One of the most exciting parts of retirement is the newfound freedom to explore the world. For many retirees, retirement lifestyle planning now includes an immersive, culturally rich travel experience that goes far beyond the traditional vacation. That’s where the idea of Living Abroad in Retirement comes in—and no one is doing it quite like Andrew Motiwalla and his innovative company, The Good Life Abroad.

Unlike traditional travel agents or rushed vacation itineraries, The Good Life Abroad offers a unique approach tailored specifically to retirees: slow, immersive travel experiences in iconic European cities. Think long-term stays, vibrant communities of fellow travelers, vetted housing, and concierge-style support, all designed with your comfort and cultural curiosity in mind.

If you’ve been dreaming of extended travel in Europe during retirement, this is a lifestyle worth exploring.

From Student Travel to Slow Travel for Retirees

Andrew Motiwalla began his career in travel nearly two decades ago, starting with student travel before moving on to family and multi-generational trips. Over time, he noticed something important: retirees were eager for a different kind of travel experience. One that let them stay in one place, live like a local, and explore at their own pace. That’s how The Good Life Abroad was born—a program designed specifically for those 55 and older who want to travel deeply, not quickly.

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What Makes the Good Life Abroad Different?

This isn’t your average retirement travel planning experience. It’s not a traditional tour or a cruise. Instead of packing and unpacking every couple of days, The Good Life Abroad allows retirees to live in a European city for a month or more, with flexible schedules, optional activities, and time to absorb the culture.

Here’s what’s included:

• Vetted accommodations with senior-friendly amenities (e.g., walk-in showers, full kitchens)
• A local staff concierge to help with logistics like transportation, restaurant reservations, or weekend getaways
• Medical insurance and access to English-speaking doctors
• A community of fellow retirees, often 10–22 people per trip
• Social events like cooking classes, happy hours, and city excursions

This approach aligns perfectly with the retirement lifestyle many are seeking—comfortable, adventurous, and rich with opportunity for meaningful experiences.

The Magic of Slow Travel in Europe

Unlike whirlwind tours or cruise ports of call, slow travel Europe invites retirees to live in cities like Florence, Lisbon, Paris, Amsterdam, Prague, and Sardinia for extended stays. As Andrew puts it, it’s not about sampling the wine, it’s about “drinking the whole bottle.”

Whether you’re taking a scouting trip to consider retiring in Europe, or simply want to immerse yourself in daily life in a historic European city, this type of long stay travel lets you experience:

• The rhythm of daily life, from morning cafes to local markets
• A sense of community and new friendships
• Greater affordability compared to frequent short trips
• Deeper knowledge of local culture and language

If you’re wondering how to plan extended travel in Europe, a service like The Good Life Abroad simplifies the process by handling everything from housing to health insurance and social programming.

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A Travel Concierge Service for Retirees

Unlike a typical travel agent, The Good Life Abroad functions more like a travel concierge service. Their team takes care of everything you need to live like a local while offering flexible support. You pick your city and travel dates, and they coordinate everything else—including orientation, group dinners, and logistical support.

Their retirement travel planning process includes:

• Pre-departure Zoom calls for orientation
• Arrival coordination and welcome events
• Cultural excursions and optional activities
• Personalized support from staff on the ground

Many retirees who join The Good Life Abroad have never lived abroad before, and some use this as a trial run before moving abroad permanently. Others simply enjoy it as an alternative to crowded group tours.

Who Is This For?

The program is ideal for retirees (55+) who love to travel and want:

• A more immersive, less rushed experience
• Comfortable housing with full amenities
• A built-in community
• Peace of mind with healthcare and support services

Many participants are recent retirees in their late 50s and early 60s, eager to travel after years of working and raising families. Others are in their 70s and looking for meaningful travel without the physical demands of packed itineraries.

And a notable group of participants are exploring retiring abroad, using this experience as a soft landing before making a permanent move.

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The Power of Community in Retirement Travel

One of the biggest surprises? The strength of community that forms during these month-long stays. As Andrew explains, retirement often leaves people feeling disconnected. You may no longer see coworkers, or kids may have grown and moved away. Finding a shared purpose in travel creates an incredible bond among travelers.

Friendships formed during these trips often last long after the trip ends, with many reuniting in the U.S. or traveling again together. That connection is hard to find in a hotel or cruise environment.

Living Abroad in Retirement: What to Know

Planning your own extended travel can be exciting, but also daunting. If you go it alone, you’ll need to:

• Vet apartments (which may not match the photos)
• Coordinate international health insurance
• Build a local social network
• Navigate transit and language barriers

That’s why retirees find value in curated programs that offer safety, consistency, and support. The Good Life Abroad handles these logistics so retirees can focus on enjoying their time abroad.

Best Cities for First-Time Long Stays

If you’re new to traveling abroad, Andrew recommends cities like:

• London – English-speaking and easy to navigate
• Lisbon – Walkable, vibrant, and friendly to English speakers

For the seasoned traveler looking to push boundaries:

• Sardinia – A lesser-known Italian gem with local flair
• Florence or Prague – Beautiful, historic, and culturally rich

To learn more, read the article “Retirement Planning: The Key Steps to Retiring Comfortably”.

Final Thoughts

As you plan your retirement lifestyle, don’t overlook travel for retirees that goes beyond quick getaways. Programs like The Good Life Abroad provide a thoughtful and enriching option to live abroad, build community, and experience the world on your terms.

Whether you’re considering retiring in Europe, dreaming of slow travel in iconic cities, or simply want an immersive travel experience, this model offers freedom, support, and connection.

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If you want to understand all this a little better, we offer a complimentary phone call that you can schedule with us on our website. If we can’t answer all your questions in just 15 minutes, we’ll guide you to the next steps to find the answers you need.

Schedule your complimentary call with us and learn more about The Good Life Abroad.