I started Repeat Travels because I’ve always been the type of traveler who researches every destination extensively before booking a trip. I’d spend hours reading hotel and Airbnb reviews, comparing neighborhoods, watching YouTube videos, mapping out attractions, and learning what daily life was really like before I arrived. Along the way, I kept detailed notes and realized they could help other travelers plan smarter trips, so I decided to share my research and experiences.
My journey to Southeast Asia was inspired by the movie The Beach. The stunning landscapes, sense of adventure, vibrant cultures, and laid-back lifestyle sparked a curiosity that stayed with me for years. I finally made my first trip to Thailand in 2010, and from that moment I knew I wanted to return. After several more visits, I made the life-changing decision to relocate to Southeast Asia in 2022. Since then, I’ve embraced a slow-travel lifestyle, spending extended time living throughout Thailand and Vietnam.
“So what else do you need to know? Stuff about my family, or where I’m from? None of that matters. Not once you cross the ocean and cut yourself loose, looking for something more beautiful, something more exciting, and yes, I admit, something more dangerous. So after 18 hours in the back of an airplane, three dumb movies, two plastic meals, six beers and absolutely no sleep, I finally touch down… in Bangkok.”
The Beach – Leo
From Budget Travel to Affordable Luxury
When I first launched Repeat Travels, my focus was on sharing destination guides, travel tips, and the research that helped me plan each trip. But after relocating to Southeast Asia, my perspective began to change.
My first three years were all about learning how to live abroad on a budget. I stayed in budget hotels and Airbnbs, explored different cities and neighborhoods, and tracked every expense to make sure this lifestyle was sustainable long term. Along the way, I discovered what worked, what didn’t, and where I could get the best value for my money. I also experienced many of the frustrations that come with budget travel and long-term rentals—from coordinating Airbnb key handoffs and arriving at accommodations that didn’t match the photos, to dealing with bugs, cleanliness issues, and trying to recover security deposits when long-term rentals ended.
As I became more settled, I realized that living abroad wasn’t just about spending as little as possible. I wanted to improve my quality of life without dramatically increasing my budget. That led me to the world of travel credit cards, airport lounge access, hotel loyalty programs, and branded hotels. By earning welcome bonuses and elite status, I discovered I could enjoy better accommodations, more comfort, and valuable perks while still spending responsibly.
Today, Repeat Travels is the resource I wish I’d had before moving abroad. My mission is no longer just to show people how to travel cheaply—it’s to help them travel and live smarter. I share real cost-of-living data, retirement abroad resources, moving abroad checklists, affordable luxury travel strategies, hotel loyalty tips, and the credit card strategies I use to create a better lifestyle overseas.
What You’ll Find on Repeat Travels
Whether you’re planning your first trip, considering retirement overseas, or simply looking to travel in more comfort without overspending, you’ll find practical advice based on firsthand experience and extensive research.
- Retirement Abroad
- Cost of Living Guides
- Affordable Luxury Travel
- Hotel Loyalty Programs
- Travel Credit Cards
- Moving Abroad Checklists
- Destination Guides