Travel often brings visions of rapid airport changes, crowded tourist spots, and a race to tick off as many sights as possible. Yet, a quieter, more deliberate way of exploring the world has been gaining traction, known as slow travel. This approach focuses on spending extended time in one place, immersing oneself in the local lifestyle, and balancing the joys of travel with everyday life. Chris and I found slow travel suits us best, allowing us to wander without severing ties to home or the people we value.
We once dreamed of selling everything and backpacking globally. Watching many who embrace a nomadic life inspired us to consider moving full time. At first glance, it seemed perfect—a new place every day or week, unlimited freedom without roots. But reflecting on our deeper goals, we realized this didn’t fit our needs. We wanted to travel, yes, but also to remain close to family and friends, and importantly, to contribute through meaningful projects.
Early retirement gave us the flexibility to pursue this balance. It promised time for travel alongside commitments that mattered. Some projects we could manage remotely, like writing and research. Others, like volunteering as emergency responders to fires and floods near Vancouver, required physical presence. If we were constantly moving, it would challenge our ability to participate effectively.
After some thought, we decided against full-time travel. Instead, we settled on slow travel—a series of long stays in different places, lasting a month or more. This way, we experience a location more deeply than during a quick vacation. We rent furnished apartments designed for comfort, with practical items like desks, office chairs, and reliable internet, allowing us to work without interruption. Sometimes we add small touches—buying a frying pan or other cookware—to feel truly at home.
This approach also makes financial sense. Renting by the month often costs less than paying nightly rates, due to local regulations. Living like a local means frequenting neighborhood cafes, attending expat meetups such as trivia nights, joining a gym, and discovering the best markets and grocery stores. We blend tourist activities with daily routines—sometimes taking short trips, but mostly savoring the local rhythm.
We call what we do a snowbird lifestyle. Traditionally, Canadians migrate south for winter, but we choose destinations worldwide for about half the year. The other half we return to our base in Vancouver. Being home lets us enjoy familiar fitness classes and favorite restaurants. Leaving for extended periods makes coming back refreshing; our regular routines feel new each time, and boredom never settles in.
Maintaining a home base requires some practical choices. We downsized to a low-maintenance condo, which makes care easier when we travel. A friend tended our plants once, but repeatedly asking was unfair. Now, we pay someone to check in regularly. Having this stable home also means we can unpack in an emergency. As volunteer responders, we need to be ready to leave on short notice. A condo suits this better than a house with a yard that demands constant upkeep.
Handling mail, banking, and taxes while on the move takes planning. We always get a local phone number at our destination. This is crucial because many online services use text messages to verify identity. If those codes go to a number back home, it can block access to banking or government accounts. Setting up authentication that doesn’t rely solely on the home number prevents headaches.
One major benefit of keeping a residence in Canada is health coverage. We qualify for Canadian health insurance since we live here at least half the year. We still buy travel insurance for time abroad, but having that baseline coverage lowers costs and gives peace of mind. This arrangement fits well with our lifestyle and affirms our connection to home.
Slow travel is not for everyone, but for those who want to explore the world without giving up roots, it offers balance. It allows deep cultural immersion without sacrificing personal or community responsibilities. We don’t have to choose between seeing new places and being with family or contributing locally.
Our journey to find this rhythm took some trial and error. We learned from experience that rapid, full-time travel can conflict with what matters most to us. By blending long stays abroad with a solid home base, we enjoy the best of both worlds. We hope sharing our story helps others shape their own travel dreams into sustainable, fulfilling realities.
Travel need not be a sprint or a permanent exile from home. Sometimes, wandering without cutting ties means embracing slow travel and rediscovering joy in each place, time, and relationship we hold dear.
