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What happens when your child grows up… and you finally have the freedom to leave?
In this episode, Jason shares his journey from being a long-time Arizona resident and single father to slow traveling through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and now preparing to move to Vietnam to teach business English. What started as a first solo trip to Belize at age 40 eventually evolved into a lifestyle shift toward becoming a location-independent empty nester.
We dive into the food culture, transportation, healthcare system, neighborhoods, language learning, and social scene in Guadalajara. Along with the realities of visas, residency challenges, and what it takes to truly adapt.
Main Points & Some General Points/Stories Discussed
Locations: Guadalajara, Mexico | Belize | Guatemala
Travel Topic: Single Parent Empty Nester Living Abroad
Main Points
- Guest & Topics Intro (0:58)
- Get To Know Jason “The Person” (5:40)
- Insight on Guadalajara, Mexico (24:45)
- Get To Know Jason “The Traveler” (45:19)
- Travel Topic: Single Parent Empty Nester Abroad (1:15:47)
- Rapid Fire Questions & 30 Seconds of Glory (1:33:11)
- Post Interview: Triston on fitting into a new country & starting to travel at any age (1:36:43)
General Points/Stories
- Why “hyper-flexibility” is Jason’s core life principle (19:27)
- The moment he turned down a job because of value conflict (20:06)
- Healthcare in Guadalajara: $5 doctor visits at local pharmacies (27:15)
- Jason explains getting his first passport at 40 and how Belize changed everything (51:36)
- Jason shares his reality of hostel life and what to look for before booking (1:10:14)
- Why he sold his car and downsized to fund slow travel (1:19:55)
Things to See and Do
Guadalajara, Mexico
- Avenida Chapultepec (nightlife & social scene)
- Colonia Americana
- Lake Chapala (day trip from the city)
- Metro Light Rail (cheap and efficient city transport)
- Language Exchange Meetups (Bar Café Santito area)
Belize
- San Ignacio (Cayo District)
- Xunantunich Mayan Ruins
- Cahal Pech
- Cave Tubing Excursions
- Treehouse Hostels (Bella’s Backpackers)
Mexico (Cruise Ports)
- Ensenada & La Bufadora
- Cabo San Lucas
- Puerto Vallarta
Resources Mentioned
- The SPEND Channel (Jason’s Platform)
- International Living (Expat lifestyle publication)
- Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (Travel insurance provider)
- Charles Schwab Investor Checking (Popular checking account among travelers)
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) (English language proficiency exam often required for teaching abroad)
- TEFL Certification (Teach English as a Foreign Language certification programs)
- CELTA (Cambridge English Teaching Qualification) (Internationally recognized English teaching certification)
Connect With Jason
Connect with Jason on Youtube and through his website, The SPEND Channel
Connect With The Backpacker Society
🎒 Explore more travel conversations at backpackerssociety.com/
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📸 Follow on Instagram: @backpackers_society
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