3 months with $6k? Where to go...
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Afghanistan via West Virginia
Programs: HHonors Gold, United Airlines Prem. Ex.
Posts: 103
Ukraine is not totally alien territory to me - and frankly I can't imagine staying longer than two weeks there unless one was particularly interested in drinking and whoring (both of which are cheap, easily available and not of particular interest to me) or hiking/outdoorsy stuff (which you really need a group, or at least buddies, for, right or wrong?). However, the weather would be a nice temperature - warmish but not sticky. I don't know whether outdoor tables for cafes would be out or not. Probably yes.
I was just talking to someone today about Latin America generally and I have not come across anyone who hasn't been to Argentina and loved it. I understand (maybe wrongly) that it's pretty cheap, too. And of course it, and its neighbors, have beaches as well as mountains in abundance. If you speak English, then you can probably guess the meaning of basic written Spanish, so that's a help for getting around. But it might be the wrong season, and I have to admit I have never been there, so...
If it weren't World Cup season, I'd also suggest Southern Africa.
I was just talking to someone today about Latin America generally and I have not come across anyone who hasn't been to Argentina and loved it. I understand (maybe wrongly) that it's pretty cheap, too. And of course it, and its neighbors, have beaches as well as mountains in abundance. If you speak English, then you can probably guess the meaning of basic written Spanish, so that's a help for getting around. But it might be the wrong season, and I have to admit I have never been there, so...
If it weren't World Cup season, I'd also suggest Southern Africa.
South America. That would be interesting. Also, I do speak 2 languages. English and Appalachain American (I am from WV). I will have to look into that. Thanks for the advice.
#17
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: just above cargo
Posts: 2,072
#18
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SEA/PBI/SVO/DME
Programs: SU/DL/US/MR
Posts: 717
Also, Ukraine isn't just for drinking or whoring it up... there's a lot to do and it's the perfect gateway to other countries near by all the while maintaining a cheap and solid homebase in the Ukraine.
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Afghanistan via West Virginia
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#20
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,437
dude you should do what I did.
WAS-DEL-KTM-MNL-BKG-LIM-WAS on award tix and volunteer at all those places...
I went with not a big known volunteering NGO and they placed me in all of those places with local family usually teaching kids english and such. I was provided transportation and food, and the whole thing cost under $650 for 1 month, so for 3 months it would be under $2k. That way you will have saved a big chunk to pamper yourself here and there. I'd say you are killing 2 birds with 1 stone here. : ) Not to mention all the friends that you will make...
I say this is by far THE BEST way to see other countries, and local life. Also awesome thing to put on your resume for Biz school. : )
WAS-DEL-KTM-MNL-BKG-LIM-WAS on award tix and volunteer at all those places...
I went with not a big known volunteering NGO and they placed me in all of those places with local family usually teaching kids english and such. I was provided transportation and food, and the whole thing cost under $650 for 1 month, so for 3 months it would be under $2k. That way you will have saved a big chunk to pamper yourself here and there. I'd say you are killing 2 birds with 1 stone here. : ) Not to mention all the friends that you will make...
I say this is by far THE BEST way to see other countries, and local life. Also awesome thing to put on your resume for Biz school. : )
#22
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Santa Cruz, Ca
Posts: 98
South America
Head for the Andes region of South America. Colombia, Equador, Peru, Bolivia.
Eastern Europe is much cheaper than Western and good transportation. I scored a sleeper cabin for an extra $20 on a train in Croatia.
S.E. Asia is always hot.
Be careful in Colombia. The women are beautiful.
Eastern Europe is much cheaper than Western and good transportation. I scored a sleeper cabin for an extra $20 on a train in Croatia.
S.E. Asia is always hot.
Be careful in Colombia. The women are beautiful.
#23
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: TIP,PDX
Programs: UA 1p, GF Gold, EK
Posts: 397
Antarctica
you know if i had 6K, and some spare time, i would definitely go on one of those Antarctica cruises. but it might be a bit late in the year for it, they normally head out December/January
#25
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,426
Didn't price the cruise, but I bet it would be close to 6K, but not last three months.
Then again, I could not figure out why there were so many upscale shops in Ushuia (le fin de Mundo) until I got back to US - silly me, it's the jumping off point for the tours to Antarctica @:-)
If it were me, I'd do Asia (and will again), because I find it very fascinating, and love the food. Then again, I speak (somewhat) passable Spanish, so Latin America would give me a chance to interact with locals a little better.
Now if you want a combination, many people think that Philippines is the Latin America of Asia. I liked it very much, and yes, they do speak English.
EmailKid
#26
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: GRR, USA
Posts: 3,298
i had a friend do this while studying abroad and had a 2 month break between semesters. What worked really well for him is he found a home base city (in italy, but forgot which town), rented a flat (far cheaper than hotel, and had more space and privacy). From the flat he was able to use the low cost euro carriers ($30-$50 each way type) and see most of contintental europe. took trains and buses as well. I think he wound up seeing 20 different towns and villages along the 2 months. There are a lot of sites that offer short term rentals. Try to google something like "short term italy apartments" or similar.
#27
In memoriam
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,020
And, it is depressing, so much opportunity squandered due to political and cultural problems, the average person so poor.
We left a couple of days early.
BA does have some really great cafes and the steak is really good. Iguazu Falls are worth a trip.
Plus, I understand there is now a $150 or so visa required.
I'm still glad I went--and even gladder I used miles for the ticket.
IMHO, I'd be thinking about Asia, China, Thailand, Bali.
#28
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: YYC
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Fairmont Plat, IHG Spire, SPG Gold, WS Gold, Hertz PC, National E Elite,
Posts: 2,764
SE Asia would be my suggestion. Yes, lots of beaches, but also lots of jungles and mountainous regions. Thailand, Campboia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia. You'll love it. And with $70 a day budget, you will live like a king
#29
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 54
I totally agree with all of the S.E. Asia recommendations; great service, great food, great accommodations all for a low price. I would also recommend Buenos Aires. I found it to be very affordable and very European. As for the poverty, SE Asia is much more "poor" than BA, IMHO. Enjoy your trip.
#30
Join Date: May 2001
Location: RSW/FMY
Programs: All, but no status!
Posts: 754
Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8830/4.2.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)
What is the name of the NGO you went with?
Originally Posted by libuser
dude you should do what I did.
WAS-DEL-KTM-MNL-BKG-LIM-WAS on award tix and volunteer at all those places...
I went with not a big known volunteering NGO and they placed me in all of those places with local family usually teaching kids english and such. I was provided transportation and food, and the whole thing cost under $650 for 1 month, so for 3 months it would be under $2k. That way you will have saved a big chunk to pamper yourself here and there. I'd say you are killing 2 birds with 1 stone here. : ) Not to mention all the friends that you will make...
I say this is by far THE BEST way to see other countries, and local life. Also awesome thing to put on your resume for Biz school. : )
WAS-DEL-KTM-MNL-BKG-LIM-WAS on award tix and volunteer at all those places...
I went with not a big known volunteering NGO and they placed me in all of those places with local family usually teaching kids english and such. I was provided transportation and food, and the whole thing cost under $650 for 1 month, so for 3 months it would be under $2k. That way you will have saved a big chunk to pamper yourself here and there. I'd say you are killing 2 birds with 1 stone here. : ) Not to mention all the friends that you will make...
I say this is by far THE BEST way to see other countries, and local life. Also awesome thing to put on your resume for Biz school. : )