Wherever We May Roam - Travels With Jim and Rita

Jim Santos, travel writer and his wife, Rita
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Not all travel is created equal. Some people take a two-week vacation and call it an adventure. Others disappear for months—or years—without ever really “coming home.”  We discuss the challenges, rewards, and drawbacks of travel both domestically and overseas. Information for the would-be expat, digital nomad, roving retiree, or just plain traveler. We can help you find the travel style that is right for you. But this isn’t just theory. Drawing on over 16 years of real-world experience, Jim and Rita Santos share practical, honest advice on what it actually takes to travel longer, smarter, and with fewer surprises. Host Jim Santos is a published travel writer with over 200 articles and eight books (jimsantos.net). He and his wife Rita lived in Ecuador for 6 years, and have tried every style of travel - including selling their home at one point to travel full-time. They and are currently enjoying the roving retirement lifestyle, taking trips of 2-3 months and returning to their home base to visit family and friends.

  1. 2d ago

    Picking A Travel Credit Card

    Send us Fan Mail That $895 annual fee can either buy you real travel freedom or it can quietly drain your budget while you chase perks you never use. We put premium travel credit cards under a practical microscope and share what happens when you treat points like a tool instead of a hobby. We walk through the exact cards we carry and why: what Amex Platinum is good for when you’re traveling heavily, why Amex Gold can be the smarter long-term play for dining and groceries, and why you still need a Visa like Chase Sapphire Preferred when you’re overseas and merchants refuse American Express. We also talk about booking travel through credit card portals, including when the multipliers and customer service make it worth it, and when you give up flexibility or hotel loyalty benefits. And yes, we tell the truth about airport lounge access, because “included” does not always mean “available.” Then we get into the details that actually protect your wallet: how to think about a 3% credit card surcharge, what point values really look like in dollars, and how point maximizer services and award travel tools work behind the scenes. We share safer ways to find partner award redemptions, plus the biggest rule we follow when transferring points so you don’t get stuck with a one-way, non-reversible mistake. Finally, we cover underrated perks like foreign transaction fees, paying in local currency, rental car insurance options, trip interruption coverage, and purchase protection, along with scam red flags you should never ignore. If you like practical travel strategies and real-world money decisions, subscribe, share this with a friend who loves points, and leave a quick review so more travelers can find us. NEW BOOK ALERT! "Before the Wheels Came Off: A Fly on the Wall in the U.S. Senate" by Jim Santos Available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H8TBR88L Available as a PDF along with other titles at https://jim-santos-books.square.site/ Subscribe to our Mailing List https://www.buzzsprout.com/2292506/supporters/new http://jimsantos.net https://www.instagram.com/jimsantosblog https://www.youtube.com/@jimsantos508 jim@jimsantosbooks.com "Wherever We May Roam: Finding Your Travel Style" - On Amazon

  2. Aug 12

    How Educational Travel Builds Confidence Through Connection

    Send us Fan Mail Saying yes to the kind of trip that makes your stomach flutter can be the start of a brand-new life. We sit down with Jewel Rozanski, a former public high school Spanish teacher who turned her passion for educational travel into Cultured Travel, creating immersive small-group tours built around history, culture, and real human connection. With a background in educational psychology, Jewel brings a teacher’s eye for how people learn best, and a traveler’s respect for the moments you cannot script. We talk about what actually makes travel transformative: stepping into a new place, hearing first-person stories, and letting your assumptions get challenged in the safest way possible. Jewel shares how conversations with locals and guides can change you more than any checklist of landmarks, including powerful reflections on recent history in Belfast. We also dig into group travel misconceptions, and why her approach caps group size, protects free time, and offers a flexible “tag along with me” option so first-time travelers feel supported without feeling managed. You’ll also get practical travel planning insight, from why group flights can be a money trap to how smart transportation choices reduce stress in destinations that might feel like culture shock. Plus, we make the case for domestic travel in the United States, with places like New Orleans and Savannah delivering deep cultural immersion without crossing an ocean. If you’ve been craving a trip that teaches you something real, press play, then subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review so more travelers can find us. More info at https://culturedtravel.org/ NEW BOOK ALERT! "Before the Wheels Came Off: A Fly on the Wall in the U.S. Senate" by Jim Santos Available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H8TBR88L Available as a PDF along with other titles at https://jim-santos-books.square.site/ Subscribe to our Mailing List https://www.buzzsprout.com/2292506/supporters/new http://jimsantos.net https://www.instagram.com/jimsantosblog https://www.youtube.com/@jimsantos508 jim@jimsantosbooks.com "Wherever We May Roam: Finding Your Travel Style" - On Amazon

  3. Aug 5

    Choosing The Fear Of Regret Over The Fear Of Change

    Send us Fan Mail They sold their starter home, got rid of nearly everything, and pointed their lives toward Mexico with a dog and a whole lot of unknowns. Chris and Deanna Hahn join us from San Miguel de Allende just one month after making the move from the Los Angeles area, and they share what the jump actually feels like when the spreadsheets end and real life begins.    We talk about what first opened their eyes to living abroad, why they chose adventure over waiting for the “perfect” retirement timeline, and how family dynamics shift when your kids are grown but still close to home. They walk us through downsizing without a storage unit, selling cars, choosing whether they really need a vehicle in Mexico, and what it’s like to build a new rhythm in a city where walking, markets, music, and chance conversations can turn an ordinary day into something memorable.    We also get practical about the questions everyone asks when you say you’re moving to Mexico: healthcare and safety. Chris and Deanna share what they’re learning about insurance before Medicare, private medical care, pharmacy access, and why they feel safe walking at night in San Miguel. Along the way, we dig into culture shock in both directions, the slower pace at restaurants, the joy of speaking even imperfect Spanish, and the mindset shift that makes this lifestyle sustainable: letting the fear of regret outweigh the fear of change, because nothing is forever and you can always pivot.    If you’re researching expat life in Mexico, retiring abroad, digital nomad logistics, or the real cost of living and daily routines in San Miguel de Allende, this conversation will help you picture your next step. Subscribe for more stories like this, share the episode with someone planning a big move, and leave a quick review so more future roamers can find us. NEW BOOK ALERT! "Before the Wheels Came Off: A Fly on the Wall in the U.S. Senate" by Jim Santos Available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H8TBR88L Available as a PDF along with other titles at https://jim-santos-books.square.site/ Subscribe to our Mailing List https://www.buzzsprout.com/2292506/supporters/new http://jimsantos.net https://www.instagram.com/jimsantosblog https://www.youtube.com/@jimsantos508 jim@jimsantosbooks.com "Wherever We May Roam: Finding Your Travel Style" - On Amazon

  4. Jul 29

    You Can Still Have A Great Trip In Peak Season

    Send us Fan Mail Summer travel can turn into a perfect storm: packed parking lots, brutal heat, inflated hotel prices, and kids melting down in line. We’ve lived it, and we also know it doesn’t have to be that way. Jim and Rita Santos share a smarter way to plan a family summer vacation when your only time off matches everyone else’s: stop chasing the most famous spots at the worst time, and start choosing places that give you space, shade, and real value. We talk through underrated U.S. destinations that stay enjoyable in peak season, from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to Maine’s Acadia region, plus quieter stretches of the Carolinas and the less-crowded side of the Smoky Mountains. We also make the case for state parks as the most overlooked summer travel win: cabins or campgrounds, lakes, easy hiking, and activities kids actually love without paying premium prices for stress. Going farther? We explore international summer options built around climate and timing, including northern Portugal and Spain, Costa Rica’s rainy season rhythm, Ecuador’s mild temps and Andes hiking, and the underrated Canada Maritimes. And when Disney World is non-negotiable, we get tactical: what it can really cost, why weekdays matter, how to arrive early, how to avoid the “everyone goes clockwise” trap, and why a midday escape can save your trip. We also flag destinations to avoid in summer when heat, humidity, storms, or crowds turn “uncomfortable” into “miserable.” Subscribe for more practical travel planning, share this with a friend who’s dreading peak season, and leave a quick review so more families can find the show. What’s your favorite summer hidden gem? Companion Blog With Details: https://www.jimsantosbooks.com/wordpress1/2026/06/14/beat-the-summer-rush/ Subscribe to our Mailing List https://www.buzzsprout.com/2292506/supporters/new http://jimsantos.net https://www.instagram.com/jimsantosblog https://www.youtube.com/@jimsantos508 jim@jimsantosbooks.com "Wherever We May Roam: Finding Your Travel Style" - On Amazon

  5. Jul 22

    What If The Summer Getaway Is Disappearing

    Send us Fan Mail Memorial Day weekend at Virginia Beach is supposed to be packed, so when we stepped onto a nearly empty beach and a quiet boardwalk, we knew it wasn’t just the rain. We’re Jim and Rita Santos, and we use this familiar trip as a real-time signal that something bigger is shifting in American travel, especially for middle-class families trying to plan a simple vacation without financial stress.  We break down the economic reality behind the quieter crowds: gas prices that still sting, grocery inflation that rolls straight into restaurant bills, and credit cards that feel maxed out for many households. We also talk about why drive-to beach destinations can be especially vulnerable when budgets tighten, and how a “normal” week away can start to look like a $3,000 decision once food, entertainment, and extras pile on.  Then we zoom out to the political and sociological pressure points that change travel habits even when people still want to get away. From federal job anxiety and military deployments to the post-pandemic revenge travel wave fading, vacation patterns are evolving. Remote work and flexible schedules create more long weekends and fewer big annual trips, while staycations become a practical reset. We share eye-opening examples of today’s family fun costs, from arcades and movie theaters to zoos, aquariums, and theme parks, and what that means for seasonal small businesses that live or die by a short summer window.  If travel feels different for you this year, we want to hear what you’re seeing. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s budgeting a trip, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show. And if you want to go deeper, you can check out my book, Wherever We May Roam, Finding Your Travel Style, where I walk through all of this in more detail. If you have any questions, a topic you would like discussed, or would like to be on our show, email us at jim@jimsantosbooks.com. Subscribe to our Mailing List https://www.buzzsprout.com/2292506/supporters/new http://jimsantos.net https://www.instagram.com/jimsantosblog https://www.youtube.com/@jimsantos508 jim@jimsantosbooks.com "Wherever We May Roam: Finding Your Travel Style" - On Amazon

  6. Jul 15

    Travel Smarter In An Uncertain World

    Send us Fan Mail The hardest part of planning a long international trip right now isn’t choosing the destination. It’s deciding what to do when the world won’t sit still. Visa requirements change without warning, flight routes get shuffled, prices climb, and the news cycle makes every corner of the map feel uncertain. We walk you through how we plan months-long travel without spiraling into fear. We talk about the perception gap between headlines and what travelers often experience on the ground, why country-wide travel advisories can hide important regional differences, and how we weigh “should we go” decisions using real inputs instead of vibes. We also share specific examples from our own travels, including places we happily revisit and places we avoid when conflict is active. Then we get practical about long-term travel logistics and money. We break down why you should check visa rules directly with embassies, what to watch for with Europe’s ETIAS and EES changes, and how to protect your trip from airline schedule surprises. We cover budgeting for currency swings, when to book flights, and why “cheap” tickets can get expensive fast. Finally, we lay out how we use travel insurance as core infrastructure, including CFAR timing, reimbursement limits, medical evacuation coverage, and the one habit that matters most: reading the exclusions. If you’re planning international travel in 2026, building a flexible itinerary, or trying to travel smarter in an uncertain world, this one will help you leave with a plan and some peace of mind. Follow the podcast, share this with a friend who’s on the fence about traveling, and leave a quick review so more people can find us. And if you want to go deeper, you can check out my book, Wherever We May Roam, Finding Your Travel Style, where I walk through all of this in more detail. You can search for it on Amazon in Kindle, Paperback, and Audiobook, or just use the link on our podcast page.  If you have any questions, a topic you would like discussed, or would like to be on our show, email us at jim@jimsantosbooks.com.  Compare Insurance Plans: InsureMyTrip.com or Squaremouth.com US State Department https://travel.state.gov/ STEP Program https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/smart-traveler-enrollment-program.html NEW BOOK ALERT! "Before the Wheels Came Off: A Fly on the Wall in the U.S. Senate" by Jim Santos Available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H8TBR88L Available as a PDF along with other titles at https://jim-santos-books.square.site/ Subscribe to our Mailing List https://www.buzzsprout.com/2292506/supporters/new http://jimsantos.net https://www.instagram.com/jimsantosblog https://www.youtube.com/@jimsantos508 jim@jimsantosbooks.com "Wherever We May Roam: Finding Your Travel Style" - On Amazon

  7. Jul 8

    The Reality Of Long-Term Travel

    Send us Fan Mail Long-term travel looks like postcards from the outside, but real life on the road includes fatigue, friction, and the occasional “milk” that turns out to be drinkable yogurt. We’re Jim and Rita Santos, and we share the honest reality of long-term travel: the good, the bad, and the unexpected lessons that only show up after weeks and months away from home. We revisit the travel styles we’ve been exploring, from an extended getaway to part-time roaming, digital nomad life, and full-time roaming. We also talk about why a home base can still matter even if you love living light, including the practical stuff people forget like licenses, voting, and keeping family traditions steady. Then we get into what slow travel really gives you: freedom to move at your own pace, the ability to stay longer when a place surprises you, and a deeper connection to local culture that rushed vacations rarely deliver. From culture shock in supermarkets to patience when you’re not the priority, we unpack the emotional side of expat life and long trips. We also challenge a common assumption that the United States is automatically best at everything, comparing what we’ve experienced abroad with healthcare, pharmacies, and public transportation. Finally, we talk about reverse culture shock and the biggest mindset shift we’ve learned: travel works best when you’re running toward something, not trying to escape yourself. If this helps you think differently about long-term travel, slow travel, or finding your own travel style, subscribe for more, share this with a friend who’s dreaming about life on the road, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show. And if you want to go deeper, you can check out my book, Wherever We May Roam: Finding Your Travel Style, where I walk through all of this in more detail. If you have any questions, a topic you would like discussed, or would like to be on our show, email us at jim@jimsantosbooks.com . Available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H8TBR88L Available as a PDF along with other titles at https://jim-santos-books.square.site/ Subscribe to our Mailing List https://www.buzzsprout.com/2292506/supporters/new http://jimsantos.net https://www.instagram.com/jimsantosblog https://www.youtube.com/@jimsantos508 jim@jimsantosbooks.com "Wherever We May Roam: Finding Your Travel Style" - On Amazon

  8. Jul 1

    Pack Lighter And Travel Easier With Simple Systems

    Send us Fan Mail Destinations get all the attention, but the real difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one is what happens behind the scenes. We talk through the travel logistics that quietly shape everything, from packing strategy to the phone tools that keep you moving when plans change. We start with the most common travel mistake we see: overpacking. We share how we used to pack for every scenario, why complicated itineraries create clothing chaos, and how we now rely on lightweight luggage, simple layering, and quick-drying clothes to stay comfortable without hauling extra weight. We also get practical about laundry on the road, including why we travel with laundry sheets and how compression bags help us save space, stay organized, and avoid unpacking an entire suitcase for a short stay. Then we switch to travel apps and digital tools that actually earn their place on your phone. We explain why WhatsApp is essential for communicating with hosts and businesses abroad, how Google Maps or Apple Maps (and even Waze features) make navigation easier, and why Apple AirTags can help you track luggage and find your way back when you get turned around. We cover Google Translate for signs and appliance controls, cashless travel with Apple Wallet or Google Pay, and rideshare and transit apps like Bolt and BiTaksi that remove haggling and reduce the need for cash. Finally, we tie it together with the habits that prevent small mistakes from becoming big headaches: confirming details early, keeping confirmations accessible, handling time zone changes in your calendar, and building buffer time around check-in and travel days. If you want travel packing tips, the best travel apps, and a realistic approach to long-term travel planning, hit play, subscribe, and leave a quick review so more travelers can find us. And if you want to go deeper, you can check out my book, Wherever We May Roam: Finding Your Travel Style, where I walk through all of this in more detail. You can search for it on Amazon in Kindle, Paperback, and Audiobook, or just use the link on our podcast page. If you have any questions, a topic you would like discussed, or would like to be on our show, email us at jim@jimsantosbooks.com . NEW BOOK ALERT! "Before the Wheels Came Off: A Fly on the Wall in the U.S. Senate" by Jim Santos Available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H8TBR88L Available as a PDF along with other titles at https://jim-santos-books.square.site/ Subscribe to our Mailing List https://www.buzzsprout.com/2292506/supporters/new http://jimsantos.net https://www.instagram.com/jimsantosblog https://www.youtube.com/@jimsantos508 jim@jimsantosbooks.com "Wherever We May Roam: Finding Your Travel Style" - On Amazon

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About

Not all travel is created equal. Some people take a two-week vacation and call it an adventure. Others disappear for months—or years—without ever really “coming home.”  We discuss the challenges, rewards, and drawbacks of travel both domestically and overseas. Information for the would-be expat, digital nomad, roving retiree, or just plain traveler. We can help you find the travel style that is right for you. But this isn’t just theory. Drawing on over 16 years of real-world experience, Jim and Rita Santos share practical, honest advice on what it actually takes to travel longer, smarter, and with fewer surprises. Host Jim Santos is a published travel writer with over 200 articles and eight books (jimsantos.net). He and his wife Rita lived in Ecuador for 6 years, and have tried every style of travel - including selling their home at one point to travel full-time. They and are currently enjoying the roving retirement lifestyle, taking trips of 2-3 months and returning to their home base to visit family and friends.

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