What would you think if I wrote about how to go to an absolutely GREAT restaurant and get out for less than $5 by drinking only water, not ordering anything, and eating the remains off of other people’s plates? You would think I was crazy! Well, travel to me is like a great restaurant–it can offer enormous pleasures but not if all you think about is getting out for the least amount of money. Yes, somethings are free, but sometimes you want to enjoy the food, culture, adventures of a place whose costs far exceed $5/day.

I would rather live somewhere for a few months or years earning enough money in 3,4 days of work each week so that the other 3 or 4 days can be filled with activities without the worry of always looking into my wallet. Once when I was a very young student I went to Italy, crashed on someone’s couch, ate nothing but ramen noodles, and never got to the opera. I decided then that if I am going to travel I will go for long enough to become a part of the culture and earn enough funds to enjoy it. That is the theme of my own blog, On The Other Guy’s Dime in which you live and work overseas earning enough money to never have to reach into your wallet and never once skimping on the joys of travel. I personally think it is a far better way to travel.

Michael Schneider

Selfish, dirty and unoriginal.

How about a life approach, one of travel or not, that is self sustaining and that celebrates the human body by, like the best of close-to-the-earth cultures like Thailand (the real Thailand, not the ‘travelers’ heavily trodden path), staying as clean as possible.

Cheers and happy travels walking slowly and bathing often, Tom

Medical care is not nearly as expensive in other countries as it is in the United States, and many countries offer free care even to foreigners. I have always been able to pay out of my pocket for all of the medical attention that I have needed outside of the USA. In India, I did a two day stint in the Harvard Hospital in Bangalore (which is one of the best hospitals in the region) and it only cost $100. Other times I have needed to buy medicines, but they have always fit into my overall expense pattern.

So I would not worry medical care, you will be able to get everything that you need for yourself somehow.

I also think that travel insurance is often not worth the expense.

Thanks for writing.

Walk Slow,

Wade
Vagabond Journey.com

I was wondering what strategy you use for unexpected medical costs?

Travel insurance is expensive these days and I am curious what other options are out there.

In the past I have run the gauntlet yet appendix know how to reject ones body at the most inappropriate times!

Also, have you successfully used airhitch?