
We retired early to travel the world!
We didn’t have a million dollars in the bank, but we saw a chance to retire early while we still were healthy and we took it. After almost 2 years of full-time travel, we have no regrets. Watch to hear how and why we did it and find out if you could retire early too!

Learn more about Judy and Kevin!
Welcome to Finding Gina Marie, where we share our experiences as full-time travelers and the connections we make along the way.
We were overworked and uninspired at our tech jobs in San Francisco and made the bold move to sell everything we owned to experience more of the world and reorder our priorities.
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Articles
Traveling often seems to come with unexpected expenses that disappear like the "angel’s share" in whisky production. Just as whisky benefits from cooler storage to preserve its spirit, being mindful of expenses helps manage travel costs. However, some losses are part of the adventure. In this article, we’ll highlight common budget leaks and provide tips to minimize them while embracing the travel experience.
Trains have had appeal for children of all ages. They’re a more relaxed mode of travel than planes, require less time before and after departure and arrival, and offer stunning scenic views of mountains, valleys, countrysides, and small towns. In this article, we’ll be sharing everything we think you’ll want to know about traveling by train through Europe.
Machu Picchu is the jewel of the Inca Empire and a dream destination for many travelers, but the path to experiencing it can often feel overwhelming and complex. In this article we share all the logistics we learned during our two days in Machu Picchu so that your visit can be the best possible experience. From navigating altitude to buying tickets and transportation, this article includes all you need to know.
Nestled between the bustling giants of Brazil and Argentina, this inviting country offers a unique blend of historical richness and modern comforts that make it an irresistible destination for travelers and retirees alike. Montevideo, the capital, is a lively hub of art, music, and gastronomy, while the enchanting Colonia del Sacramento invites you to wander its cobblestone streets steeped in colonial history. We explore the delights of two of its most celebrated cities, Montevideo and Colonia.
One of the lesser-discussed challenges that many full-time women travelers face is navigating the unpredictable world of hair salons while on the move. Oh, the stories I could tell about my hair experiences during my travels! I’ve ended up with orange hair, too short hair,
Recent Episodes
Ep.155 We arrived in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico just in time for a 400-year-old festival and left completely enchanted. In this video, we explore the art, history, and hidden layers that make this city unforgettable. From rooftop views and revolutionary roots to indigenous traditions still alive today, San Miguel surprised us at every turn. We’ll show you what moved us most, share mobility tips, and break down exactly what we spent.
Ep.153 Costa Rica’s one of those places you picture in your head—wild jungles, crashing waves, colorful creatures. Why did we base ourselves in the capital city of San José and was that a mistake? That question led to two day trips, and one big lesson we didn’t see coming. In this video, we’ll share what surprised us, what we would do differently next time, the unforgettable places we explored—and how much it all cost.
Ep.152 Thinking about full-time travel—but feeling stuck by the fear of what could go wrong? We’ve been there. Whether it’s money, missing loved ones, burnout, or just feeling untethered, this video might offer the mindset shift you’ve been looking for. We’re now in our third year of living and traveling full time, and in this episode, we’re sharing the 8 biggest fears and challenges we’ve faced along the way.
Ep.151 These two coastal cities sit side by side — close in distance, but very different in feel. Valparaíso is colorful, creative, a little gritty, a little chaotic, but packed with charm and history. Viña del Mar is more relaxed and polished, with palm trees and long beaches and a little bit flatter, if you want to kick back and relax.
Ep.150 We visited places in Santiago that we never expected to see, thanks to our very generous viewer and unofficial guide, Astrid. Wait until you see all that this beautiful Chilean city has to offer! We'd happily go back to Santiago for a second stay.
Ep.149 Rio de Janeiro is more than beaches. It’s steeped in history and culture, too. From iconic sights like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain to the colorful Selarón Steps and the historic heart of downtown, we explore the places—and the stories—that shape this city. We would have loved more time here. Rio is fascinating!
Ep.148 After 860 nights in 100 different beds around the world, we’ve learned how to find the right place to stay—every single time. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on how we choose accommodations as full-time travelers—balancing location, price, and comfort without sacrificing sleep or safety. Whether you're planning a two-week getaway or a year-long journey, this step-by-step guide will help you book smarter, feel more at home, and avoid common travel mistakes.
Ep.147 As full-time travelers, we’ve spent over 700 nights on beds that aren’t our own, and we’ve stayed in all sorts of accommodations. There are pros and cons to every method and we go through the major options in this episode. It’s foundational to our episode next week when we’ll be breaking down our entire process of what we look for in choosing those accommodations.
Ep.146 Since becoming full-time travelers in November 2022 through November 2025, we’ll have taken 75 flights on 34 airlines. Navigating the world of travel can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding the best flight deals. We’ve developed effective strategies that work for us, and we’re diving deep into our tried-and-true techniques, covering everything from how to ensure flexibility in your travel plans to tips on avoiding hidden costs.
Ep.145 We tackle one of every traveler's worst nightmares: arriving at your destination only to find that it’s not what you expected. From unsafe neighborhoods and unexpected construction to the wrong season and cultural shocks, we share our personal experiences and practical tips on how to avoid and redeem frustrating travel situations. Learn how to choose the right location and accommodations, and discover strategies for turning a less-than-ideal trip into a meaningful adventure.
Ep.144 Cusco, Peru is rich in history and experiences. As the capital city of the Inca Empire, it’s a unique blend of Incan and Spanish culture. We packed a lot into our time here and share everything you need to know, including how to avoid altitude sickness, must-see sites, and a full breakdown of everything we paid for ten days in Cusco.
Ep.143 We’re here in breathtaking the Sacred Valley, which served as the pulse of the Inca Empire long before Machu Picchu captured the world's imagination. This important region of Peru is more than a beautiful backdrop, it’s a living Inca city. Whether you’re seeking to acclimate before adventuring to Machu Picchu or eager to uncover the hidden gems this area has to offer, we’ll reveal why the Sacred Valley deserves to be a destination in its own right.
Kevin's backpack from NOMATIC expands from 20L to 30L, when we need to travel without our Briggs & Riley bags. This is a workhorse of a case that has so many nice pockets for accessories. GET THIS GEAR
We love our luggage, even though it's on the higher end of the price spectrum. It's incredibly durable and expandable. Briggs & Riley has great service and replaced one of our bags for free when we had an issue. GET THIS GEAR
We used to rely on wall chargers, but we found that outlets were few and far between. This power strip has been a life saver with 140W USB-C ports and two plugs. GET THIS GEAR
Judy's backpack is a durable, high-quality, and versatile creation of Peak Design. The multiple zippers allow access from the top or sides of the main compartment so she doesn't have to dig through everything in it. GET THIS GEAR
They say if you take care of your pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves. We haven’t had to withdraw significant amounts of cash on our travels because most places where we travel accept credit cards. But there are times when cash is king, such as many places in Asia/Southeast Asia and even small towns or establishments in various parts of the world, including Europe.