What if your retirement didn’t just mark the end of your working life—but the beginning of your most adventurous chapter yet?

In the June 4 episode of The Retirement Answer Man podcast, host Roger Whitney explores the deeply personal motivations behind retirement travel and the obstacles that often get in the way. He’s joined by Andrew Motiwalla, founder of The Good Life Abroad, who shares how his organization helps older adults live overseas for a month or two at a time—with curated housing, on-the-ground support, and a built-in community.

Whether you're actively planning an international escape or simply curious about what retirement abroad could look like, this 35-minute episode is full of practical tips and inspiring ideas.

Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts

Why Travel Tops the Retirement Wishlist

Roger opens the show with a line from It’s a Wonderful Life—George Bailey’s wide-eyed vision of seeing the world—and connects it to the universal urge to explore in retirement. Travel, he notes, is often less about ticking off destinations and more about rekindling energy, curiosity, and a sense of purpose.

But what makes travel such a common retirement goal? Andrew Motiwalla joins the discussion to share how his clients—many of them solo travelers—use travel to rediscover joy, overcome burnout, and build new routines in unfamiliar places.

Overcoming the Common Hurdles

Of course, travel in retirement isn’t always straightforward. From health concerns to planning fatigue, many retirees feel overwhelmed by the logistics. Roger walks through some of the biggest obstacles and offers alternatives, including regional road trips and local “micro-adventures” that still deliver the spark of discovery.

Andrew adds that for many, the biggest challenge isn’t logistics—it’s confidence. That’s where The Good Life Abroad comes in, offering turnkey living experiences in cities like Rome, Seville, and Lisbon with a trusted community manager on site.

What Sets The Good Life Abroad Apart

Starting at 17:22, Roger’s conversation with Andrew dives into how The Good Life Abroad helps older adults live like locals—not tourists. Instead of short-term rentals and jam-packed itineraries, participants stay in hand-picked apartments for 30 to 60 days, connect with like-minded travelers, and ease into a slower, more immersive lifestyle.

Andrew also addresses a common concern: why not just book it all yourself? His answer: time, trust, and connection. Having someone local to help you settle in, troubleshoot, and introduce you to cultural experiences adds a layer of ease and enjoyment that’s hard to replicate on your own.

Spark Something New—Near or Far

To wrap up the episode, Roger challenges listeners to find novelty in their own backyard—visit a new park, museum, or café in your zip code this week. It’s a reminder that travel isn’t just about location—it’s about mindset.

Listen to the full episode: How to Improve Your Retirement Travel (Apple Podcasts)

Ready to explore the world on your terms?
Discover current locations or request a brochure to start planning your own long-stay adventure with The Good Life Abroad.

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