We are changing it up in 2026. Semi-retirement is the plan while moving around the globe. For the next year (and possibly longer), we’re stepping away from rushed itineraries, short vacations, and "see it all" travel. Instead, we’re choosing something slower, deeper, and a little more uncertain: one country per month, traveled together, taking the long way around.
This blog is where we’ll share that journey.
Why Slow Travel?
Before we were "The Macs," there were two solo travelers in their 20s who liked to spend time in countries and get to know the culture and people. As life has progressed and the commitments to career and community life increased, we fell away from that type of travel. Don’t get us wrong, we love a good all-inclusive week-long vacation, but it’s time to get back to our roots.
We’ve done trips where the days blur together — airports, highlights, photos taken but experiences barely felt. Somewhere along the way, we realized we didn’t want to collect destinations. We wanted to live in them, even briefly.
Slow travel gives us space to:
- Learn places instead of just passing through them.
- Build routines in unfamiliar settings.
- Experience culture beyond the top 10 lists.
- See what life looks like when you stop rushing to the next thing.
One month in each country isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.
Why Now?
There wasn’t one dramatic moment that pushed us here — just a growing sense that later isn’t guaranteed, and someday is easy to postpone forever.
We wanted to choose time over timelines. Curiosity over comfort. And each other over autopilot.
So we packed up, planned loosely, and committed to figuring it out as we go.
What You’ll Find Here
This won’t be a highlight reel only.
On The Long Way Mac, we’ll share:
- Honest stories from the road.
- What slow travel really looks like as a couple.
- Food, culture, and everyday moments.
- Lessons learned (sometimes the hard way).
- Practical tips mixed with real life.
Some days will be magical. Some will be messy. All of it will be real.
Where We’re Headed
We’ll be spending about a month in each country, letting the road guide us rather than a rigid plan. Routes may change. Plans may unravel. That’s part of taking the long way.
Wherever we are, we’ll be sharing it here.
Come Along With Us
If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to slow down, to live somewhere just long enough to belong a little — this journey is for you.
Thanks for being here at the beginning. We’re glad you found us.
— The Long Way Mac