entering a new chapter, anyone with valuable input welcome

[Moontrane]

A good friend of mine takes his large family on trips in the U.S. and Europe, staying at AirBNBs.  I met up with him in Portland earlier this month and stayed at my first AirBNB – it was great!   

https://www.redfin.com/OR/Portland/0748-SW-Miles-St-97219/home/25838293

[ThisisOverload]

That's good information. We're pretty familiar with Mexico, People keep telling us a few places in Columbia are safe and good for 3 months or so. I'm a little hesitant especially lately.

Columbia can be nice. Just stay in the big cities.

Good luck!

[ThisisOverload]

I lived in Guadalajara, Mexico for 7 years and it is a wonderful place to live. Definitely the bodybuilding capital of Mexico, as I trained at John Romano's gym, met him several times there(used to be a Golds Gym franchise but now called Gym Guadalajara). The crime and kidnappings and all that is WAY overstated. Moreover, the crime is financially based, so don't walk around with jewelry and shit and you're fine. As far as all the kidnappings and murders, that's Cartel or political stuff and they don't mess with normal citizens, especially American's as they know how important tourism is.  Walk around late at night alone with a rolex on and you'll get what you would in any major American city.
     If you want to live an American lifestyle, there is a community of American retirees that have literally taken over a part of Guadalajara called Lake Chapala(also called Ajijic). The luxury homes I posted here would be between $800-$2500 per month U.S. to rent, but we're talking security building, walk to lake, gym, pool,etc.  It's about half an hour drive from the main city of Guadalajara kind of like Malibu is to Los Angeles city if you know L.A. And gear and other meds over the counter. This really comes in handy with things like blood pressure or heart meds for older retirees. Same companies like Pfizer, Merck but pennies on the dollar.  Only controlled substances are pain meds, benzos,etc. But sustanon, Deca, GH, even really expensive heart meds like Eliquis,etc are affordable and same major brands. all pharma and over the counter. Beautiful women everywhere. No racism against foreigners. Nicest, friendliest people I've ever met. You also have Puerto Vallarta just a little over an hour drive to the coast for a weekend getaway.  If you're thinking of Mexico, think Guadalajara. It's flown under the radar of Americans.

Good post.

Guadalajara is probably the best place for Americans in Mexico.

It's close to Puerto Vallarta too, which is amazing.

I've been to all the best places in Mexico over the last 20 years.

It's hit or miss. But you're right, don't dress nice, don't act like you have money and for the love of Jesus do not go out at night or travel to remote places without a guide. And you better speak Spanish unless you like getting ripped off. Prices change for English speaking people.

Mexico City is decent too, but very expensive and a complete cluster fuck.

I was robbed and beaten in Oaxaca 10 years ago. I have a lot of stories to tell in Mexico.

Overall the people are very nice and things are cheap, but there is a lot of crime and pray to Jehovah you never meet a cartel member in a bad area. They are ruthless and there is nobody in the Mexican government who will help you. Doesn't matter if you are an American or not. They don't care.

[IroNat]

Good post.

Guadalajara is probably the best place for Americans in Mexico.

It's close to Puerto Vallarta too, which is amazing.

I've been to all the best places in Mexico over the last 20 years.

It's hit or miss. But you're right, don't dress nice, don't act like you have money and for the love of Jesus do not go out at night or travel to remote places without a guide. And you better speak Spanish unless you like getting ripped off. Prices change for English speaking people.

Mexico City is decent too, but very expensive and a complete cluster fuck.

I was robbed and beaten in Oaxaca 10 years ago. I have a lot of stories to tell in Mexico.

Overall the people are very nice and things are cheap, but there is a lot of crime and pray to Jehovah you never meet a cartel member in a bad area. They are ruthless and there is nobody in the Mexican government who will help you. Doesn't matter if you are an American or not. They don't care.

I'll pass.

[Agnostic007]

I lived in Guadalajara, Mexico for 7 years and it is a wonderful place to live. Definitely the bodybuilding capital of Mexico, as I trained at John Romano's gym, met him several times there(used to be a Golds Gym franchise but now called Gym Guadalajara). The crime and kidnappings and all that is WAY overstated. Moreover, the crime is financially based, so don't walk around with jewelry and shit and you're fine. As far as all the kidnappings and murders, that's Cartel or political stuff and they don't mess with normal citizens, especially American's as they know how important tourism is.  Walk around late at night alone with a rolex on and you'll get what you would in any major American city.
     If you want to live an American lifestyle, there is a community of American retirees that have literally taken over a part of Guadalajara called Lake Chapala(also called Ajijic). The luxury homes I posted here would be between $800-$2500 per month U.S. to rent, but we're talking security building, walk to lake, gym, pool,etc.  It's about half an hour drive from the main city of Guadalajara kind of like Malibu is to Los Angeles city if you know L.A. And gear and other meds over the counter. This really comes in handy with things like blood pressure or heart meds for older retirees. Same companies like Pfizer, Merck but pennies on the dollar.  Only controlled substances are pain meds, benzos,etc. But sustanon, Deca, GH, even really expensive heart meds like Eliquis,etc are affordable and same major brands. all pharma and over the counter. Beautiful women everywhere. No racism against foreigners. Nicest, friendliest people I've ever met. You also have Puerto Vallarta just a little over an hour drive to the coast for a weekend getaway.  If you're thinking of Mexico, think Guadalajara. It's flown under the radar of Americans.

My wife is from Mexico which is why we kind of are drawn to it more than other places. She has friends in Guadalajara. I've heard good things about Chapala and actually have a friend who is determined to retire there. Thanks for the tip Puerta Vallarta was high on our lists of 1st locations to try so that might work out

[Agnostic007]

Epic is Back could probably float you $ 200.00   

 

[Agnostic007]

I love Treasure Island! Love staying at the Thunderbird Inn. Haven't been since Covid and hope to go next summer.

I hear it recently changed hands but is remaining an iconic place. You must have visited Ricky T's, Sloppy Joes and CJ's while you were there

[Agnostic007]

As you know I have been paid to travel all over the world so my advice is skip the Central and South American countries.  Europe, Asia, the Baltic’s, etc…. That is where you are going to get the best cultural experience and develop any new insights.

I think we will be limited in our trips to south and Central America but definitely plan on spending a lot of our time in Europe. Croatia keeps coming up over and over in conversations about traveling to Europe. I would have never considered it before but it appears my perception was a bit off.

[Agnostic007]

Dats raycissss...these are the people flooding across the border, you can't admit that.


Also, can't believe nobody told OP to fuck himself yet as "valuable input". This place is getting soft.

It may be getting soft, it may be maturing. who knows

[Agnostic007]

I have friends who are native Colombians(born and raised) who live there right now,they told me not to visit. I'd heed the advice of others in this thread and skip south America all together right now.

If you do go I wouldn't stay 3 months and I'd probably only frequent Cartagena. Thefts are way up since Covid apparently and in Medellin or Bogota they will probably steal your phone at machete/knife point

I'll heed that advice

[Agnostic007]

Good post.

Guadalajara is probably the best place for Americans in Mexico.

It's close to Puerto Vallarta too, which is amazing.

I've been to all the best places in Mexico over the last 20 years.

It's hit or miss. But you're right, don't dress nice, don't act like you have money and for the love of Jesus do not go out at night or travel to remote places without a guide. And you better speak Spanish unless you like getting ripped off. Prices change for English speaking people.

Mexico City is decent too, but very expensive and a complete cluster fuck.

I was robbed and beaten in Oaxaca 10 years ago. I have a lot of stories to tell in Mexico.

Overall the people are very nice and things are cheap, but there is a lot of crime and pray to Jehovah you never meet a cartel member in a bad area. They are ruthless and there is nobody in the Mexican government who will help you. Doesn't matter if you are an American or not. They don't care.

Stayed in Playa Del Carmen for 6 weeks a few years ago. Rented a car. Taxi driver sideswiped it while my wife was driving. Tried to say it was her fault. As you know taxi syndicate is strong in mexico. My wife, being from Mexico help her ground. Police were useless. Fortunately the rental agency sent a rep to the scene and it got ironed out. But yeah, had I been driving, different story.

Her family was prominent in Reynosa... Cartel came in one day, took over their furniture store, their house.... as you said, no one would lift a finger to help them. I would not live along the border or any hotspots and certainly wouldn't own property there 

[oldtimer1]

Background- Been retired since 2016. Live on Treasure Island in Florida. Rent is $3400 and electricity is a whopping $350 May-Oct.

We want to explore the world and our lease is up in May 2022.

Its just me and the wife. We have a $10,000 a month budget. we are struggling between  finding a cheap rental in the Tampa Bay area to house our belongings (2 Bedrooms, office, living and dining room) or just finding a climate control storage and going all in with the traveling. Our goal is to spend 1 two or 3 months in a furnished location and then moving to the next. Our targets are Europe.. Italy, France, Germany, Spain, but also South and Central America.

Its a big change in what I'm used to and if anyone has any advice, experience I would love to heart it.

You have 120K in net cash per year and you are seeking advice from people here how to travel on that budget? 

[gym**rat]

I love Treasure Island! Love staying at the Thunderbird Inn. Haven't been since Covid and hope to go next summer.

I am right with you on this one. Hang out at the Thunderbird or the Bilmar hotel bar, go to Gigi's Italian for their killer pizza then go back and troll the hotel bars for local sluts. My parents used to have a nice place at Madeira Beach but they have since moved to Bay Pines Cemetery.

[Board_SHERIF]

Ironic isn't it that the person you voted for is making you broke ?
Anyway - Mexico Puerto Vallarta type areas are cheap to live in, over 6 month rentals are $500 for a decent place per month.
Good Luck.

[Agnostic007]

You have 120K in net cash per year and you are seeking advice from people here how to travel on that budget?

Yeah... input.. I've never done it before. Lot of people on here from various backgrounds and experience

[Agnostic007]

Ironic isn't it that the person you voted for is making you broke ?
Anyway - Mexico Puerto Vallarta type areas are cheap to live in, over 6 month rentals are $500 for a decent place per month.
Good Luck.

Haven't found any decent place for that much in Puerto Vallarta. I've been looking. If you have a links please share them

[pamith]

Brutal if true

[gib]

Background- Been retired since 2016. Live on Treasure Island in Florida. Rent is $3400 and electricity is a whopping $350 May-Oct.

We want to explore the world and our lease is up in May 2022.

Its just me and the wife. We have a $10,000 a month budget. we are struggling between  finding a cheap rental in the Tampa Bay area to house our belongings (2 Bedrooms, office, living and dining room) or just finding a climate control storage and going all in with the traveling. Our goal is to spend 1 two or 3 months in a furnished location and then moving to the next. Our targets are Europe.. Italy, France, Germany, Spain, but also South and Central America.

Its a big change in what I'm used to and if anyone has any advice, experience I would love to heart it.

Tip 1 - for health, significantly reduce animal products, and significantly increase vegetables and certain fruits. Also fast occasionally.

Tip 2 - for wealth, Stack Sats.

Thank me later...

[IroNat]

Tip 1 - for health, significantly reduce increase meat, eggs, fish animal products and saturated fats.  Eat non-starch (green)  significantly increase vegetables and small amounts of berries certain fruits.  Avoid processed foods and carbs.  Eat cheese, cream, nuts, seeds, butter, and healthy oils.  Also fast occasionally.

Thank me later...

[ThisisOverload]

Stayed in Playa Del Carmen for 6 weeks a few years ago. Rented a car. Taxi driver sideswiped it while my wife was driving. Tried to say it was her fault. As you know taxi syndicate is strong in mexico. My wife, being from Mexico help her ground. Police were useless. Fortunately the rental agency sent a rep to the scene and it got ironed out. But yeah, had I been driving, different story.

Her family was prominent in Reynosa... Cartel came in one day, took over their furniture store, their house.... as you said, no one would lift a finger to help them. I would not live along the border or any hotspots and certainly wouldn't own property there

Yeah it's like the wild west out there in most places. My GF is from Chihuahua City, which is way up north.

She got thrown in jail for a week because a motorcyclist hit her, it was his fault, but his father was wealthy and a local developer.

A lot of the Police are cartel members. It's a very crazy place.

I still go with my GF to see her family. As long as you know where to go it's not so bad, but it's very easy to end up on the wrong side of something. And being an American it changes quickly. Everywhere i go they call me Guero, they mean it in a nice way, but it's obvious i'm easily noticed. The average Mexican has no problems with gringos, but i've been robbed almost a dozen times.

It's a shame about the cartels, most Mexican people are very nice. But the entire Country is corrupt from the local Policia to the high level Politicians. It's just an easy place to have something really bad happen to you. That's my biggest issue, if something bad happens, you're fucked. Nobody is going to help you.

[ThisisOverload]

Haven't found any decent place for that much in Puerto Vallarta. I've been looking. If you have a links please share them

It's not as cheap as it used to be.

I'll ask my GF, she's been to PV a dozen times in the last 10 years.

I haven't been in 8 years. A lot has changed. PV is filled with rich Americans, so the prices have gone up a lot.

We are planning a trip to Guadalajara in March.

[Agnostic007]

It's not as cheap as it used to be.

I'll ask my GF, she's been to PV a dozen times in the last 10 years.

I haven't been in 8 years. A lot has changed. PV is filled with rich Americans, so the prices have gone up a lot.

We are planning a trip to Guadalajara in March.

I'm a huge Tequila fan.. I have to visit that state at least once. Its not far from PV.

[LurkerNoMore]

Haven't found any decent place for that much in Puerto Vallarta. I've been looking. If you have a links please share them

Forget PV.  It is nothing but a second hand resort haven for queers.  Every holiday and long weekend all the queers from Ft Lauderdale, Austin, San Fran, NYC, and PS run down there and party.

Unless you are staying directly on the beach, you are not going to enjoy it.  And staying directly on the beach is going to be a shitty experience with the swishers and all the little mexican massage bois trying to make a dollar off them.

[ThisisOverload]

I'm a huge Tequila fan.. I have to visit that state at least once. Its not far from PV.

Tequila is an amazing place, i went there with my GF 8 months ago.

If you like Mezcal, there is a place in Oaxaca you should visit. I did a 2 day tour there a while back.

Chiapas and Oaxaca are fun places for the smaller tours. And a lot of real traditional history if you're into that. The people are amazing and the cartels stay away from the towns for the most part. Lots of hand made items and crafts, very cool stuff. My house is filled with cool trinkets from all over Southern Mexico, it's the best place to visit IMO.

[Les Grossman]

On an $120,000 a year travel budget I wouldn’t go within 200 miles of Mexico.

What are you thinking?

Couldn’t find a flight to Afghanistan?