Good morning, I totally agree with you about travel books. One thing I have done for a long time is to begin reading an online local paper for the place that we are going starting a few weeks before we leave. This gives me the most up to date information about potential issue (strikes, demonstrations, etc) as well as restaurant recommendations.

So nice to wake up every Saturday morning and see another of your videos to watch with breakfast. Thank you.

OMG! I was loading my locker at the gym ready to workout, but I stopped, sat down, and started watching your video! I appreciate hearing the mistakes and lessons you've learned. We have lived the life of pre-travel and buying all the cool must haves via Amazon preparing for the 50 million what ifs. Typically, we'd pack 2 small backpacks, a carry-on each, and check in 1 or 2 larger bags. It was ridiculous! Since we want to travel and eventually live abroad, we knew we had to change. Recently, we planned a hiking trip with 3 backpacks (2 smaller for electronics & toiletries and 1 large one to hold both of our clothes & shoes). Basically, living out of ... one ...ONE! backpack. We went from packing everything including the kitchen sink to packing with intention and reality in mind. We survived and realized we allowed our STUFF to cloud our purpose. We want to live a simple, authentic life. We finally convinced ourselves to accept life with only carry-on and get rid of the STUFF!! Now, we need to get rid of all that Amazon crap! Thank you for inspiring reality!! Off to work out. Looking forward to your next video!

Sensible and accurate. I really don't have any social media accounts. A drive to explore is my motivation - not social media likes. I bought some cheap backpack style luggage that has worked great through five countries. I'm not a point where I can travel full time. But I have a plan in place and will get there before I'm too old.

Hi Sarah and Neil: Hope your have been enjoying your beach vacation this last week! Love the practical guidance on what "essentials" to bring along! Never, in a million years would I have thought of a sink plug and I have done a lot of "business" traveling!! My "clothes packing" rule is simple. Only bring something if I am 110% sure I will wear it and I still get back home with stuff that I have carried needlessly all over the world! And "BINGO" on using on-line info today versus printed material that is always dated. Great stuff! Thanks! Gordon

Excellent video,full of your personal experiences and advice for us to take in. My wife and I have reduced the content in our travelling suitcases over the years,however,we still find that we have over packed in subsequent trips. There’s always that thought « JUST IN CASE » and most of the time you find that it wasn’t required. Thank you for the wonderful work you do.

OmGoosh!! My husband and I laughed and laughed. We are GUILTY of all this. I've got so many Amazon bags around my house it's totally embarrassing. Both of us have researched so much I'm sick of researching. Due to my total hip replacement complications we are not starting our journey till December. One year later than we planned,,,only giving me more time to over think my packing. My husband's had it with me. After watching your video I'm throwing what I have in my suitcase and sealing it!! Thanks both of you,,,We LOVE Your Videos

Boy, we needed to hear that! Thanks for making us laugh while helping us all so much!

Let me repeat how your videos are so fantastic. There's never any fluff nor regurgitation of information found on other travel KZfaqrs videos. You should be proud of your channel model and look forward to your next video and continued success.

Every traveller should watch this video, not just for the tips but for the mindset of keeping things simple, not over-thinking, and realizing that you can basically get what you need locally everywhere. Travel light, be flexible, go easy.

I love the saying wisdom comes from living! When I watched your video on what to take with you when travelling I did think ..you are not going to need all this stuff! As you have discovered through experience you didn’t need all that stuff. The beauty of your videos is their authenticity! Being vulnerable enough to admit your mistakes and help others not do the same. Keep having fun and building in your wonderful life experiences. 👏🙂

Hi Neil and Sarah! Live and learn. Packing cubes were the best trick we have learned while travelling. Entertaining and informative as always! Stay well and safe.

I love my fanny pack. You probably use it incorrectly if you don't like it. It should be worn across your chest to protect you from pickpockets, in crowded places you slide it under your armpit and squeeze it gently. Also when wearing a backpack a fanny pack helps to organize small important things in your backpack to avoid fishing for a wallet or a ringing phone when you want to quickly get hold of it.

Solid advice! I travel carry-on only, and will try doing the same when I retire next year to roam in retirement. It comes with challenges, but also means space is a premium for necessities only. Being present in the moment is so important, love that you touched on that! Best to both of you.

I miss our bag conversations!!!

I like that Rubber Stopper. 👏

I only pack things that are essential and personal. I often buy basic clothes from a thrift shop when I arrive then donate these when I leave.

Awesome advice as usual and it strikes a chord. I tend to over analyze things instead of actually doing them. Analysis is important but getting out and experiencing is also important. The time you spent over analyzing and shopping for stuff you didn't need would probably have been better spent on exercising and getting your body ready for the rigors of travel.

You hit the nail on the head so many times with this one. I recall using KZfaq and social media to research what we will need for our nomadic lifestyle. Problem is, everyone has different needs and opinions. So you start accumulating all this stuff. Fortunately, before we left I came to the conclusion that it was crazy for us to be carrying around all this stuff. So, half of it was returned to the store. We still left with plenty of things we wouldn't use. I'm still carrying around a water purifier we never used. One area we did really well was our luggage. We love it and it's been so useful. With that said, we are now planning to donate our two laptop bags that we have used as our personal items on flights. In their place, we will be using our daily sling bags that we typically packed away in our checked bags. Speaking of which, talking about things we couldn't do without... Our Lowepro Passport sling bags. These things have proven to be so versatile, practical, and comfortable. We use them on a daily basis. It works as both my camera bag and every day carry bag. I paid around $12 for each of them on eBay. Unfortunately, I think they are no longer being made. I hope they last us a long time. Love these practical conversations. Keep up the good work.

We’ve been eyeing some of those items! So glad we have your advise!

Great info. Those lesson learned are so valuable.

Neil Mitchell, the man of a thousand voices. Bobby Davro, eat you heart out 😂😂

We’ve been traveling out of a carry on and backpack for a couple of years but we are leaving soon for a year trip with winter coming so we will need to consider a winter coat. My mantra has always been 2 pants, 2 shorts, a dress and 5 shirts can make 21 different outfits so along with a pair of sandals a pair of runners, and under clothes we are set. We use Eagle creek luggage that can be a backpack but we use it as a roller. Quite small and light weight. I always pack a fan, a cloth grocery bag, sanitizer, wipes and masks for travel ( I’m picky on what type of masks to use so we bring them along). We take a empty insulated water bottle that we fill up at the airport and keep with us at all times. Along with some electronics and nuts as snacks that is basically what we pack on any trip.

Great insight as always! Experience is the best teacher. What works for some may not work for others. also - loved the "American" accent! lol

HA HA that is so true. I researched the BEST sandals/open shoes for holidaying in Asia, and bought a pair for like $90! They broke! While I was in India. So I bought a pair of flip flips from the local market for 150Rs ($2). I still wear them to this day, 7 years later. I am wearing them now! They also look really cool! :)

Neil and Sarah, I am loving your content! Great video today! I was really intrigued by your things you love and don't love. Now that I've spent two summers in Britain, I've found out there ARE certain things I can't get here. So I just make a list of those few things I need to bring from the US next summer ;-) Cheers! XX Dara

We're still 2 years to launch but trying to get our configuration down. After our last 2 week trip to Mexico I'm convinced we can get by with 2 backpacks and either 1 checked or 2 rolling carryon bags. My favorite item that I took was a set of reusable grocery bags. Used them a ton. Plus they fold up tiny and clip to my purse. Was a bit of a throw away item but we loved them and they weigh nothing. As for clothing I realized when we get down to it we don't dress up. We are shorts and tank/tee type people so at most I'll need 1 decent outfit for the occasional nice meal. And shoes.... if they aren't 100% comfortable to walk in then they don't make the cut. Things I invested in after the trip. A portable noise machine to block out all the neighborhood noises and a portable bedside fan which is likely too small but will test and return if it's not moving enough air. Adding sink plug cover to my list. Thanks for the tip.

All of that is true!! BTW we love watching your videos. They are so entertaining.

Great vlog! Great reminder on where the focus should be when travelling. I was "forced" to take a small travel back pack with a small day pack when we went to costa rica for 3 weeks. We had to take a small plane flight to Drake Bay. Since then, they are the only bags I travel with regardless of time away or destination. Lesson learned, you just realize you don't need all that stuff. Btw, Loved the accent🤣. I'm a New Yorker not sure where in usa that's from but, cawfee anyone😉

Bloody funny and educational video this week guys. Well done and keep it up!

Hi, 👏👏👍👍video, you aré a very nice couple, I hope tour health gets better!

I can confirm the plug tip. I was in Baja and the in room jacuzzi drain didn't work but I had a big plug just like the one you have and I was able to use the jacuzzi because I had that plug.

Hey Guys! Slow on catching up w your latest episode but enjoyed it very much. It's funny how much calmer and easy going we become when we realize we can buy what we need wherever we go (save for some meds). I realize from previous episodes you guys had been struggling w episodes of ill health but I'm glad to see you looking good 👍🏻

Excellent info.

Neil, your American accent sounded a bit like someone from the South... on tranquilizers, LOL! I agree, social media is evil. I quit Facebook and Instagram a few months ago. BEST DECISION. I focus on travelling for myself and my KZfaq friends and that makes me much happier! The community of friends and fellow creators and subs on KZfaq has been the most rewarding thing! Have a great weekend! Dara

That was an exciting film!

Love the way you guys just picked up sticks and decided to live out of a suitcase and travel the world. Watching your videos is teaching me that we don’t really need many processions.

TOP TIP Avoid paying for expensive portable plugs! I find that a mixture of hair, potato peelings and fat makes a perfect plug for my kitchen sink. And it's FREE! Plug HACK To liven things up a little, simply substitute carrot peelings for the potatoes and impress people with your range of "plugs".

Always fun to watch your videos. You should cover what is needed for electronics and camera stuff too. This year we decided to only bring one pair of our binocs so I could carry my 2 cameras...there is always a tradeoff.

I absolutely love your channel and mentality. I started watching since you visited San Miguel (I live there), hopefully I can do what you do someday! Best of luck.

Love this video! Thanks for sharing your perspective and experiences (and for saving me some money in the process)!

You both have a nice presence.

Yes it makes sense… but its still hard. Like giving up sugar, i know it’s better, but….. Very good points and i hope you are both keeping well. My curiosity is piqued about your next video. Thanks for sharing your lives with the world! I truly look forward to each video from you.

Actually we are travelling in our caravan, and a few days ago we decided we needed one of those universal plugs. It was Sunday on outback NSW Australia, so no shops were open. Still to find one.

Love the updates. You're inspiring us to get back on the road again come January. Hopefully will be back in Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. Can't wait to return. p.s. If you're still in Chiang Mai be sure to check out the Tikky Cafe. Great food and fruit shakes and very inexpensive!

hi guys, hope Ur both feeling well now, great video, direct & excellent advice. I always travel lite 1 small roller case & tote bag, hate being like a pack horse, take care X vee

Loved the video - wishing y’all the best

Great advice! So many people think they need to "be prepared" for anything. Then they get out there and realize whatever you need (except personal items like medications) is readily available almost anywhere you go. Whatever you take will likely get damaged or lost along the way, so you're going to have to replace it anyway. I do really like that sink cover though...maybe I need one? And a great cliff-hanger at the end - waiting to see what you announce!

Great video, and your valuable advice is duly noted! I sure hope your health is ok..? I thought I caught a reference to that at the end? Not to be a school-marm, but try eating fruits and veggies everywhere you can; travel makes a healthy diet hard!

Really good advice. And applies to campers even more so. Thanks.

That rubber stopper thing is INDEED the best! We travel with 2 - one for food/kitchen sink and one for the bath. Use them daily! One other thing we travel with are shopping bags that fold up into tiny packages- they constantly come in handy. And we travel with thin cotton blankets (Kenyan kikoys are awesome) to cover furniture when we travel with our dog or us when we need an extra little cover. Just about everything else is added weight and bulk.

4:41 assuredly there are no shops in the middle of Quebec province.

Love the sink plug tip. FYI if there is a cover in your shower remember to put it back, so much sewer gas in our apartment in France!

It was great hearing that I didn’t need the resilience because that was a bit daunting. Loved that American accident. You sounded kind of southern! Happy to see that you are making use of the pool.

Great video, thanks for the helpful tips!

My partner and I (we live in NZ) have been binge watching all of your videos over the past 2 weeks. We have gotten so much out of your videos and can't wait for further videos from your travels. We made the decision to "retire early" back in August 2021, the only work we do now is maintaining our property portfolio. We spend 24/7 together and it has actually made our relationship stronger and better! Our plans are to start travelling from 1-3 months every winter (June-Aug) and South East Asia is where we are planning to head to first. You guys are very inspiring!!!

Awesome advice as always! Sarah looks so glam in the pool. Nice bikini. Looking forward to next Saturday. Enjoy!

Before COVID we spent a couple of years traveling between UK and Peruvian Amazon, suitcases break.... We've been through a few (especially when thrown on/off minibus roofs). Cheap, study, replaceable works best. If you go somewhere where you need to filter water, the small, Sawyer mini is excellent and takes up no space. Enjoy your travels

Hey you two....we are sad that Sarah's shewee didn't make a featured debut in this episode 😅🤣😂. We laughed alot whilst watching this one, thank you for keeping it real!

You DO inspire!!!

As always you make a interesting video, it would be nice to see more about interaction with the people and the different foods. Michael

Thanks so much for all the videos! You all do a great job! Wish you could earn a little more for all the hard work. The info is very good and interesting. Miss your more travel/best places type of videos but totally understand it takes a lot of time and the return, so far, is tough to justify. Anyway, wish you both the best and will continue to keep watching! btw, planning on retiring in 6 months at 58...planning on doing some traveling!

I travel everywhere with a day pack and hold all (70 litre and 20kg) I love to travel as light as possible. My next trips are UK via Thailand for 3 weeks. Stay safe guys.

Pretty good american accent mimic...for a bubba from alabama.

As they say: you don’t know until you know! They also say: you learn by doing. That said, thanks for the wisdom!! I am a self confessed Amazon/AliExpress buyer of crap. I think I have spent way too much money looking for the “perfect” travel charger/cable solution for me. All I can say is that it’s still far from perfect lol. Speaking of tech, how has your tech changed over the year+? #Inspired&Entertained.

Of all things...a sink plug?😆🤣😂 Great video guys!

you two are a hoot x

I saw that video when you packed all that crap and thought - what a waste - everywhere I travel there are shops.

😊👏👏

Am inspired

Health issues?? Thank you for making an effort in making these videos. Could it be too much cholesterol? Both look soo much happier than at the beginning of your channel.

Hi guys, I'm looking to do the same would you recommend a start finish I'm thinking of starting in the Philippines and finishing in Thailand on a 10 year + trip.

You could do something really good by not only to stop ordering "stuff" you don't need, (particularly as you have patreons, as you waste money) but please don't order from Amazon, it is not a company to "advertise " and it does nothing for our planet. Gail, Czech Republic.

The general public needs to be explained properly about what is visas, immigration, citizenships and expats means 🛂💂🇨🇦🇬🇧🇪🇺 There is a huge misunderstanding about such a topic 🆕 The only word everyone knows (Let's control our borders) But nothing beyond this 👌