Author Profile: Sandra & Jeff Mayernik
themobileretiree
American expat senior nomads, living abroad, on a budget, one country at a time.
11 Budget-Friendly Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica
Our Costa Rica itinerary got a little shuffled around, leaving us with some unplanned downtime in downtown San Jose. No worries though, that’s just part of the nomadic... view more
40 Things that Made Us Say, “Southampton’s Worth Exploring”
When we started planning our itinerary for four months in England, Southampton popped up on our radar. Not only is it a major cruise port, but you can also hop on a ferry to/from France or Spain (which is what we did) and skip the airport hassle entirely. Southampton has layers—medieval walls, green parks, waterfront views, and more history than we could cram into a... view more
First Timer’s Guide to Buenos Aires
In this post, we’ll share everything we’ve learned (and are learning) about Buenos Aires – from its wide, tree-lined boulevards to its pulsating tango halls. We’re excited to explore this city that promises a blend of European elegance and Latin American passion, and we want to help other first-time visitors navigate it with... view more
Our DIY Walking Tour of Belem
To say that Belem is a historic district of Lisbon is sort of misleading since most of Lisbon’s districts are ‘historic’. Belém, Lisbon’s stunning riverside district, stands as a testament to Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. While every corner of Lisbon breathes history, Belém uniquely showcases Portugal’s maritime glory through its UNESCO World Heritage sites, world-class museums, and iconic... view more
Our Local-Paced Guide to Oxford England Museums
When we landed in England as part of our international quest to find our perfect retirement, Oxford wasn’t just another stop on our itinerary – it was a return to familiar ground with fresh eyes. Having lived in England for four years during our air force days, we knew the UK would feel both familiar and different as full-time... view more
Our 29-Day Detour to Derby, England
Nestled in the heart of the English countryside, Derby is a charming city that often flies under the radar for travelers. During the four years we lived in England we never got around to visiting Derby. We only discovered it when we hit a glitch in our travel plans and needed to find a budget friendly place to stay in England for a 29 day gap in our travel itinerary. We visited the city of Derby for almost a month in April/May 2024 and found that Derby has plenty to offer for those willing to... view more
Why Mexico City Was the Perfect Stop for Nomads Like Us
As American expat nomads, we often find ourselves transiting through vibrant cities like Mexico City. Initially, our plan was just a quick layover on our way from Chile to Guanajuato, but we’ve learned that transit stops can be opportunities in disguise. So, we decided to extend our stay to explore this incredible city – if we could find affordable accommodations conveniently located – and it turned out to be the perfect stop for budget-conscious travelers like... view more
Exploring Andover: A Budget-Friendly Adventure
We were staying nearby in Ludgershall and decided to spend a day Andover, England to check out the Age of Iron Museum. After our museum tour, we stumbled upon a flyer for the Andover Heritage Trail. It looked like a great way to explore the town, so we decided to give it a go. Andover is a picturesque market town in the Test Valley, with a rich history dating back to Saxon times. During the 18th century, it was an important stop for stagecoaches traveling between London, Salisbury, and... view more







