Home Base or No Base? Find Your Ideal Travel Retirement Lifestyle

Imagine how it will feel on that first morning, when you get out of bed without being rudely demanded to do so by an alarm clock, and you realise that yesterday was the last day you ever had to go to work.

Finally those dreams of being able to travel wherever you want, whenever you want (finances permitting of course) are now your new reality. You are officially retired and ready to hit the road.

OK, so that may still be a few years away but now is the perfect time to start thinking seriously about what that ideal travel lifestyle will look like for you. Do you sell everything and set out to travel the world as a slow-pace nomad? Or do you just take trips knowing you have a home base waiting?

This is a topic that Pauline and I have been discussing for a while now (since I am officially retired and she is not quite there yet) and, I’m sure you will agree, it’s a big decision. It’s too important to leave to a spur-of-the-moment decision.

After all, selling everything and travelling full-time sounds amazing, but finding out that you hate it after a month or two can be a very costly life lesson.

Here is a collection of the most important questions you should consider before you make your decision. Hopefully they can help you to get a better idea of which travel style sits within your comfort zone.

Which lifestyle suits you?

As retirement approaches and you start dreaming of your new travel lifestyle, it’s easy to romanticise being a full-time nomad. Waking up in new places, chasing the sun, and saying goodbye to home maintenance and utility bills.

But before you sell everything, pack up your life and go, it’s important to think beyond the excitement of travel. Ask yourself how you want your day-to-day life to feel once the nomad-life novelty wears off.

Retirement is not just a time to see the world, it’s also when many people struggle to redefine who they are without a job title or structured routine, so whether you’re planning to hit the road or keep a home base, how you live matters just as much as where you go.

Let’s start with some key questions around identity, lifestyle, and how you truly want to experience your post-work years.

Q1: Do I really want to be on the move all the time, or will I miss having a home base and familiar routines?

If you love variety, spontaneity, and the thrill of constant change, full-time travel may be energising. But if you thrive on routine or get comfort from familiar surroundings, a home base, no matter how small or part-time, can provide needed balance. Ask yourself: do I unwind in stillness or movement?

Q2: What kind of lifestyle feels right to me, nomadic freedom or the balance of travel and home?

For some, a minimalist life with just a carry-on bag feels liberating. For others, having a garden, kitchen, or a favorite coffee shop down the street brings joy. Neither lifestyle is more valid, it’s about which one makes you feel more comfortable.

Q3: How will I maintain a sense of community, connection, or belonging if I’m always on the road?

When you travel full-time, your “neighbours” change constantly. That can be thrilling, but it can also be lonely. Consider how you’ll connect, through expat groups, digital communities, or return visits to familiar places. Do you need close relationships for your well-being, or thrive on meeting new people.

Q4: Will I still enjoy travel if it becomes my everyday life, rather than something special I look forward to?

There’s a difference between vacation travel and travel as lifestyle. When travel becomes your norm, you might start to crave simplicity or, strangely, even boredom. Before you sell everything consider taking a test run, a few months abroad, to see how it feels when travel is no longer the exception, but the rule.

Check your finances

No matter how adventurous your spirit is, money will always play an important role in your retirement travel decision. Whether you’re planning to sell everything and hit the road or maintain a home base and travel in shorter bursts, it always comes down to the money.

It’s common to assume that full-time travel is expensive, usually based on how much your previous vacations abroad may have cost. But in reality, it can be surprisingly affordable depending on where and how you travel.

On the other hand, a home base provides stability and investment potential, but can also come with upkeep costs and financial limitations if you’re not using it most of the year.

Now it’s time to consider both the visible and hidden costs, while asking whether your finances can actually support your ideal lifestyle.

Q5: Is it more cost-effective to sell my home and travel full-time, or to keep it and rent it out while I’m away?

Selling your home can free up capital and eliminate housing expenses, but you lose an asset that may continue to grow in value. Keeping your home gives you flexibility and security of having a place to return to. And while it may not be attractive to all home owners, you might offset costs by renting it out while you travel.

Q6: What are the hidden costs of being a full-time traveler, travel insurance, healthcare, storage, flights, accommodation?

It’s easy to forget about non-obvious expenses like international health insurance, secure luggage storage, long-term mobile plans, or visa fees. Full-time travellers also face fluctuating currency exchange rates and potential tourist taxes.

Q7: Will my retirement income or savings comfortably support full-time travel without financial stress?

Ask yourself: Am I planning travel based on my income, or hoping my income will stretch to match my travel dreams? If you’re relying on pensions, or investment income, create sample budgets for both lifestyle options to see which works better for you.

Q8: How will I handle my financial affairs (banking, taxes, residency status) if I’m not tied to one location?

Nomadic living can complicate your financial setup. Without a fixed address, you may run into issues with credit cards, tax residency, or even receiving certain government benefits.

Consider how you’ll pay bills, file taxes, and manage finances securely while you are travelling, especially if you’re dealing with multiple currencies or international investments.

Consider your health

As exciting as post-retirement travel can be, it’s essential to plan with your future self in mind. Not just the adventurous version, but the practical one, too.

Health and even just getting around become more important (and more complex) as we age. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or simply aiming to stay fit and energized, your well-being has to shape your travel lifestyle, not the other way around.

While full-time nomadic living may seem carefree, it comes with new challenges when it comes to accessing care, staying on top of medications, and managing health insurance.

Keeping a home base often makes navigating these needs more straightforward, but may feel limiting to your travel dreams. These questions help you weigh both options.

Q9: How easy will it be to access healthcare if I’m constantly moving?

In some countries, healthcare is excellent and affordable, even for travellers. In others, it may be expensive, confusing, or limited by language barriers. If you’re planning to move between countries, you’ll need to research options in each destination. Emergency care is usually available, but ongoing treatment for chronic conditions requires more planning.

Q10: What will I do if I need consistent care or regular prescriptions?

If you’re on medication or require follow-up visits, you’ll need systems in place. Will you travel with a large supply? Get local prescriptions in each country? Have virtual visits with your home doctor? Maintaining a home base allows for more continuity in care, especially if you have a health network already in place.

Q11: Do I have the energy and stamina to travel frequently, and will I still have it 5 or 10 years from now?

Travel takes more physical and mental energy than we sometimes admit. Constant transitions, flights, packing, adapting to new environments. All of these can be exhausting, especially over time. Ask yourself: How do I feel after a 3-week trip now? Can I imagine doing that year-round?

Q12: What happens if I get sick or injured abroad?

International travel insurance can help cover major expenses, but coverage varies widely and may exclude pre-existing conditions. You’ll also need a plan for how to navigate care in a foreign language, get to a hospital, or even get home if needed. A home base provides a sense of security and quicker access to familiar healthcare systems if an emergency arises.

A Need for Connections & Family Ties

Many soon-to-be retirees look at travel as more than just a dream, they see it as a reward for years of work and responsibility. But it’s also the beginning of a new chapter where relationships evolve, and physical distance may become more complicated.

Before you sell everything and head off into the sunset, consider how your decision may affect your emotional well-being and your relationships with those you care about most.

Grandkids, aging parents, adult children, close friends, pets, these connections often carry more emotional weight in retirement than they did during your working years.

Your travel lifestyle should make you feel more in touch with yourself, not leave you feeling isolated or disconnected.

Q13: Will being away from family and friends for long periods affect my emotional well-being?

Even if you love solitude or independence, being gone for months, or even years, at a time can take a toll. Are you okay missing birthdays, holidays, or spontaneous Sunday dinners?

Technology makes it easier to stay in touch, but it doesn’t replace physical presence. Think about what kind of connection keeps you feeling grounded.

Q14: How important is it for me to be close by for major life events—or unexpected emergencies?

As your loved ones age, or as grandchildren grow, being within a few hours’ drive might offer peace of mind. On the other hand, if you’re always halfway around the world, will you feel regret or helplessness if someone needs you urgently? Full-time travel can make quick returns difficult and costly.

Q15: How will I build or maintain meaningful relationships if I’m always on the move?

Some travelers build strong communities abroad, through expat groups, slow travel stays, or returning to the same destinations each year. Others find it hard to form deep bonds when they’re constantly moving. Think about how much, and what type of, emotional anchoring you need in your life.

Q16: Do I want to create a “home base” that others can come visit?

For some retirees, having a home base serves not just as personal comfort, but as a meeting place for family and friends. If that appeals to you, even a small apartment or seasonal home could be enough to help you find a balance between freedom and family.

Section 5: Travel Logistics & Comfort

When most of us dream of retirement travel it often centers on freedom, adventure, and the thrill of discovering new places. But beneath all of that are the logistics that shape the experience.

How often are you willing to pack and unpack? Do you thrive in constant motion, or do you value routine and familiarity?

Here are some questions to help you explore how your travel style, preferences, and comfort needs lean more towards either a nomadic lifestyle or one based on shorter, more intentional getaways from home.

Q17: Do I enjoy the buzz of constant travel, or do I crave downtime and predictability?

Some people thrive on movement, they feel alive hopping from one destination to the next. Others feel overwhelmed by the constant planning, packing, and problem-solving.

Be honest: Do you enjoy variety enough to tolerate the hassle of transitions? Or would you rather take shorter adventures with time to recharge in between?

Q18: Am I comfortable living out of a suitcase or frequently changing environments?

Even seasoned travelers can grow tired of not having “a place to hang their hat.” Hotel rooms, rentals, and Airbnbs can lack a sense of home. If you need some familiarity in your life like a favorite chair, your kitchen setup, or even a familiar shops, then you may struggle with life on the road full-time.

Q19: How much time and energy do I want to spend planning, booking, and navigating logistics?

Nomadic travel often means being your own tour operator: researching destinations, booking stays, managing transportation, figuring out currency, and adapting to new cultures.

That can be thrilling, but also draining. If you prefer ease, part-time travel with a home base can allow you to plan just a few key trips per year and spend less time managing the details.

I had years as a Travel Agent and Tour Designer so I am very comfortable researching, planning and booking travel. But if a large chunk of my travel time was taken up with these things it would just feel like I’m still in a job.

Q20: What kind of travel pace feels sustainable, now and in the years to come?

Retirement travel isn’t just about today. Consider how you’ll feel five or ten years from now. Will slower, more settled travel (like multi-week stays in one place) feel better than a whirlwind of back-to-back destinations? If comfort and ease are high priorities, slower-paced travel from a home base might offer the best of both worlds.

Q21: How adaptable am I when things go wrong, like delays, cancellations, bad stays, or local quirks?

No matter how experienced a traveller you are, we all know that things will go wrong. Being constantly on the move increases the chances of mishaps. Are you a flexible problem-solver who can roll with it, or do you find disruptions highly stressful? A home base can offer a sense of stability you return to after unexpected bumps in the road.

Thinking about Security & Long-Term Planning

Dreaming big in retirement can be a lot of fun, but staying safe and planning wisely is what makes those dreams sustainable. Whether you’re considering life on the road or travel in comfortable bursts, your long-term health and comfort can depend on having a solid plan beneath the adventure.

It’s time to take a look at how your choices on housing, finances, personal safety, and contingency planning can impact your lifestyle, not just in year one, but five, ten, or fifteen years down the road.

Q22: What happens if I want, or need, to stop travelling full-time in the future?

Many retirees start with the idea of going “all in” on travel, but sometimes shit happens! Health issues, family needs, or simple fatigue might call you home eventually.

If you’ve sold your home and assets when you began this adventure, do you still have the financial ability or support system to restart? Some retirees choose to rent out their home while they travel to keep the option of returning.

Q23: Will I feel secure without a permanent address?

Being technically “homeless” can be liberating, or unsettling. Without a fixed residence, you may struggle with:

• Receiving mail and packages
• Voting or maintaining a driver’s license
• Managing taxes and legal matters
• Registering for healthcare or insurance
  Services like virtual mailboxes can help, but not everyone finds them satisfying long-term. A home base can simplify these essentials and offer emotional peace of mind.

Q24: How will I protect my identity, belongings, and personal safety on the road?

Frequent travel increases exposure to theft, scams, and cyber risks. You’ll need to be extra careful with digital security, banking, and physical safety, especially if traveling alone.

Make sure to have:

• Secure backups of documents
• Cloud access to key accounts
• A safety plan in each destination
  If any of this is making you anxious or stressed, part-time travel might be a more balanced choice for you.

Q25: What’s my long-term financial security plan?

Retirement income may feel stable now, but currency fluctuations, inflation, unexpected expenses, or prolonged emergencies can disrupt your budget. Full-time travelers should keep money in reserve and have a contingency plan. Having a home base can give you that extra sense of security, especially if it’s mortgage-free.

Q26: What legacy or long-term living plan do I want to build?

Beyond logistics, there’s the question of purpose. Are you building a legacy, something to pass on, be it a family home, stories, or traditions? Do you picture yourself settling into a vibrant community or aging in place with familiar surroundings?

There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Retirement

Choosing between full-time travel and keeping a home base in retirement isn’t just a financial decision, it’s deeply personal. It’s about how you want to live, what brings you joy, how you feel most secure and, as the kids say, living your best life.

For some, the thrill of the open road, new cultures, and the freedom of a minimalist lifestyle is the dream come true. For others, staying rooted with occasional adventures offers the perfect balance of exploration and comfort.

And for most, the ideal path might be something in between, a hybrid lifestyle that evolves with time.

The good news? There’s no wrong answer. The most rewarding choice is the one that aligns with your values, energy, and emotional needs, not just now, but in the years to come.

So give yourself the freedom to explore, experiment, and even change course if you need to. Now that life expectancy is so much higher, retirement isn’t a finish line, it’s a launch pad for the most interesting chapter of your life.

Our Experience So Far

For several years I was planning a retirement filled with travel. Slowly moving from one destination to the next and constantly experiencing new wonders across the globe.

Pauline, on the other hand, pictured a retirement based around a few trips each year from a comfortable base in a mortgage-free home. So obviously one of us, if not both, was going to compromise.

When I retired but Pauline still working, we decided to maximise our travel, use some of her long-service leave and have five months making our way around Mexico by car. A trial run as full-time nomads if you will.

Pauline handled it well, knowing that she had her home to return to. While I actually starting feeling homesick after about three months, something I never expected to happen.

Last year we had three months in Spain and Portugal as a second test run as full-time travellers. And again we were both happy to be returning home at the end of our trip.

I highly recommend this trial run option for anyone considering life as full-time nomads. Before you sell everything and splach out on a one-way flight, have that few months away pretending you have no home to return to and see how you feel by then end of the trip.

If you had told me I would miss my home and be looking forward to getting back there while I was travelling I would have laughed in your face. But at least now I know for sure that when Pauline retires in a couple of years, we will not be selling everything and heading off to live out of a suitcase.