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Can eSIM technology transform your travel experience for good? In the 26th episode of "Travels with Jim and Rita," we celebrate a significant milestone by sharing the tech and travel hacks that have shaped our journey over the past six months. From the game-changing convenience of eSIMs and Global Entry passes to the luxury of airport lounges, we reveal the tools that have made our globe-trotting life more manageable. Also, get a sneak peek into our upcoming 70-day tour of Eastern Europe and join us in reminiscing about our near-miss adventures, from botched camper van rentals to unreliable ride-sharing apps.

Let's talk money! Financial planning can be a daunting task for traveling retirees, but we break it down by sharing our personal strategies that have kept us afloat. Discover how pet sitting through Trusted House Sitting keeps our accommodation costs near zero and how we've turned our house sale proceeds into a steady income through high-yield savings accounts. We also shed light on the challenges of managing rental properties from afar and the shifting dynamics of the housing market, underscoring the need for flexibility and careful planning in an unpredictable world.

Logistics can make or break long-term travel, and we’re not holding back on the nitty-gritty details. From the hassles of mail forwarding and credit card woes to the complexities of storing or selling household goods and vehicles, we share it all. Don't miss our reflections on navigating international ride-share services and our excitement for future travel plans. Plus, tune in for details about our appearance at the International Living Ultimate Go Overseas Boot Camp in Las Vegas this October. Come along for the ride as we celebrate our journey and look forward to what's next!

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Have you ever wondered how to travel the world on a tight budget while experiencing life-changing adventures? Join us as we chat with Laura Lisensky, a high school biology teacher and host of the "Travel Along with Laura" podcast, who shares her incredible journey from studying in Scotland to serving in the Peace Corps in Benin, West Africa, and beyond. Laura uncovers the myths around the cost of travel and offers insightful tips on how to explore places like Thailand and South America without breaking the bank. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of travel and the invaluable experiences it brings.

Laura's passion for travel reignited a dozen years after her South American expedition, leading her to embark on solo trips and start her own travel podcast. Hear about her empowering solo journey to Costa Rica, where she learned the nuances of solo travel and gathered practical advice to share with other adventurers. Laura's unique podcast style, which immerses listeners through authentic audio recordings, and her candid recount of a challenging family trip to Croatia underline the importance of preparation and adaptability in overcoming travel obstacles.

As we conclude, Laura reflects on her surreal solo adventure to Morocco post-COVID, offering a glimpse into the eerie yet captivating experience of traveling during Eid. We discuss how travel enriches our personal and professional lives, illustrated through captivating wildlife encounters in the Galapagos and thoughtful destination choices, like a memorable trip down the Mekong River in Laos. Join us for inspiring stories, practical travel tips, and a deeper understanding of why we travel not to escape life, but so that life does not escape us.

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Ever wondered how to balance life's responsibilities while nurturing a passion for exploring the world solo? Join us in our latest episode featuring Clarice Pereira, an intrepid solo traveler from Singapore. Clarice shares her incredible journey of caring for her family while pursuing her love for travel, offering invaluable insights and practical tips. Discover how she navigates the bustling, multicultural life in Singapore and why she chose Germany for her first solo European adventure, visiting cities like Munich, Stuttgart, Berlin, Dresden, and Frankfurt.

Explore our packing strategies and the hidden gems we seek out during our travels, such as exclusive European perfumes. From Croatia to Bosnia and Montenegro, hear about our recent trips, the people we've met, and the kindness we've encountered along the way. Clarice and we share our future travel plans in Asia, reflecting on how these international experiences have influenced our hobbies and collections, making each journey uniquely memorable despite the logistical challenges.

Learn the intricacies of solo travel across various regions, with a focus on safety and cultural experiences. We discuss the rich histories of Austria, Germany, Croatia, and Greece, and offer practical advice on navigating the logistics of solo travel. Clarice and we share tips on trusting your instincts, being prepared, and the importance of obtaining receipts to avoid payment issues. This episode offers a mix of personal stories, practical advice, and encouragement for anyone contemplating or currently enjoying the world of solo travel.

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Can language transform the way we experience the world? On this episode of "Travels with Jim and Rita," we explore our summer adventures, from cat-sitting in Carmel, Indiana to preparing for an epic European journey. We discuss the surprising joys and challenges of spending summer in the US, and the invaluable gift of reconnecting with our nine grandchildren. Our travel plans take us to Oklahoma, Georgia, and beyond, but the real magic happens when we delve into the compelling reasons why learning foreign languages, like Spanish, French, and Italian, has been a game-changer for us.

Join us as we share heartfelt and humorous stories that highlight the profound impact language learning can have on cultural integration. From funny moments with furniture movers in West Virginia to connecting with locals in the markets of Ecuador, these anecdotes illustrate how even a basic grasp of a local language can bridge gaps and create unforgettable experiences. We reflect on memorable interactions, such as conversing with an Uber driver from the Dominican Republic and helping Spanish-speaking friends order breakfast, showcasing the transformative power of language in fostering meaningful connections and enriching our travel experiences.

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What happens when you combine adventurous spirits with a keen eye on budgeting? Join us as we recount our memorable journey through Panama City and Playa Coronado, where we faced both triumphs and challenges. From the affordable Airbnb stays and vibrant local markets in Panama City to the higher costs and limited amenities in Playa Coronado, we navigated the ups and downs with a strategic budgeting approach. Rita shares her mixed feelings about Playa Coronado, contrasting it with the more favorable experience in the bustling Panama City. Learn how we managed to stay under budget despite unforeseen difficulties and still enjoyed the vibrant culture and convenient amenities.

Our journey didn't stop there. Discover our adventures in San Miguel, where even unexpected power outages couldn't dampen the warmth and safety we felt. We dive into our budgeting strategies, from high-yield savings accounts to frugal travel plans. Plus, we share tips on travel perks like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck that made our trips smoother and more enjoyable. With upcoming plans to share our slow travel insights at the International Living 2024 Ultimate Go Overseas Boot Camp in Las Vegas, we invite you to tune in for valuable tips and experiences to enhance your own retirement travels.

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Ever wondered how relocating to a new country could transform your life and open up new horizons for your family? Join us as we recount our chaotic yet exhilarating journey from Mexico to Knoxville, marred by flight delays and lost luggage but enriched by an illuminating interview with Michelle Wedderburn from San Miguel de Allende. Michelle, a visionary healer and community builder, shares her incredible story of moving to Mexico to give her son a multicultural upbringing and a global perspective. Her experiences and insights are not to be missed!

In this episode, we also dive into the nitty-gritty of establishing Casa Elm in San Miguel. From collaborating with local artisans to outfitting the space with handpicked furniture, we bring you along for the ride of creating a welcoming home that doubles as a hub for newcomers. Learn about the amenities and specialized tours that Casa Elm offers, designed to ease the transition for those considering a move to this vibrant community. Plus, discover how this move has positively impacted my son, who has found freedom and joy in a play-based learning environment. Whether you're contemplating relocation or just curious about life in San Miguel, this episode promises to be an eye-opener.

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What if you could leave everything behind and start anew in a vibrant, culturally rich city? Join us as we wrap up our incredible journey in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. This week, we reminisce about our adventures at the bustling Tuesday Market. Our special guest, Phyllis Gordon, provides an inspiring narrative about her spontaneous move from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta and finally to San Miguel. With over 20 years in Mexico, Phyllis enlightens us about her integration into local culture, her work in an antique store, and the creation of her bespoke clothing line, FlirtsSkirts.

We'll also take you behind the scenes of the vibrant Dia de los Locos festival, filled with handmade costumes and an undeniable sense of community. Through our discussion, we touch on the impacts of tourism and the growing expat community, reflecting on the importance of preserving local traditions. From personal anecdotes about the joys of fresh produce at the local market to the close-knit friendships we've formed, this episode offers a rich tapestry of stories. Whether you're passionate about travel, culture, or creative entrepreneurship, you'll find plenty to inspire and captivate you. Tune in for a memorable journey filled with heartfelt moments and valuable insights.

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Embark with Rita and myself on an enthralling exploration of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico—where a curtain of darkness from a city-wide blackout veiled our path, yet opened our eyes to the profound lessons of safety and vulnerability encountered while traveling. We're then joined by an extraordinary guest, Colleen O'Neill Mulvihill, whose transition from the adrenaline-fueled life of a firefighter to a serene path as a holistic health and wellness coach paints an inspiring narrative. Together, we unravel the common fears that shackle many to their comfort zones and illuminate how embracing the unknown can redefine our perspective on well-being and the world.

As the conversation unfolds, we delve into Colleen's innovative mission to embolden women over 40 to intertwine the restorative art of travel with their wellness journeys. We confront the often challenging reality of maintaining healthy habits upon returning home and share actionable insights into the profound impact that local food sourcing and embracing nature can have on our health. Colleen's transformative retreat to Ecuador serves as a beacon, reminding us all of the sheer vitality of integrating movement and the outdoors into our daily practices. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that transcends the simple act of travel, guiding us toward a life brimming with balance, joy, and discovery.

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