Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

The Amazing, Inspiring,

Intrepid World Traveler, Dale Knight

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

20 Questions with Dale Knight

Billy, Akaisha with Dale and Friends at Chacala Beach, Mexico

RetireEarlyLifestyle:  We at RetireEarlyLifestyle have interviewed you previously, and you are one of the most adventurous people we know. At age 71, what keeps you motivated to see the world?

Dale Knight:  That’s easy.  At a certain point, you begin to realize time is no longer on your side.  I want to see and do as much as I can while I still have good health and the means to do so.  I have a sense of urgency I didn’t have 20 and 30 years ago … even 5 years ago before COVID.

REL:  You have been to so many locations and countries. Have you seen all the places you’d like to visit?

DK:  Not by a long shot. I’ve been to close to 100 countries but I think there are 195 officially recognized countries in the world, never mind other lists that are more expansive. Many places yet to see. I want to go to the Balkans … , I want to go to the “Stans” … I want to go to Morocco. I want to go to Bhutan. I want to explore more of India. The list goes on.

REL:  What places stand out as the most interesting or exotic and why?

DK:  Recent trips to both polar regions stand out. The wildlife and otherworldly sights are beyond anything I’ve experienced before, not to mention the extreme remoteness. If I consider places that are more easily accessible, I’d have to say Japan stands out as well as less-traveled areas of Southeast Asia.  

Dale drinking champagne in Antarctica

REL:  Do you see yourself slowing down in terms of world travel?

DK:  Just the opposite. I’m traveling more than ever. Remember, we lost two years to COVID. During that agonizing time of isolation, I vowed if and when the world ever reopens again, I’m going to seize every opportunity.

REL:  What might draw you to a particular destination? What do you look for?

DK:  Often, it’s something I read in an article or travel blog that provides inspiration. I’m looking for the unique, for something off the usual well-worn tourist path. 

REL:  Can you describe some of the similarities of people around the world?

DK:  I’ve found that people all over the world are generally kind-hearted and welcoming. Open to meeting foreigners and curious about the greater world. Also, I’ve observed that in almost every corner of the world I’ve visited, there’s a refreshing emphasis on family and community.  Even in what we’d consider third-world living conditions, I see far more joy than I do despair.   

REL:  Do you speak several languages? How do you communicate to the locals?

Dusseldorf, Germany (Christmas Market)

DK:  I am mono-lingual. I speak only American English. In places I frequently visit  — Japan and Thailand for example —  I know enough words and phrases to be polite and order off a menu. But I cannot engage in any kind of meaningful conversation. Fortunately, English is commonly spoken around the world and if there’s a total lack of communication, I rely on Google Translate... It’s amazing.

REL:  We are noticing that more people are becoming Foodies on their travels. Where have you had your finest meal and what was it?

DK:  Jiro’s in Tokyo, the tiny sushi restaurant made famous by the documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” and Anthony Bourdain proclaiming it his favorite restaurant in the world. I managed to get reservations through a Japanese friend who joined me and my sister for a 20-course sushi meal. It was an extraordinary experience. Over the years I’ve dined at Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe and Asia, all exquisite multi-course meals. Expensive but ultimately worth the price. On the other hand, one of the most memorable meals I ever had was a grilled fish paired with a Beer Chang while sitting cross-legged on a mat at sunset on a beach at Koh Samet, Thailand. Cost maybe $15. 

REL:  Are you adventurous with your food choices, staying flexible with what is offered in your geographic location?

DK:  Very much so. I enjoy going to dinner with locals and asking them to order for me. I’ll try almost anything, and most times, I’m pleasantly surprised. It’s the best way to learn.

Hiking in Greenland

REL:  What is the oddest thing you have ever eaten?

DK:  Most recently, whale. Let’s say it’s an acquired taste. Of course, there are the insect food carts in Thailand and I can eat the fried grasshoppers, fried worms with no problem. Also in Thailand, the “dancing shrimp” you can find on street vendor carts. In Japan, live squid. However, I draw the line with balut, the duck egg embryo that’s considered a delicacy in Philippines. I can’t go there.

REL:  Because of all that you have seen and experienced, is it hard for you to “fit in” to contemporary society in the States?

DK:  Very difficult. In a way, the worst part of any trip for me is the return home. I do not fit in. I learned long ago that people who do not travel cannot at all relate to where I’ve been, what I’ve seen. I think of the famous Marco Polo quote, “I have not told half of what I saw for I know I would not be believed.”

REL:  Where do you feel most at home?

DK:  Because I’ve spent so much time in Thailand over the last 25 years and have so many friends there, that’s the place that feels most like home to me now. I also have friends in Japan and Vietnam and can feel quite at home in Sapporo, Kyoto, Tokyo and Saigon. Of course, thanks to you two, and your circle of friends, I feel at home in Chapala, Mexico. Referring to your previous question, oddly I feel least at home in my own home in my home country!

At the Sake distillery, Takayama, Japan

REL:  What is your best travel hack? (or 2)?

DK:  I’m not sure it’s a hack per se, but I always search for flights and hotels through third party sites such as Google Flights, Momondo or booking.com, but that’s only to find best rates.  Then I book directly with the airline or hotel. I’ve found that when things go awry, it’s always better to deal directly with the airline or hotel than through a third-party vendor. 

Also, I always pre-book a seat on my flights, and use either seatguru.com or aerolopa.com to find the best seat (avoiding the window seat with no window, for example). 

Here’s a tip that I recently discovered.  You can book a local guide through Airbnb. Just click on “experiences” and enter your destination and dates. You can also find a guide through local tourist bureaus or do a Google search. However you choose to do it, a local guide is a great way to get a fast introduction to your chosen designation and learn about the culture.

REL:  Do you receive medical care around the world? Where is your favorite place to receive health care and why?

DK:  I handle most of my medical care needs in Thailand. The international hospitals are top-notch, world renowned.  I like that I can walk in and get an appointment with a specialist the same day, unlike in the US where I first must go to a primary care for referral. For routine maintenance, the out-of-pocket costs are reasonable.   

REL:  How do you get local currency? Do you utilize your charge card or pay cash for most things?

DK:  I use a credit card for most purchases. Important to note that I use a card with no foreign transaction fees. Another important thing to note, when given a choice, always chose “local currency” as opposed to your home currency. For cash, I use a Fidelity debit card at ATMs.  Fidelity because they reimburse ATM fees which can be egregious. I guess that would be another travel hack. Use an ATM card that reimburses fees. 

Hiroshima, Japan

REL:  What is your favorite style of travel? Do you prefer “boots on the ground” or cruises or high-end hotels? Do you utilize AirBnB or apart hotels?

DK:  Depends on destination. I’m not typically drawn to cruises, but have gone on three cruises in last couple of years to get to places I couldn’t easily access otherwise …  remote areas of Greenland and Antarctica. For cities, location is the key determinant. Sometimes that means a high-end hotel. In remote areas of Southeast Asia, I’ve stayed in guesthouses for $5. If staying somewhere long-term, Airbnb makes sense. It all depends.

REL:  Do you sail, scuba, snorkel, fly a plane, use dirt bikes, a wind gliding suit, parasail, ride camels or elephants or horseback ride?

DK:  That’s a hard no. That’s one concession I have to make to getting older. Last time I rode a horse, it was on a beach in Hua Hin, Thailand and I got thrown off. That was it for me. Now …. a slow-moving elephant or camel … maybe. 

REL:  What is your favorite part of traveling? Least part?

DK:  The people you meet and friends you make is the best part of travel. Best feeling is reuniting with friends in foreign lands. I’m excited every time I board an airplane heading either back to a favorite place or to a new destination. 

The worst part of travel is the airport experience … the agonizing security apparatus as well as long immigration lines.  

Enjoying the autumn colors in Sapporo, Japan

REL:  Where do you call home?

DK:  My main home is Dallas but as said earlier, I’m at home most anywhere, and feel most at home in Bangkok.

REL:  What creates the “Wow factor” for you when you travel?

DK:  Just last month, seeing the Northern Lights and polar bears in the wild in Greenland.  Anything that’s unique and unexpected qualifies. 

REL:  Do you have a preference for cities or the country? What do you enjoy about it?

DK:  I like both. I enjoy the vibrancy of the global cities, the many excellent restaurants and entertainment options. But I also enjoy beautiful scenery and more of my recent travels have been in pursuit of natural beauty.

Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok

REL:  Do you feel you are your best self when you travel? What inspires you on the road?

DK:  Absolutely. When we travel, we are indeed our true selves, our best selves. I’m most inspired by fellow travelers I meet. Often my travels and experiences pale in comparison to theirs. That’s a constant inspiration, and reaffirmation that there’s a whole world of international travel vagabonds out there.

REL:  Do you keep a journal or photo album of your travels? 

DK:  I used to keep a journal, but now I rely more on photos to capture my memories. It’s so easy with a phone camera. I set up digital albums of each of my trips. 

REL:  Where are you now and what’s next?

DK:  Right now, I’m in Dallas preparing to depart next week for SE Asia. In July, I plan to return to Australia and New Zealand for the first time since 2018. I’m looking forward to that!

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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