Starting Over. Living Abroad. Figuring It Out Along The Way.
The REAL side of living abroad solo: the money, moving, loneliness, and everything they leave out of the beautiful travel guides and short aesthetic videos.
Hey there, I’m Monnie!
Hey there! Some call me Monica, Monnie, Nikki, Doctress, or Moe, and honestly, I answer to all of them lol.
In 2025, I sold, donated, and let go of about 90% of what I owned and left the United States to travel full-time.
But, My Checked Baggage isn’t just about where I go. It’s about what happens when you decided to build a completely different life.
I share what I’m learning about living abroad full-time, including what costs, how I find housing, how I navigate new countries, and the practical things I’ve had to figure out along the way.
Recent Blog Posts!!
How I afford to live abroad full-time
Cartagena, Colombia: Where to Stay, What to Do, and the Energy of Each Area
How to Become a Full-Time Nomad (Before You Book the Flight)
Best (and less expensive!) Unlimited Phone Plan that works around the world!
Things to Do in Salvador, Brazil: Best Attractions, History & Cultural Sites
What You Need To Know Before Moving Abroad Legally
How Different Continents Shape You Emotionally, Spiritually & Mentally as a Traveler
How to Extend Your Brazil Tourist Visa (Complete Guide)
Read more
The Word “Gringo” in Latin America, History, Context, and Why It Can Feel Offensive
How Currency Exchange Rates Affect Your Cost of Living Abroad
Some Call It “Respectability Politics” When It’s Really Just Reading the Room Abroad
Emotional Weight of Starting Over Alone in A New Country
Read more
Where I’ve Been So Far!
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Egypt
Ghana
Kenya
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Dubai
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Not yet
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Cuba
Jamaica
Puerto Rico
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Belize
Costa Rica
El Salvador
Honduras
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not yet
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Canada
Mexico
United States of America
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Brazil
Colombia
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“May we remain bestfriends with our inner child as we travel the scenic route of life” —Me
