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.
Two weeks into our journey, and it’s been quite the adventure! In Episode 7 of The Freedom Chapter, we recap our whirlwind experiences in Cyprus and Istanbul, with some unexpected challenges and unforgettable highlights.
Our 3-night stay in Cyprus started with a few hiccups—like getting lost on the bus and Julius battling gastro, which led to a doctor’s visit. Meanwhile, Ashleigh made the most of the time, handling travel bookings, beach visits, and exploring local shops. We share our thoughts on Cyprus, including a visit to an impressive castle, and the lessons learned about health and travel.
Next, we dive into our extended stay in Istanbul, starting with an overbooked flight and ending with being kicked off another flight while on standby! Despite the chaos, Istanbul was incredible—five nights (turned six) in the vibrant neighborhood of Sirkeci, close to major attractions. We explored the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, bazaars packed with fake goods, and even squeezed in a run together.
From rooftop dining with park and water views to indulging in Turkish delicacies like baklava, Turkish delight, and Iskender kebab, Istanbul left us with full hearts and full bellies.
Tune in for our favorite moments, tips on travel health, and why checking in early is key to smooth adventures! Follow our journey on Instagram: Julius @juliusbloem and Ashleigh @ashlxgh.
Keywords: Cyprus, Istanbul, travel health, Turkish cuisine, travel tips, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, bazaar shopping, travel insurance, gastro.
In Episode 6 of The Freedom Chapter, we continue our Greek adventure as we set sail on an unforgettable journey through the Cyclades. We kick off by meeting our sailing crew at a café near the port, where we got to know everyone’s backgrounds—our story was definitely unique! Boarding the ferry to Ios was an intense experience, with crowds and sweltering heat, but it was all worth it once we reached our 56ft monohull yacht.
For the next 8 days and 7 nights, we sailed across seven stunning Greek islands, with 10 crew members to start—though we eventually lost one along the way. Our days were filled with 3-5 hours of sailing, swimming in crystal-clear waters, exploring charming islands, and enjoying dinners with our crew. We faced strong winds on several islands, including 20-knot gusts in Ios and 25 knots in Amorgos, where we also visited a breathtaking monastery.
We navigated through highlights like Naxos, known for its party scene and the Temple of Apollo, and Syros, where we stumbled upon a random concert. Mykonos, with its extreme tourism, was the final stop of our 143-nautical-mile journey.
Along the way, we dealt with sea sickness, marveled at dolphins, and swam over a WWII plane wreck. Our favorite parts? The incredible crew, our captain’s expertise, and the delicious Greek food—especially taziki, pastries, and gelato.
Join us as we reflect on the highs and lessons of the week, share recommendations for anyone considering a sailing trip, and give a sneak peek into our next adventure in Cyprus, dealing with sickness, and our upcoming stop in Istanbul.
Keywords: Greek islands, sailing trip, Cyclades, adventure, sea sickness, yacht, island hopping, dolphins, Naxos, Mykonos, travel tips.
A week into our journey, and we’re already immersed in the wonders of Greece! In Episode 5 of The Freedom Chapter, we take you through our first days in Athens and Santorini, filled with unexpected adventures and incredible experiences.
We arrived in Athens after a six-hour flight and spent 24 hours exploring the city. Navigating the Greek train system to reach our Airbnb in Plaka was a challenge, especially with the language barrier, but we made it! Our stay at a new, unrated Airbnb was a gamble, but it turned out great—especially with the bonus of a lift and a friendly owner who also ran a nearby café and bar.
We dove straight into tourist mode, wandering the local streets, marveling at the Acropolis and Parthenon, and running around the ancient ruins. The rich history blew us away, especially when comparing it to New Zealand’s relatively recent past. Athens’ charm captivated us, with highlights like the local cats, massive gyros, and a delicious breakfast.
From Athens, we flew to Santorini for a brief but memorable stay. We got a surprise mega upgrade at our accommodation and enjoyed a quick run before heading to the port to meet our sailing crew.
Tune in as we share our favorite moments, challenges, and the thrill of starting our Greek adventure!
Keywords: Greek adventure, Athens, Santorini, Acropolis, travel, Airbnb, local cuisine, ancient history, navigation, sailing.
The day has finally arrived! In Episode 4 of The Freedom Chapter, we dive into the whirlwind of emotions and events leading up to our departure. We share how we’re feeling as we embark on this adventure, reflecting on our final week—saying goodbye to work, packing up our lives, moving out, and bidding farewell to friends.
We also discuss the excitement of launching our podcast and the incredible support we’ve received from the people we’ve intentionally surrounded ourselves with. You’ll hear about our differing levels of letting go of work and how we’re embracing the “go with the flow” mindset as we begin our journey.
Join us as we recount our brief stopover in Melbourne, a delayed departure, and an unexpected night in Abu Dhabi, where we explored local malls and made the best of an unplanned situation. It’s all part of the adventure!
Tune in to hear the highs and lows of leaving it all behind and stepping into the unknown.
Keywords: mini retirement, departure, packing, saying goodbye, support network, travel delays, letting go, Abu Dhabi, Melbourne, go with the flow.
Ready to dive into the nuts and bolts of planning a mini retirement? In Episode 3 of The Freedom Chapter, we lay out the structure of our upcoming adventure and share our detailed preparation process.
Follow our Mini Retirement on Instagram:
Discover how we've structured our mini retirement, from daily routines including one hour of exercise, dedicated reading time, and reflection through self-authoring and introspective practices. We also discuss our podcasting plans to document and share our journey.
We’ll take you through the practical steps we've taken: giving notice on our rental, using Trusted House Sitters for our pets, and quitting our jobs. Learn how we've handled reactions from family, friends, and colleagues, and why we chose specific items for our trip, like a Kindle, packing organizers, backpacks, a tripod, and a travel-friendly credit card.
Get a sneak peek into what to expect next as we embark on six weeks of tourist travel, blending holiday experiences with structured daily activities. Whether you're planning your own break or just curious about the process, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to getting ready for a mini retirement.
Keywords: mini retirement, travel preparation, daily routine, quitting jobs, packing tips, travel essentials, lifestyle change, planning, introspection, Trusted House Sitters.
Ever wondered what it takes to turn a regular trip into a life-changing mini retirement? In Episode 2 of The Freedom Chapter, we share how a sudden decision to travel transformed our lives. Initially focused on careers and mortgages, we decided to see the world, starting with a family event in Bali.
Follow our Mini Retirement on Instagram:
Learn how we rented out our house, arranged pet care, sold our cars, and adjusted our work situations—Ashleigh quit her job, while Julius continued working remotely part-time. Follow our journey through Bali, Southeast Asia, and Europe, where Julius worked 10 hours a week and Ashleigh found a part-time job. Hear about our experiences with remote interviews, skills testing, and landing a job offer in Cambodia.
Discover the insights we gained, such as keeping the mind stimulated, enjoying the process, and being flexible with plans. We'll share stories from our travels, like navigating unexpected challenges in Thailand. We'll also outline our upcoming trip, blending holiday activities with routines for exercise and self-development.
Join us to learn from our adventures and prepare for your own mini retirement. Stay tuned for what to expect in future episodes!
Keywords: mini retirement, travel, lifestyle change, remote work, adventure, planning, self-development, flexibility.
Ready to break free from the daily grind and live life on your terms? In our debut episode of The Freedom Chapter, we dive into the concept of mini retirements.
Follow our Mini Retirement on Instagram:
Discover what triggered our decision to step away from the 40-hour work week and embrace a life of adventure and fulfilment at just 31. We’ll explore the lack of time, the feeling that there’s more to life and how time seems to slip away so quickly.
Learn about Tim Ferriss’ concept of mini retirements and how we've personalized it to fit our lifestyle. We’ll explain the meaning behind the name The Freedom Chapter and share insights from our previous mini retirements.
Tune in to understand the fundamentals of mini retirements and what to expect in future episodes. If you're searching for a break from your job, a new lifestyle, or simply more time to pursue your passions, this episode is for you.
