Shownotes
What if travel in retirement wasn’t about seeing more places—but about living more fully?
In this episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie Doucette sits down with Andrew Motiwalla, founder of The Good Life Abroad, to talk about a style of retirement travel that’s changing how people 55+ experience the world: slow travel with built-in community.
Andrew shares how his Peace Corps experience in Honduras planted the seed for month-long stays that move you out of “tourist mode” and into real life; routines, local cafés, cultural events, and friendships that form naturally when you stay long enough to be recognized. You’ll hear why The Good Life Abroad is not a tour, how their cohort model works, and how community managers create light, optional touchpoints (like cooking classes, walking tours, and local experiences) that help you feel supported without being scheduled to death.
You’ll also love Andrew’s perspective on “joyspan”—the idea that we can intentionally expand the years of joy, purpose, and connection in our lives. For many retirees, identity shifts can feel disorienting. Andrew explains how immersive travel can help you grow through learning, connect through shared values, and adapt to new experiences, often leaving you with more confidence and a bigger sense of possibility than when you arrived.
Key Topics Covered
- Why slow, immersive travel creates deeper learning: Why a month in one place creates a completely different travel experience
- Community as a foundation for joy in retirement: What travelers feel after week 1, week 3, and week 4 of immersive living & why community can be the most surprising (and meaningful) part of the experience
- Identity shifts after leaving work: Rediscovering purpose through curiosity and exploration
- Confidence gained from adapting to new environments: Why small discomforts lead to growth & how The Good Life Abroad supports safety, comfort, and independence (55+)
- Travel as a test‑drive for expatriate life: “Expat-curious” scouting trips to test-drive a city before moving abroad
- Who this style of travel is best for: (hint: curiosity matters)
- How slow travel affects your budget: Ballpark pricing for a month-long program and what’s included
Listener Offer
Beyond Retirement listeners can use the referral code BEYONDRETIREMENT when booking with The Good Life Abroad to receive an exclusive listener discount.
Connect with Andrew:
READY TO RAMP UP YOUR RETIREMENT JOURNEY?
Start here: https://beyondretirement.ca/start-here/
Book a FREE call with Jacquie: https://calendly.com/jacquiedoucette/discovery
Check out the Beyond Retirement Library: https://placeforbooks.com
