As U.S. Declines, Get Out of Dodge

Hawaii has its obvious downsides, including high real-estate prices and monthly rentals on par with most large American cities. But since you're still in the U.S., tedious labor laws and visitor permits won't be an issue. If you've been a lifelong white-collar worker, take a break from the 9-5 and try your hands at bartending, hospitality or even a waiter position to see a different side of life. Once you've had enough, you can work your way back into society and nearby Honolulu where high-rise capitalism is waiting.

Jose Ignacio, Uruguay
How to flee: An hour flight from Buenos Aires, 30-minute drive from Punta del Este.

It's fast becoming the St. Tropez of South America, but with beach houses still to be had from under $200,000 and beaches yet to be spoiled by any hotel larger than 20 rooms. You'll arrive to a friendly beach community of mostly Argentine weekenders and global bon vivants who come for summer season from November till the end of February. During high season you'll spend your afternoon at the tiki bars that dot the main beach, between morning surf breaks and evening bonfires fueled by an indigenous supermodel scene.

In the off season, Jose Ignacio becomes quite the charmer, i.e. boring and dead, which could be a bit of an obstacle for those accustomed to the 24-hour city. The chic locals that make high season such a blast abandon the town faster than a summer vacation romance. Getting cold feet? This is the time to pack up your bags and head to Buenos Aries and reclaim your fortune. Flats can be had for under $100,000, and there's a burgeoning media and real estate market that could make you a robber baron all over again.