For Serious Movers & Relocators
Boots on
the Ground
You're close to deciding. Before you book a flight or sign a lease, let me visit your target destination on your behalf — and report back with eyes-on intelligence no blog or report can give you.
Request a ConsultationStarting from $1,800 · Scope & pricing determined after consultation
As seen in Accessible Journeys Magazine
April 2026 Issue, pg. 14 · Intergenerational & Senior Travel
What You Get
I Go There,
So You Don't Have to Wonder
You're not just researching anymore — you're close to deciding. This is a personalized, in-person scouting visit conducted by Mary on your behalf. I visit your target destination, assess it through a senior lens, and deliver detailed findings so you can make your decision with complete confidence.
Every Boots on the Ground visit is scoped individually based on your destination, timeline, and specific concerns. Pricing starts from $1,800 and is determined after a consultation call.
In-Person Destination Scouting
Mary visits your target destination personally, assessing it through the eyes of a senior expat — not a tourist.
Detailed Video Walkthrough
A recorded video tour of neighborhoods, housing options, markets, healthcare facilities, and daily life essentials.
Written Findings Report
A comprehensive written summary covering costs, safety, accessibility, expat community, and honest observations.
Senior-Specific Assessment
Healthcare access, mobility considerations, walkability, noise, safety — evaluated specifically for adults 50+.
Pre-Visit Consultation Call
A call before the visit to understand your priorities, lifestyle, budget, and specific concerns so nothing gets missed.
Post-Visit Debrief Call
A follow-up conversation to walk through findings, answer your questions, and help you decide your next step.
Ready to Get Eyes on the Ground?
Request Your
Boots on the Ground Visit
Every visit is scoped individually. Fill in the form and I'll be in touch within 2 business days to discuss your destination, timeline, and what a visit would look like for your specific situation.
Starting From
$1,800
Scope & final pricing confirmed after consultation
I'll be in touch within 2 business days to discuss your destination and next steps.
Mary R. Johnson
Founder, Traveling Savvy Seniors
Your Scout on the Ground
I Live Where You're Thinking of Moving
I'm Mary R. Johnson — an American woman in my mid-60s who sold nearly everything and moved to Southeast Asia. I've lived in Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia — not as a visitor passing through, but as a resident navigating daily life, healthcare, housing, and community.
When I visit a destination on your behalf, I'm not reading from a guidebook. I'm walking the streets, talking to expats, checking the hospitals, and assessing everything through the lens of someone who actually lives this life — and who understands exactly what matters to adults 50+ making a serious move.
Common Questions
Everything You Need to Know
How long does a Boots on the Ground visit take?
Each visit is scoped individually based on your destination and priorities. Most visits take 3–5 days on the ground, plus time for the video walkthrough and written report. Your full timeline will be confirmed during the consultation call.
What destinations do you cover?
Currently Southeast Asia — specifically Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. These are destinations I've lived in personally, which means my assessment goes well beyond what any blog or travel site can offer.
How is this different from the Know Before You Go Report?
The Know Before You Go Report is a research-based PDF drawn from my experience and current data — ideal for people still evaluating destinations. Boots on the Ground is for people who've identified a destination and want real-time, eyes-on intelligence before committing.
What does the visit cover?
I assess neighborhoods, housing options, cost of living, healthcare access, mobility and walkability, expat community presence, safety, and daily life logistics — everything evaluated through a senior lens, tailored to your specific priorities.
What happens after the visit?
You'll receive a detailed video walkthrough and a written findings report, followed by a post-visit debrief call to walk through everything together and answer your questions. If you'd like continued support planning your move, a Slow Start Strategy Session is available as a next step.
Is this right for me if I'm still just exploring?
If you're still in early research mode, start with the free Moving Abroad Checklist or the Know Before You Go Report. Boots on the Ground is designed for people who are serious about a specific destination and ready to take a decisive next step.
Ready for eyes on the ground?
Request Your Boots on the Ground Visit