From Cubicle to Globe: How One Person Achieved Early Retirement and World Travel

Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, August 15th 2025 at 4:22 GMT by INSIDER
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Kelly Benthall, 54, and her husband retired early. Five weeks of fast-paced travel through the UK and Ireland confirmed her preference for slow travel.

The Journey of Early Retirement: Embracing a Life of Global Exploration

In an inspiring tale of financial savvy and adventurous spirit, a Maryland-based individual has turned the dream of early retirement into a reality, trading the daily grind for a life of perpetual travel. This story highlights the growing trend of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, where people meticulously plan their finances to escape traditional work life much sooner than the conventional retirement age. The protagonist, a former professional who climbed the corporate ladder in the tech industry, decided at the peak of their career that there was more to life than accumulating wealth in a cubicle. By age 45, they had amassed enough savings and investments to step away from full-time employment, embarking on a worldwide odyssey that has taken them to over 50 countries across six continents.

The foundation of this early retirement was built on disciplined saving and strategic investing. Starting in their early 20s, the retiree adopted a frugal lifestyle, cutting unnecessary expenses like dining out frequently or owning luxury vehicles. Instead, they focused on high-yield investments, including index funds, real estate, and dividend-paying stocks. A key turning point was the decision to downsize their living situation—selling a spacious suburban home in Maryland and moving into a modest apartment, which freed up capital for further investments. This approach allowed their portfolio to grow exponentially through compound interest, reaching a point where passive income from rentals and investments covered all living expenses. The retiree emphasizes that anyone can achieve this with the right mindset, pointing to resources like financial blogs, books such as "The Simple Path to Wealth" by JL Collins, and online communities on platforms like Reddit's r/financialindependence.

Once retired, the focus shifted entirely to exploration. The journey began with a cross-country road trip through the United States, visiting national parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, which served as a gentle transition from structured work life to nomadic freedom. From there, international adventures unfolded. In Europe, they immersed themselves in the history of Rome's ancient ruins, savored croissants in Parisian cafes, and hiked the rugged trails of Scotland's Highlands. Asia offered a contrast with bustling markets in Bangkok, serene temples in Kyoto, and the vibrant street food scene in Hanoi. The retiree recounts a particularly memorable experience volunteering at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, where they learned about wildlife conservation and formed lasting connections with locals.

South America brought adventures of a different flavor—trekking to Machu Picchu in Peru, dancing tango in Buenos Aires, and exploring the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. These trips weren't just about sightseeing; they were opportunities for cultural immersion. The retiree learned basic Spanish through apps and homestays, enabling deeper interactions with communities. Africa presented challenges and rewards, from safaris in Kenya spotting the Big Five animals to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, an endeavor that tested physical limits but rewarded with breathtaking summit views. In Oceania, the pristine beaches of New Zealand and Australia's Great Barrier Reef provided moments of relaxation amid adrenaline-pumping activities like skydiving and scuba diving.

Traveling on a budget was crucial to sustaining this lifestyle. The retiree shares tips for affordable globetrotting: using credit card points for flights, staying in hostels or Airbnb rentals, and eating like locals at street vendors rather than tourist traps. They avoid peak seasons to dodge high prices and crowds, opting instead for shoulder seasons when destinations are more authentic and less commercialized. Health and safety are priorities too—maintaining travel insurance, getting necessary vaccinations, and staying connected via apps for real-time updates on global events.

Beyond the excitement, early retirement has brought profound personal growth. The retiree reflects on the initial adjustment period, where the absence of a routine led to moments of uncertainty. However, this freedom allowed time for hobbies long neglected, such as photography, writing a travel blog, and even picking up painting during a month-long stay in Bali. Relationships have evolved as well; while some friendships faded due to differing lifestyles, new bonds formed with fellow travelers and expats. Family visits are now more meaningful, with the retiree flying loved ones to join adventures, like a group trip to Iceland to witness the Northern Lights.

Challenges inevitably arise in this nomadic existence. Dealing with jet lag, language barriers, and occasional homesickness requires resilience. Financially, market fluctuations can be nerve-wracking, but a diversified portfolio and emergency fund provide buffers. The retiree advises aspiring early retirees to calculate their "FI number"—the amount needed to live off 4% withdrawals annually, based on the Trinity Study's safe withdrawal rate. They also stress the importance of health, as maintaining fitness through activities like yoga and hiking ensures the body can keep up with the demands of travel.

This lifestyle isn't without its critics. Some view early retirement as irresponsible or unattainable for the average person burdened by student loans or family obligations. Yet, the retiree counters that it's about priorities—choosing experiences over material possessions. They've witnessed firsthand how travel broadens perspectives, fostering empathy and a global worldview. For instance, interacting with refugees in Greece opened their eyes to humanitarian crises, inspiring donations to related causes.

Looking ahead, the retiree has no plans to slow down. Upcoming itineraries include Antarctica for its untouched wilderness and the Middle East for its rich history in places like Petra, Jordan. They dream of eventually settling in a base like Portugal, known for its retiree-friendly visas and low cost of living, while continuing part-time travels. This story serves as a beacon for those disillusioned with the 9-to-5 grind, proving that with planning and perseverance, retiring early to see the world is not just a fantasy but an achievable reality. It's a reminder that life is short, and the world is vast—why wait until traditional retirement age to explore it? Through this journey, the retiree has discovered that true wealth lies not in bank accounts, but in the memories forged and horizons expanded. (Word count: 928)

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