Have you ever scrolled through Instagram, seen those incredible travel photos, and thought, “I wish that could be me”? 🙋♀️ Well, get ready to meet the woman who is ACTUALLY living the dream you’ve been double-tapping on for years!
This week on Expat on a Budget, I’m sitting down with the absolute legend, Mary Bartnikowski. And when I say legend, I mean it. This powerhouse of a woman is 69 years young and has been traveling the world SOLO for the last 20 YEARS. 🤯 Yes, you read that right—TWENTY. YEARS.
I literally fell in love with her story when we met, and I know you will too. She is the person I want to be when I grow up!
In this super-packed episode, Mary spills ALL the tea on how she’s built a life of adventure, freedom, and purpose. We talk about:
🌏 The life-changing trip to Asia that started it all.💰 Her secrets to affording a travel lifestyle (including how she lived in Cambodia on just $500/month!).🚐 The surprising truth about her “van life” setup (hint: it’s not what you think!).🧘♀️ How she creates her own opportunities, from teaching photography to living in a temple in Thailand.✈️ Navigating the world as a solo female traveler and trusting your gut.🇮🇹 Why Sicily and the South of France have captured her heart.
Mary is a fountain of wisdom, an award-winning photographer, and the ultimate inspiration for anyone who feels that pull for something more. If you’ve ever felt too old, too broke, or too scared to chase your travel dreams, this episode is your sign. 🌟
Grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and prepare to have your entire perspective on life and travel completely transformed. Let’s go! 🚀
Find Mary and her incredible retreats:
Substack: Mary Bartnikowski
YouTube: Mary Bartnikowski
Photography & Champagne Retreat in France
Sicily Photography Retreat
⏱ TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS:
00:08:32 - The Trip to Asia That Changed Everything
00:09:15 - Defying Age: Starting Full-Time Travel at 50
00:13:52 - How to Create Your Own Volunteer Opportunities Abroad
00:15:18 - The REAL Cost of Living in Southeast Asia ($700/Month in Cambodia!)
00:24:48 - Why Italy and France are Her Favorite European Destinations
00:33:54 - The Surprising Vehicle She Uses for Van Life in the USA
00:50:51 - Critical Safety Advice for Solo Female Travelers
01:09:13 - Is the USA “Too Comfortable”? The Trap of a Cushy Life
01:13:45 - Mary’s Inspiring Philosophy on Aging and Travel
01:24:46 - Learn About Mary’s Photography & Travel Retreats
You can also find a video of this podcast on YouTube if you’d rather watch there 😃
Thank you so much for listening! My podcasts and articles on Substack will always remain FREE. I will not put them behind a paywall. If you don’t want to become a paid subscriber but enjoyed this episode, I’d be every so grateful if you’d buy me a coffee as a one time donation. Regardless, I’m thrilled you’re here!
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