I'm not an American but a couple of years back visited the US to take a cruise out of Miami. I was so disgusted by the treatment we received in American airports (and amazed that so many Americans put up with the same) that I vowed that I would avoid flying through American airports whenever I could.

I realize that in the grand scheme of things my action isn't going to make any impact but for my own sense of integrity I felt it was the least I could do to not support the system I found so abhorrent. Also, I believe if enough other people act in the same way that eventually some change might come about.

This choice had some unexpected delightful consequences. Because of my decision I chose to travel from South America to Canada on a repositioning cruise which I found most agreeable.

Ironically the only disagreeable part of the cruise was the exaggerated customs and immigration procedures which the US imposed when we visited San Diego. It was the only country in which officials boarded the ship and inspected the documents of every passenger before they would allow anyone to go ashore!

I have nothing against Americans and even consider some of them to be good friends, but I do resent the actions of their government and bureaucrats who seem to think that they have the right to impose upon everyone in the world whatever seems to be expedient to their whims.

I found myself meeting many wonderful people, and eating absolutely *outstanding* food, just because I wanted to.

It’s addictive, and I found I wanted more. So, I opted back *in* to the rat race for another year or two at most, in order to finance much of what you espouse on your site. From there, I know my possibilities are endless!

Thank you for showing me how it’s done. :)

Gary

So yet one more reason to avoid transiting through the US.

It is a choice,though,you are right.
But a very real choice.
I don’t think it need be seen as a ‘trap’,either.

Most people on the planet choose to stay in their own culture/geographical area.
I’ve lived in many countries,and even somali refugees i’ve met would have preferred to stay in somalia. One older woman whose children were in the US and thriving now,chose to live in the ‘hood’ in nairobi,b/c she did not want to leave that region-too far from home.

It’s a difficult decision for people who feel forced to leave,such as the breach of rights we are all discussing-but perhaps one would prefer to stay in the US,in an ideal world.

I myself love travelling and prefer many aspects of other cultures over the US.

But this is not true for everyone.
Add to this real homesickness for some,a lack of fudns and therefore a lack of options for their children,in another country,and yes,it can feel like you are trapped into staying.

Money isn’t everything. But currently the world is most certainly organized around it.

Simon had a recent post about a brittish guy in venezuela-and the only reason he stayed,despite chavez,was b/c of his wife and extended family/children. His circle is in caracas. He has his escape hatch planned,however,if need be. But he even said if it were nto for family rooting him there,the conditions already exist that tell him to get out now.
For some reason,we don’t give credence to these same concerns when an american expresses them. As though,b/c this country/culture has become so ‘awful’,personal relationships are not valid.

I don’t even think we all realize how PC indoctrinated we’ve become,even those who think they are ‘thinking freely’.

Situations are usually shades of grey,is all.

For your next Q & A session, would you be able to provide a contact for a Swiss bank account that doesn’t require a huge chunk of change to open one? I’m working on our multiple flag strategy and want to get our CA pension income out of the US banking system, and into a Swiss bank (or any other bank) where they won’t give up my info, or worse, our money, if anyone tries to get into it with some newly crafted law for legal theft. . .that is, as long as our pension continues to pay, which from the looks of it, could be compromised shortly! I don’t know if it would really help, but it would add another step to anyone coming after it. It appears the Swiss are trying to buck the PTB in the US, and will continue to have the strongest banking privacy out there for the time being. I am half Swiss, but do not have any relative ties to assist. Ideas or contacts would be great if you have any. As always, thanks for the awesome thoughts you share weekly. They have become an addiction. Cheers!

Even flying thru US airspace is a risk as the plane could need to make an emergency landing and you would again be fingerprinted.

Japan is also a no-go since they started fingerprinting visitors in 2008.

The UK now requires “advance passenger information” before you fly (both arrival and departure which goes onto a permanent database) – this could cause problems for arriving dual passport holders – as you must declare the passport number you leave on and arrive in the UK with the same passport. (Example – Australians leaving Australia on an Aussie passport but arriving in the UK with an EU passport)

Simon, what’s your take on these body scanner machines which strip you naked and could also be a health risk? The machines are “mandatory” at London Heathrow or you don’t fly.

In deciding how to get to Panama from the Philippines in April, when I go (hope to see you there, by the way), my NUMBER ONE priority was not cost, or time…it was avoiding going via the US.

Initally I was going to do a leisurely trip, on a “round the world” ticket, go down to see family and friends in Australia, then go across to Santiago on LAN Chile from Sydney and on up to Pananma City on Copa from there.

In the end, though, I found that I could get from Hong Kong to Amsterdam and then Panama City on KLM … the long layover in Amsterdam is a hassle … but I’m sure the KLM business class lounge has some good newspapers, magazines and booze to keep me entertained.

Looking forward to hearing about your Thailand “project” … I’m there next week too. Maybe we’ll be able to catch up.

Good post, I like your thinking about what to do once you have total freedom, what your priorities are.

I am with you on avoiding the US airports.

On my way to total freedom myself.

Keep it up.

Spaniard

Thanks, Pieter

It makes life a bit more difficult, flying between Ecuador and Canada, but its worth it for my personal freedom.

Ron

I have been in Zurich this week and cannot tell you how many Swiss people I have spoke to that echo your same sentitment. They are sick of the treatment they receive when entering and exiting the US customs.

Just in the past month, I have spoke to at least 10 friends, mostly with families, that earn at least $200k/year and all of them are in process of moving abroad. What will the US do when all of its productive taxpayers decide to leave? Who will prop up the govt then?

I have been living in Japan for eighteen years. When I first arrived here I felt the immigration here was pretty unfriendly, but efficient. The first few times I went back to the States to visit I never really had a problem but after 9-11 things have really gone down hill. I have never been subjected to a body search, but I have been sneered at and treated as if there were something wrong with me. “What are you here for?…. Why did you leave this country?…. Have you ever been to Las Vegas?….” It seems since about three years ago I fit the description of someone they have been looking for. Once after 9-11 I brought a musical instrument (a flute) with me as carry-on and they checked it to see if it had been in contact with explosives with the spectrometer that was on the table ” you can’t be too careful”… the people that are working for the TSA have less training than a security guard working at a department store, yet have the power to intimidate and harass thousands. If it weren’t for family and friends I would’t subject myself to such draconian treatment.

Best,

John

Best.

–Brent.

You have a tough challenge, but a common one. Many people have started from scratch, but it means biting the bullet to scrimp and save. You do need to find a genuine source of income however small. I truly believe committing yourself to serving others also makes a difference. But, you can’t do it without a real fight. Because you will have to save when most people would feel they did not have enough to eat. We have to patiently build capital. It’s the only way. Go for it, brother!

Panama to Bangkok…. How about connecting in Europe through Mexico or in Toronto or London through Jamaica or Trinidad (all via Copa on the first leg)? Lots more choices…, but too many flying hours?

Great article. I wish everyone would take a stand for freedom. I am not flying anymore because of what they do at the Airports. Instead I just go where I can drive to myself. Not really true freedom, but it is their loss. I chose to vote with my dollars.

See you downrange,
Kenny

And, as someone looking to create that freedom, I was wondering if you had any suggestion/pointers on creating true passive income starting from a positon of being a normal average everyday working man?

Thanks for the time and the updates.

You never write about those of us without resources left standing on the shore watching you and those with money escape. What about us stuck here? Please write about us! We want to go, too, but don’t know how to get out without having the financial means.

Please, give us some advice.

Thank you.

You need to contact your Web Master. The last two emails from you had a blank white space that must have been two pages long before your story started.

LP

Easier for a guy like you with no kids, though.

Family & “stuff” has a tendency to trap us here, and “they” know it.

Regards,
Will