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Two Carry-Ons and a Plan: Retiring as Full-Time Nomads
Want to have a fun retirement traveling the world full time without breaking the bank?
Retirement can be full of change, excitement, and fascinating new experiences.
You can intrepid explorer,A globe-trotting nomad,An endless adventurer.
And you delicious treats along the Danube,Track the Monarch butterfly migration in Mexico,Wander the Scottish highlands,Take language lessons,Cook exotic foods,Learn the Salsa,Explore ancient and beautiful sites,Make friends from all over the world,Bask in balmy temperatures all year round,Take cruises,Hike the world's trails,Sleep in castles.
Plus you can do it without breaking the bank.
Learn how Chris and Steve sold everything and packed their two carry-on bags to travel the world. Loaded with practical how-tos, sample timelines, actual case studies, and even a workbook on how you can get started, you, too, can live your best life. There's even a little love story thrown in.
Buy today so you can start planning your getaway right now!
Retirement can be full of change, excitement, and fascinating new experiences.
You can intrepid explorer,A globe-trotting nomad,An endless adventurer.
And you delicious treats along the Danube,Track the Monarch butterfly migration in Mexico,Wander the Scottish highlands,Take language lessons,Cook exotic foods,Learn the Salsa,Explore ancient and beautiful sites,Make friends from all over the world,Bask in balmy temperatures all year round,Take cruises,Hike the world's trails,Sleep in castles.
Plus you can do it without breaking the bank.
Learn how Chris and Steve sold everything and packed their two carry-on bags to travel the world. Loaded with practical how-tos, sample timelines, actual case studies, and even a workbook on how you can get started, you, too, can live your best life. There's even a little love story thrown in.
Buy today so you can start planning your getaway right now!
- GenresNonfictionAmazon
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2022
About the author
Chris Englert
10 books7 followersChris Englert, the Walking Traveler and Denver's Urban Hiker, believes walking is the platform for life. Volunteered into wanderlusting at age 5, she's since traveled all 50 US states and 60 countries. Chris shares her love of walking while traveling via blogs, books, and presentations. A natural storyteller, she invites you along as she explores the world, one walk at a time.
Always one to love a crowd, she is available or book clubs, interviews, and guided walks.
Now traveling the world as a full-time, retired nomad, Chris and her husband share their story weekly on Youtube, biweekly in newsletters, and monthly in their blog, www.EatWalkLearn.com.
Follow Chris' urban hikes in Denver on Instagram/Twitter/Pinterest @DenverByFoot at her blog at www.DenverByFoot.com, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DenverByFoot. She responds and follows back!
Follow Chris' world travel and her 50 Hikes 50 States Project on Instagram/Twitter/Pinterest @EatWalkLearn, at her blog at www.EatWalkLearn.com, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/eatwalklearnlove/ She responds and follows back!
Watch Chris on YouTube as she hikes 50 hikes in 50 states and follow her at #50hikes50states and at https://www.youtube.com/c/eatwalklearn
Always one to love a crowd, she is available or book clubs, interviews, and guided walks.
Now traveling the world as a full-time, retired nomad, Chris and her husband share their story weekly on Youtube, biweekly in newsletters, and monthly in their blog, www.EatWalkLearn.com.
Follow Chris' urban hikes in Denver on Instagram/Twitter/Pinterest @DenverByFoot at her blog at www.DenverByFoot.com, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DenverByFoot. She responds and follows back!
Follow Chris' world travel and her 50 Hikes 50 States Project on Instagram/Twitter/Pinterest @EatWalkLearn, at her blog at www.EatWalkLearn.com, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/eatwalklearnlove/ She responds and follows back!
Watch Chris on YouTube as she hikes 50 hikes in 50 states and follow her at #50hikes50states and at https://www.youtube.com/c/eatwalklearn
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 19, 2026
I started this book with high hopes. What could be better, I thought, than to see exactly how Chris and Steve went about realizing their life-long dream of being nomads, constantly traveling the world and having adventures, without a permanent address to their name? I really got into it at the beginning, reading about how they began the planning a few years ahead of the date of departing Colorado (their home when they were working) and gradually inching toward that date.
But then something in the narrative went south for me, when I discovered that the organization of the book is very confusing. There were many statements that seemed to contradict other statements.
I found the section on medical insurance quite confusing (pages 57-66). Details about Chris's hysterectomy felt irrelevant to the larger issues of decision-making about medical insurance. A flow chart would have been more helpful than her rambling style about the decisions they made and the reasons behind them. Still, I appreciate that she is trying to help people with their life decisions, and decided to write this book for that purpose.
And then on page 67, Chris says "At first we felt that two years would be enough time to find a full-time place to live ..." This statement came as a complete surprise, as I had thought their intention was to NOT find a full-time place to live, but to keep traveling throughout the rest of their lives. I was definitely confused.
Then there were contradictory statements about the plans they ended up making. They were originally going to start their travels in Costa Rica, but instead started them in Ireland because their daughter began college in Ireland. The Ireland thing suddenly pops up after Chris has outlined in detail their original plan, and came as a complete surprise to this reader. By this time I was really having trouble following the narrative, and started to wonder what the point of the book actually is.
I admire Chris for her intention of helping other people navigate the nomadic lifestyle, but I wish the book were better organized. I will look at her other books to see if they are written in a less confusing manner.
I did finish reading the book, and as I approached the end, there was another confusing statement on page 150, where she discusses Google Fi. At the top of the page, she says "There are rumors about Google throttling your service after six months of continued service out of the country. We have yet to have this happen to us." But then, lower down on the same page, she says "You can use Google Fi for about six months outside of the USA. If you stay longer than six consecutive months, Google will cut you off of your data until you return to the US. This happened to us."
HUH? Which statement is correct? Did she realize when she wrote it that she contradicts herself on the same page?
Chris, if you are reading this review, I would appreciate knowing what you actually meant to say about Google Fi. It's important to proof-read your work and eliminate these contradictory statements so that people can actually use your suggestions!
But Chris, thanks for your excellent intentions of helping people, and I hope you and Steve are doing well!
But then something in the narrative went south for me, when I discovered that the organization of the book is very confusing. There were many statements that seemed to contradict other statements.
I found the section on medical insurance quite confusing (pages 57-66). Details about Chris's hysterectomy felt irrelevant to the larger issues of decision-making about medical insurance. A flow chart would have been more helpful than her rambling style about the decisions they made and the reasons behind them. Still, I appreciate that she is trying to help people with their life decisions, and decided to write this book for that purpose.
And then on page 67, Chris says "At first we felt that two years would be enough time to find a full-time place to live ..." This statement came as a complete surprise, as I had thought their intention was to NOT find a full-time place to live, but to keep traveling throughout the rest of their lives. I was definitely confused.
Then there were contradictory statements about the plans they ended up making. They were originally going to start their travels in Costa Rica, but instead started them in Ireland because their daughter began college in Ireland. The Ireland thing suddenly pops up after Chris has outlined in detail their original plan, and came as a complete surprise to this reader. By this time I was really having trouble following the narrative, and started to wonder what the point of the book actually is.
I admire Chris for her intention of helping other people navigate the nomadic lifestyle, but I wish the book were better organized. I will look at her other books to see if they are written in a less confusing manner.
I did finish reading the book, and as I approached the end, there was another confusing statement on page 150, where she discusses Google Fi. At the top of the page, she says "There are rumors about Google throttling your service after six months of continued service out of the country. We have yet to have this happen to us." But then, lower down on the same page, she says "You can use Google Fi for about six months outside of the USA. If you stay longer than six consecutive months, Google will cut you off of your data until you return to the US. This happened to us."
HUH? Which statement is correct? Did she realize when she wrote it that she contradicts herself on the same page?
Chris, if you are reading this review, I would appreciate knowing what you actually meant to say about Google Fi. It's important to proof-read your work and eliminate these contradictory statements so that people can actually use your suggestions!
But Chris, thanks for your excellent intentions of helping people, and I hope you and Steve are doing well!
April 16, 2022
As someone who has no intention of being one, don’t be put off by the concept of being a nomad, as this book is about far more than that. This book is part autobiography and part “how to” work book. The tips and suggestions contained within can be applied broadly. Some of the suggestions are applicable to anyone considering any form of downsizing or any form of travel with an emphasis on a longer trip.
I really enjoyed the autobiography part. The author’s enthusiasm for her “love story”; be it the love for her husband or her love of travel, come through on the page. You feel you know the author by the end. This part of the book for anyone who wants to psych themselves up, as the story gives you energy along with interesting real world examples.
The work book part is ideal for anyone actually planning to downsize or take a longer trip, even if you don’t plan to be quite as extreme as selling almost everything you own and becoming a global nomad. This section contains multiple exercises and nuggets of advice that I’ll certainly be making use of during my next move or longer international adventure.
I highly recommend this book, not only because it is an easy read, and I mean that to be complimentary, but also because I had fun reading it.
I really enjoyed the autobiography part. The author’s enthusiasm for her “love story”; be it the love for her husband or her love of travel, come through on the page. You feel you know the author by the end. This part of the book for anyone who wants to psych themselves up, as the story gives you energy along with interesting real world examples.
The work book part is ideal for anyone actually planning to downsize or take a longer trip, even if you don’t plan to be quite as extreme as selling almost everything you own and becoming a global nomad. This section contains multiple exercises and nuggets of advice that I’ll certainly be making use of during my next move or longer international adventure.
I highly recommend this book, not only because it is an easy read, and I mean that to be complimentary, but also because I had fun reading it.
May 24, 2022
Become a nomad!
(Nonfiction Travel)
In this very interesting and detailed book, Chris describes the process she and her husband followed to become full-time nomadic world travelers. They no longer own anything more than what fits in a carry-on and back-pack each.
The second half of the book includes a workbook for how to go through the process of becoming a nomad yourself.
If you are at all interested in how to travel extended periods, this is a book for you. I'm only a beginning traveler, thinking about short-term trips and I still found useful and interesting tips in this book. Including a recommendation for s great pair of pants!
(Nonfiction Travel)
In this very interesting and detailed book, Chris describes the process she and her husband followed to become full-time nomadic world travelers. They no longer own anything more than what fits in a carry-on and back-pack each.
The second half of the book includes a workbook for how to go through the process of becoming a nomad yourself.
If you are at all interested in how to travel extended periods, this is a book for you. I'm only a beginning traveler, thinking about short-term trips and I still found useful and interesting tips in this book. Including a recommendation for s great pair of pants!
February 3, 2023
Awesome book. I have been nomadic or partially nomadic for a long time and don't learn much from most books, but I learned some great budget tips here, and a refresher on things I knew are good.
I had not really investigated credit card hacking (signing up for free miles) or the importance of going to multiple sites for places to stay but there was some great information there. I need to write out some notes, so I don't forget.
I had not really investigated credit card hacking (signing up for free miles) or the importance of going to multiple sites for places to stay but there was some great information there. I need to write out some notes, so I don't forget.
February 6, 2026
Wow! I want to copy their travel planning. I’d love to retire and travel the world, but my husband only wants to travel for several weeks each year, so this book was especially enjoyable for me, as I lived vicariously through Chris and Steve. “Two Carry-Ons and a Plan” is the perfect read for anyone who loves to travel. I’ve made a note to refer back to this book if my dream of endless travel ever comes true, because it has so many helpful details that I’ve found priceless.
September 27, 2023
Preparing for our NOMAD life!
Chris does a great job outlining everything they did to prepare for their nomad life and we are excited to start ours as well! The tips they include are so valuable and we realized just how much we have to do to be prepared for when we "launch"!
This book is an easy read and we highly recommend it!
Chris does a great job outlining everything they did to prepare for their nomad life and we are excited to start ours as well! The tips they include are so valuable and we realized just how much we have to do to be prepared for when we "launch"!
This book is an easy read and we highly recommend it!
May 8, 2022
What a gem!
So many great insights, tips and other little things you may have never considered in preparing for nomadic life. Excellent resource for anyone considering long term travel!
So many great insights, tips and other little things you may have never considered in preparing for nomadic life. Excellent resource for anyone considering long term travel!
June 26, 2022
The style the book was written in made the reading interesting. I found it also helpful for downsizing your house. Wish I had it when I went from a large house to a small duplex. Many hints for those who are going to travel for less than a year. Thank you for the many things you learned.
June 30, 2022
Best of this kind of book I have read
I have traveled and lived in numerous countries so I feel qualified to say that I’ve read many books on this topic. This is the best in terms of content and organization.
I have traveled and lived in numerous countries so I feel qualified to say that I’ve read many books on this topic. This is the best in terms of content and organization.
July 23, 2022
An easy read with loads of useful information!
If you’re thinking about part-time or long term travel this is the book for you! There is a lot of detailed information and a work book at the end. I wish I had it before my first six-month journey and will use it going forward!
If you’re thinking about part-time or long term travel this is the book for you! There is a lot of detailed information and a work book at the end. I wish I had it before my first six-month journey and will use it going forward!
April 12, 2023
I liked the information provided while giving a personal storyline. This book definitely ignited the thought of travelling around the world when I could financially :).
November 28, 2023
It was ok
Basic information was pretty good.I could have done without the story portion,but the workbook portion near the end was good.There are better options out there.
Basic information was pretty good.I could have done without the story portion,but the workbook portion near the end was good.There are better options out there.
December 31, 2025
Good practical advice and an honest look at their own experience in becoming true nomads. Inspiring.
April 30, 2026
It has taken me a long time to find a book I liked as much as this one. You don’t have to be a NOMAD to find many things to help on trips in this book. My sister and I used to do 3-4 weeks 3 times a year and we learned very quickly to only take a carry on and our backpack (for electronics, etc). If you spend a few days in an AirBnB you can always wash your clothes. I love the way she talks about where HOME is. I spent 21 yrs USAF and 21 civil service (US Govt) and about 21 yrs of that was over seas so for me when I would tell someone I was going home they were confused—for me home was where ever I laid my head. A lot of info in here about everything you need to know so before you go on your next trip or if you are thinking about any type of NOMAD life be sure to read this book!!
May 16, 2022
An amazing love story, workbook, and travel novel all in one, but it's all real and factual. I loved writing this book and getting the chance to tell our tale of how we sold it all and hit the road. Friends, acquaintances and people I don't know have raved about how much this book has helped them re-think their retirement plans. The workbook got them motivated, and now they are planning their get-aways. I am so happy to be helping so many people live their best lives.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews