Any suggestions of great places to go and live cheaply??? Mexico jumps to mind but I can't spanish. I hear that Belize speaks English. Ideally the place would be low expense ,low taxes and boater friendly. A friend from Argentina told me that I'd love her country and could live well for a lot less than it costs here. Anyone have favorite places??
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Right here at home!!
I like it right here in the Pacific Northwest where I sail the beautiful San Juan & Gulf Islands - easily one of the premiere sailing destinations in the world. It is not cheap, not by any stretch and it rains more often than it doesn't. It gets very cold and sailing season is realistically only 4 months unless you are a die hard who goes 6 months. I'd like to winter closer to the tropics and only be home for the sailing seasons.
I like it right here in the Pacific Northwest where I sail the beautiful San Juan & Gulf Islands - easily one of the premiere sailing destinations in the world. It is not cheap, not by any stretch and it rains more often than it doesn't. It gets very cold and sailing season is realistically only 4 months unless you are a die hard who goes 6 months. I'd like to winter closer to the tropics and only be home for the sailing seasons.
Some Response, Capt.
You're not in sales are you, Captain Kermee? Yeah, it rains all the time, the season is only 4 months long and its expensive. That's so much better than everywhere else. Seriously, I've never sailed those waters and I am looking forward to the experience but I think the poster was looking for an inexpensive, year round sailing base where they speak english. I've never been to New Zealand, and don't know about the cost of living and taxes but they love their sailors. And, they speak English, sort of.
You're not in sales are you, Captain Kermee? Yeah, it rains all the time, the season is only 4 months long and its expensive. That's so much better than everywhere else. Seriously, I've never sailed those waters and I am looking forward to the experience but I think the poster was looking for an inexpensive, year round sailing base where they speak english. I've never been to New Zealand, and don't know about the cost of living and taxes but they love their sailors. And, they speak English, sort of.
A couple of years ago
I was thinking of Venezuela, eg: http://www.margarita-real-estate.com/Robledal/Nueva_Esparta/Homes/Margarita/Macanao/Agent/Listing_68067.html But, well maybe not.
I was thinking of Venezuela, eg: http://www.margarita-real-estate.com/Robledal/Nueva_Esparta/Homes/Margarita/Macanao/Agent/Listing_68067.html But, well maybe not.
best places to live
I have friends who lived in Mexico and had their home confiscated by the government. They had to leave ALL their belongings they could not get into their car, so think about it, it could and has happen many times. I also have a Venezula friend who was born there to Venezula citizens who were German and had to leave all of their property and most of their money when they were forced out. I would look for a central American country or go to Argentena, much better relationship with the USA AND THE PEOPLE ARE FRIENDLY. Also, consider learning Spanish, it's not difficult and you will be treated with much more respect. Novelman
I have friends who lived in Mexico and had their home confiscated by the government. They had to leave ALL their belongings they could not get into their car, so think about it, it could and has happen many times. I also have a Venezula friend who was born there to Venezula citizens who were German and had to leave all of their property and most of their money when they were forced out. I would look for a central American country or go to Argentena, much better relationship with the USA AND THE PEOPLE ARE FRIENDLY. Also, consider learning Spanish, it's not difficult and you will be treated with much more respect. Novelman
Winter in the Gulf of Mexico and summer Maryland
The Chesapeake Bay has lots to offer during the summer. OK the lower bay (South of the Potomac) does. Well there is fishi.. no all the fish died when the O2 ran out due to the algae bloom. But there is swimm... Oh yea I for got about the jelly fish. Well you can still anchor out in remote.... dangit I can't think of one place that is not developed and doesn't have "no trespassing" signs on the shore except the bug ridden swamps. Well the Bay does have great marinas, dining and history so if you are a history buff or like to eat the Bay is something you should try. All kidding aside, the concept of "living on a boat" in one area is ...... Why did you buy a boat and want to live in only one place???? Or am I missing the point? ME PERSONALLY, I'd try them all and see for my self. You know, spend a year in each place. Heck, I could just be lying about the Bay just to keep lots of folks from coming here and messing it up.
The Chesapeake Bay has lots to offer during the summer. OK the lower bay (South of the Potomac) does. Well there is fishi.. no all the fish died when the O2 ran out due to the algae bloom. But there is swimm... Oh yea I for got about the jelly fish. Well you can still anchor out in remote.... dangit I can't think of one place that is not developed and doesn't have "no trespassing" signs on the shore except the bug ridden swamps. Well the Bay does have great marinas, dining and history so if you are a history buff or like to eat the Bay is something you should try. All kidding aside, the concept of "living on a boat" in one area is ...... Why did you buy a boat and want to live in only one place???? Or am I missing the point? ME PERSONALLY, I'd try them all and see for my self. You know, spend a year in each place. Heck, I could just be lying about the Bay just to keep lots of folks from coming here and messing it up.
My plan
When I'm ready to go, I'm going to keep going until I get there. I think everyone is different, and the best way to find a place to call "home" is to go and check them out. I have a friend who just returned from Costa Rica, and had nothing but good to say about it - tourist friendly, stable democracy, beautiful scenery most of which requires a boat to find, etc. P.S. - when I saw the title of your post I immediately thought CANADA (biased opinion)
When I'm ready to go, I'm going to keep going until I get there. I think everyone is different, and the best way to find a place to call "home" is to go and check them out. I have a friend who just returned from Costa Rica, and had nothing but good to say about it - tourist friendly, stable democracy, beautiful scenery most of which requires a boat to find, etc. P.S. - when I saw the title of your post I immediately thought CANADA (biased opinion)
Been to Argentina, Hawai'i and Costa Rica
as well as a few islands in the Caribbean although not by boat just yet. Of course Hawai'i is not out of the country but offshore a bit and really crowded and a bit expensive but really beautiful. Argentina was also a great trip. The people we met were very nice but mostly spoke spanish which, as previously suggested, is not that difficult to learn. The US dollar currently goes pretty far in Argentina for the moment. The grass fed beef barbecues (asados) spoiled me for US corn fed steak somewhat and Argentinian wines are pretty damn good (Malbec). I was in Costa Rica about 9 years ago and it was a great place to drive around and see. The people we met here were generally nice and also mostly spoke spanish (oh, that language again!), but there are a lot of migrants there from Nicaragua and Panama who are a bit economically depressed so don't expect sympathy from the locals in el barrio. Costa Rica is amazing to explore and there are a lot of US expats here who have opened up businesses but the government has somewhat tightened immigration requiremnets for US wannabees to something like provable income of $4K/month or similar financial wealth. Belize is just one of the places you might enjoy along the way including Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic (where they all speak spanish and a lot more english on PR in the cities). In short, learn spanish and have fun!
as well as a few islands in the Caribbean although not by boat just yet. Of course Hawai'i is not out of the country but offshore a bit and really crowded and a bit expensive but really beautiful. Argentina was also a great trip. The people we met were very nice but mostly spoke spanish which, as previously suggested, is not that difficult to learn. The US dollar currently goes pretty far in Argentina for the moment. The grass fed beef barbecues (asados) spoiled me for US corn fed steak somewhat and Argentinian wines are pretty damn good (Malbec). I was in Costa Rica about 9 years ago and it was a great place to drive around and see. The people we met here were generally nice and also mostly spoke spanish (oh, that language again!), but there are a lot of migrants there from Nicaragua and Panama who are a bit economically depressed so don't expect sympathy from the locals in el barrio. Costa Rica is amazing to explore and there are a lot of US expats here who have opened up businesses but the government has somewhat tightened immigration requiremnets for US wannabees to something like provable income of $4K/month or similar financial wealth. Belize is just one of the places you might enjoy along the way including Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic (where they all speak spanish and a lot more english on PR in the cities). In short, learn spanish and have fun!
There is no best place
As someone much wiser than me said, " Life is a journey, not a guided tour". Any sailor who is THAT serious about this question already knows the best part is the travel, not the destination.
As someone much wiser than me said, " Life is a journey, not a guided tour". Any sailor who is THAT serious about this question already knows the best part is the travel, not the destination.
OK, Don got it
The best place to live outside the US is on a cruising sailboat that goes to different places. The people who do this are at least a little bit crazy. Just ask their relatives, land-based friends and former neighbors. I think in the end it’s a willingness to accept risks and even deprivation in the search for paradise. Everyone loves the picture post-card image of the lone sailboat anchored off a tropical island with the palm trees, white sand beaches, and jungle forest in the background. And maybe, cruising is a quest for that picture. More than a few have found their paradise in Guatemala, Honduras, the Windward islands, etc. - they stayed, they quit, and they’re not going anywhere. For the rest it’s all about the journey, the people you meet, the places you see, and the never-ending adventure. The destination doesn’t matter, all that matters is the search, and the goal is just to do it.
The best place to live outside the US is on a cruising sailboat that goes to different places. The people who do this are at least a little bit crazy. Just ask their relatives, land-based friends and former neighbors. I think in the end it’s a willingness to accept risks and even deprivation in the search for paradise. Everyone loves the picture post-card image of the lone sailboat anchored off a tropical island with the palm trees, white sand beaches, and jungle forest in the background. And maybe, cruising is a quest for that picture. More than a few have found their paradise in Guatemala, Honduras, the Windward islands, etc. - they stayed, they quit, and they’re not going anywhere. For the rest it’s all about the journey, the people you meet, the places you see, and the never-ending adventure. The destination doesn’t matter, all that matters is the search, and the goal is just to do it.
Cuba, Venezuela, North Korea.....
... great health care, education, food for everyone. Utopian society according to many. Sorry, there is not place like the USA. If you go somewhere else they could turn into one of the above and confiscate your goodies....so if you do go abroad, keep your investments in the USA. abe
... great health care, education, food for everyone. Utopian society according to many. Sorry, there is not place like the USA. If you go somewhere else they could turn into one of the above and confiscate your goodies....so if you do go abroad, keep your investments in the USA. abe
Don't worry about that, Doug...
Most Americans' accents make it obvious they couldn't be anything BUT American!
I heard this one years ago: Someone who speaks three languages is...? Tri-lingual Someone who speaks two languages is...? Bi-lingual Someone who speaks only one language? AMERICAN!
Most Americans' accents make it obvious they couldn't be anything BUT American!
I heard this one years ago: Someone who speaks three languages is...? Tri-lingual Someone who speaks two languages is...? Bi-lingual Someone who speaks only one language? AMERICAN!Well Best is personal but
If a place showsup as best on several peoples lists then it is worth a look. What got me thinking is MSN.com had an article on how to stretch retirement money. One of their suggestions was moving to a cheaper country. But the idea of sailing around until I found the best place is probably a good suggestion. I've heard a lot of sailers mention Isla Muerjeres sp off the Yucatan as being a great place.
If a place showsup as best on several peoples lists then it is worth a look. What got me thinking is MSN.com had an article on how to stretch retirement money. One of their suggestions was moving to a cheaper country. But the idea of sailing around until I found the best place is probably a good suggestion. I've heard a lot of sailers mention Isla Muerjeres sp off the Yucatan as being a great place.
I would expect that they would know you are from
the US when you open up your wallet and hand them some greenbacks or visa/amex card or when you opened your mouth the first time. Even if you learn the language a little bit some spanish people appreciate that you try to understand the most rudimentary conversation. "Hola" or "Hello" goes a long way. I am still learning Spanish like everyone else but you gotta be an American wherever you go (your passport says so).
the US when you open up your wallet and hand them some greenbacks or visa/amex card or when you opened your mouth the first time. Even if you learn the language a little bit some spanish people appreciate that you try to understand the most rudimentary conversation. "Hola" or "Hello" goes a long way. I am still learning Spanish like everyone else but you gotta be an American wherever you go (your passport says so).
To reside abroad requires a sense of adventure,
to embrace a different culture, language and food. Only in America can you live like an American. Very important is a source of income as local labor laws will most likely preclude you from work. The welcome mat is just out for those that bring money or investment into the country. Anyone lacking some of these qualifications need not apply to be an expatriate. If I had to choose, I would live in a canal boat in the south of France, but it is not my main goal in life.
to embrace a different culture, language and food. Only in America can you live like an American. Very important is a source of income as local labor laws will most likely preclude you from work. The welcome mat is just out for those that bring money or investment into the country. Anyone lacking some of these qualifications need not apply to be an expatriate. If I had to choose, I would live in a canal boat in the south of France, but it is not my main goal in life.
Canada is outside the US (so far)
and it's a bit cheaper, but for culture, food, stable politics (even though they change governments, no confiscations or financial disruption) I vote for Thailand. Cheap and friendly. Never been invaded or colonized. Technologically advanced (fibre optic information highway down the backbone of the country 20 years ago and Cat diesel machinery built in country. Smart, civilized folks. The language is tough, but they teach english from grade 5 in the schools. And they have some of the best cruising in the world. So for me, BC in Summer and Thailand in Winter. The Canal du Midi in the South of France is nice, too. Free to tie up wherever you like (200 Euro/yr lock fees), but food is expensive. On the other hand, wine is really cheap.
and it's a bit cheaper, but for culture, food, stable politics (even though they change governments, no confiscations or financial disruption) I vote for Thailand. Cheap and friendly. Never been invaded or colonized. Technologically advanced (fibre optic information highway down the backbone of the country 20 years ago and Cat diesel machinery built in country. Smart, civilized folks. The language is tough, but they teach english from grade 5 in the schools. And they have some of the best cruising in the world. So for me, BC in Summer and Thailand in Winter. The Canal du Midi in the South of France is nice, too. Free to tie up wherever you like (200 Euro/yr lock fees), but food is expensive. On the other hand, wine is really cheap.
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