BY: ZOE MELNYK
Have you ever looked at someone who travels for a living and thought, how is this possible? The answer isn’t magic, it isn’t a giant trust fund, and it isn’t winning the lottery. The truth is that it’s all in the mindset and where you place your priorities.
It’s oftentimes easy to dismiss the desire for travel by focusing on the so-called necessities that society has convinced us that we need in our lives. I’m talking about the necessities like a mortgage, car payments, insurance, and all of the other monthly bills that strap us down and prevent any kind of free spending for the average working citizen.
When you factor in mortgage payments, car payments, insurance, hydro, morning coffee, and the cost of commuting in the American economy, it’s probably cheaper to move to a tropical island than it is to stay in suburbia or a claustrophobic apartment in the city.
“Location, location, location”. It is possible to find a diamond in the rough. I promise. There are places in the world with the amenities of a tourist town, but without the overload of souvenirs and hawaiian shirts known to induce instantaneous nausea.
Before you expel this thought and continue to scroll your Facebook feed, keep in mind that you don’t need a huge financial cushion in order to leave. Working abroad is possible.
Here are seven places around the world with a million dollar view if you’re suffering from financial starvation.
Spain
Photo: © mafrmcfa
Spain is home to two of beautiful-yet-affordable communities that will lighten the heavy lifting of your wallet.
Alicante, is a beach town with the Holy Trinity– mouth-watering food, a perpetually warm climate, and a shitload of activities. Split a one-bedroom apartment with a friend and you’ll each have to pay about $275 a month.
Ojen, is your second option and is even cheaper sitting just 15 minutes from the Alboran Sea. Ojen will cost about $330 per month to live on your own. If you love it enough to stay, a townhouse in the city can cost around $100,000. At a similar price point in America, your view would probably be of smoke plumes from a coal plant.
Argentina
Photo: © paolomarchetti
Don’t be fooled by sensationalism glorifying violence in South America. Mendoza, Argentina is an example of a charming city right in the middle of Argentina’s wine country with a thriving economy. Surrounded by mountains to give you a target for how high you can reach, this spot is perfect for any entrepreneur. It’s extremely affordable with an average rent of $380 a month. Looking to buy? how does $60,000 sound?
Indonesia
Photo: © fabio lamanna
Bali is an incredible island off the coast of Indonesia. Besides being one of the three awe-inspiring settings featured in Eat,Pray, Love, Bali is known for volcanoes hidden by lush greenery and coral reefs. If you are looking to escape the cage of a cubicle and start your own business, this could be the place for you. To compliment its rich cultural heritage, Kuta, the islands major coastal city is swelling with nightlife. Renting will cost you roughly $300 per month.
Thailand
Photo: © Prasit Rodphan
It’s no secret that Thailand is one of the cheapest destinations for any traveler and has grown substantially in popularity in recent times. Forget DiCaprio, Thailand was what truly captured my heart in mediocre 2000’s movie The Beach. And as far as living there, Chiang Mai holds arguably the best climate in Asia with one of the most affordable rents. Staying in a one-bedroom apartment will run you about $250 a month.
Belize
Photo: © mabus13
Down in one of the top relaxation spots of Central America, Corozal, Belize is the perfect place for anyone addicted to mediation, yoga or suckling on the nipple of Zen. Even if you’re not interested in ballooning into a modern day Buddha the landscape is still bound to be a downright philosophical experience. Rent is about $190 per month.
Mexico
Photo: © Missing35mm
The entire country is a goldmine for affordable apartments. And while the entire country has been typecast by the confidently ignorant Donald Trump, Mexico has much more to offer than criminals, who make up a sliver of the general population. Puerto Vallarta perhaps tops them all. Renting may be on the steeper side for your broke ass at $450 per month, but if you’re in the market for buying a townhouse, areas outside tourist traps will start at around $55,000.
