The Freedom Chapter

In this episode, we share our adventures as we wrap up our time in Europe and explore some of the most iconic destinations in Egypt, the UAE, and Bali. Here’s what we cover:

🌍 Egypt: Bustling Cairo, a private tour of the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, and a food-filled night tour. Plus, our thoughts on safety in the city.
🌆 Dubai: Marveling at the Burj Khalifa, exploring the Miracle Garden, and indulging in a Michelin Star dining experience.
🌴 Bali: A relaxing getaway with fresh coconuts, great coffee, and some unplanned “Bali belly” adventures.

We also share our favourite foods and reflect on what it was like transitioning between such unique destinations.

🎧 Tune in for stories of ancient history, futuristic cities, and tropical relaxation!

Follow us on Instagram:
@juliusbloem
@ashlxgh

In this episode, we dive into our experience with house sitting and pet sitting during our mini retirement. We discuss what house sitting is, how it works, and why it’s an incredible way to travel cost-effectively. We cover:

✨ What is house sitting and how it works.
✨ The best platforms for finding house sits, like TrustedHousesitters and KiwiHouseSitters.
✨ Tips for standing out in your applications and securing great opportunities.
✨ How to leave a lasting impression, from updates to thoughtful gestures.
✨ The challenges of living in someone else’s home and how to adapt.
✨ Our personal stories, from interviews with homeowners to surprising house styles.

If you’ve ever thought about house sitting or pet sitting as a way to explore the world, this episode is packed with tips, tricks, and honest reflections.

🎧 Tune in and get inspired to start your own house-sitting adventure!

Follow us on Instagram:
@juliusbloem
@ashlxgh

We’re now three months into our mini-retirement, and this update is packed with stories from four amazing countries! 🇨🇿🇨🇭🇱🇺🇳🇱

Plus, we share lessons on embracing comfort, saying yes to new adventures, and the joy of simply existing.

Follow along as we recount our favourite foods, unforgettable moments, and what’s next on our journey!

Connect with us on Instagram: @juliusbloem & @ashlxgh

What if you could turn your life into one long adventure? 🌍 For 15 years, Matthew Woodworth, aka Mohawk Matt (@mohawkmattitude), has been doing just that—living a life of mini retirements, exploring 170 countries, and working as a tour guide based in Prague.

In this episode, Matt shares the secrets behind his extraordinary journey, from what inspired him to live this way to his top five cities, tips for making mini retirements a reality, and how he plans to visit every country in the world. We also dive into the realities of life on the road and the perks of having Prague as a home base between adventures.

Ready to take the leap into a life less ordinary? This episode is packed with insights and inspiration for anyone dreaming of more travel and freedom.

Follow us on Instagram: @juliusbloem & @ashlxgh

This episode covers a whirlwind journey through Italy, Slovenia, and Slovakia, packed with highs, surprises, and a few mishaps! 🌍 We kicked off in the beach town of Tropea, where we rented a boat with some unexpected safety quirks, explored Modena’s top car museums, and wrapped up Italy with our first ParkRun in Milan. Then, it was off to Ljubljana’s vibrant markets and a day at Lake Bled before an unforgettable birthday celebration in Bratislava — featuring a bus crash that made it one for the books! Don’t miss this wild update.

Follow along on Instagram: @juliusbloem & @ashlxgh

Thinking of a Mini-Retirement? Here’s How We Budgeted to Make It Happen!

Taking a mini-retirement sounds dreamy, but making it financially viable takes smart planning. In this episode, we dive into the financial side—how to budget, save, and plan for an extended break from work. We cover everything from daily budgets to practical tips for making your mini-retirement sustainable, whether you’re looking to travel, explore a new skill, or simply recharge.

Got questions about your own mini-retirement? Reach out on Instagram: @juliusbloem & @ashlxgh.

We came close to skipping Mont Saint-Michel, one of the ultimate bucket list spots, but made a last-minute decision to go! From early morning trains to unexpected downtime in Pontorson, hear how we made it happen. Then, follow us to Sicily as we explore Palermo, find our groove in Cefalù, and take in the beauty of Taormina with Mount Etna in view. We’ll share lessons, favourite foods, and our travel highs and lows!

Follow our journey on Instagram: @juliusbloem & @ashlxgh.

In this special episode, we’re answering your questions about our mini retirement and travels! From the funniest things we’ve been asked, to our favourite countries so far, and how we’ve navigated cultural differences and non-English-speaking places. We’re diving into the quirks, surprises, and highlights of life on the road. Wondering if we’ve missed work or if house-sitting is in the cards? Hit play to find out! Plus, we share our thoughts on vlog-style content, dream cars, and more. Follow along for a candid look at our journey!

Follow us on Instagram: @juliusbloem & @ashlxgh.

In Episode 9 of The Freedom Chapter, we dive into our experience revisiting four incredible countries—Italy and France, with Ashleigh’s parents joining us for a fresh perspective. Returning to Rome, Venice, Florence, and Paris brought new insights as we shared these places with family, proving that giving destinations a second chance can lead to richer, more meaningful experiences.

We kicked off in Rome, showing Ashleigh’s dad the Colosseum, before walking 25 km through the city's beautiful streets. Florence brought us to an 800-year-old building, while Venice reawakened our engagement memories. In Paris, we soaked up the charm of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the catacombs—while also staying in an accommodation with no lights, adding a unique twist to our adventure.

Tune in as we reflect on the joy of rediscovering places and sharing them with loved ones, while also learning valuable lessons about planning, pacing, and enjoying every moment.

Follow along on Instagram: Julius @juliusbloem and Ashleigh @ashlxgh.

Keywords: revisiting cities, second chances, Rome, Venice, Florence, Paris, family travel, Colosseum, Eiffel Tower, travel lessons, accommodation mishaps.

In Episode 8 of The Freedom Chapter, we recount our unforgettable week sailing through Croatia’s breathtaking coastline. From running into Monika in Zagreb to meeting Ashleigh’s parents in Split, the adventure kicked off with incredible food—including the must-try Misto Street Food burger—before setting sail on the Adriatic.

We share the ups and downs of our journey, like almost getting left behind in Makarska and battling a fierce lightning storm. The sea brought its challenges, including some sea sickness, but also unforgettable moments like buggy driving in Korčula, drinks at the turret-top Massimo bar, and Hvar’s crystal-clear waters.

Hear our favorite highlights, from Croatian street food to nonstop meals onboard, as well as the ease of having a guided trip. Up next? Italy, France, and parting ways with family—again.

Follow along on Instagram: Julius @juliusbloem and Ashleigh @ashlxgh.

Keywords: Croatia, sailing, Split, Makarska, Korčula, Hvar, sea sickness, lightning storm, Croatian food, guided tour, almost getting left behind.