We landed in Chiang Mai during a lantern festival. Here’s how we keep funding full-time travel in retirement without drawing down our portfolio.
We’d just touched down in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Settled into an Airbnb about 15 minutes from the Old City, surrounded by temples, street food stalls, and the scent of lemongrass at every turn. That week, the sky lit up with the Loy Krathong festival — thousands of lanterns drifting upward, the city marking a moment of letting go.
As we unpack our bags (again!), we’ve been reflecting on what this lifestyle truly feels like — not just the highlight reel, but the small choices that make freedom sustainable.
Earn points before you even leave home
Most travel enthusiasts think rewards only come from flights or hotel stays — but one of the easiest ways to earn is through shopping portals.
Take Rakuten, for example. It’s free to join and lets you earn cash back or rewards points on thousands of online purchases — everything from travel gear to groceries and even Airbnb gift cards.
For U.S. readers
Rakuten USA gives you a choice: receive your rewards as American Express Membership Rewards® points or Bilt Rewards — two of the most valuable transferable currencies in travel.
👉 Join Rakuten USA — get a $50 bonus when you spend $50 after signing up.
For Canadian readers
👉 Join Rakuten Canada — $40 bonus when you sign up and spend $40.
Think of portals like Rakuten as part of your travel income. When you combine portal bonuses with category multipliers on the right credit cards, you’re turning everyday spending into real rewards — and that’s how freedom funds itself.
Free guide — your next step
If you’re ready to build your own travel income, grab our free guide:
👉 The Hidden Income Stream that Pays for Our Travel
- How we saved over $20,000 on travel in retirement
- How to turn everyday expenses into flights and hotel stays
- Why this works even on a fixed income
- How to get started safely — no debt, no risk
Early retirement isn’t about doing nothing. It’s about designing your days intentionally — whether that’s exploring new flavors, managing your budget, or learning how to travel farther for less.