Cheap, long term stay
 

With threat of unemployment looming, a long term stay somewhere, at a low cost, might be an appealing 'bridge' before facing the real world again.

What places would you recommend, cheap, with basic accommodations, an ATM machine, decent weather, and some sites to visit.

Probably looking at a few months...or more... Any visa type issues would also be of interest. Any other things I should think about?

Rough idea of costs?

I've been to Africa, I'm thinking there may be some places that might fit the bill. Europe not in plans A broad question, but any ideas would help.

Michel- Sorry to hear of your troubles, but I'd love to have the "opportunity" you are considering. I have looked into both Botswana and South Africa. To get a residence permit (required for every country I have looked at for stays over 90 days in 6 months or a year) they require health ins and in the case of S Africa, $3000/person/month income. That's a lot. But I could live around Durban. Botswana doesn't have the income info on their embassy site.

S America and Central America might be easier options. Costa Rica? I have looked into Argentina, and it has a much lower income requirement. Just figure out a place you'd like to stay for a while and check their visa req's on the embassy website.

If you apply for college, you can get a student visa. I looked at taking a safari ranger program and that qualifies but really expensive!

Thanks for this

Looking more to just go and veg somewhere for a while, not move. 90 days times 1 or 2 might be a good start.

SA I have assumed is expensive to spend any amount of time in.

I've been to Ghana and Tanzania, but not sure if they fit the bill.

kenya would do. its cheaper. it would fit the bill. you can send me an email i could help you. [email protected]

Michel - one place that comes to mind is Ecuador. Though I'd much prefer Africa, I've been checking this option out seriously. Specifically looking at a place called Cuenca. Beautiful world heritage site, year-around spring weather and very, very affordable prices (at least as far as I tell from my Internet research). The country is also known for its excellent biodiversity and you'd qualify for resident rates for Galapagos trips :)

Keep us posted on your progress. I'd be very interested in your findings.