Designing a Life I Don’t Need a Vacation From

Just a year ago, I was on the long-term work plan—staying in my current role until I turned 70 and could collect my maximum Social Security. I enjoy my work and usually feel like I am doing good for the community, so why not?

In the last year, that all changed.

The phrase I keep going back to is this: I want to design a life that I don’t need a vacation from—and that allows me to see the world.

I started thinking and reading about what it would actually take to do what I really loved—travel.

Why Slow Travel Changed Everything

As I considered the various options for how I could actually leave a 60-hour-a-week career and live the life I really wanted, slow travel became the dream.

With slow travel, I can travel the country or the world without the need to hurry. I can spend a month or two in an interesting location and get to know the place—maybe even understand it a bit. It’s about exploring without the rush to get to the next place or check off the next “must-do.”

I can do as much or as little as I want on any given day, week, or month.

Part of the equation is one of my true loves: ocean cruising. This is a nonnegotiable for me. Up to now, I have taken two- to three-week cruises that include island hopping, Transatlantic voyages, and sailing through the Panama Canal. My hope is to visit other areas of the world by cruise ship—to get a taste of a place before deciding whether I want to return for a longer, land-based stay.

All in all, I want to balance comfort, adventure, and safety as a solo woman exploring the country and the world.

The Money Side: Building a Travel-Friendly Retirement Plan

A major concern for all of us is how to align a budget with a future lifestyle like this. I don’t have a huge nest egg, nor am I expecting a windfall. I am simply choosing to spend what I do have in a way that brings me the most joy.

Don’t get me wrong—there may be tight times. But with careful budgeting and an understanding of what’s possible, this plan is doable.

I’m not waiting for Social Security to start living. I plan to create multiple small income streams that allow me to do what I love while sharing what I’ve learned through blogging, consulting, and coaching. It may sound ambitious right now, but with proper planning and determination, it’s achievable.

Preparing to Change the Home Base

There are lots of things to do to get myself—and my current life—ready for the next chapter. One of the biggest is selling my current home.

It’s in a sought-after neighborhood and has appreciated nicely over time, but it does need work before any sale. I briefly considered keeping it as a rental, but the current plan is to divest and simplify everything before hitting the road.

The investment I made in this home is a major part of my sense of freedom. The additional savings after the sale give me confidence as I bridge the early years of retirement before Social Security begins.

Travel Logistics & Big-Picture Planning

The U.S. slow-travel phase will take at least four or five years—maybe more. I’ve already started making a list of places I want to visit, including sports halls of fame, museums, national parks, and other places of interest.

The goal is to take just a few day trips each month to places I truly want to experience, without rushing.

I’ll continue cruising as well, using ships to move between regions and—eventually—to reach all seven continents in the coming years.

What About Bobo? 🐶

Like many people, I have a dog who will travel with me throughout the U.S. Bobo has been my travel companion for nine years, so he’s used to movement and changing home bases.

With slow travel, we can move from region to region and explore all the best trails and paths—perfect for an inquisitive dog nose.

With proper planning, I’ll bring Bobo back to his friends in New Jersey for vet care and lodging when I head out on cruises. It’s essential to me that he’s well cared for by people he loves and who love him. He’s family, and balancing travel with his comfort and security is non-negotiable.

Building the Online Business Before I Sail Away

Creating Solo Travel by Design is part of this plan.

I’ll be using this website as a place to share how I’m retiring a bit early and using slow travel to build a balanced life. I don’t expect this to be easy—I have a learning curve with newer (to me) technologies like WordPress, YouTube, and Pinterest.

That’s why I’ve given myself a two- to three-year runway toward sustainability during semi-retirement. This isn’t about building an empire—it’s about creating flexibility and options.

The Mindset Shift

As I begin this journey—and take you with me—I’m filled with both fear and excitement. I keep reminding myself that both are normal.

This is a complete mindset shift. It takes courage to give yourself permission to change your life. That’s exactly what I’m doing—by taking small, consistent actions and focusing on momentum rather than perfection.

Conclusion: Doing This in Real Time

One thing I keep reminding myself is that I don’t need all the answers to begin. I don’t need the perfect plan, the perfect budget, or the perfect timeline. What I do need is forward motion—and the willingness to adjust as I go.

This blog is part of that commitment. It’s where I document the decisions, the trade-offs, the planning, and the reality of designing a retirement built around slow travel and cruising—as a solo woman, with a dog, and with a very real budget.

I’m doing this in real time. Some weeks will be about logistics or money. Others will be about mindset, fear, excitement, or lessons learned on the road. If you’re approaching retirement and wondering whether there’s another way to do this—one that prioritizes freedom, curiosity, and intention—I hope you’ll follow along.

I don’t promise perfection. I do promise honesty, practicality, and a willingness to share what I’m learning as I design a life I don’t need a vacation from.

If you’re navigating your own transition—retirement, slow travel, or solo exploration—I hope this space helps you see what’s possible.