Mark & Kenda | The Inked Nomads

This month, something came up that completely changed our travel plans for a while. Flights shifted, routines changed, budgets got tested, and suddenly that “go with the flow” mindset became very real.

That’s the part of slow travel nobody really talks about. It’s not just sunsets, cheap food, and freedom… sometimes it’s adapting on the fly when things don’t go according to plan.

Our next videos will reveal what happened, how it affected our journey, and why flexibility might actually be the most important travel skill of all.

If you’ve ever had life interrupt your plans, you’ll probably want to see this one.

New video drops every Sunday!

#slowtravel #travelvlog #budgettravel #earlyretirement #genxtravel #travelcouple #longtermtravel #travelreality #southeastasia

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1 week ago (edited) | [YT] | 15

Mark & Kenda | The Inked Nomads

Thailand, you did it again! Its been real.
Another chapter closed.
Chiang Mai was slow days, good food, and that easy rhythm you don’t realize you needed. Phuket was the opposite—loud, chaotic, beautiful beaches (video coming soon).
We’re heading out grateful, but not everything went to plan. That’s the part people don’t really show when you’re early retired and slow traveling full time.
It’s not always perfect. It’s real.
So… where to next? You're gonna have to keep watching to find out. Hit that subscribe button if you haven't already.
And yeah—there’s a plot twist coming in future videos.

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4 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 23

Mark & Kenda | The Inked Nomads

We made it back to Thailand… and yeah, it still hits different 🇹🇭

This time around, we’re switching it up — new cities, new vibes, and a whole different side of the country we didn’t see before. If you haven’t checked it out yet, our latest video series is live now… and we’re just getting started.

Thailand never really disappoints — it just keeps reminding you why you came in the first place.

If you’ve been enjoying the journey so far, hit that subscribe and stick around… it honestly helps more than you think.

And as always — let us know your thoughts… and what we absolutely shouldn’t miss👇



#ThailandTravel #ThailandVlog #SlowTravelAsia #BudgetTravelThailand #EarlyRetired

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1 month ago | [YT] | 32

Mark & Kenda | The Inked Nomads

We finally touched down in a brand-new country… Did you guess where? Our first vlog in Laos is live, and we’re taking you along every step of the way — must-see spots to local eats and the reality of slow, budget-friendly travel.

If you’ve been dreaming of exploring Southeast Asia or are curious about what life in Laos is really like, this series is for you. Don’t miss our honest, unfiltered take — we’ll show you what most guides leave out.

👀 Watch the full Laos vlog now and see why this country might just be the perfect spot for your next adventure (or early retirement dream)!

📌 Subscribe for the full series and hit like if you’re ready to explore Laos with us!

💬 Comment below: Did you guess the country before we revealed it? Do You plan to visit Laos soon?

#LaosTravel #SlowTravel #BudgetTravel #SoutheastAsia #TravelVlog #LaosVlog #ExpatLife #HiddenGems #TravelTips #NomadLife

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2 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 10

Mark & Kenda | The Inked Nomads

YouTube was founded on February 14, 2005 by three former PayPal employees who just wanted a simple way to share video.

The first upload? “Me at the zoo.”
18 seconds. No polish. No production. Just a guy and some elephants.

That’s kind of the point.

Our story — and a lot of hard work — finally paid off. We’ve officially been accepted into the YouTube Partner Program.

That just means we can keep building this the right way.

Appreciate everyone who’s been watching, commenting, and riding along with us. We’re looking forward to what’s next — and hope to take you with us.

Inked Nomads isn’t about pretending we’ve mastered travel. It’s about figuring it out in real time — what things actually cost, what’s overrated, what’s worth it, and show you how to do it without burning through your savings.

YouTube started simple and built from there.

21 years later...

We’re just trying to do the same, documenting our journey along the way 🤘❤️

Please Hit that Subscribe button ✅— and maybe we can inspire you to do it too.

#BudgetTravel #SlowTravel #InkedNomads #TravelCosts #RealTravel #Earlyretired #YouTubePartnerProgram

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2 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 9

Mark & Kenda | The Inked Nomads

We just crossed 1,000 subscribers — and as we close out our time in Vietnam, we had to say thank you. Seriously.

When we started this journey as early retired, budget slow travelers, we had no idea who would care about two tattooed Gen Xers choosing affordable living over the rat race… but here you are. And that means everything.

Vietnam has been chaotic, beautiful, affordable, frustrating, delicious — and honestly? It’s changed us. From street food in Hanoi to slow mornings by the sea, this chapter has been about proving you don’t need luxury to live richly.

If you’re new here — welcome.
If you’ve been here since day one — you helped get us over that 1K hump. Woo hoo!

You guys rock. 🙌

We’re building this channel around:
• Early retirement without hype
• Real budget breakdowns (no fantasy numbers)
• Slow travel at a sustainable pace
• Affordable living abroad
• Gen X perspective on designing life differently

Next up:
Our final stop in Vietnam 🇻🇳
And our full 6-Month Budget Breakdown — what we spent, what surprised us, and what it actually taught us about slow travel.

This community isn’t about flexing.
It’s about freedom.
And we’re learning as we go — together.

Drop a comment if you’ve been following along — or if you’re dreaming about retiring early and traveling smarter.

#VietnamTravel #EarlyRetirement #BudgetTravel #SlowTravel #GenX #AffordableLiving #RetireEarly #DigitalNomadLife #TravelVietnam

2 months ago | [YT] | 31

Mark & Kenda | The Inked Nomads

Vietnam has blown us away ❤️

From bustling cities to laid-back coastal vibes, this trip took us through 6 very different cities, each with its own energy, food, people, and surprises. We didn’t just visit Vietnam — we experienced it, one city at a time.
As this chapter comes to a close, we just want to say thank you. Your support, comments, and messages mean more to us than you know.
If you haven’t already, check out our full video vlogs for each city and see how different life, food, and costs really are across Vietnam.

👉 Let us know in the comments: Which city was your favorite?
👉 Would you live or slow travel here?

And if you’re new around here — hit that Subscribe button! We’re this close to 1,000 subscribers, and we’d love to cross that milestone together.

More slow travel, real costs, and honest experiences coming soon.

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2 months ago | [YT] | 27

Mark & Kenda | The Inked Nomads

Our first month in Vietnam is coming to a close… and what a time it’s been, from laid-back beaches to vibrant old towns, we traded our usual slow travel style for a faster pace—and Vietnam delivered in every way. Check out our latest videos and upcoming adventures to see where Vietnam takes us, and what’s next as retired budget travelers exploring Southeast Asia.

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4 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 17

Mark & Kenda | The Inked Nomads

As we step into 2026, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to every single one of you who watched, liked, commented, and subscribed to our channel. Your support means everything to us as we continue building a community of like-minded nomads, explorers, and food lovers. This past year was filled with unforgettable journeys, new destinations, and shared experiences—and we couldn’t have done it without you. As we look ahead, we hope 2026 brings you health, happiness, and a whole lot of travel! Mark & Kenda

4 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 20

Mark & Kenda | The Inked Nomads

Thank you all for the incredible support as we continue exploring the world.
We’re beyond grateful for this amazing community. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a healthy, happy New Year wherever you are in the world ❤️✨

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5 months ago | [YT] | 17