It’s hard to believe we’ve been back in Grenada for over two months—it feels like just yesterday we were with family on the beach in Manzanillo, Mexico. Time is flying, but we’re getting everything we wanted done, and even more, here in Grenada.
Throughout our travels, we’ve rented apartments worldwide and found joy in settling in and truly getting to know each place. Grenada, without much effort, has become our base. When things are going well, there’s no point in resisting, which brings me to some exciting news.
We’ve loved Grenada since 2014. This jungle-covered volcanic island has a unique Caribbean vibe, welcoming people, amazing beaches, and a lush interior. We’ve returned every year except for 2017, usually house and pet-sitting for about six months at a time. This February, friends offered us a free month’s stay in a luxury cottage by the sea, and in March, we had another house and pet-sitting job. It’s all about who you know!
While house-sitting and caring for adorable dogs are fun, we realized we wanted our own place. Renting through Airbnb can be hit or miss with personal items left behind or hefty service fees. So, we’re excited to be renting a place that’s entirely ours, where we don’t have to follow anyone else’s tastes or schedules.
We found a beautiful home to rent that fits our tastes perfectly. The owners are friends of friends, and we have a flexible month-to-month agreement, allowing us to leave for trips and come back as we please. The house is right by the ocean, with lush greenery, a pool, a large yard with fruit trees, a private jetty, and an inviting outdoor bar area. The interior features white wooden beams and blue kitchen cupboards, giving it a Caribbean beach house vibe.
We’ve even added personal touches, like blue cushions and outdoor furniture. Everything feels like it’s falling into place, and we’re grateful to our friends for introducing us to the homeowners.
In Grenada, having a vehicle is essential. The island’s small size and mountainous, winding roads mean public transportation isn’t always convenient. Rental cars can be expensive, but we found a good deal at $13.30 per day for long-term rentals. Though buying a car might save money in the long run, the cost of maintenance and insurance are high.
Our new lifestyle has also included a focus on better health. Travel indulgences had led to weight gain and other issues, so we kicked off with a two-week detox. We’ve since stuck to a healthy smoothie-based diet and lost some weight. We’ve allowed ourselves some flexibility, but we’re feeling much better.
Work-wise, we used our first month to catch up on emails, write articles, and handle website tasks. Nick worked on a free blogging course, which he completed in about a month. This course, along with our existing resources, helps new bloggers start their journey with less stress and confusion.
Our second month focused on projects we had on hold, while our current month is about forming new brand partnerships, improving our website, and creating resources for earning money while traveling. We’re planning to create an advanced course for intermediate bloggers soon.
We’ve been enjoying Grenada so much that we can’t see ourselves leaving anytime soon. In just the past week, we’ve tried new restaurants, hiked new trails, spent time with friends, and enjoyed local events.
Despite our love for Grenada, we still plan to travel. We have trips lined up for our anniversary in May and a month-long trip to Canada and potentially another destination in August. Living abroad allows us to deeply understand each place we visit, from local events to everyday life.
The cost of living in Grenada varies, but we managed to secure good deals on our house and vehicle. Here are some costs in USD:
– House rental: $1,300/month
– Electricity: $100/month
– WiFi: $66/month
– Data plan: $30/month
– Vehicle rental: $400/month
– Petrol: $1.46/L
– Local driver’s license: $37 for 3 months
– Bottle of wine: $15
– Local beer: $1.25
– Dozen eggs: $3.70
– Fresh fish: $3/pound
– Fresh chicken breast: $5.45/pound
– Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $9.25
– Meal at an expensive restaurant: $22+
– Cocktail at a restaurant: $5.50
– Beer at restaurant: $2.25
– Local BBQ chicken stand: $3
Living in Grenada has been an amazing experience, and we’re excited about the future.