Living the Dream: How L.J. and Kelly Retired Early to Travel Full-Time
Retirement doesn’t have to wait until your 60s or 70s. For L.J. and Kelly, it came much sooner—and with an adventurous twist. The couple chose to live a retirement lifestyle before formally retiring, embracing a life of full-time travel across the U.S. for an entire year. Their journey is proof that you don’t have to wait for the “perfect time” to enjoy life. Here’s how they did it.
Early Retirement Lifestyle and Travel L.J. and Kelly made the bold decision to start living their retirement dreams before actually retiring. They spent a year traveling across the U.S., staying in Airbnbs, hotels, and with friends and family. Their journey took them from San Diego to Portland, Maine, down the East Coast to Florida, and back across the southern U.S. to California. Extended stays in different locations allowed them to fully experience each place rather than rushing through, which also helped with budgeting. Kelly, a physical therapist, emphasized the importance of traveling while healthy, sharing how many of her patients postponed travel until retirement only to be hindered by health issues. Their message was clear: prioritize travel and ignore the negativity from those who doubt your dreams.
Logistics of Domestic Travel Their year-long adventure was meticulously planned to minimize driving and maximize enjoyment. They aimed for only 4-5 hours of travel per day and pre-booked accommodations to avoid last-minute stress. Flexibility was key, as they had to adjust plans when an Airbnb fell through, costing them an unexpected $2,500. Despite such hiccups, extended stays not only enriched their experience but also brought financial perks like discounted monthly Airbnb rates.
Financial Considerations for Long-Term Travel Contrary to popular belief, long-term travel doesn’t have to break the bank. L.J. and Kelly compared their travel costs to their previous life in San Diego, where rent ranged from $3,000 to $3,500 a month—comparable to many Airbnb stays. Selling their house eliminated property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs, saving them $15,000 annually. Cooking meals instead of eating out and choosing hotel chains with free breakfast and loyalty points further cut costs. With strategic budgeting, they proved that long-term travel can be financially feasible.
Health and Travel Insurance Traveling the country requires more than just good planning; it also demands health and travel insurance. Kelly stressed that good health is crucial for enjoying retirement, recalling her patients who delayed travel only to face health problems later. The couple also recommended travel insurance to cover unexpected medical emergencies, evacuations, and cancellations. Their experience showed that a small upfront cost for insurance could prevent major financial losses down the road.
Mindset and Overcoming Challenges L.J. and Kelly embraced the mindset required for a nomadic lifestyle, focusing on adaptability and resilience. They faced challenges head-on, like when their car’s transmission failed in Savannah. Thankfully, the repair shop covered the costs, showing that not every obstacle has to derail your plans. They encouraged others to experiment, take risks, and ignore negativity from those who doubt unconventional dreams.
Creative Outlets and Hobbies in Retirement Staying active and engaged is crucial for a fulfilling retirement. L.J. kept busy with creative pursuits like playing music and teaching, while Kelly shared how retirees often struggle without hobbies. They emphasized that even without natural talent, exploring new interests enriches life and combats boredom during retirement.
Advice for Aspiring Travelers L.J. and Kelly’s advice for those dreaming of long-term travel is simple: budget wisely, ignore the naysayers, and follow your passions. They highlighted the freedom that comes with not caring about others’ opinions, especially in retirement. By planning financially, taking health into account, and embracing the adventure, they proved that living your dream life doesn’t have to wait for a distant future.
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