We're April and Moe. We moved from Florida to Albania in 86 days.
Two American veterans documenting slow travel, expat life, and what it actually looks like to start over after 40. Honest stories from Vlorë, Albania — no influencer fluff.
Start with the story
If you're new here, start with Episode 0 of The 86 Days — the story of how we sold everything we owned and moved to a country we'd never visited. Two veterans, mid-40s, no scouting trip, no backup plan. Just a decision and 86 days.
From the blog
We share the stories behind the move — the lessons, the surprises, the practical stuff nobody tells you. Here's where we go deeper
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How we got here
Eighteen months ago, we were living the standard American dream in Jacksonville, Florida. Two veterans with structured careers, a house, two cars, a quiet life that worked but didn't excite either of us.
Then Moe had a stroke at fifty.
That changed everything. We stopped asking "what's next on the list" and started asking "what are we actually waiting for." We did the math — looked at what we'd be getting in retirement in ten years compared to what we have right now — and realized the gap wasn't big enough to justify waiting a decade to live.
So we sold the cars. We sold the furniture. We told our family. We packed six suitcases and got on a plane.
Eighty-six days from decision to arrival.
We're not polished influencers with crazy editing skills. We're two real people figuring this out in real time. Passports & Plans is where we document the journey — the practical, the personal, and the messy parts most people don't share.
What Passports & Plans Is About
What we cover.
We share the practical, personal, and sometimes messy side of building a life abroad.
Moving Abroad Paperwork, planning, budgeting, downsizing, and the real logistics of an international move — including how to do it as a veteran with VA benefits.
Slow Travel Longer stays, smarter planning, and an intentional approach to traveling Europe from our new home base.
Albania & The Balkans Life in Vlorë, day trips along the Albanian Riviera, weekend escapes to Montenegro and beyond.
Midlife Reset Starting over after 40 isn't a midlife crisis — it's a midlife reset. Rethinking what matters and building a life that fits who we actually are now.
Follow Along
New videos every Sunday and Wednesday on YouTube. Daily life on Instagram.
Shop
We’re creating practical resources for people who want smarter travel, better planning, and more confidence as they build their own next chapter.
Browse digital guides, planning tools, and Passports & Plans resources in our shop.
