream. Except I don't even own a portrait lens and this was only the second time ever in my life that I whisked up the courage to ask for something that feels so... intimate. 

But without hesitation, she gazed into my lens and pierced my heart. It was like being drawn to a joyous light that I just couldn't resist. So I dared to ask. 

As soon as she said yes, I hurriedly clicked a few shots; rushing so as to not waste her time. After showing her portraits to her, she gave me a big nod and said softly, "de Santa Catarina Palopó" with immense pride.

I think her sweet smile & kind eyes speak for themselves... ✨ 

You can read more about the indigenous Kaqchikel Maya and the colorfully painted town of Santa Catarina Palopó, Guatemala on my blog @bucketlistbri 💜
10 years together 💛😱 It’s not our annive 10 years together 💛😱 

It’s not our anniversary (it was technically last month, depending on who you ask) and we're not even celebrating Valentine's Day today, but...

I just wanted to remind the internet that I have a pretty badass partner (& not to mention the best cat dad) who puts up with both my silly madness and my need to live around the world in pursuit of adventure. 

If I have any advice for love and long-term relationships, it's this:

Keep choosing each other;
again, and again, and again,
over everything else, no matter what you go through. 

❤️❤️❤️

Can you guess which one of us first "friend-requested" the other all those years ago? 😉

#internationalcouple #ourlove #travelcouplegoals #10yearstogether #digitalnomadcouple #adventuretogether
On every adventure, I’ve thought of you. I am On every adventure, I’ve thought of you. 

I am the granddaughter of a guiding light, a woman so lovely and gentle and spiritual and strong that she attracted to her all walks of life. 

I was the butterfly enamored by her glow. The ship lost at sea that found safety at her shores. 

On every adventure, I’ll think of you. On every adventure, you’ll be with me. 

🦋 ✨
Add this hike to your Caribbean bucket list! ☀️ 

Guadeloupe is rich in breathtaking, diverse landscapes — La Pointe des Châteaux is no exception! Magnificent rocky pillars jut out of the ocean & create a magnificent view that’s best experienced at sunrise from atop Morne Pavillon, the hill marked by the large cross on its summit.

TIPS FOR VISITING:

🚗 Like everywhere in Gwada, you'll need a rental! Parking is free.
☀️ Sunrise and sunset are around 6am and 6pm
🥾 The hike itself only takes 15-20 minutes and is easy!
🦀 Watch for wildlife and other critters (this is a protected heritage site!)
🌊 Plenty of beaches are nearby, including a nude beach and a private beach with cool wave splashing action called "La Douche" (meaning shower 🚿) 

Read more about this epic spot + other must-see places in Guadeloupe on the blog @bucketlistbri 🌴

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#guadeloupeislands #caribbeanisland #pointedeschateaux #wanderlusttravel #caribbeanlife #caribbeanvibes #gwada #hikingtheworld #islandphotography #travelaesthetic
I'M READY FOR YA, 2022 ✌️ HERE'S WHY: ✍️ I'M READY FOR YA, 2022 ✌️ HERE'S WHY:

✍️ 2022 is going to be the year I become a published author. 

💛  It's the year I celebrate 10 years of love & adventure with my best friend. 

💻  It's the year I register my LLC and level up my business. 

🌎  It's the year I hit my bucket list of "slow living in 10 countries" as a nomad and the year I travel and discover even more destinations. 

And some folks will think (do think), "overnight success." But the reality is (as my sweet friend @redwhiteadventures reminded me), it's been about putting one foot in front of the other -- just like on a hike up a mountain (or in this case, to the cliffsides overlooking the Caribbean and Atlantic!). 

2022 is going to be the view from the top!! (Sure, I may get there, and see another summit I want to climb. But I'm so ready for the challenge(s), the journey, & the adventure!) ⛰ 

What are you excited about in 2022?! 

📍Hell's Gate / Porte d'Enfer, Guadeloupe (click the link in my bio to read about this hike!)
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