Films that made people emigrate

I'm always amazed at how many people from my home country (US) I talk to who say, "oh I can't afford to go there". For less than $1500, usually, you can go to the opposite side of the world. And quite often, the living expense is lower than where you came from.

The biggest challenge most people have is that they have a lot of financial and physical anchors - stuff, a house+mortgage, car(s), etc. But I can say from my experience living both types of life that a life of a small amount of stuff and near total freedom to roam is fantastic.

It's a big world, and it's a shame to go through life without really experiencing much of it.

Naturally there is an adjustment period in a new region, but if approached with an open mind an a bit of patience, it can surprise you and become your favorite place to be (and way of life to live).

All that said, it's important to realize that what we may see in movies is typically very carefully framed. Bali is great, but depending on where you are you might experience peace and tranquility or crazy frat party atmosphere. And "The Beach" in Thailand is idyllic - if you are shooting a movie and you can get the place to yourself. Otherwise you need to travel around to find the nice (also beautiful) quiet beaches. Any movie you've seen about Amsterdam may be true, but it too has quite varying character depending on where you go, whom you're with, and what you're seeking.

Korea, Japan, and Taiwan are high on my list to try next.

Visa, immigration status, taxes and such are quite a big factor for people to consider, particularly when they are more established in their lifes.

I think the Americans also deserve some slack for lack of international travel. I really think its out of touch. The rest of the world is far away and its not cheap to travel. $1500 isnt going to pay for many nights in a hotel either. Its a lot to ask for your average person, and very difficult if you have a family. Of course this is less true for your typical hacker news reader who has a good salary, lives in a large city (cheaper flights) and is less likely to have a family (younger and lower birth rates on top of that).

Compare 3 or 4 international flight tickets to enough gas for 8 hours which will get you to fairly different climate and culture and its a no brainer.