Rubadub...I like your way of life.....I missed a trip to Morocco
tresdecu ....
Yes, life has many compromises in it. We could have used the money to have a much nicer house but instead have a basic cookie-cutter 3/2 in a decent neighborhood. In JW speak, very modest.
We have however, spent quite a bit on traveling. We both love to see new things, new places. I think our bucket list has at least 4 trips that immediately come to mind. And generally, unless absolutely necessary, we tend to avoid tours and just rent a car and do it on our own. Stop and go as we please. Some places do require state-operated tours (such as Tibet / Mt Everest base camp) but those were the exception. I also did not drive in Egypt, read too much bad stuff about even trying it. I was right, there are virtually no signs for anything and you not only have to aggressively drive with crazy drivers but have horses, camels and donkeys to contend with on many streets. We just took cabs which is also an adventure.
If I had to say the nicest country, people-wise, is Jordan. Spent 5 days there driving all over and seeing the major sites and the capital Amman. They have to be the most pleasant and friendly people I have ever met.
In the end, I don't regret our choices. By the way, as you mention, Morocco is one place on our bucket list too, especially Marrakech. Since it it right next to Portugal, we will fly through Lisbon and stay there and see Portugal a few days on our way back since we have never been there.
So much to do but with the COVID thing it is truly a mess.