Hi, we are Baz and Tracey, a couple in their 50’s from New Zealand who have chosen the slow travel life as an alternative to a conventional retirement. In late 2025 we sold our home, vehicles and worldly goods to adopt a minimalist life of 2 bags and a sense of adventure.

We got the travel bug in 2010 after selling a Cafe/Giftshop and deciding to take a sabbatical. We had not been far afield prior to this as we had our daughter, Dani when we were young. From Turkey, through Europe and into Morocco we drove an old van, meeting wonderful people, savouring great food and visiting amazing places we had dreamed about for many years. We also joined the Workaway program and we picked olives in Tuscany and helped restore a traditional farmhouse in Puglia, Italy.

We returned home to start new careers, Baz building and Tracey managing an Interior Design business. A “normal" life returned until Tracey found an abandoned small Vineyard with an old stone cottage in need of love. Our next passion project had begun and for 4 years we immersed ourselves in renovating it and developing an Airbnb and function/wedding centre.

With short annual trips abroad the desire was there to re-imagine what retirement might look like. What became apparent was that the increased cost of living in the Western world meant that travel in our later years would be difficult financially. Also Trace had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, so time was certainly of the essence. Reduction of stress, no financial worries, now front of mind to slow it’s progression.

We started to visit South East Asia regularly researching potential locations and watching You Tube for information and inspiration.

A plan began to form. Work hard, save, and then sell all our assets to reinvest the funds in a diverse portfolio. Find places where the costs are low, the lifestyle is chilled and the people are friendly.

And so the search begins. Along the way we will blog and collect information to share so that you can join the adventure and learn a little something as we go.

Trace will also share her thoughts on the accessibility or not, of each place as she uses a cane and foldable Travel Scooter, because of Multiple Sclerosis. This is only her personal experience as she can partially ambulate so please do your own research and anticipate your own tolerance for challenges.

So join us as we travel this beautiful world together searching for our retirement dream location in the sun!