@Lance – Yeah! And because they didn’t have much work for us to do there at the end, I got especially lucky. I had lots of time to research while I was still on the clock but they didn’t have anything for me to do. If you’re losing a job, make the best of it, I say.
@Jennifer – Exactly! If you have them anyway, you might as well put them toward your basic expenses on a big (or small) adventure.
@Kris – I feel that. I’m constantly realizing how lucky I am that I don’t have kids or a spouse, because I wouldn’t feel right making them scrape on the things that I do so that I can enjoy other things. And I think lots of people expect to do “touristy things”, and that definitely wasn’t in my budget, for the most part. (Although, I technically could have splurged on some stuff since I got everything else for practically nothing.)
@Stephanie – That sounds like a good rule of thumb for lots of things. I love watching the commentary for independent films and hearing them say “We just didn’t have money for X, so we had to get creative.” They almost always turn out better for the creativity.
@Bridget – All it takes is time! :)
@B. Rich – Thanks! And the way I see it, most other people are just like me in all the important ways (despite what we see on the news). I’m not going to murder or rob anyone, so it’s a pretty safe bet that 99% of the other people in the world aren’t going to do so either. We’re paranoid about our own safety in America (myself included), but the fact is, it’s mostly harmless. Just don’t poke bears and you should be okay. Haha.
@Jenna – Thanks! I was able to find round trip airfare to Buenos Aires for about $500 (by flying out of Florida and using budget/local airlines). But, alas, I don’t have the time or means to take that trip right now. Hopefully within the next year or two, unless I end up going into the Peace Corps (which will also be a free vacation of sorts).
@Joe – Travelling locally is great! I’m always finding great new things around me. But I’ve lived here my whole life, and I felt like it was time to experience a new culture and a new cuisine.
@Brian – I know! It went back up to 50k almost immediately after I got mine. Such a bummer! I had to change planes in Vegas on my way back from NOLA. I had always thought Vegas would be fun, but just from flying in, I kind of changed my mind. It seemed a little high-octane for me, and I’m more of a taking it slow and easy kind of guy. But hey, there’s still NOLA for the rest of us. :)