Living Abroad in Retirement – As Featured on the I Used to Be Somebody Podcast
Published: April 14th, 2026
Article Overview
What does it look like to spend a month or two living in a European city — with a ready-made community, a local concierge, and no property to worry about? Andrew Motiwalla, founder of The Good Life Abroad, joined Carl Landau on the I Used to Be Somebody podcast to answer exactly that. Carl's audience of 50+ entrepreneurs and executives will find Andrew's story familiar: a lifelong career spent designing transformational experiences, and a new venture born from reimagining his own next chapter.
About the Podcast
I Used to Be Somebody is a monthly podcast hosted by Carl Landau and produced by Pickleball Media. The show is built for 50+ professionals who aren't ready to simply retire — they want something new, more fun, and more meaningful. Each episode profiles a guest who has built an inspiring second act, proving that the most rewarding chapter of life might still be ahead. Carl is also the co-author of the Amazon bestseller Pickleball for Dummies and a serial entrepreneur who has founded and sold three media companies.
From Peace Corps to The Good Life Abroad
Born in Chicago to Peruvian and Indian parents, Andrew's passion for travel was lit early — first during a study abroad program in South America, and later through his service in the Peace Corps. He went on to found an organization offering Peace Corps-like experiences for high school students, and has since served as Chief Revenue Officer for several global organizations. "They have gone on to do amazing things," Andrew says of those former students. "I'm very proud of the work I did there."
With over 30 years of experience designing transformational travel programs, Andrew's latest venture is a natural evolution of everything that came before it.
Reimagining (Un)Retirement Through Slow Travel
Now in his 50s, Andrew began thinking seriously about his own version of (un)retirement — and what he wanted looked different from traditional travel. "I wanted to go live somewhere and I wanted people to do stuff with," he explains.
That insight became the foundation of The Good Life Abroad: an immersive experience for active adults 55+ that combines curated European living with a built-in community of like-minded travelers. Rather than packing city after city into a short trip, guests spend a month or more in one place — settling into daily rhythms, exploring at their own pace, and forming the kind of friendships that last well beyond the trip itself.
As Andrew puts it, "That process of immersion and then adaptation leads to growth that's super important as we get older."
Andrew's Tips for a Thriving (Un)Retirement
Andrew shared three principles he lives by — and that shape the entire Good Life Abroad experience:
Avoid "Tourist Mode." Don't try to pack everything in. Slowing down prevents burnout and leaves room in your itinerary for the unexpected moments that often become the most memorable.
Prioritize Friendships. As you age, focus your energy on connections that give you life rather than maintaining relationships that no longer serve you. The communities formed on Good Life Abroad programs are a natural way to find your people.
Push Your Comfort Zone. Continued growth requires continued engagement with new and different experiences. Stepping outside what's familiar isn't just exciting — it's essential.
Listen to the Full Episode
For the full conversation — including Andrew's backstory, his entrepreneurial journey, and what makes The Good Life Abroad different from anything else on the market — tune in below.
🎧 Listen here: Andrew Motiwalla: Mr. Travel – The Good Life Abroad on I Used to Be Somebody
Read more at Pickleball Media
✨ Want to learn what's included in The Good Life Abroad experience? Explore the full experience to see locations, housing details, program structure, community support, and more.
📩 Interested in a future destination? Request a catalog to stay informed about upcoming cities and sessions across Europe.
Andrew Motiwalla
Andrew is the Founder of The Good Life Abroad and has worked in the travel industry for over 30 years. His first experience living abroad was as a Peace Corps volunteer.
He is also the Founder of Discover Corps, a company specializing in meaningful vacations for families.
Learn More about Andrew Motiwalla