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Imagine that you only have.. let's say $100k.
What are the options you would consider? What are the countries?
You can likely get some revenue back from it by Airbnbing it out when you aren’t around.
Timeshares are an option, a lot of them are scams but some people do have success with them if you do your research.
Ultimately don’t make yourself house poor. 100k also buys a lot of stays at beach hotels or trips to Mexico, DR etc.
There are many articles on the subject though, ex: https://vacationhome.guide/second-home-mortgage-guide/
Renting in different places until I found somewhere that I wanted to go back to year after year.
If you find a location that you prefer over vacationing somewhere new (or at least, if you find a routine that you enjoy), then consider buying in that location. The boating equivalent of your question might be “I think I like water, although I’ve never been on a boat. Which boat should I buy for $100k?”
As far as countries, decide whether you want to be on a lake or the ocean. Lakes have major advantages: no salt damage, far wider geographic selection, often easier to use the water (gradual slope into water, less impact from wind, tides, currents), and less erosion/property maintenance. In North America, “ocean” often means Mexico, though $500k would buy a small beachfront condo in a lot of the US.
So, go on Airbnb or VRBO and rent some lakefront or oceanfront houses for a week or a month. After a few trips, see what you like - or if you enjoy new scenery each trip. Each location doesn’t matter as much as seeing a wide variety so you learn from each experience. Enjoy :-)
Kota Kinabalu is about $50k-$160k on a random search, and it's got one of the most international airports in the world. Something half an hour away should be both prettier and cheaper. Good seafood. Mt Kinabalu is a balance of epic and peaceful. It's a decent place to retire.
(Due to balance of cost, projected appreciation in that area, and ability to rent the property ).
If just looking for something… fun.
St Croix could be an option.
Or Puerto Rico.
Lima, Peru has some okay condos in Miraflores and Barranco that might fit your budget / needs.
Certainly a project, but if you are into that sort of thing, it is half the fun.
My main consideration would be drivable access from the bay area, but your constraints may differ. If I need a plane to go there, I am unlikely to visit frequently.
I would look at land in northern California and build a rustic cottage. Depending on how close to the sea you want, you should be able to find a an acre or two for 5OK. The other 50k would cover the cottage, a nice deck, and wood fired hot tub. Certainly a project, but if you are into that sort of thing, it is half the fun. My main consideration would be drivable access from the bay area, but your constraints may dif…