WB003: Travel and Adventure in Retirement with George
Episode description
In this episode of our Well Balanced podcast, Jason Ranallo sits down with George, who is four years into retirement and a client at Vector. In this conversation, they unpack a life enriched by travel, birdwatching, and the pursuit of experiences. George shares how he has prioritized travel and adventure, starting with canoe trips in the Ozarks and SCUBA diving in Mexico.
Later in life, when his kids were around 10-12 years old, he and his family took a Y2K trip around the world. Another pivotal moment in George's life came in 2010 when a health scare prompted him to reassess his corporate job and led to one of his most remarkable adventures: spending three months in Botswana, working alongside elephants in the African bush.
This conversation explores the practical aspects of travel, including budgeting, planning, and smart travel hacks that ensure each adventure is memorable and financially savvy. But the episode isn't just about logistics—it's about the transformative power of travel, especially when it comes to broadening perspectives and deepening connections.
We are so happy to have George and his wife as clients at Vector. Huge thanks to George for recording this conversation and letting us publish it. We have not compensated George for this podcast appearance, and this does not constitute an endorsement.
Listen to this audio podcast to hear more about George's journey and insights on blending travel with life’s other priorities.
Points of Interest --
Childhood Adventures and Early Influences Starts at 00:15 Exploring George's upbringing in Missouri, where his love for nature and adventure took root through canoeing trips along with early scuba diving experiences in Mexico.
Discovering a Passion for Birdwatching Starts at 01:02 A look into how George's interest in birdwatching was sparked by his parents and later deepened during his college years, influenced by like-minded friends.
Around the World: The 2000 Family Adventure Starts at 02:58 Recounting the ambitious around-the-world trip that George and his family undertook, visiting multiple continents and instilling a love of travel in his children.
Budgeting: Planning the Perfect Trip Starts at 05:08 Insights into George's disciplined approach to budgeting for travel, including smart strategies for planning trips, finding deals, and making the most of credit card points.
Slow Travel: Embracing Retirement with Longer Stays Starts at 08:05 The concept of "slow travel" in George's retirement, where he and his wife spend extended periods in new locations, fully immersing themselves in the local culture and environment.
From Corporate Life to African Safaris Starts at 09:24 How a health scare in 2010 led George to reevaluate his career and take a three-month sabbatical in Botswana, working with elephants and reconnecting with nature.
Memories Over Material: The True Value of Travel Starts at 13:04 A discussion on the lasting impact of travel experiences over material possessions and how these adventures have shaped George’s family life and personal growth.
Building Memories: The Power of Shared Experiences Starts at 14:05 George and Jason discuss the importance of building memories with loved ones through travel, emphasizing the difference between communicating through technology and creating lasting memories by sharing experiences together.
Travel Hacks and The Next Trip Starts at 16:08 George makes finding deals a hobby with Google Flights and credit card rewards. When you’re finished with one vacation, you start thinking about the next one.
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* We are so happy to have George and his wife as clients at Vector. Huge thanks to George for recording this conversation and letting us publish it. We have not compensated George for this effort. As you’ll hear, George’s experiences are unique and are in line with his financial plan. If you feel inspired, let your financial advisor know and start planning your next adventure.
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