A Life of Exploration and Retiring Early
Kelly Benthall’s journey to a life of global travel began with a decision to step away from the corporate world. After years of stress and burnout, she chose to retire at 53, trading her Texas lifestyle for a nomadic existence in Airbnbs around the world with her husband, Nigel. Her story is one of reinvention, discovery, and finding a new way to live.
Benthall’s career in oil and gas was demanding, especially as her children grew older and left home. The pressure became overwhelming, leading to a health scare that forced her to take a step back. After consulting with a financial advisor, she and Nigel made the bold move to retire early. While Nigel initially resisted the idea of leaving his job behind, he eventually came around, and the couple embarked on a new chapter of their lives.
Travel wasn’t part of Benthall’s upbringing. Her family’s biggest trip was an annual road trip from Texas to Ohio to visit her grandmother. She didn’t even have a passport until her 20s, when she traveled to Mexico after getting married. Over time, she developed a passion for exploring the world, often taking on trips that interested her, whether it was a business-related venture or a personal adventure.
Living in Airbnbs has allowed Benthall and Nigel to experience different cultures up close. They don’t follow traditional tourist routes; instead, they prefer to immerse themselves in local life by visiting cafes, chatting with residents, and participating in community activities. Their approach to travel is more about connection than sightseeing.
The couple started their global journey with a trial run in 2023, spending a month in Mexico to test their ability to live together without the structure of a permanent home. The experience was successful, and they soon began planning longer stays in various locations.
Airbnb has been a key part of their travel strategy. Benthall appreciates the platform’s ability to connect them with local hosts, offering unique accommodations with character. She also values the flexibility of short-term stays, which allows them to save money while experiencing different places. For example, in Aix-en-Provence, they received a 70% discount for staying six weeks, making it affordable to extend their stay.
Their travels have taken them to destinations like Dubrovnik, where they explored the city’s historic streets and participated in local traditions. In Mauritius, they helped harvest grapes at a small winery, gaining a deeper understanding of the culture. These experiences have helped them build meaningful connections with locals and feel more at home in each new place.
Benthall uses spreadsheets to plan their travels, following the sun and considering the cost of living in different regions. They spend at least a month in each location to maximize savings and fully experience the culture. Their itinerary includes Europe, the U.S., and future plans for Asia, New Zealand, Bali, and South America.
While their lifestyle offers freedom and adventure, it also comes with challenges. Missing friends and family can be difficult, and being away for long periods requires intentional efforts to stay connected. Benthall also acknowledges the adjustment of retiring at 53, a time when many people are still working.
Despite these challenges, she finds fulfillment in the slower pace of life, the opportunity for self-reflection, and the chance to learn from different cultures. She believes that traveling helps break down stereotypes and fosters understanding between people.
For Benthall, the journey isn’t just about seeing the world—it’s about finding a sense of belonging and discovering new perspectives. Her story shows that retirement doesn’t have to mean settling down; it can mean embracing a life of continuous exploration.
