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Is there a different method to reach your destination aside from the most straightforward path? Can you locate an affordable flight to a nearby location instead by utilizing a different airport?

Frequently, the answer is affirmative, and it can save you a considerable amount of money if you are somewhat adaptable.

I employ this strategy multiple times each year and it greatly reduces my expenses. During my trip to Europe last year, my initial intention was to visit Berlin, Prague, and Budapest first. However, I flew into Amsterdam because United was offering a fantastic promotion using frequent flyer miles. A few nights later, we took a train. On our return, we flew from Madrid rather than Barcelona, which saved us $200 each on the return flight.

The previous year, we concluded our journey in the Czech Republic but did not depart from Prague. Instead, we took a train to Munich to head back home because we found a significantly cheaper flight from there.

However, options like this are not exclusive to Europe. I have employed comparable tactics to secure lower fares to Asia, South America, and back to Mexico. In the USA, discovering an alternative airport can lead to substantial savings if you’re traveling to the correct city. NYC boasts three airports along with Philadelphia being relatively close. Chicago has two plus additional nearby options. D.C. features three airports all accessible now via train or metro.

Only a Few Countries Have a Unique Flight Alternative

If you wish to visit Antigua in Guatemala, you must first arrive in Guatemala City. For Las Vegas, it’s not very sensible to explore other airport options. The only way to reach the Galapagos Islands is via Quito or Guayaquil. But in many other locations, alternative airports are available, so don’t lose hope if the obvious option is pricey. Be inventive, and you might discover another budget-friendly flight choice.

When conversing with fellow travelers, particularly those who opt for brief getaways instead of extended voyages, I frequently encounter a peculiar mental block. They perceive a destination as being defined by the airport location, struggling to comprehend that traveling elsewhere is easily achievable—without being part of an organized tour.

I often state, “You can book a cheap flight to Cancun, and then simply take a bus or the Maya Train to Merida.”

“Whaaaatt?! How would I manage that?!” is a common response, as if I’ve just suggested navigating a massive obstacle course filled with crocodiles.

I’ve heard individuals express they haven’t traveled to Place X due to expensive flights yet could fly to a city two hours away in another country for hundreds of dollars less and simply cross over. They just can’t connect the dots.

Overland Transit Information Is at Your Fingertips

I found this mindset peculiar when guidebooks contained all the necessary information, but I find it even more baffling now that a correctly phrased search can yield instructions in a few clicks. Websites/apps like Rome2Rio and 12Go have already done the legwork for you.

Of course, you might need to catch a taxi to a bus station, or navigate to the shuttle counter at the airport, but it’s more like reaching level 3 of Candy Crush, not solving a calculus problem.

Savvy long-term travelers understand to always “look for the second right answer,” as Roger Van Oech remarked in his classic creativity book A Whack on the Side of the Head. Simply because you book a low-cost flight on Kayak to the busy San Jose del Cabo airport doesn’t mean you must spend your holiday in pricey Los Cabos. You can catch a bus at 4:00 and be enjoying a sunset drink in La Paz a few hours later.

The following morning, you could be swimming with whale sharks or participating in a similar excursion:

Finding an economical flight to Cancun doesn’t mean you have to linger in Cancun for more than an hour. Take the airport bus to the downtown station or the complimentary shuttle to the Maya Train station, and you can set off on your own adventure to somewhere extraordinary.

The train will carry you all the way to Bacalar or Palenque if you’re feeling adventurous. Additionally, prices in those other destinations will also be more budget-friendly. Indeed, you could even take a domestic flight from a different terminal and travel virtually anywhere else in Mexico for a low price on one of the Mexican domestic airlines.

If you’re fortunate enough to reside in Europe, you have some incredibly cheap flight options available. I checked Google Flights for a month from now, and here are just a few of the one-way choices from London, in U.S. dollars.

Dublin ($20)
Edinburgh ($22)
Prague ($32)
Vienna ($32)
Krakow ($59)
Madeira ($89)
Vilnius ($44)
Kos

**Investing in Global Real Estate: A Careful Strategy**

If you are thinking about buying a home or condo in another country, it’s essential to realize that the depiction of international real estate on TV is often sensationalized for entertainment. Programs like *House Hunters International* may romanticize the experience, but the reality of searching for a home overseas demands thoughtful planning and thorough investigation.

**The Deception of Reality TV**

In 2007, I reviewed the HGTV spin-off series *House Hunters International* for its misleading structure. While it popularized the notion of buying properties globally, the series frequently presented a dramatized account of the procedure. Candidates are usually selected after they have finalized a property purchase, and the show contrives situations to craft a storyline. This involves filming rehearsed segments with friends acting as real estate agents and displaying homes that are not actually on the market.

**Entertainment vs. Reality**

The program is intended for amusement, not as a roadmap for investing in international real estate. Participants typically view three properties and make hasty decisions, which is impractical and risky. In actuality, purchasing property abroad demands comprehensive research and insight into the local market.

**Tips for Effective International House Hunting**

1. **Lease Prior to Buying**: Get to know the area by renting beforehand. This helps you grasp the neighborhoods, market dynamics, and living conditions before making a financial pledge.

2. **Talk to Locals**: Connect with locals to obtain perspectives on the actual worth of properties. Real estate costs can be exaggerated for outsiders, so it is crucial to confirm prices through local sources.

3. **Perform Market Analysis**: In many countries lacking a centralized listing service, it is important to view multiple homes and gather data on recent transactions to gauge market values.

4. **Get Financially Prepared**: Be ready to pay with cash, as financing options may be limited or unfavorable for non-residents. Think about using savings, proceeds from a property sale, or a home equity loan.

**Conclusion**

Investing in global real estate can be lucrative, but it necessitates patience, groundwork, and financial readiness. Steer clear of the traps of snap judgments and make sure you thoroughly understand the market before acquiring property overseas.

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**Discovering Mexico’s Hidden Climbable Pyramids**

Mexico, a nation abundant in history and culture, boasts more ancient pyramids than a cantina has empty Victoria bottles. While well-known sites such as Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza draw millions of visitors each year, the surge in foot traffic has resulted in climbing restrictions on these renowned landmarks. Nevertheless, for those keen to scale a pyramid and enjoy a magnificent view, several lesser-known locations still permit this activity.

**Teotihuacan: A Shift in View**

Teotihuacan, the extensive archaeological site near Mexico City, previously allowed guests to climb its grand pyramids. However, climbing has been restricted for the last five years. Visitors can now ascend only halfway up the Pyramid of the Moon, providing a partial yet striking view of the area. For a complete aerial perspective, it is advisable to take a hot air balloon ride.

**Ek Balam – Yucatan State**

Situated roughly an hour away from Chichen Itza, Ek Balam presents a more personal experience with notably fewer guests. The tallest pyramid remains accessible for climbing, offering a sweeping view of the ancient city. However, the rising entry fees diminish its cost-effectiveness for international travelers.

**Kinich Kakmo – Yucatan State**

Tucked away in the yellow city of Izamal, Kinich Kakmo is a treasured find. Enclosed by contemporary buildings, the pyramid provides a distinctive view of the urban landscape. The highlight? There is no entrance charge, making it an economical option for explorers.

**Edzna – Campeche State**

Reachable via the new Maya Train, Edzna is a location where guests can still scale the primary pyramid. Although getting from the train station to the site may need some forethought, the result is a chance to delve into this ancient city.

**Calakmul – Campeche State**

Located nearer to Belize and Guatemala than any significant Mexican city, Calakmul is among the oldest Maya locations. Its isolation leads to fewer visitors, facilitating a more personal encounter. Climbing the pyramid here remains allowed, granting a view into antiquity.

**Cañada de la Virgen – Guanajuato State**

This distinctive pyramid close to San Miguel de Allende, created by the Otomi people, functions as a religious and astronomical hub. Access is regulated, necessitating visitors to participate in a guided tour. The journey to the summit is demanding yet gratifying with breathtaking views.

**Mayapan and Uxmal – Yucatan State**

Mayapan, presently closed due to local disputes, and Uxmal, with its uncertain climbing conditions, are both captivating locations. Uxmal, in particular, is celebrated for its remarkable edifices and fewer crowds than Chichen Itza. While climbing rules may fluctuate, these sites still merit a visit due to their historical importance.

**Conclusion**

Although opportunities to climb some of Mexico’s most renowned pyramids have lessened, there are still numerous lesser-known venues where guests can ascend these ancient edifices. Each provides a distinct view into history and a chance to appreciate the magnificence of Mexico’s extensive archaeological legacy. Whether it’s the secluded Calakmul or the concealed Kinich Kakmo, these pyramids offer an unforgettable experience for those ready to venture off the usual path.

Since I frequently write about residing overseas, being a digital nomad, and exploring various locations around the globe, I often receive inquiries regarding access to travel funds. “Do you open a local bank account?” “Where should I deposit my money back home to ensure easy access?” “Should I convert money before I arrive?”

The crucial question, however, is how to minimize travel fees when acquiring or exchanging currency, as well as when using a credit card.

The methods for accessing your travel funds have streamlined to a few straightforward options. In most locations, it’s advisable to carry some cash while accessing the remainder with your ATM card and using a debit or credit card whenever feasible. Additionally, employ a credit card for significant expenses (such as local airfare, trains, car rentals, or accommodations) and instances where you require protection if something goes awry (like a local tour).

The issue is that banks relish fees just as much as airlines do, irrespective of whether the transaction necessitates any effort from them. Without caution, the fees can accumulate to the cost of a night’s accommodation every few weeks, impacting your budget.

I will elaborate on key strategies, but these are ways to dodge beginner travel errors that can drain your funds—money that could be spent on enjoyable experiences instead.

1) Ensure you utilize only credit cards that do not impose a foreign transaction fee.

2) Opt for ATMs for foreign cash rather than currency exchange counters, while keeping local fees minimal.

3) If feasible, acquire a debit card that refunds local fees or at least does not impose charges on their end either.

4) Always reject the bank scam “currency conversion” offer and consistently charge expenses in the local currency.

5) Steer clear of dubious ATMs and have alternative plans in case your card is captured, misplaced, or stolen.

6) Aim to use credit cards that provide some form of travel rewards. This way, your vacations are not infrequent occurrences.

Let’s delve into these details so you can become a knowledgeable traveler in the future and retain more of your own funds while traversing foreign nations.

Minimize Fees Imposed by Credit Cards

When I initially began acquiring branded travel credit cards, at least half of them imposed some form of foreign transaction fee every time an individual utilized them, which is an outright pickpocketing tactic offering nothing in return. Fortunately, most of these cards have eliminated foreign transaction fees since doing so drove many customers away.

It appears peculiar that a card designed for travelers would penalize you for traveling, yet this still holds true for some of them. The most notable example is the Southwest card from Chase. It remains worthwhile for the sign-up bonus and to check a bag for free on this waning airline, but it’s advisable to keep it stored away whenever you’re outside the U.S.

Otherwise, scrutinize the fine print if it’s an entry-level card with no annual fee. These are the ones most likely to charge you an extra 2.5% to 3% if you mistakenly use them abroad. This includes some (but not necessarily all) cards affiliated with JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Marriott Bonvoy (“Bold” version).

Some cash-back rebate cards also apply this, negating any cash you earned back. Certain debit cards will penalize you twice. Most notably, the one from PayPal, which provides you with a less favorable exchange rate than the banks and then adds a foreign fee on top. They even charged me a “foreign transaction fee” when I utilized their card in Panama, despite Panama using the U.S. dollar!

Withdraw Cash from ATM Machines

I’m often astonished to see advice articles and tour company guidelines instructing people to acquire foreign currency from their banks prior to their trip. This is a guaranteed way to ensure you start your journey at a disadvantage before you even arrive!

Almost 99.5% of the time, you will receive a superior exchange rate from an ATM upon arrival than you would in your home country. You’re also likely to secure a better rate from that machine compared to any local currency exchange booth, regardless of whether they claim “no commission.” (They profit from the spread on each transaction, so they have no incentive to give you the actual bank rate.)

The only occasion to utilize an exchange booth is when you need to convert currency back because you’re departing. Then, if you incur a small loss to obtain cash you can utilize elsewhere, it’s justifiable. You certainly don’t want to travel with Albanian lek or Vietnamese dong.

Remember to consolidate your withdrawals to minimize fees and avoid withdrawing excessive cash for a brief trip, especially if you will be

Who produces the most durable travel clothing out there? If you ask me in the mid-2020s, that would undoubtedly be Craghoppers, a brand well-known in the UK that temporarily vanished from the USA market. Some have labeled them as “the European ExOfficio,” which used to signify the impressive performance and durability of their apparel. Now that ExOfficio has shifted focus to just being an underwear brand, I’m delighted that Craghoppers USA is thriving. I’ve been singing their praises for over 15 years and am happy to continue doing so.

There are numerous travel gear brands I’ve featured on the Cheapest Destinations Blog, products that have proven reliable through challenging adventures and frequent trips, but some are more about style than sustainability or long-term usability. Craghoppers tells a different tale; their adventure travel clothing is made for serious adventurers, with garments that will not fail you after weeks in the wilderness or mountains.

When I began reviewing their clothing at Practical Travel Gear, before selling that site, there wasn’t a wide selection in terms of colors or styles. I didn’t mind much because their Nosilife Adventure shirt was the toughest piece I owned, and I had a couple of pants to go with it. To illustrate how they stand out, many of their buttons are attached using strips of fabric that won’t break, fray, or unravel — not just thread.

Over time, they adopted a more fashionable approach and embraced the “trail to pub” styles. Nowadays, they seem to be leaning partially back towards their origins, no longer attempting to cater to everyone. They rightly deserve recognition as the brand for dedicated adventurers who prioritize functionality over looking good for Instagram while hiking. Thus, they have committed to creating travel clothing that withstands various challenges rather than striving to be as trendy as prAna, Anatomie, or Lulu Lemon.

If you want to explore their entire range, follow this link to the official USA website and browse for a bit. That link may also offer a discount based on your referral.

I will share some recent and older photos of myself and my wife Donna wearing Craghoppers apparel, in warm California recently and in colder destinations last decade. While their styles have evolved over time, it’s also June as I write this, so I aim to highlight another significant benefit they offer: Insect Shield clothing.

Insect Shield Clothing From Craghoppers to Deter the Bugs

I find it quite ironic that the places plagued with harsh cold and snow for most of the year transform into mosquito havens as soon as it warms up. From Maine to Michigan, Minnesota to Alaska, the joy of summer is often overshadowed by the annoyance of bug bites. On top of that, we must consider ticks and Lyme Disease in North America, alongside Dengue Fever, Zika, and Malaria if you venture to tropical regions.

If you prefer to return from your vacation with only souvenir gifts rather than itchy bites, it’s crucial to take precautions and protect yourself. Apply DEET, light mosquito coils, use potent medications, or simply dress more completely. This last option tends to offer the fewest side effects, so it’s wise to cover your ankles and arms at dusk, preferably with treated clothing that can ward off the bugs.

There’s a chemical known as Permethrin that is incorporated into some garments. It is scentless and can endure up to 70 washes, far exceeding what most people would subject a shirt or pair of pants to. The decline of ExOfficio travel clothing reduced the options available with Insect Shield, but fortunately, there are still ample treated items to choose from with Craghoppers.

I always feel a surge of confidence, perhaps even a superhero level, when I wear socks, long pants, and a shirt featuring Insect Shield. I’m not suggesting I could forgo bug spray altogether on camping trips with these items packed, but they do provide a significant extra layer of protection.

During my latest trips, I have been wearing an Insect Shield Nosilife Adventure II short-sleeve shirt, a treated Outback Hat, some Adventure Life III pants, and Insect Shield socks, which has greatly reduced my itchiness in the USA and Canada. As I prepare for a longer journey to Southeast Asia next year, there will be even more reasons to include these items in my pack since the risks are higher than just a few annoying itches.

Additionally, I will be bringing the long-sleeve Adventure II shirt that’s also treated and offers sun protection, a vented back, ample pockets, roll-up sleeves, and

Walking the renowned Camino de Santiago in Spain doesn’t necessarily mean emptying your wallet. For budget-minded explorers, the Camino offers a distinctive chance to traverse Europe on foot without substantial costs. With some preparation and insider knowledge, it’s completely feasible to undertake the journey affordably while still experiencing the camaraderie and life-changing adventure.

Spain isn’t included in my book The World’s Cheapest Destinations, yet it remains one of the best bargains in Europe, particularly when purchasing food and wine from shops. Thus, traversing the countryside for days will not deplete your funds.

This guide outlines practical strategies to economize on the Camino and undertake a budget pilgrimage, featuring insights from individuals I know who have completed it. If you can manage between €35 and €100 daily, you’re all set to embrace the challenge (provided your feet agree).

Why Trek the Camino de Santiago?

The Camino de Santiago is a historic pilgrimage trail that stretches across parts of France and much of northern Spain, culminating at the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of Saint James are said to be buried. Pilgrims have been following this path for over a millennium, and today, it attracts travelers globally. In recent decades, it has evolved from a little-known walking trail for informed travelers to one of the most sought-after long-distance hikes worldwide.

The terrain along the Camino is as varied as the individuals who traverse it, featuring rolling vineyards and medieval villages to verdant forests and rugged shorelines. The weather can fluctuate greatly depending on the time of year and location. Typically, spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) provide the most pleasant conditions, recognized for mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summers can be intensely hot, particularly in inland regions, while winters bring chillier conditions and limited options.

While hiking the Camino de Santiago, the pilgrimage is the primary focus, but the experience includes so much more. Pilgrims frequently visit historic churches and monasteries and take moments for introspection or spiritual practices. Many other hikers, however, may not be religious and have various motivations for walking from village to village. Some seek an active challenge, others yearn for a chance to disconnect, and many aim to prove their capability to meet the challenge. The Camino offers a unique combination of physical exertion, cultural engagement, and personal development. Plus, you get to enjoy local dishes, interact with fellow travelers, and appreciate the sights and scenery.

This is not a stroll in the park, though. Even the shortest “sample route” that qualifies is 122 kilometers, or 76 miles, which requires several days to walk. The most famous full route starts in Saint Jean Pied de Port, France and covers approximately two-thirds of northern Spain. It extends about 780 kilometers, or 500 miles. Calculate that distance from your current location to get an idea of how far you’ll be walking: it’s akin to a significant road trip.

Low-Cost Camino Tips: Spend Less, Walk More

Hiking the Camino de Santiago on a budget is entirely doable with a few clever, money-saving tactics that many experienced pilgrims recommend. First, choose public albergues (hostels), which provide the most budget-friendly lodging—often for under €10 a night. Most also have kitchens, enabling you to whip up simple meals, ideally shared with fellow pilgrims, for both cost-effectiveness and community.

Barcelona expat Marina Villatora of Travel Experta suggests utilizing Spain’s reasonably priced grocery stores. “For me, the greatest money-saver on the Camino was shopping at the supermarkets that every town has, no matter how small. They offer fantastic pre-made salads, or you can create delicious sandwiches with fresh baguettes and exquisite cheeses. It’s much cheaper and healthier than dining out daily. The main thing to remember is that on Sundays, everything is closed, so if you need to buy food, and it’s Saturday, stock up for the next couple of days.”

Also, take advantage of the “Menú del Peregrino” (Pilgrim’s Menu) provided at many restaurants during lunch hours. Stacey Wittig, author of five Camino guidebooks, is celebrating her 20th year of walking pilgrimage paths in Spain, France, and Italy this year. “Before dinner, wander through the old town and check out the “Pilgrim Menus” displayed on sidewalk chalkboards or in bar windows,” she advises. “Most offer 2–3 options for a starter, a main dish, dessert, and wine—all for 10 to 20 euros. Select the menu featuring something you’ve never attempted before. This way, you’ll keep your meals diverse—and avoid feeling like you’re consuming the same thing constantly.”

Packing Right for Weeks of Walking

Packing minimally is another crucial way to save both money and energy. Bring only a few clothing changes and wash them by hand every few days. They

**Nations Utilizing the US Dollar as Currency:**

1. **Ecuador** – Adopted the US dollar in 2000 to enhance its economic stability.
2. **El Salvador** – Adopted the US dollar in 2001, mainly due to the impact of remittances.
3. **Panama** – Utilizes the US dollar together with its own currency.
4. **Zimbabwe** – Employed the US dollar during times of hyperinflation.
5. **Palau** – Employs the US dollar.
6. **Timor-Leste** – Employs the US dollar.
7. **US Territories** – Comprises Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, Saipan, and the Marshall Islands.

**Nations with Currencies Linked to the US Dollar:**

1. **Belize** – Belize dollar is linked at 2 to 1 US dollar.
2. **Caribbean Islands** – Includes Bahamas (1 to 1), Bermuda, Curacao, Bonaire, Saba, St. Eustatius, Saint Maarten, Aruba, Antigua, Dominica, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago.
3. **Cuba** – Cuban peso linked at 25 to 1 US dollar.
4. **Hong Kong** – Hong Kong dollar linked between 7.75 to 7.85 to 1 US dollar.
5. **Middle East** – Includes Bahrain (0.376), Oman (0.385), Qatar (3.64), UAE (3.67), Saudi Arabia (3.75), Jordan (0.71).
6. **Africa** – Djibouti and Eritrea link their currencies to the US dollar.
7. **Costa Rica** – Currency traditionally linked between 500 to 530 to 1 US dollar.
8. **Cambodia** – US dollar widely utilized alongside the local currency.

These nations offer stable exchange rates for travelers utilizing US dollars, providing a safeguard against currency market volatility.

There’s a well-known adage that the optimal time to plant a tree was two decades ago, and the present stands as the second-best opportunity. When it pertains to embracing the lifestyle of a digital nomad, don’t allow yourself to be deceived into believing that you’ve missed the chance simply because someone who ventured out earlier claims so. We are currently experiencing a prime era for digital nomading and remote work. This is an exceptional period to be a location-independent professional.

There’s an intriguing trend that affects many long-term explorers, digital nomads, and expats. Regardless of their age, they yearn for “the good old days” and wish to close the door behind them, preventing any newcomers from “ruining” the spots they feel they’ve uncovered. The irony lies in the fact that those who arrived a decade prior would have eagerly barred the later arrivals if afforded the option, thus it’s all about when you entered the timeline.

It’s a frequent complaint on forums that “Now that place is ruined” or “It used to be way better.” I’ve encountered locals in my city, Guanajuato, Mexico, tell me, “You shouldn’t publish any articles about this place. We don’t want more people coming here!” As if it should solely remain their private sanctuary, frozen in time with just the few hundred foreign residents already living here throughout the year.

I am aware that overtourism is a genuine concern and gentrification can disturb the local real estate market. Both can push long-standing residents out of the market and are legitimate issues. It’s effortless for a journalist to highlight stories that resonate emotionally and to attribute displacement to foreigners. The xenophobia card isn’t exclusively for furious orange dictators; it’s always simpler to blame “the others who aren’t like us.”

However, addressing these civic challenges usually necessitates more careful and long-lasting solutions than erecting a fence (whether physical or virtual) or attempting to exclude travelers and immigrants. For each displaced resident, there are countless local individuals making a living thanks to all the outsiders.

I bring this up due to a recent article from bloggers Brent and Michael of Going Places that has been circulated through the Yahoo Creators Program. It’s circulating among those who prefer to look back rather than forward, and the self-satisfied veteran nomads who assert that things are ruined now. It serves as excellent material for habitual complainers who wish everyone else would just go elsewhere instead of disrupting their own personal paradise.

With the sensational title “The golden age of digital nomading is over: it was great while it lasted,” their article falls into the pitfall that many trend pieces do by offering plenty of anecdotes but lacking actual facts. There’s a deficiency in the journalistic rigor that would have lent credence to their arguments, resulting in a poorly supported opinion piece. I found myself saying, “Really, are you serious?” while reading it and felt compelled to write this rebuttal.

I bear no grudge against these individuals personally; they provide valuable guidance on their blog and I wish we could have connected when they visited my town recently. I’ve even referred to their well-rounded article on gentrification in San Miguel de Allende in my Nomadico newsletter on Substack. That piece was more balanced, featuring quotes from residents and business owners of diverse backgrounds.

But as someone who has enjoyed a location-independent lifestyle for 20 years, I have numerous concerns with this article. So here’s why this is the most favorable time ever to be a digital nomad. If you’re preparing to embark on your journey, don’t let the skeptics dissuade you.

Being a Digital Nomad Isn’t New, but Now It’s Recognized

They assert in the introduction that they had never even encountered the term “digital nomad” until they set off in 2017. Well, sorry guys, but it was prevalent on social media well before that and was even appearing in mainstream media. I’ll refer to the excellent historical overview shared by James Clark on Nomadic Notes. One might argue that the trend began in the 1990s and has certainly gained momentum since 2007 with the release of the iPhone and The 4-Hour Workweek. By that time, there were already numerous travel blogs with “nomad” in their titles, and the phrase “digital nomad” started to appear in various articles.

Coworking spaces emerged in 2008, around the same time the remote work movement gained recognition in The Economist, The Times of London, and other traditional publications. That year, Airbnb was established under a longer name, obtaining the domain we currently use in 2009. In that same year, the technology company Dell used “digital nomad” in a white paper, The Washington Post featured it in an article, a /digitalnomad Reddit discussion began, and the TBEX travel bloggers conference was launched.

Sometimes when I’m interviewed about experiencing life abroad, I get pressed for details with the query, “How can your costs decrease by half by relocating overseas?” Which expenses decrease so significantly that you can manage on $2,000 a month instead of $4,000? Or enjoy a comfortable lifestyle on a single social security check instead of just getting by with two checks?

The responses all derive from this singular truth: living expenses can fall by half or more upon moving to another nation.

I notice this contrast daily as an expat in Mexico, as do the 80+ individuals I interviewed for the second edition of A Better Life for Half the Price. Here’s a detailed look for both expats and digital nomads.

Non-Americans may not enjoy the same healthcare savings as Americans who are stuck in an overpriced, malfunctioning for-profit system. Otherwise, anticipate comparable savings for anyone transitioning from a highly developed nation to a less affluent one. Remember to make similar housing comparisons: from San Francisco to Buenos Aires or rural England to rural Portugal. You can’t always expect a 50% reduction if you’re moving from a small Nebraska town, living with your parents, to a penthouse in Bangkok, for example.

However, many aspects of your life will decrease by half or more, making it relatively easy to cut your costs by that amount. A change of address or a flight for a trial run will lead to half as much money slipping through your fingers. Here are the primary reasons.

Where Housing Costs Decrease by Half (or More)

It’s quite challenging to locate something decent in a sought-after neighborhood for under $2,000 a month in a major US city or the primary cities of Western Europe, particularly if you require two or more bedrooms. We had difficulty finding anything appealing for below $2,200 in mid-sized Tampa to be in the right school district in a central area, and that was years ago. In NYC, Tokyo, or London, you might find yourself facing $4,000 a month just for rent or a mortgage. And it could be a studio.

Zillow reports that the average rental price in the USA as of 2025 is $2,100 a month. It exceeds $2,500 in Massachusetts, New York, Hawaii, California, and DC. None average below $1,000, and the lowest are red states needing to entice residents, like Oklahoma and North Dakota.

In the area of Mexico where I’ve been living since 2018, you can secure a lovely two-bedroom house or apartment within walking distance to the center for $600 or less and right in the center for $800 or less. If you pay what’s average to live in a city comparable in size in the USA or Canada, you’d be in a very pleasant location. Moreover, your utility bills would be a fraction of what you currently pay, including high-speed internet.

Here’s what some individuals I interviewed for A Better Life for Half the Price reported paying:

– Keith & Tina Paul in Cuenca, Ecuador: $735 a month for a large, newly constructed 2BR apartment in a prime location
– Kris & Joel in David, Panama: $385 per month for a 2BR house in a neighborhood they cherish
– Ryan Shauers in Medellin, Colombia: $400 for a 1BR apartment, inclusive of utilities
– Ron MacDonald in Buenos Aires: $650 per month for a 2BR apartment featuring an outdoor barbeque terrace
– Jon Sterling in Tbilisi, Georgia: $400 for a furnished 1BR apartment in a prime location
– James Leithart in Pogradec, Albania: $90 for a one-bedroom apartment in a convenient area
– Richard Sterling in Battambang, Cambodia: $140 per month for a furnished 1BR apartment
– Mariellen Ward in Rishikesh, India: $350 per month for 1,200 square feet, with 2 bedrooms
– Helen Davies in Penang, Malaysia: $625 per month for 1,600 square feet, with 3 bedrooms, on the 15th floor of a high-rise that features a pool and gym
– Cory Varga residing in Hungary: $800 a month for a 2BR apartment near the Opera House in Budapest’s center.

Some individuals mentioned they are at the higher end of the market, like Keith and Tina in Cuenca (where you can find a 1BR for around $450 quite easily) and Cory in Budapest shared they were being selective. One interviewee residing in Buenos Aires was paying $1,200 a month; however, she described it as a “luxurious, impressive apartment in the most costly district of the city.”

Labor