Guys and girls,
I'm in the process of planning my first mini retirement abroad for 3-4 months, starting from this September until the end of December. I'd like some feedback, tips and suggestions as to where would be a good location. The places I have in mind are: China, Thailand, Colombia (leaning more towards Asia at this time as I have never been there and I am very curious to get to know this region). I am open for other suggestions as well. I would LOVE to spend 3-4 months in Japan but it's a bit expensive there, specially on a first time mini retirement. I'll save Nippon for a later time tough. I had a good time in Buenos Aires but after reading the reports here about the histericas Argies, I'm having 2nd thought about spending a few months there. That's a pit as I loved there, the place is as cool as it gets and dirt cheap. If the women were warmer, Argentina would be an awesome place. I am excluding Brasil on purpose as I'd like to hit Brasil from January 2011 for 6-12 months. But I'm very tempted by Asia (mainly China and Thailand). SO here are my criteria and I'd like your input on it:

- warm weather as I'm sick and tired of the cold here in Canada.
- affordable where one could live confortably on a $3-5K budget per month.
- proximity to beach would be important but not crucial.
- safe city.
- good nightlife.
- good cultural background.
- option of doing lots of cool things to do during the day.
- attractive, sexy girls without the attitude of North Americans.

That's it, off the top of my head. I'd appreciate any tips/feedback on it, specially from those who have already done a mini retirement abroad before, specially from guys like Gringoed and Partytime in Argentina.

Much appreciated.

id go to asia. have you thought about the Philippians? the girls here have nicer bodies than their other asian counter parts. there is good sized cities and some nice beaches a short ride away. one member on this forum was in cebu not long ago and said he was cleaning house!

No offense, but it gets a little boring to hear the same old countries (Philippines, Thailand) over and over again.

Yes, they're cheap, they have a beach, and the Asian whores/semi-whores are easy and will jump on white guys (or rather, any foreign guy...with some cash).

But it gets a little old no? I'd like to see guys branch out -- hit some unknown spots out there.

I mean, do you really want to head to two spots that are flooded with sex tourists from all over the world and has been for decades?

Personally, I'd think it would be much more interesting to hit a city like Osaka, get a sweet set-up going in Shanghai, or even branch out completely off the grid and take a plunge into Laos/Cambodia.

Quote: (06-24-2010 12:59 PM)kindredspirit Wrote:  

No offense, but it gets a little boring to hear the same old countries (Philippines, Thailand) over and over again.

Yes, they're cheap, they have a beach, and the Asian whores/semi-whores are easy and will jump on white guys (or rather, any foreign guy...with some cash).

But it gets a little old no? I'd like to see guys branch out -- hit some unknown spots out there.

I mean, do you really want to head to two spots that are flooded with sex tourists from all over the world and has been for decades?

Personally, I'd think it would be much more interesting to hit a city like Osaka, get a sweet set-up going in Shanghai, or even branch out completely off the grid and take a plunge into Laos/Cambodia.

But at the same time he is gonna need to have fun. and just going to some random city where he doesnt know the language, nightlife isnt good, no connections is potential for a shitty trip imo.

id hit up the philippeans first if ive never been to asia and want a good mix of nightlife, good looking girls, low cost, and some nice beaches.

after that id check out japan and then thailand.

Quote: (06-24-2010 12:59 PM)kindredspirit Wrote:  

No offense, but it gets a little boring to hear the same old countries (Philippines, Thailand) over and over again.

Yes, they're cheap, they have a beach, and the Asian whores/semi-whores are easy and will jump on white guys (or rather, any foreign guy...with some cash).

But it gets a little old no? I'd like to see guys branch out -- hit some unknown spots out there.

I mean, do you really want to head to two spots that are flooded with sex tourists from all over the world and has been for decades?

Personally, I'd think it would be much more interesting to hit a city like Osaka, get a sweet set-up going in Shanghai, or even branch out completely off the grid and take a plunge into Laos/Cambodia.

Not all of the Philippines is flooded with sex tourists. Day gaming in the malls is uber-easy and gets you normal girls who just so happen to love white guys. 3-5K US a month there you could live like royalty too, I mean VERY high caliber living.
Philippines has warm weather, beautiful beaches, is safe, English is spoken, has lots to do during the day, just doesn't have a ton of cultural stuff aside from Spanish Churches and some WWII sites.

Vancancier,

Congrats bro! You're going to have a great time, especially if you choose the right spot.

The best way to choose if you've never been to Asia before would be to hop around the countries you're interested in, spending a week or two at each, then settling down at whichever one you love.

From your notes, it sounds like China and Japan are less what you're looking for than Phillipines/Thailand. Don't forget you're going to be there in the winter.

Don't discount the importance of picking the right city WITHIN the country too. For example, Cordoba was a better spot for a mini-retirement than BsAs for many reasons, mostly because it was a college town. When you're on a true mini-retirement you have the problem of finding people who have time to hang out and party as much as you do. College kids are far better than professionals for that.

I'm sure you've read the 4HWW. The tips in there are really golden, especially about media fasting and "filling the void." Your mini-retirement will improve by leaps and bounds if you avoid complacently spending your time on the computer/internet, which is like a warm sanctuary when you're in a strange place.

Tim Ferriss also suggests finding a skill to master during your daytime. I think that's great advice because aimlessly wandering the city gets old after a week or so. You've mentioned your interest in muy thai-- that would be just about perfect.

Funny that you mention a mini-retirement in September, I'm actually planning one for September as well. It looks like I'll either be doing Asia or Brazil. I already have a ticket to Sao Paolo so it's more likely I'll be doing that, and of course hitting you up for vital info on Brazil!

I've always been really intrigued by Vietnam. I've yet to visit, but have heard some great things. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are likely the places you want to look at. Read a bit about both and see if either one piques your interest.

I second gringoed's thought about not doing China/Japan. If anything, I would use Hong Kong or Singapore as hub just so that you spend your first week in first world Asia and get acclimated to the region.

You can get arrested for sleeping with a Laotian girl.

I suggest:

Thailand
Cambodia
Philippines
Indonesia

I've never read tim ferris. What exactly is a mini retirement? Retirement means that you don't have to work. If you go on vacation for 6-12 months isnt that just an extended vacation? If you know you will have to return to work eventually, then its not a retirement? right?

Thanks guys for the feedback, much appreciated!
The Philippines are an option as well but for some reason, I am not as attracted to it than say China or Thailand. Of course this will the be the first of many more trips/mini retirements in Asia. I'm really looking forward to hitting places like Malaysia, Indonesia, even Papua New Guinea; South Korea and of course Japan, a place I've been fantazising about a lot. But first, I'd like to make my introduction into Asia as smoothly as possible in a gringo friendly city/country. Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan are places I'm looking into to start with. I believe that Bangkok is also a very westernized and gringo friendly city. Do those of you who have been to BKK agree with that statement of mine or not?

Cambodia/Laos/Vietnam/Butan and the likes would be too much of a culture shock at first, while more Westernized Asian countries like Thailand, S.Korea, China and the Philippines would be not as drastic of a change. At this time, seeing that this is my first mini retirement, the most important thing is to be in a place that is cost efficient, warm weather since it'll be during the winter. China (the south East), Thailand and the Philippines match that aspect nicely. At this time, I'm leaning more towards Thailand as I'd really want to get into a boot camp like a Muay Thai camp to get back in shape and all so that would be ideal. I'm following very closely Youngmobilglobal's thread in his muay thai boot camp in Phuket very closely.

Gringoed,
You're spot on that one of the main challenges will be not to spend too much time on the computer/internet and internet cafes. I'll have to discipline myself into being on the computer no more than 4 hours a day as I'
d still need to work on my businesses.
You're spot on again when you mention to carefully select the right city. In Thailand, for example, my short list is either Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai. Any experts or knowledgeable guys about these places? I'd love to hear your feedback on these cities for a stay? Or perhaps stay 1 month in each would be a better approach? Thoughts?
Definitely hit me before you leave for SP/Brasil. I'm planning on returning to Brasil in January 2011. If you're there at the time let me know and we could go hunt together.

Thanks again guys for all your tips, feedback and all.

Quote: (06-24-2010 09:54 PM)youngmobileglobal Wrote:  

You can get arrested for sleeping with a Laotian girl.

What????You kidding me????

Quote: (06-24-2010 09:57 PM)Giovonny Wrote:  

I've never read tim ferris. What exactly is a mini retirement? Retirement means that you don't have to work. If you go on vacation for 6-12 months isnt that just an extended vacation? If you know you will have to return to work eventually, then its not a retirement? right?

Giovonny,
1) Make sure you read the 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris asap. That book will change your perception of things and will show you what's available and possible out there thanks to the internet, globalisation and all. A. Must. Read. Period.

Now a mini retirement is instead of slaving off your entire adult life (actually your best years of your life) at a job and waiting for that elusive retirement when you reach 65 or whenever, then take a few months every year. That will allow you to recharge your batteries, enjoy your life while you're young. Then when you come back, your mind is fresh and with the over flow of ideas you've had abroad, you'll be able to be way more productive in your business. To pull this you must have your own online business and not be tied to a traditional brick and mortar business, unless your business is profitable enough to hire someone to run the show for you and you just collect the cash. The ideal gig would be an online gig that would require no more than say 4 hour per day, initially, then you can automate and outsource the boring and tedious tasks to free lancers accross the globle combining the power of the internet and globalisation.

Does that make sense to you? If yes, then this is what a mini retirement is.

Quote: (06-24-2010 10:13 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  

Thanks guys for the feedback, much appreciated!
The Philippines are an option as well but for some reason, I am not as attracted to it than say China or Thailand. Of course this will the be the first of many more trips/mini retirements in Asia. I'm really looking forward to hitting places like Malaysia, Indonesia, even Papua New Guinea; South Korea and of course Japan, a place I've been fantazising about a lot. But first, I'd like to make my introduction into Asia as smoothly as possible in a gringo friendly city/country. Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan are places I'm looking into to start with. I believe that Bangkok is also a very westernized and gringo friendly city. Do those of you who have been to BKK agree with that statement of mine or not?

Cambodia/Laos/Vietnam/Butan and the likes would be too much of a culture shock at first, while more Westernized Asian countries like Thailand, S.Korea, China and the Philippines would be not as drastic of a change. At this time, seeing that this is my first mini retirement, the most important thing is to be in a place that is cost efficient, warm weather since it'll be during the winter. China (the south East), Thailand and the Philippines match that aspect nicely. At this time, I'm leaning more towards Thailand as I'd really want to get into a boot camp like a Muay Thai camp to get back in shape and all so that would be ideal. I'm following very closely Youngmobilglobal's thread in his muay thai boot camp in Phuket very closely.

Gringoed,
You're spot on that one of the main challenges will be not to spend too much time on the computer/internet and internet cafes. I'll have to discipline myself into being on the computer no more than 4 hours a day as I'
d still need to work on my businesses.
You're spot on again when you mention to carefully select the right city. In Thailand, for example, my short list is either Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai. Any experts or knowledgeable guys about these places? I'd love to hear your feedback on these cities for a stay? Or perhaps stay 1 month in each would be a better approach? Thoughts?
Definitely hit me before you leave for SP/Brasil. I'm planning on returning to Brasil in January 2011. If you're there at the time let me know and we could go hunt together.

Thanks again guys for all your tips, feedback and all.

Actually that's one thing I forgot to mention about the Philippines. The Filipino martial arts Escrima and Arnis are very cool combative styles that deal with sticks, knives, hand to hand, locks, etc. If I had 2-3 months there I would definitely study either art. Not sure how easy it is for a foreigner to get training there but as friendly as Pinoy are I don't think it would be a problem.

Indonesia.

Quote: (06-25-2010 02:25 PM)Badstuber Wrote:  

Indonesia.

Interesting. Could you post more about Indonesia? I've always been intrigued about this place.

Quote: (06-25-2010 01:59 PM)thekiller Wrote:  

Actually that's one thing I forgot to mention about the Philippines. The Filipino martial arts Escrima and Arnis are very cool combative styles that deal with sticks, knives, hand to hand, locks, etc. If I had 2-3 months there I would definitely study either art. Not sure how easy it is for a foreigner to get training there but as friendly as Pinoy are I don't think it would be a problem.

That sounds interesting. I'll check into that more. Thanks for chipping in. Anything else about the Philippines that is worth noting/mentionning?

Quote: (06-25-2010 11:49 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  

Quote: (06-25-2010 02:25 PM)Badstuber Wrote:  

Indonesia.

Interesting. Could you post more about Indonesia? I've always been intrigued about this place.

Well, I don't know much. I know some Indonesian people though. They always tell me that if you have enough money, you can live like a king. The girls aren't ugly either.
You can rent a good home for like 550 bucks.

Quote: (06-24-2010 10:39 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  

Quote: (06-24-2010 09:57 PM)Giovonny Wrote:  

I've never read tim ferris. What exactly is a mini retirement? Retirement means that you don't have to work. If you go on vacation for 6-12 months isnt that just an extended vacation? If you know you will have to return to work eventually, then its not a retirement? right?

Giovonny,
1) Make sure you read the 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris asap. That book will change your perception of things and will show you what's available and possible out there thanks to the internet, globalisation and all. A. Must. Read. Period.

Now a mini retirement is instead of slaving off your entire adult life (actually your best years of your life) at a job and waiting for that elusive retirement when you reach 65 or whenever, then take a few months every year. That will allow you to recharge your batteries, enjoy your life while you're young. Then when you come back, your mind is fresh and with the over flow of ideas you've had abroad, you'll be able to be way more productive in your business. To pull this you must have your own online business and not be tied to a traditional brick and mortar business, unless your business is profitable enough to hire someone to run the show for you and you just collect the cash. The ideal gig would be an online gig that would require no more than say 4 hour per day, initially, then you can automate and outsource the boring and tedious tasks to free lancers accross the globle combining the power of the internet and globalisation.

Does that make sense to you? If yes, then this is what a mini retirement is.

Thanks VP, I just started researching Tim Feriss, I know he has alot of good things to say. I used to think he was just a marketing phenomenom, but i see that thats not really the case, he is a lifestyle theory and income strategy expert.

On 3-5k per month, as long as your not moving around a lot, there aren't many countries in the world that aren't possibilities. On that budget, Id be seriously considering Europe, at least for the three months that your allowed under the Shengen rules. Europe can be a serious good time.

My top pick for at least a month stay, and maybe longer depending on how many people you meet, is Amsterdam. The widespread use of English and the compactness and unique layout of of the city makes it an easy place to stay socialize, and have fun in. However, in my experience, you need to give the city about three weeks to really grow on you.

If you want a larger city, try London. Although that will be much more expensive and impersonal.

In almost any city you should be able to rent places, month to month, for 2k.

I'm unfamiliar wit Spain and Italy, but those would also be top choices. Although, I'm not sure how the summer weather is (maybe too hot?).

Then theres the greek islands (though expensive)
Coastal Croatia
Berlin (cheap)
I hear really good things about Belgrade, especially in the summer, for both partying and women. It would probably be cheaper than most other places in Europe as well.

Anywhere in the Alps region will be gorgeous in the summer. Southwestern Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Although, with the exception of Munich, its probably better for the cultural experience and scenery than it is for partying and women.

So I started studying Tim Ferris/4HWW/Mini Retirements and all that. It is very interesting stuff. I am currently thinking about becoming a P.E teacher in high school or junior college. Heres why, They get almost 4 months off a year! 10 weeks off for summer, 2-3 weeks at christmas, plus another week for spring break. Plus all the national holidays and 10 sick days a year. I don't really want a traditional "brick and mortar" job, but I just don't know how realistic it is to think that Im going to find something better then this. I could take a mini-retirement every summer. The bad news is that it is just a regular 9-5 job. I would love to find something "location independent" BUT I HAVE YET TO MEET ANYONE WHO HAS SUCCESSFULLY CREATED A LOCATION INDEPENDENT JOB WHERE THEY MAKE A DECENT INCOME. I guess Roosh has done it, he is basically a travel/Game writer. I don't know much about affiliatate marketing, in a perfect world i think i would just own a large apartment building and collect rent every month.


Besides Tim Ferris, is there anyone who is has actually created a location independant job where they make a decent living (50-60k+). Is this even realistic? What did Tim Ferris do??

any thoughts are appreiciated.

Quote: (06-27-2010 04:22 PM)hydrogonian Wrote:  

On 3-5k per month, as long as your not moving around a lot, there aren't many countries in the world that aren't possibilities. On that budget, Id be seriously considering Europe, at least for the three months that your allowed under the Shengen rules. Europe can be a serious good time.

I'm unfamiliar wit Spain and Italy, but those would also be top choices. Although, I'm not sure how the summer weather is (maybe too hot?).

Many, many people in both Spain and Italy survive on salaries of a 1000 Euros a month. Anything above 2000 Euros a month and you are considered fairly well off. Keep in mind that many young people in these countries live with their families till they are well into their 30s. Moreover most people don't have and don't need a car. Public transit is convenient and in most smaller towns, everything is in walking distance.

And, with the economy the way it is right now, it would be fairly easy to get an apartment for 500 to 700 Euros a month, outside of the major cities like Rome and Madrid.

Quote: (07-03-2010 12:52 PM)Giovonny Wrote:  

So I started studying Tim Ferris/4HWW/Mini Retirements and all that. It is very interesting stuff. I am currently thinking about becoming a P.E teacher in high school or junior college. Heres why, They get almost 4 months off a year! 10 weeks off for summer, 2-3 weeks at christmas, plus another week for spring break. Plus all the national holidays and 10 sick days a year. I don't really want a traditional "brick and mortar" job, but I just don't know how realistic it is to think that Im going to find something better then this. I could take a mini-retirement every summer. The bad news is that it is just a regular 9-5 job. I would love to find something "location independent" BUT I HAVE YET TO MEET ANYONE WHO HAS SUCCESSFULLY CREATED A LOCATION INDEPENDENT JOB WHERE THEY MAKE A DECENT INCOME. I guess Roosh has done it, he is basically a travel/Game writer. I don't know much about affiliatate marketing, in a perfect world i think i would just own a large apartment building and collect rent every month.


Besides Tim Ferris, is there anyone who is has actually created a location independant job where they make a decent living (50-60k+). Is this even realistic? What did Tim Ferris do??

any thoughts are appreiciated.

There are a couple of other guys on this board that have done it. I'm trying now but I'm also going to school in a very flexible field, to maximize my chance for success.

50-60k is an amazing location independent income. I'm not sure if anyone makes that amount, but maybe about half of that. But you'd have to ask them. Still, if you do it right, then that would be all you need to have a great international lifestyle. You'll be much happier on 36k per year and free, than 60k per year in an office.

Teaching is a great solution to this. Once you get a couple of years in the public school system in the west, you can pretty much get hired at any international school abroad. So, while not location independent, teaching is a good route to an international lifestyle.

Quote: (07-03-2010 02:16 PM)hydrogonian Wrote:  

Quote: (07-03-2010 12:52 PM)Giovonny Wrote:  

So I started studying Tim Ferris/4HWW/Mini Retirements and all that. It is very interesting stuff. I am currently thinking about becoming a P.E teacher in high school or junior college. Heres why, They get almost 4 months off a year! 10 weeks off for summer, 2-3 weeks at christmas, plus another week for spring break. Plus all the national holidays and 10 sick days a year. I don't really want a traditional "brick and mortar" job, but I just don't know how realistic it is to think that Im going to find something better then this. I could take a mini-retirement every summer. The bad news is that it is just a regular 9-5 job. I would love to find something "location independent" BUT I HAVE YET TO MEET ANYONE WHO HAS SUCCESSFULLY CREATED A LOCATION INDEPENDENT JOB WHERE THEY MAKE A DECENT INCOME. I guess Roosh has done it, he is basically a travel/Game writer. I don't know much about affiliatate marketing, in a perfect world i think i would just own a large apartment building and collect rent every month.


Besides Tim Ferris, is there anyone who is has actually created a location independant job where they make a decent living (50-60k+). Is this even realistic? What did Tim Ferris do??

any thoughts are appreiciated.

There are a couple of other guys on this board that have done it. I'm trying now but I'm also going to school in a very flexible field, to maximize my chance for success.

50-60k is an amazing location independent income. I'm not sure if anyone makes that amount, but maybe about half of that. But you'd have to ask them. Still, if you do it right, then that would be all you need to have a great international lifestyle. You'll be much happier on 36k per year and free, than 60k per year in an office.

Teaching is a great solution to this. Once you get a couple of years in the public school system in the west, you can pretty much get hired at any international school abroad. So, while not location independent, teaching is a good route to an international lifestyle.

Thanks Hydro,

So now i gotta ask,

Who on this board has accomplished this and how did they do it?

I know about Gringoeds real estate. I know G does some work with commotities/currencies/etc. Roosh travels and writes. Is their anyone else out there creating income in a way that gives them freedom to travel???

Owning real estate seems like the best thing?

This whole Tim Ferris thing is a bit of a mystery to me. I love what he says and I know he sells alot of books, BUT, Who has actually accomplished the "location independant" lifestyle. Everyone talks about it but WHO IS REALLY DOING IT??? I want to talk to that guy.

No one who's done it has any incentive to share it on a public board.

I know plenty of guys making anywhere from 100k - 200k USD per year on pure location-independent income but they keep their mouths shut, don't go around bragging about it, and are happy to keep under the radar so as to not attract competitors.

I've met two guys from this forum who are location-independent. I'd guess there are a handful more.

Off the forum I've met more, maybe about six or so. They do it either with some internet business or poker. Though thing is most of them have to "recharge" every now and then by going home to either save or make money before hitting the road again. I guess there are degrees of location independency.