2025 Year in review

Overall, we had a great 2025! 

We started the year in Mexico, and we ended the year in Mexico. But in between we were in Spain, Scotland, England, Italy, Albania, Ireland, Greenland, Iceland, and Canada.

It was actually one of our lesser travelled years. Only 9 countries visited in 2025, and only one new country... Greenland. We have now been to 73 countries in total. 

Our flight map for 2025.

We were on a total of 12 different airplanes.

And, in 2025 we did our very first cruise! The highlight was a few stops in Greenland. 

Ruth, on the Emerald Princess cruising in Greenland.

While we enjoyed the cruise, it's not something we will do on a regular basis. There would have to be a special destination or attraction along the way, and at the right price. But we did have a good time.

Healthwise, we both realize that we're getting older. But we're still in good shape, and other than my covid induced "dysautonomia" episode in September, we don't have any serious issues. I continue to improve and am probably back to 95%, with a few minor symptoms that re-occur occasionally. We do enjoy keeping moving though, and both have regular exercise routines along with all the hiking we continue to enjoy.

Financially, 2025 was our best year ever. I've been a big believer in gold and silver for a long time, and most people know what kind of a year gold and silver had. My belief finally paid off. 

Regarding living expenses, we spent a total of $39,776 CAD ($29,000 USD) for 2025. That includes the rent on our house, but does not include the furniture or improvements we made at a cost of $6,200 CAD ($4,500 USD).

So, considering how much inflation has caused rising prices around the world, we think that we lived a pretty good life for $3,300 CAD ($2,416 USD) per month!

Here's what our average month looked like in 2025... (in $CAD)

Fuel: $221

Toll roads and ferries: $14

Propane: $3

Groceries: $430

Meals out: $280

Alcohol: $110

Misc: $561

Entertainment: $170

Overnight: $727

Motorhome: $136

Travel: $661

But while $3,300 CAD was the average month, there was a wide variance. We had three different months over $5,000. Our most expensive month was August at $5,846 and the cheapest month was April at $1,961.

Looking forward to a great 2026!

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