Author Topic: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun  (Read 27297 times)

SaskyStache

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #50 on: July 07, 2016, 10:31:09 PM »
So I would definitely put Ukraine and Nicaragua up there on my list. Lviv I think is like Prague 30 years ago. It's fantastic along with Ivano- Frankivsk, but not speaking Ukrainian (mine is non-existent) can be a hindrance, but everyone was so nice that it always worked out (They haven't been inundated with tourists so it's still a fun change of events for them and not an annoyance). Also, I never felt in danger at all while I was in Ukraine. Not saying the current situation isn't a factor, but in western Ukraine I think it's very small until something major changes.

1. Mexico. My top picks would be Puerto Escondido (as mentioned before). I thought this was a great place with good surf and very reasonable rates for food and accommodation. Also quite beautiful and more of a resort town for Mexicans than foreigners. The Baja peninsula was also great and cheap. Anywhere south of Ensanada is good. Bahia de los Angeles is good and La Paz.
2. El Salvador. This one is a big maybe because the crime rate has shot up since I've been there, but I think it is concentrated in San Salvador (but there's probably spillage) . But in the north close to Playa Coastal Azul area can be fantastic, cheap for food, booze and accommodation and there's amazing surfing here.
3. Croatia. I'm completely biased because my experience with the people was so fantastic, but I think it's reasonably priced and has lots of things to do and see.

PFHC

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #51 on: July 08, 2016, 12:34:15 AM »
.

Playing with Fire UK

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #52 on: July 08, 2016, 04:37:04 AM »
Another vote for Croatia.

terran

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #53 on: July 08, 2016, 06:59:28 AM »
I've been enjoying following along with this series: http://frugalvagabond.com/retire-abroad/ -- Might give you some ideas.

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #54 on: July 08, 2016, 11:44:14 AM »
Following.  Love this thread!

Lunasol

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #55 on: July 08, 2016, 12:50:55 PM »
I'm happy to see so many replies about Mexico :) Considering I was born and still live here, it warms my heart lol

But where I live is one of the most expensive cities (Monterrey), from what I read most people are looking for a quiet town, so I wouldn't recommend it here. I think even Mexico City is cheaper.

The mexican peso has been losing value against the USD in the last 4 years since Peņa Nieto became president (around 2 pesos every year, went from 1 USD= 13 pesos to 1 USD=18/19 pesos from 2012 to 2016), so if you bring your american money, it'll last you a lifetime and beyond!

MgoSam

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #56 on: July 08, 2016, 03:24:06 PM »
...Ukraine? The country at war with Russia?

Only a small part of Ukraine is dangerous.  It's like not going to Florida because Detroit is dangerous.

No.  It's not like that at all!

The correct analogy would be...
"It's like not going to Florida because Detroit has been invaded by Russia."

To be really nitpicky about this, assuming distance from a given conflict area is the best proxy for safety of said other area, an even more correct analogy would be not going to Florida because Kentucky "rebels" with weapons and supplies from Russia, aided by Russian special forces, were vying for "sovereignty" against USA's federal government.

Had to :)

Also FL and Kentucky, and Detroit for that matter, have only been independent from Russia for 26 years.

trashmanz

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #57 on: July 08, 2016, 03:41:45 PM »
I like Costa Rica and Thailand. Though probably not as cheap as your options.

Curbside Prophet

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #58 on: July 08, 2016, 09:13:10 PM »
Following.  I haven't been nearly to as many places as others here but I would say Chile.

Miss Prim

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #59 on: July 09, 2016, 01:43:14 PM »
Dang!  So much Detroit bashing!  I live in Michigan and extended family and friends go to Downtown Detroit all the time!  The area around Comerica Park and Ford Field (baseball and football) is beautiful and there are lots of bars and restaurants down there.  Also, Greek town has the casino and lots of Greek restaurants.  The fireworks on the waterfront for the 4th of July (usually earlier) has 3 barges in the Detroit river and is put on by Detroit and Windsor, On. Canada.  We have Mexican town with great Mexican restaurants and Corktown with Irish pubs.  Detroit is just like any big city,  there are places you go and places you don't go to, but neither I nor my family have every felt afraid downtown. 

Just like Memphis is supposed to be dangerous, but we love going to Beale St.  and listening to all the music.  I've also been to Mexico a lot and never felt afraid either.  Like I said before, every big city has it's dangerous areas, but if you know where to go and not go, you should be fine.

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arebelspy

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #60 on: July 09, 2016, 05:00:51 PM »
Dang!  So much Detroit bashing!  I live in Michigan and extended family and friends go to Downtown Detroit all the time!  The area around Comerica Park and Ford Field (baseball and football) is beautiful and there are lots of bars and restaurants down there.  Also, Greek town has the casino and lots of Greek restaurants.  The fireworks on the waterfront for the 4th of July (usually earlier) has 3 barges in the Detroit river and is put on by Detroit and Windsor, On. Canada.  We have Mexican town with great Mexican restaurants and Corktown with Irish pubs.  Detroit is just like any big city,  there are places you go and places you don't go to, but neither I nor my family have every felt afraid downtown.

I agree, downtown Detroit, during the day, or evening, is great.  We've enjoyed walking around Greek town and having lunch, going to a Lions game, etc.

But I wouldn't hang out south of 8 mile at 2am.

Like you said, most places have dangerous places you shouldn't go.. Detroit's are just a little more dangerous, and a little more of them, than the average US city, so that's why it's used as the example.  :)
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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #61 on: July 09, 2016, 06:52:04 PM »
"Cheap, safe, and fun"

Maybe this is one of those things where you get to pick any two of the three.


arebelspy

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #62 on: July 10, 2016, 12:31:55 AM »
"Cheap, safe, and fun"

Maybe this is one of those things where you get to pick any two of the three.

Nah.  I think there are many, many places that have all three.  A small sampling of them have been mentioned in this thread.
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sleepystaff

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #63 on: July 10, 2016, 04:22:46 AM »
following

okonumiyaki

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #64 on: July 10, 2016, 08:49:22 AM »
Indonesia, outside Jakarta.

North Carolina

Thailand

Kaminoge

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #65 on: July 10, 2016, 09:28:40 AM »
North Carolina is a country now? And I always thought it was Texas that wanted to succeed :-)

Cassie

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #66 on: July 10, 2016, 01:45:15 PM »
When my sister and I went to Thailand in 1998 they had huge billboards inside the airport warning you that it is not safe for women to travel alone, do not get in a car with someone offering to give you a tour, etc.  In Bangkok we stayed in a super fancy hotel that had armed guards with big guns on every floor.  It did not feel very safe to me.  We only took tours that picked and dropped us off at our hotel.

brooklynmoney

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #67 on: July 10, 2016, 03:08:25 PM »
I traveled around Thailand by myself in 2001 as a I late 20 something woman, including staying for several days in Bangkok. I was totally comfortable. I did the same in Cambodia and Vietnam as well. I would much rather travel as a solo female traveler in SEAsia than many other parts of the world.

Tom Bri

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #68 on: July 10, 2016, 08:49:25 PM »
Thailand, interestingly, is one of the very few Asian countries with a strong tradition of private firearms ownership. Quite liberal laws, at least when I was there in the 1990s.

libertarian4321

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #69 on: July 11, 2016, 04:41:36 AM »
...Ukraine? The country at war with Russia?

Only a small part of Ukraine is dangerous.  It's like not going to Florida because Detroit is dangerous.

No.  It's not like that at all!

The correct analogy would be...
"It's like not going to Florida because Detroit has been invaded by Russia."

The Russians would never invade Detroit. 

It's too dangerous.

libertarian4321

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #70 on: July 11, 2016, 04:47:41 AM »
Er, to get on topic, I'd maybe go with Croatia/Slovenia.

Not as cheap as some places, but not bad, and safe/modern.

My grandparents emigrated from Ukraine (Galicia/Lviv area), but I'm not sure I'd want to go there unless they allow me to keep an M-16 in the house in case Putin gets more aggressive. :)

Actually, I've never been there, but I hope to get there someday.

Roland of Gilead

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #71 on: July 11, 2016, 06:27:44 AM »
USA by far.

Free to camp at many places.  Free healthcare for low income.  Police that actually respond to crime and don't require bribes.  Water you can drink from tap.  Meat that is actually kept safely cool in the grocery store.   Roads that are reasonably marked and maintained.  Many different climates to sample all under the same general law and currency.

Metric Mouse

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #72 on: July 11, 2016, 10:40:40 PM »
USA by far.

Free to camp at many places.  Free healthcare for low income.  Police that actually respond to crime and don't require bribes.  Water you can drink from tap.  Meat that is actually kept safely cool in the grocery store.   Roads that are reasonably marked and maintained.  Many different climates to sample all under the same general law and currency.

You make a lot of great points - for the price of a ticket OUT of the USA, once could have a pretty kick-ass vacation inside the USA.

arebelspy

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #73 on: July 12, 2016, 12:09:13 AM »
USA by far.

Free to camp at many places.  Free healthcare for low income.  Police that actually respond to crime and don't require bribes.  Water you can drink from tap.  Meat that is actually kept safely cool in the grocery store.   Roads that are reasonably marked and maintained.  Many different climates to sample all under the same general law and currency.

You make a lot of great points - for the price of a ticket OUT of the USA, once could have a pretty kick-ass vacation inside the USA.

IDK, our tickets out of the US was 11.20 for the two adults, and $78 for the infant, total under $100.  And there are places in Bali, Chiang Mai, etc. we're looking at booking for ~300-400/mo..much less than camping fees.  And the food is a fraction of the price.  The US is great for many, many things.

But if you're looking for "cheapest," even the cheapest areas of the US don't crack the top 20 (and likely 100?) of the world.
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Metric Mouse

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #74 on: July 12, 2016, 12:41:16 AM »
USA by far.

Free to camp at many places.  Free healthcare for low income.  Police that actually respond to crime and don't require bribes.  Water you can drink from tap.  Meat that is actually kept safely cool in the grocery store.   Roads that are reasonably marked and maintained.  Many different climates to sample all under the same general law and currency.

You make a lot of great points - for the price of a ticket OUT of the USA, once could have a pretty kick-ass vacation inside the USA.

IDK, our tickets out of the US was 11.20 for the two adults, and $78 for the infant, total under $100.  And there are places in Bali, Chiang Mai, etc. we're looking at booking for ~300-400/mo..much less than camping fees.  And the food is a fraction of the price.  The US is great for many, many things.

But if you're looking for "cheapest," even the cheapest areas of the US don't crack the top 20 (and likely 100?) of the world.

Bali does check my 'fun' box, and cheap to boot.

I don't know where you camp that it's $400 a month... must have electricity and water and maid service.

arebelspy

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #75 on: July 12, 2016, 03:25:38 AM »
I don't know where you camp that it's $400 a month... must have electricity and water and maid service.

I just googled "US average camping spot per night"

First result: "It cost $20 to $30 a night to stay at a well-equipped campground"
http://www.usatourist.com/english/traveltips/lodging/lodging-camping-tips.html

Another front page result: "How much does it cost to stay in an RV park or campground? ... Typical daily rates: $10-$30;"

It's great when it's cheap, or free, but increasingly it isn't, sadly.  Even a "primitive campsite" can run you $80 for the night in some popular locations.

See some examples in California: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=23293
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dougules

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #76 on: July 12, 2016, 11:57:05 AM »
I don't know where you camp that it's $400 a month... must have electricity and water and maid service.

I just googled "US average camping spot per night"

First result: "It cost $20 to $30 a night to stay at a well-equipped campground"
http://www.usatourist.com/english/traveltips/lodging/lodging-camping-tips.html

Another front page result: "How much does it cost to stay in an RV park or campground? ... Typical daily rates: $10-$30;"

It's great when it's cheap, or free, but increasingly it isn't, sadly.  Even a "primitive campsite" can run you $80 for the night in some popular locations.

See some examples in California: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=23293

If you find cheap/free camp sites you'll need a car.  That's a big expense for any sort of long term travel.  One of the big money savers is being able to use buses to get around, and that's not easy in the US.  I can't think of many camping options that don't require a car.  Even hostels, when you can find them, tend to run a bit high in the US. 

On top of that, food is more expensive in the US than most developing countries.  Yes, there may be better food safety, but if you follow what precautions the locals take do you should be fine in most countries.  And adjusting to the different set of germs is probably good for your immune system. 

The US is a great place to travel, but there aren't many options for a long trip on a budget. 

Kaminoge

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #77 on: July 12, 2016, 12:00:14 PM »
Just chiming in to agree that our summer of exploring the US and camping was definitely not cheap. From memory we might once or twice have had camping spots that were $10 a night but most were more like $18 and those were the cheap ones (this is for a tent site). Times when we couldn't get a spot in a NP and had to end up staying at some fancy pants campground it was a lot higher (I have a horrible feeling we ended up paying $60 a night more than once).

Cassie

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #78 on: July 12, 2016, 02:26:10 PM »
The problem with many developing countries is that many are very hot/humid, lots of bugs, your apartment probably does not have air conditioning, dirty water/air, etc.  It sounds awful to me.

dougules

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #79 on: July 12, 2016, 02:45:57 PM »
The problem with many developing countries is that many are very hot/humid, lots of bugs, your apartment probably does not have air conditioning, dirty water/air, etc.  It sounds awful to me.

True, but you can solve that with altitude.  The Andes, the Himalayas, Central Mexico, and several other places are high enough to be really nice all year or even a bit cold.  And bugs are generally not bad if you're high up and/or in the desert.   Lots of places in the US are a lot more buggy.

And not all developing countries are tropical.  You could pack your coat right now and go snow skiing in Argentina.  Or if you go to Ukraine or Poland in a few months, I doubt you'll be complaining about hot weather. 

Dirty water and air can be an issue, but it's not bad if you get away from big development.  Air and water quality aren't always great in the developed world either by comparison. 

MgoSam

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #80 on: July 12, 2016, 02:54:57 PM »

And not all developing countries are tropical.  You could pack your coat right now and go snow skiing in Argentina.  Or if you go to Ukraine or Poland in a few months, I doubt you'll be complaining about hot weather. 

I love Minnesotan summers, but absolutely hate winters, so one thing I might do is become an international 'snowbird,' and go to South America in October and come back around April.

Cassie

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #81 on: July 12, 2016, 03:31:20 PM »
My DIL is from Poland which is a pretty country. However, in winter because they burn coal yes it is cold but the air is not good for someone that has asthma. I know there are countries that are cheap and not tropical but many are. 

MrSal

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #82 on: July 12, 2016, 03:47:40 PM »
To whoever says Portugal is not cheap.... it is.

I dare you to counter me on that and give me examples.

Even the capital, Lisbon, is cheap it you go out side the capital then things get crazy cheap...

And it's safe and fun too.

Roland of Gilead

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #83 on: July 12, 2016, 03:49:25 PM »
We are staying RIGHT NOW at a Army Corps maintained park right on Lake Sakakawea.  We have been here six days and maybe 1/4 of the golf course manicured spots have been filled.  Trash dumpster and toilets on site but no other services.  Boat ramp and beach are awesome.  $0 per night.  We have 1100 watts of solar on our RV and large water tanks.  Fill them in town 10 miles away once every week or two for free.  Went sailing in our boat today, cost $0 to launch.  Watched some TV last night (get 21 channels here on antenna), cost $0.   We did spend $70 for a week's food at Walmart before driving here.

So how much cheaper are these other places???



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« Last Edit: July 12, 2016, 03:55:08 PM by Roland of Gilead »

sisto

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #84 on: July 12, 2016, 05:51:43 PM »
Following

rodrigorodrigues535

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Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #85 on: July 12, 2016, 06:05:25 PM »
Portugal


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MgoSam

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #86 on: July 12, 2016, 06:31:03 PM »
Question for those in Portugal, how are the people? My company's salesman is from India and lived in Spain for many years while working, he says that he really didn't like Portugal because they were very rude to him and racist. I know that all regions have all types of people, but I remember mentioning that a friend of mine is going to Portugal and he instantly begged me to stop him/her, when I told him that my friend is white, he relaxed and smiled and said, "They'll have a good time, it's nice and cheap there with great seafood."

aspiringnomad

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #87 on: July 12, 2016, 09:58:34 PM »
To whoever says Portugal is not cheap.... it is.

I dare you to counter me on that and give me examples.

Even the capital, Lisbon, is cheap it you go out side the capital then things get crazy cheap...

And it's safe and fun too.

Shhh.... ;)

Metric Mouse

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #88 on: July 12, 2016, 11:07:55 PM »
We are staying RIGHT NOW at a Army Corps maintained park right on Lake Sakakawea.  We have been here six days and maybe 1/4 of the golf course manicured spots have been filled.  Trash dumpster and toilets on site but no other services.  Boat ramp and beach are awesome.  $0 per night.  We have 1100 watts of solar on our RV and large water tanks.  Fill them in town 10 miles away once every week or two for free.  Went sailing in our boat today, cost $0 to launch.  Watched some TV last night (get 21 channels here on antenna), cost $0.   We did spend $70 for a week's food at Walmart before driving here.

So how much cheaper are these other places???

Beautiful lake. Been to the State Park there a few times on bike trips. My grandfather worked on the dam there, I'm told.

But, but, buuuuutttt you forget MustacheMath: since you had to buy a car (average cost $33,000 according to google) and a camper (probably about the same average cost), taxes, title, license and insurance, amortorize it over the times you take it camping, and then add in fuel, food, camping fees and the opportunity cost of all of that money not being invested, and you can see how it could cost easily $6,000- $8,000 a weekend to go camping. It's much more frugal to fly around the world and stay in a hostel. :D

It's totally true, yo.

PFHC

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #89 on: July 12, 2016, 11:33:15 PM »
Beautiful lake. Been to the State Park there a few times on bike trips. My grandfather worked on the dam there, I'm told.

But, but, buuuuutttt you forget MustacheMath: since you had to buy a car (average cost $33,000 according to google) and a camper (probably about the same average cost), taxes, title, license and insurance, amortorize it over the times you take it camping, and then add in fuel, food, camping fees and the opportunity cost of all of that money not being invested, and you can see how it could cost easily $6,000- $8,000 a weekend to go camping. It's much more frugal to fly around the world and stay in a hostel. :D

It's totally true, yo.
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Metric Mouse

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #90 on: July 12, 2016, 11:34:20 PM »
That's going in my signature.

PFHC

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #91 on: July 12, 2016, 11:40:04 PM »
That's going in my signature.
MustacheMathTM, the rules:

If you want it, its either free or makes you $1000/wk.
If you think it sucks, it costs an average of $50,000/yr, not including opportunity costs.

BTW, my wife gives me shit about this all the time. Calls it DadMath.

Grog

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #92 on: July 13, 2016, 12:36:06 AM »
Morocco. I was there only once. Marrakech is a tourist trap but if you stay in the many coastal city (like Essaouira) it is safe (no alcohol whatsoever, Muslim but not fundamentalist, very peaceful), incredibly cheap (1 kg of fresh strawberries in February for 0.20 USD? Oh yeah). And the food is amazing. You could literally eat out every night. And very cheap and traditional spa service (hammam, massage).
And in winter you can go ski in the atlas.

And btw, lots and lots of retiree from Europe, mostly southern Spain. They live like king on Spanish pensions.

Sent from my YD201 using Tapatalk
« Last Edit: July 13, 2016, 12:39:00 AM by Grog »

andy85

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #93 on: July 13, 2016, 06:02:06 AM »
This showed up as one of the rockstarfinance article's today...thought it may be of interest to this thread...

http://frugalvagabond.com/2016/07/07/retire-abroad-july-2016-1200/

dougules

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #94 on: July 13, 2016, 06:48:49 AM »
Beautiful lake. Been to the State Park there a few times on bike trips. My grandfather worked on the dam there, I'm told.

But, but, buuuuutttt you forget MustacheMath: since you had to buy a car (average cost $33,000 according to google) and a camper (probably about the same average cost), taxes, title, license and insurance, amortorize it over the times you take it camping, and then add in fuel, food, camping fees and the opportunity cost of all of that money not being invested, and you can see how it could cost easily $6,000- $8,000 a weekend to go camping. It's much more frugal to fly around the world and stay in a hostel. :D

It's totally true, yo.
MustacheMathTM

Hmmm... let's rerun the numbers according to the Snarky Complainypants Calculator:

Nice hotel room with a view of the harbor - $22
Plate of Masala in a nice restaurant - $3
Bus ride into the Andes - $10
Flight to the other side of the planet - 1 MILLION dollars
Not being stuck by a lake in North Dakota - PRICELESS

Roland of Gilead

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #95 on: July 13, 2016, 07:11:34 AM »
"Stuck by a lake in ND"

Yep, and last week we were stuck in the badlands of SD (free).

The week before that we were stuck in the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming (also free).

But I am sure a crowded smelly $3 bus ride is better.

Metric Mouse

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #96 on: July 13, 2016, 07:17:09 AM »
Hey, at least it's not Ohio...

Rubic

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #97 on: July 13, 2016, 07:19:56 AM »
Morocco. I was there only once. Marrakech is a tourist trap but if you stay in the many coastal city (like Essaouira) it is safe (no alcohol whatsoever, Muslim but not fundamentalist, very peaceful), incredibly cheap (1 kg of fresh strawberries in February for 0.20 USD? Oh yeah). And the food is amazing. You could literally eat out every night. And very cheap and traditional spa service (hammam, massage).

How is Casablanca?  The AirBnB rates appear fairly cheap.

dougules

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #98 on: July 13, 2016, 09:40:33 AM »
"Stuck by a lake in ND"

Yep, and last week we were stuck in the badlands of SD (free).

The week before that we were stuck in the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming (also free).

But I am sure a crowded smelly $3 bus ride is better.

You can upgrade to the $10 bus and ride in a literal Mercedes.  Even the cheap chicken bus is worth it for sandboarding (board rental $1) and a plate of fresh ceviche (also $1). 

$10 for 200 miles is a lot less than trailing your camper the same distance.  And the delicious Peruvian street food can be eaten likely for cheaper than camp food.   

Metric Mouse

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Re: Best country in the world for combo of cheap, safe, and fun
« Reply #99 on: July 13, 2016, 09:52:42 AM »
Umm... but you'd still be in Peru. How much does it cost to charter a Mercedes somewhere interesting? And at $22 a night, that's over $600 a month, just for lodging. Just sayin'....

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!