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Tully Mars · 11-18-2008, 06:35 PM

The PC and AC are not a given any more. I know- I tried. There's a couple university programs out there that you can "pay" to volunteer your time. Probably not a bad way for someone trying to build a resume, if they have the cash. Personally I'm not involved in building anything anymore and am not willing to pay to volunteer my time.

But travel doesn't have to be expensive. Especially not right now. Hotels, good hotels are discounting their rates almost daily. I just spent a total of 5 nights at the Hyatt in Cancun for $54 a night, two while waiting for a flight out and three doing some diving and decompressing after an emergency trip home. It's a very, very nice property. Nice pool, waterfall in the center, swim up bar etc... Stunning views from the rooms. Their "rack" rate was $250 a night last fall/winter. So, 5 nights at the Hyatt on the beach (what's left of it) in Cancun for less then $300. I could have easily found a place in town for $20 a night. The view wouldn't have been as nice but it would have been clean, friendly and safe. Most nights I took the bus (.65) downtown to a restaurant the locals eat at and had dinner for less then $4, beer or drinks were $1. One night, first night in town, I went to a popular night spot to watch the World Series. I left after ordering my second beer and finding out they were 9.95 a beer. It was a large beer- 22oz, and it was cold. But I like the ones down town for a buck much better.

From my home here in the northern Yucatan I can get a 1st class bus ticket from here to Costa Rica for roughly $90. Don't think Greyhound, think more like British Air with wheels. All of Latin American can be done like this, most of Asia too. I just spoke with an friend who recently spent two weeks very close to Bali for $8 a night. I think he said he spent less then $100 on food for the entire trip. I didn't ask about drinks, knowing him his bar tab was much closer to his airfare then his hotel. I've heard Eastern Europe is inexpensive as well. I've never been, just heard.

Bottom line if you want to travel you probably could travel. Likely for what it costs to stay home, or less. Do a little research, go a little native. I think one thing that stops many in the US from doing this is the attitude of fear. Regardless of what that talking box in/on your entertainment center is telling you the rest of the world is not out to steal your wallet, kill you and dump you in the nearest ditch. Again do some research, use your brain a little and you'll be fine. There's a lot places in Central America, Asia, Africa and Europe I go to in a heart beat. At the same time I wouldn't care to spend much time in parts of several inner, major US cities. I'd go. I'd go just about anywhere. I'd just honestly feel safer in downtown Bogotá, Columbia. My 72 yr. old lady friend just returned. She went by herself (goes almost everywhere by herself) came back with lovely photos and fantastic stories.

11-18-2008, 06:35 PM	#74 (permalink)
Tully Mars Living in a Warmer Insanity Super Moderator Location: Yucatan, Mexico	The PC and AC are not a given any more. I know- I tried. There's a couple university programs out there that you can "pay" to volunteer your time. Probably not a bad way for someone trying to build a resume, if they have the cash. Personally I'm not involved in building anything anymore and am not willing to pay to volunteer my time. But travel doesn't have to be expensive. Especially not right now. Hotels, good hotels are discounting their rates almost daily. I just spent a total of 5 nights at the Hyatt in Cancun for $54 a night, two while waiting for a flight out and three doing some diving and decompressing after an emergency trip home. It's a very, very nice property. Nice pool, waterfall in the center, swim up bar etc... Stunning views from the rooms. Their "rack" rate was $250 a night last fall/winter. So, 5 nights at the Hyatt on the beach (what's left of it) in Cancun for less then $300. I could have easily found a place in town for $20 a night. The view wouldn't have been as nice but it would have been clean, friendly and safe. Most nights I took the bus (.65) downtown to a restaurant the locals eat at and had dinner for less then $4, beer or drinks were $1. One night, first night in town, I went to a popular night spot to watch the World Series. I left after ordering my second beer and finding out they were 9.95 a beer. It was a large beer- 22oz, and it was cold. But I like the ones down town for a buck much better. From my home here in the northern Yucatan I can get a 1st class bus ticket from here to Costa Rica for roughly $90. Don't think Greyhound, think more like British Air with wheels. All of Latin American can be done like this, most of Asia too. I just spoke with an friend who recently spent two weeks very close to Bali for $8 a night. I think he said he spent less then $100 on food for the entire trip. I didn't ask about drinks, knowing him his bar tab was much closer to his airfare then his hotel. I've heard Eastern Europe is inexpensive as well. I've never been, just heard. Bottom line if you want to travel you probably could travel. Likely for what it costs to stay home, or less. Do a little research, go a little native. I think one thing that stops many in the US from doing this is the attitude of fear. Regardless of what that talking box in/on your entertainment center is telling you the rest of the world is not out to steal your wallet, kill you and dump you in the nearest ditch. Again do some research, use your brain a little and you'll be fine. There's a lot places in Central America, Asia, Africa and Europe I go to in a heart beat. At the same time I wouldn't care to spend much time in parts of several inner, major US cities. I'd go. I'd go just about anywhere. I'd just honestly feel safer in downtown Bogotá, Columbia. My 72 yr. old lady friend just returned. She went by herself (goes almost everywhere by herself) came back with lovely photos and fantastic stories. __________________ I used to drink to drown my sorrows, but the damned things have learned how to swim- Frida Kahlo Vice President Starkizzer Fan Club Last edited by Tully Mars; 11-18-2008 at 06:38 PM..