Expat Articles
Move Abroad | Work Abroad
These articles are dedicated to helping you Move Abroad or Work Abroad to attain a higher quality of life for a lower cost of living.
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Michael Retired Early & Moved to Cuenca
/in Blog, Case Studies, Ecuador, Home Featured/by JP StonestreetI just wanted to take a moment to tell you thank you for all that you have done for me. I first saw you and Amelia on YouTube back in 2022-23 about your life experiences in Ecuador. I moved to Cuenca from Denver in early 2024 and am currently waiting on my permanent residency visa.
Kerry on Leaving the US & Moving to Ecuador
/in Blog, Case Studies, Ecuador/by JP StonestreetMy main motivation for moving abroad was that I didn’t want to work until I died.
During COVID we lost a lot of friends and I was afraid I would die in my job, or have to become a Walmart greeter for the rest of my life and I could not see a way to make ends meet retiring in the US. So, money was a motivating factor.
Byron On His Way to Ecuador
/in Blog, Case Studies, Ecuador/by JP StonestreetWhen I turned 60, I realized that my life had passed in a flash.
In my mind, I was still in my twenties with plenty of time ahead of me – plenty of time for me to eventually “do the things I really want to do.”
I was so busy working making my employer more profitable that I lost track of my youth.
Kim and Mike in Ecuador
/in Blog, Case Studies, Ecuador/by JP StonestreetMy husband Mike (age 73) and I (age 68) moved from Hudson, Ohio (in northeast Ohio) to Cuenca, Ecuador on May 15, 2024 and we have never regretted our decision.
Due to the nasty politics going on in the U.S., the rising cost of food and healthcare and the hot humid summers and icy cold winters in Ohio, we decided that our final years should be spent someplace more acceptable to us.
The Bowen Family in Ecuador
/in Blog, Case Studies, Ecuador, Home Featured/by JP StonestreetWe’d always been very drawn to South America, and dreams about moving to Buenos Aires, Chilean Patagonia, or the hills of Uruguay colored our life—to the extent that when we sat our children down and told them we were moving to Ecuador, they just shrugged and said, “Okay.” It was about time.
Steven on Slow Traveling
/in Blog, Case Studies/by JP StonestreetMy name is Steven, 60 years old, retired teacher since a year and a half ago. After researching Cuenca and some other places, I realized I didn’t have to convalesce in Tucson the rest of my life due to limited financial funds. Now I am a Slow Traveler, traveling the World with my Traveling Partner, Louise.
Cindy in Ecuador
/in Blog, Case Studies, Ecuador, Home Featured/by JP StonestreetOriginally, my main reason for moving abroad was political. But then, my mom (who was living with me at the time) and I traveled to Ecuador to check it out, and we both fell in love with the country, the people, the food and the climate. At that point, we wanted to move to Ecuador for the right reasons.
How We Paid Off $60K of Debt in 3 Years by Moving Abroad
/in Blog, Ecuador, Move Abroad/by JP StonestreetHere’s an alarming statistic: nearly half of all Americans are getting sucked further and further into the whirlpool of debt.
Not too long ago, that was our story too. But today, we’re writing a very different chapter of our lives, one that’s debt free and set on another continent, far from the United States.
Wondering how we got here? Here’s our story…
All About Bansko Bulgaria: The Perfect Place to Spend the Summer
/in Blog, Bulgaria, Move Abroad/by Warren R. JohnsonIn this guest post, Warren R. Johnson shares his experience spending the summer in Bansko, Bulgaria as an American slow-traveling expat. Here is his story…
Bansko Bulgaria is one of Europe’s popular hotspots for expats. The town finds itself on a circuit of must-see towns for expats to explore. The optimal time is during the summer season, particularly July and August when it’s sunny and the mountain temperatures are moderate.
Slow Travel Cost per Month
/in Blog, Cost of Living, Move Abroad, Travel Tips/by JP StonestreetWe kept track of every expense for our first 6 months of slow travel and we ran the numbers to see just how much this lifestyle costs.
These expenses are for two people and they include everything: lodging, restaurants, groceries, airfare, tour tickets…even Amelia’s hair care and facials.
Throughout the video, we share money-saving tips to help you travel on a budget.
Top 30 Expat Countries Quest
/in Blog, Move Abroad/by JP StonestreetWhen we started our YouTube Channel back in September 2018, our main driving force was to show others that life outside the US is not only possible, but better.
We also hoped to shatter some of the myths about Ecuador and show you how amazing it really is.
However, our plan has always been to take the show on the road and film our style of videos in other popular expat destinations around the world because we know that Ecuador is not a great fit for everyone.
How Much YouTube Pays Us
/in Blog, Work Abroad/by JP StonestreetThis is the first time we’ve ever lifted the veil on our YouTube Analytics and shared what YouTube pays us for publishing our videos.
These numbers might surprise some of you who aren’t familiar with the business side of YouTube. There is a common misconception that YouTubers earn a lot of money from ads, but it’s less than you might think.
So in this first-of-its-kind income report, I’m going to walk you through our analytics and show you how to calculate the ad revenue for your favorite channels.
Colombia’s Healthcare System: An Expat’s Guide to Accessibility and Affordability
/in Blog, Colombia, Health & Medical, Move Abroad/by Daniel ArthurIn this guest post, U.S. expat Daniel Arthur shares his knowledge of the Colombia healthcare system. Here is his story…
As an expat who moved from the U.S. to Colombia, I understand the anxiety about healthcare in a new country.
I was pleasantly surprised to find Colombia’s system not only accessible and affordable but also offering excellent care.
So, let’s dive into the details below. By the end of this article, I hope you’ll have a foundation for understanding the healthcare available in Colombia before you move!
I’m an 81-yo Retired Traveling House-sitter
/in Blog, Move Abroad, Work Abroad/by Warren R. JohnsonIn this guest post, Warren R. Johnson shares his experiences as a traveling house-sitter and pet-sitter, along with some tips to help you get started and be successful. Here is his story…
House-sitting and pet-sitting are convenient ways to find free accommodation, and it comes with a host of other advantages, but it also comes with significant responsibility.
Whether you’re caring for a cherished pet or maintaining a home in the owner’s absence, you’re stepping into a role that demands attention and commitment.
In this article, I’ll share some of the best ways to find house-sitting and pet-sitting opportunities, how it can be a means to lower travel expenses, and some of the advantages and disadvantages of being a traveling house-sitter.
Discovering Granada, Spain: A Hidden Gem for Potential Expats
/in Blog, Spain/by JP StonestreetGranada is home to the ancient fortress that draws people from all over the world. Located in southern Spain, its history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes make it a must visit destination.
Granada is known for its iconic Alhambra palace and lively university scene; it is the perfect relocation spot for those dreaming of a Spanish adventure. However, despite its many charms, Granada has yet to become a hotspot for foreign residents.
We fell in love with the city and we’re excited to share it with you!
Schengen Zone Travel Hacks
/in Blog, Move Abroad, Travel Tips/by Amelia BasistaA lot of our viewers asked about the Schengen Zone tourist visa in Europe and how it works. We were confused about the specifics before we started traveling through Europe and had the same questions too! That’s why we’re explaining the Schengen visa functionality and how to hack it to make the most of your time in Europe.
Designed to facilitate seamless travel within participating European countries, the Schengen visa simplifies border crossings and procedures for tourists and business travelers. Here’s an in-depth look at how the Schengen visa works.
Discovering Tirana, Albania
/in Albania, Blog, Move Abroad/by JP StonestreetTirana, Albania, might be the easiest option if you’ve ever dreamed of living in Europe!
Nestled on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, it’s a popular vacation spot for many Europeans due to being a vibrant city, offering a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and a welcoming community.
Its cost of living is low compared to the US and other places, so it might also be an excellent place to call home.
After spending two months here, we’re genuinely impressed and excited to finally share it with you!
Managing Reverse Culture Shock: My Return To The U.S.
/in Blog/by Daniel ArthurGreetings from the beautiful Pacific Northwest—Harstine Island (Shelton, WA), near the capital city of Olympia!
My home base is Medellín, Colombia; however, I’m back in the U.S. as of this article’s writing.
Since early February, I’ve been in the U.S., caring for family issues, doing medical checkups, filing taxes, etc. -things that are easier to handle within the country without all the complications, nuances, and processes while living abroad.
Many expats have written about their experiences after returning home for the first time after living abroad, an idea or concept known as “reverse culture shock.”
Saranda Albania: Even Better than Expected
/in Albania, Blog, Move Abroad/by Warren R. JohnsonIn this guest post, Warren R. Johnson shares his experiences in Saranda, Albania. Here is his story…
I first ran across Saranda, Albania several years ago on YouTube. I saw a video of the city and thought, “Oh, that looks like a nice place,” and didn’t give it another thought.
But as algorithms work, YouTube kept sending me more Saranda videos and I kept watching them. Soon I was hooked. I had to see this place.
Ecuador Temporary Resident Visas
/in Blog, Ecuador, Move Abroad/by JP StonestreetThere are several different types of Ecuador Temporary Resident Visas: Professional, Investor, Pensioners, Rentista/Digital Nomad, Dependent, etc. The qualifications and requirements vary for each type of visa so you’ll need to select the best option for your specific circumstances.