1 . The cost of living in countries like the U.S, Britain, Australia or France has skyrocketed in recent years. However, if you’re willing to leave your country and explore life in other areas, there are many countries boasting an extremely cheap and low cost of living. Check out the following countries when planning your next move.

Ecuador is similar to the United States in many ways, and as a result has become a popular American getaway. They even use the U.S. Dollar for their currency. In this country, it’s cheaper to eat out every day than cook for yourself on a budget in the U.S. You can even buy a building for around $50,000 and hire someone to look after it while you’re away.

Although the country is known for its poverty ridden streets, there are many wealthier areas that provide every facility you might need. You can live off a mere $700 to $800 a month in Mexico, and this includes rent for a nice place, facilities, food, and any sightseeing.

Argentina has been a popular tourist destination for many years. It has great restaurants, a rich history, and many places to explore. Not to mention, it’s not very expensive to live here. A decent sized home can cost around $139,000, which is relatively cheap in relation to homes in the United States.

Vietnam has also become a popular tourist destination in recent years. There are many million-dollar luxury homes by the beach, but you can find a modest flat or a small home for around $25,000 to $50,000 if you search in the right areas.

7 . The United Kingdom (UK) is rightly celebrated as the birthplace of the railway. The UK’s rail network is not only a testament (证明) to engineering genius, but also the gateway to some of the most attractive landscapes to be found anywhere in the world.

The West Highland Line

Considered by some to be the most beautiful railway line in the scenery on the earth, this line takes passengers from the busy city of Glasgow through Scotland’s wild western highlands to the remote port of Mallaig. Built in stages through the 1890s, the line is a true wonder of late Victorian British engineering. The line passes through Corrour, the UK’s highest altitude train station.

The Caledonian Sleeper

Linking London with the Scottish Highlands, it has been taking travellers northward during the night along the West Coast Main Line since way back in 1873. Passengers can enjoy falling asleep to the rhythm of the train on leaving London, then waking up to the beauty of the Highlands at dawn right outside your window.

The Cambrian Line

Wales, with its dramatic landscapes and historic sites, offers some of the most scenic train journeys to be found in the UK. And perhaps the jewel in the Welsh crown is the Cambrian Line, which weaves its way through Mid Wales to the coast. The route begins in Shrewsbury in England and is famous for its scenery. Travellers will love the wonderful views of the Cambrian Mountains, a range of peaks.

The Settle-Carlisle Line

Opened in 1876, the 73-mile-long route takes travellers from Settle Junction in North Yorkshire to Carlisle in Cumbria. Rolling hills, beautiful valleys and picturesque villages along the way leave a deep impression on passengers. Threatened with closure in the 1980s, the line was saved thanks to the efforts of rail lovers, and passenger numbers have gone from strength to strength.

8 . It was a very hot day in late summer. I was a young dad working in a local wood mill. It was dangerous, back-breaking work that paid very little. In the year I worked there, only four other people hadn’t quit and been replaced with new faces. Those of us who stayed did so just because there was no other work to find to support our families.

On this day all of us were covered in sweat and dust. When I looked around, every face I saw looked angry and frustrated. Suddenly, a voice called out, “Hey! There’s a deer in here,” A lost little female deer had wandered through the open loading bay doors and was now cowering in between the huge stacks of wood. All of us stopped working immediately and went looking for her as she ran about looking for a way out.

Now most people where I live hunt deer for meat in the fall but also treat them with great kindness the rest of the year. Many will even buy 50 bags of corn to help feed them during the harsh winter months. It was no surprise then that all of us were soon quickly working together to free this little creature. By blocking off all the other routes, we were able to guide her search back to the open bay doors. We watched as she jumped out of the building and back into the woods. Then we walked back in to work. I noticed something, though. On every face there was a joyful smile. It was as if this one single act of kindness had energized us again and reminded us of what life is all about.

9 . If there was an app claiming to improve your memory, would you be willing to try it? It’s hard to resist the idea of having a better memory.

In response to this perceived need, the brain training industry has grown rapidly, offering a wide range of accessible and affordable mental exercises through smartphone and tablet apps. Many researchers have found evidence suggesting that well-designed exercises can improve mental abilities and lead to better scores on IQ tests. They compare the brain to muscles, suggesting that targeted repetition of memory exercises can strengthen and condition our memory processes, similar to how athletes engage in strength and conditioning by repeatedly exercising specific muscle groups.

In contrast to everyday activities like solving a complex puzzle, memory training apps are specifically designed to provide a more challenging workout for the brain. These apps typically involve tasks that require tracking a large number of objects while being distracted (使分心) by a secondary task, such as mental calculations or exploring a game’s landscape. If this brain training proves effective, it could be beneficial for individuals with brain-related disabilities or those recovering from conditions like cancer.

Critics, though, argue that while the concept is appealing, the overall evidence fails to demonstrate significant improvement in core brain processes. Additionally, despite the claims made by many apps and brain training companies, scientists have yet to identify the key factors that make an intervention truly effective or determine the best approaches to address the diverse needs of individuals seeking help.

While the question is still open to debate, there is evidence suggesting that short-term working memory training can benefit high-functioning individuals. However, it’s important to note that brain training, like diet and exercise, is unlikely to have identical effects on every individual.