Welcome to Secret Destinations!
Hey there—we’re Kevin & Wendy!
We're the creators behind SDwKW, a YouTube channel and travel brand that shines a light on life abroad, affordable travel, and the behind-the-scenes truth of expat living.
In April of 2025, we left our beautiful home of Santa Cruz, California to move abroad.
Leaving the United States was hard. Really hard.
However, we’d come to the frightening realization that staying wasn’t really an option. Nor was traditional retirement, which is still more than a decade away.
This decision did not come easy, and at first felt totally impossible.
Expatriate to … where … ?
After much introspection, and more than a year of study, we decided to make the commitment, and really do It!
We sold (almost) everything, packed our bags, and left the U.S. in search of a simpler, more fulfilling life.
Enter, Albania.
We want to invite you to join us in this next chapter of our lives.
Whether we’re on a dive trip in Southeast Asia, or walking viewers through how to buy groceries when you don’t speak the language; our goal is to be real, resourceful, and relatable.
Our new life begins here.
Bali, Indonesia
Ready to Move Abroad? Consider our Online Course
Santa Cruz, California, USA
- 20 Steps to Anywhere but Here -
This course is intended for anyone who dreams of living abroad; but is struggling with where to start.
If you find yourself saying “Someday” - while never really believing it’ll come - let today be that day!
We have broken this process down into 20 practical steps based on our experience.
We’ll give you the tools you’ll need to calmly and cooly navigate your way through this journey.
We focus on a practical approach, to reduce the fear and anxiety inherent in such a big move.
During this course, you will gain the confidence and understanding that with a bit of work and a lot of determination, you can join us and many others in this fulfilling journey to a better life abroad.
Pack Up & Bounce is designed to help you avoid some of the pitfalls we encountered along the way.
Also included are money saving tips that will more than cover the cost of this course; while the real value comes from the peace of mind you’ll get by being so well prepared.
We are not wealthy, by any stretch of the imagination.
We’re just regular people who figured out how to make this life work creatively, frugally, and on our own terms.
If we can do it, so can you!
Pack Up & Bounce!
🎥 Watch Our Journey
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for regular videos about life in Albania and how we do it on a budget.
☕ Like What We’re Doing?
Support the channel, the course, and our morning ritual. Every little bit helps keep the adventure going!