Chances are that if you have ever researched moving to a cheaper country than the one that you call home, you have more than likely run into author Tim Leffel at one point or the other. His bestselling book “A better life for half the price” has been an inspiration and a much needed prod to many would-be expats.
A better life for half the price:
Tim’s travels started a few years ago. The urge to see the world inspired him and his wife to teach English as a way to fund their travels in a budget-friendly way. In this interview, I chat with the author about his many destinations and he also offers advice to others who would like to do the same.
Some of the highlights of the interview include:
- Backpacking the world as English teachers.
- Writing a better life for half the price, a collection of the world’s cheapest destinations to live.
- Interviewing people for the book and getting average costs of living.
- Updating the book recently to include newer destinations and updated costs.
- His favorite of said countries.
- Things wanna be expats should consider about destinations.
- The living costs in Tampa and what finally prompted the move to Mexico.
- The cost of living in Mexico. He has been there now for 10 years and counting.
- Moving to Mexico with a young child and making it work.
- Why he thinks a trial run is something important when trying to choose countries.
- Working in Mexico as a digital nomad, not a retiree which is something most people assume of him.
- Deciding to buy a home in Mexico and if he intends to sell.
- Travel writing is a way to fund your new life. His travel writing overdrive course.
- Other countries he would consider living in.
- Free information on his website to get your juices flowing.
- What he believes the landscape will be like after the fears of the pandemic ease.
I really enjoyed the interview with Tim. He has been traveling for quite a few years. He has circled the world twice and is eager to do it again as soon as possible. I respect the fact that he is not only able to carve out working life as a digital nomad, but also a life as a parent.
Of course, now that his kid is a bit older, he has to consider the best course of action as far as her higher education needs go. I love the fact that this is an example of someone who is making it work and puts the kibosh on another one of the excuses people frequently trot out when it comes to changing their lives for the better.
Of course, ex-pat life is not for everyone, that we can all agree on, but if it’s something that you dream about, it’s always nice to know that there are ways of making it happen, family in tow.
You can find Tim’s book on Amazon via this link:
You can get in touch with Tim on these platforms:
Listen to a better life at half the price podcast here:
Or watch here:
Other podcasts of interest:
Expat life in Valencia after France
Are you still dreaming of an ex-pat life and don’t know where to start? Stop dreaming, and start doing. Check out his website and book to start making that dream a reality. Others have, and so can you.
I really enjoyed this podcast, so interesting to hear about people who have done something less ordinary, thinking outside the box. Sounds like his book would be a great guide to others who are thinking of taking the leap, I particularly like that he gives guidance, but also prepares people for the negative side also. So many people can work from home and be location independent, so why not live in a place that is going to be a lot cheaper? Interesting his point about the high costs of health care in the US, I totally agree that moving abroad can often mean lower health costs without compromising good health care. Sounds like Mexico can offer a really good quality of life for a lot less than would cost in the US. Good point about diversifying income and not having “all your eggs in one basket” also interesting predictions for the future of travel.
I will check out Tim’s website, I am also now following him on Instagram and Twitter, thank you for a great podcast.
It was a fun interview for me. I found him knowledgeable and generous in sharing. It’s always encouraging to find people who do things out of the ordinary, and have been doing it for so long, especially with family and having to work. So many people assume he’s retired. There are so many reasons for exploring other places, especially when your quality of life is almost guaranteed to be better. So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for listening and I’m sure he appreciates the support.
Great stuff again! And great ideas for book titles for sure and solid advice regarding the funding process of the DN lifestyle. And definitely, the pandemic is changing everything, including the online world and potential money making opportunities. Not to mention the fact that blogging is getting more and more difficult… so it’s going to be interesting to see where we’ll be 10 years from now 🙂
Thanks, C. I think sometimes people always think they are the very first ones to attempt something such as moving with family. It’s nice to know that others have gone before you, and wow! he’s been doing it for over a decade which shows that it can indeed be done. I keep thinking we are all a bit optimistic as to the fallout from the pandemic. I think it will be a long time before things get towards the old normal, assuming they will. I predict higher prices for airplane tickets and that will curb the appetite for long-distance travel. For sure the blogging field has changed, yikes… what a wasteland :-(.