Rethinking country risk can change the way you view investing and living abroad.

With volcanic ash cascading earthward, half of all flights grounded in Europe and U.S. housing prices nursing an “epic hangover,” it’s a good morning to reflect on quality of life and other advantages of living here in Argentina and Uruguay. Granted, both countries rank consistently as the #1 and #2 destinations in Latin America for Quality of Life, but sometimes anecdotal evidence speaks louder than quantitative rankings. In an analysis of country risk, investor and best-selling author Bill Bonner shares a lunch conversation with a friend who moved to Argentina “because (he) felt (his) children would have a better future here than in Britain.” After ticking off a litany of BA advantages (e.g., lower population density, more affordable housing, shorter commute times), the friend dug deeper: “If you want to give your children the best combination of lifestyle and economic opportunity, there are better places to live.” Does that mean you should renounce your citizenship and hop the next flight to BA, Montevideo or São Paulo? Of course not. Like Bonner’s article, it’s simply an open invitation for us to rethink country risk, growth opportunities and lifestyle advantages of living abroad. Whether you’re bothered by the status quo or anticipating greater changes on the horizon, use online tools to start planning an exit strategy now. Not familiar with the local terrain? Open a Google map. Still struggling with the language? Join LiveMocha. Wondering what your net worth is in pesos? Go to XE.com. With an open mind and enough due diligence, you just might find a better place to live.