Find something you love to do, that is fulfilling in it's own right, and a way to make money from it. Then you will enjoy what you are doing without feeling it is "work." Flexibility to travel can come from self-employment.
Easy in theory, not so easy to find that thing and earn a decent living from it. Doing something that provides value to others is an important part of finding fulfillment, otherwise is will feel like "work."
Steemit could be part of the answer for some of us. The potential here is exciting. Will my particular minnow account will ever grow to a point where it rewards me for time put in? ... too soon to say.
RE: Your dream to retire - is it realistic?