We’re Germaine and Saidah—Black American empty nesters who traded a conventional life in the United States for slow travel, hotel living, and life abroad.

Travel Check Ins goes beyond beautiful destinations. We share honest conversations about what it costs, how it feels, what surprised us, and whether living abroad actually delivers the freedom people imagine.

Expect real-life experiences from Africa, Asia, South America, and beyond—along with cost-of-living breakdowns, cultural commentary, points-and-miles strategies, retirement considerations, and the financial decisions behind our lifestyle.

We have lived in Kenya, spent hundreds of nights in hotels, and learned that creating a life abroad requires more than inspiration. It requires clarity, adaptability, and a willingness to question the traditional American dream.

Subscribe as we explore where—and how—we want to live next.


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