Over the next few entries, I’m going to post some practical advice about how living more internationally can be not just a rewarding experience, but fun, safe, and financially worth your while.

My best advice to someone who wants to live a better life is to start to think more internationally.

Would you consider buying an around-the-world ticket and traveling to new places for a few months (or years) if you thought you could afford it? Let’s think about it for a little while — dream a little.

A cheap around-the-world ticket should cost about $1,300. I’ve consistently found that the best deal on these tickets can be found in the travel section of the New York Times. Look for the tiny little ads with the almost unreadable type. In 30 years, I’ve never had a problem with any of these outfits, but if you want to be more careful, you can pay with a credit card.

Most of these tickets have to be completed within a year, so you might just want to buy a one way ticket to Bangkok and put the rest of the trip together later. Thailand is, for some reason or other, the cheapest place in the world to buy air tickets. This will give you more flexibility, too. Trust me, you’ll want as much of that as possible.

Probably your first major stop will be in Europe. My advice — keep it short. A couple of days in London cost about the same as a month on the beaches of Goa. You`ll kick yourself for blowing so much early on in the trip.

Next stop – let’s say Bombay. OK, the pollution is horrific, jet lag has got you down. Just chill out for a day or two – it’s going to get better. Try to stay in the Colaba section — the sea breeze will help. Here let me mention the importance in India (but everywhere really) of going in the right season. Go during the hot season and you will not enjoy yourself.

Let’s backtrack a little; when planning your trip, check on the weather for the time you plan on visiting. I get out my well-worn National Geographic Atlas and check out the 2 pages devoted to temperature and rainfall at some 400 cities around the world. Don’t ignore what you learn there — monsoon season in Lake Toba in Indonesia will be a bigger factor than you imagine.

So, you’re over your jet lag, you’ve discovered Leopold’s Cafe and things are looking up. Notice the prices? Like about 1/5 what they were in London. That’s only the beginning.

One of my favorite things to do in Bombay is to attend a meeting of the Laughing Club of India. It meets every morning at 7:30 in the little park down by the Gateway to India. I won’t spoil it for you. Just prepare to have your spirits raised.

So let’s start paying for this trip. Do you take any medications? Go into any drugstore and do some sticker comparisons. The same drug you pay $1,200 for in the States costs $40 here. A doctor’s appointment, including prescription, should set you back $2. How about a new suit? India is known for its extraordinary textiles. Go to a gentleman’ store (I’m partial to Raymond’s) and have a suit made up that is tailored perfectly to your body, full silk lining, the works. Should cost about $100.

Getting tired of the city? Take the train to Rajasthan — Indian trains are one of the great ways of traveling. Second class sleeper gives you a comfortable bunk so you can take a nap whenever you feel like it while you watch the fascinating scenery slide by. You can travel all the way across India like this for $20. The train serves good curry but every stop has vendors selling whatever you need.