Stupid And Crazy

I am going to confess to you one of my greatest fears in life:

I fear that my passport will go unused.

I got one years ago when I was offered a position on a professional softball team in Sweden. Long story short, life happened and I chose not to go. I still have my passport though, always ready at a moment’s notice, just in case I’m called on for a secret government operation. Right now it’s in the living room on the little desk that sits between my keyboard and my vintage record player, just waiting for me.

So here’s what I propose. Earlier I posted this emphasizing the importance of spending money on experiences instead of things. It’s a lesson I don’t think I am applying to its greatest potential. Therefore, I have decided I am going on a trip. To another country.

Now I know I’m not going to be able to afford any kind of vacation package or guided tour, so here’s what I’ve come up with: a plane ticket. Roundtrip. That’s all. I’ll pack a small backpack of some extra clothes and essentials (toothbrush, camera, journal), $100 (I've heard that's the going rate for bungee jumping in most countries, and I'm not passing up an opportunity to go bungee jumping in a foreign land), and maybe $50 for food. No hotel, I'm essentially planning on being homeless for the duration of my stay. I’m shooting for mid-late July/early August, since my last day for summer school is July 15. I want to go for roughly 8 days, depending on what combination of arrivals and departures will result in the lowest possible fare.

I have no idea where to go, and I have no idea what I am doing. I'm basing my decision completely on ticket prices. The lowest I have found so far have been (rountrip):

Trinidad: $970

Belgium: $1052

Ireland: $1206

To budget for it I will literally be spending my money only on things that are absolutely needed (school, bills, feminine products) and nothing else. More about that later.

So what do you all think? Any seasoned travelers out there who would be so kind to fill me in on any secrets? Please let me know! I’ve never done this before and I’ve got a serious case of cabin fever.

Also, on the sidebar on the right (under the "about me" section) I've made a list of possible countries to travel to. Please vote! If you have a better suggestion, comment about it and I'll add it to the poll (update: I won't be able to add it to the poll but I will absolutely keep it in mind). If you have any tips about where to go (or where not to go), please comment or email me (marleeindebt@yahoo.com). Any information is greatly appreciated!!