A New Chapter: From Remote Work to Slow Travel

COVID changed the world—and it had a profound impact on us, reshaping the way we want to experience it. It also set us on a path toward early retirement and slow travel. This is the story of how our unhurried journey began.

In spring 2021, like everyone else, we were marooned at home for over a year. We usually took two vacation trips each year, exploring Canada and beyond. Travel had always enriched our lives, so staying home for so long without a trip felt particularly difficult.

Then Valery had a lightbulb moment: “Why not try working remotely somewhere new for an extended stay?” At first, the idea was daunting, but it quickly grew on us. Soon we were packing our carry-ons and laptops and heading off to Mexico for five months.

That’s when everything changed. Mexico revealed the magic of slow travel—living in a place, not just visiting it. Practicing my rudimentary Spanish while buying fresh avocados and mangos at the market, taking leisurely walks through colourful neighborhoods, trying delicious street food… we knew we could never return to rushed vacations.

Over the next three years, we spent over 14 months working remotely while living abroad in Mexico, Spain, and France. Each place became a temporary home, deepening our love for this way of travel and life.

In France, we bought bread and pastries from the same corner bakery every morning, and soon the owners recognized us as regular customers. In Spain, we lost ourselves in the twisting maze of ancient neighborhoods during our daily morning walks.

Choosing Early Retirement

In 2025, my company went through downsizing, giving me the final push to take the leap I’d been quietly dreaming about. I decided to embrace early retirement.

Interestingly, this decision was not about retiring from work—it was about retiring to the freedom to pursue my dream of traveling the world. More time to explore, more mornings without a clock dictating our pace, and more chances to live in the places that once felt out of reach.

How I Imagine the Journey Ahead

Right now, we are not planning to sell all our possessions and become full-time travelers. Instead, we hope to spend at least 6 months each year traveling and the remaining months back home in Canada.

While we love discovering new corners of the world, we also want to be present for our two little granddaughters as they grow up—the hugs, smiles, and everyday moments that become precious memories. Travel is important, but so is being part of their everyday lives.

What’s Next

As I write this, my retirement is still fresh. I haven’t set out on my first trip as a retiree yet—that begins in November 2025. I feel a mix of excitement and curiosity, wondering what it will be like to travel with even more freedom, no longer tethered to a work schedule.

On this blog, I plan to share our experiences: what slow travel really looks like, what it costs, what it teaches, and how we connect with places and people along the way.

This next chapter is a little uncertain, but that’s exactly what makes it exciting. If you’ve ever thought about retiring early—or simply traveling at a slower pace—I hope our journey gives you ideas and encouragement.