Each day we uncover some of the most desirable--and cheapest--retirement havens on earth. In International Living's free daily postcards, you'll learn about retirement, property, travel and lifestyle opportunities from around the world.
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International Living Daily Postcards
Small Town Life in Atenas, Costa Rica’s Central ValleyPosted on May 23, 2013 by Jason Holland
“I knew when it was time to retire we’d move to the tropics. I was bored with the predictability of life in the U.S….the politics…the franchises,” says 70-year-old Roberta Laidman.
The Happiest Expats I Know in EcuadorPosted on May 22, 2013 by John Curran
Perhaps the happiest expat couple I’ve met in Ecuador came here with what fit in their suitcases and only two things that didn’t—a guitar and a fiddle.
Still Affordable: The Best Views in Costa RicaPosted on May 21, 2013 by Jason Holland
When you live in Costa Rica’s Southern Zone, the beach and the blue Pacific become a focal point.
Wine: Growing Money in ArgentinaPosted on May 20, 2013 by David English
You’ve probably heard the old joke that the best way to make $10 million in the wine industry is to start with $20 million. But these days in Argentina, nothing could be further from the truth.
All You Need on Your Doorstep: Costa Rica’s Central ValleyPosted on May 19, 2013 by Jason Holland
Expats have been flocking to the Central Valley for decades. Despite the name, it is actually a high-altitude plateau—above 3,000 feet—that is surrounded by tall mountains. In the middle you have Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose.
A Guide to Cuenca’s Best NeighborhoodsPosted on May 17, 2013 by Edd Staton
For many reasons, Cuenca, Ecuador earns top billing as one of the world’s top expat destinations. The cost of living is low—three-course lunches start at $2.50—the weather is great, usually around 65 to 70 F during the day, and it’s never too cold or hot.
A Relaxed Pace of Life in a Tropical, Colonial CityPosted on May 16, 2013 by Helen Korengold
The restaurant, Villas Mombacho, overlooks the lake and the views are of the many little islands and the local fishermen at work. Distant volcanoes fill the horizon and my friends and I are surrounded by palm trees and flowers.
Americans Have Overlooked This Beach GemPosted on May 15, 2013 by John Clites
From the Via Costeira (Coastal Way), I descend the dirt path to the beach. Kicking off my sneakers, I jog barefoot south toward the breakwater
A Beach to Yourself on Costa Rica’s Pacific CoastPosted on May 14, 2013 by Jason Holland
I’m from Florida, where a day at the beach means fighting for parking—often for an outrageous fee—struggling to find a bare patch of sand, and spending the day listening to loud music and shouting kids.
The Five Places Everyone Should Visit in BelizePosted on May 13, 2013 by Suzan Haskins
Belize has a lot going for it. For a tiny country, it packs a big wallop when it comes to charm and scenery. For the would-be expat—especially if you’re looking for real value—there are many places that deserve your attention. Places where you can live the laid-back, Caribbean lifestyle of your dreams.
Work on a Caribbean Island?Posted on May 12, 2013 by Domini Hedderman
Since moving to Belize full-time in 2012, empty nesters Christine Cotten and her husband Tom ease into their day. Morning time for them on Ambergris Caye starts with a coffee on the pier in front of their beachfront condo, watching the sun rise, golden and glowing, in a purple sky.
How to Retire at 41 to Costa RicaPosted on May 11, 2013 by Domini Hedderman
Their vacations in tropical places left Denice and Robert Key wishing for more out of life and thinking, “What if…?” The couple had traveled throughout the Caribbean and Mexico when they were younger, and they could never quite escape the itch to retire early and move to a warm, exotic destination—something completely different from their Colorado home.
Beach-Town Life, Belize (from $55,000)Posted on May 10, 2013 by Margaret Summerfield
We’d finished dinner almost an hour earlier. But we were still in the restaurant. Our host was back after a few weeks away and it seemed the whole town wanted to catch up.
Simple, Laid-Back, Caribbean LifePosted on May 8, 2013 by Elizabeth Wright
So there we were, my husband David and I, retired in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, we had a lovely home in a great development and spent our time remodeling, doing volunteer work, and getting on with our lives.
The Freedom to Do Things Your Way in BelizePosted on May 7, 2013 by Erica Mills
For such a small country, Belize packs a big punch in terms of what it offers expats. It tops IL’s list for ease of integration, with expats reporting that they fit easily into the local community there.
A Round-the-World Trip… for Less Than $420Posted on May 6, 2013 by John Joe Worrall
Steve Kamb left his native Oregon last year on a round-the-world trip starting in Los Angeles. Over the course of the next 10 months, Steve spent time in Sydney, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dublin, Madrid, and Buenos Aires
Insider’s Guide to Living in Boquete, PanamaPosted on May 4, 2013 by Jessica Ramesch
When I hear people talk about Boquete, in Panama’s Highlands, I’m reminded of the parable of Plato’s Cave. In that allegory, people sit in a cave watching shadows going by from outside.
What Life as an English Teacher in Thailand is Really LikePosted on May 3, 2013 by Chris Clancy
Work doesn’t start until nearly 8.00 a.m. but I’m an early riser so I like to get up around 6.00 a.m. I’m greeted by the sun shining in my window.
“We Have Luxuries in Nicaragua We Could Never Afford Back Home”Posted on May 1, 2013 by Jason Holland
When Roberto, 63, and his wife Réjane Rojas retired in 2002, they were looking for a retirement destination with warm weather, a low cost of living that would allow them to live well on their savings and pension, and easy access to both North and South America. “We visited most of the Central American countries before we decided on Nicaragua.”
Making Money Doing What You Love in BelizePosted on April 30, 2013 by Carrie Dow
“This may sound a little chauvinistic, but I think every man has the desire to build a home for himself in the wilderness with his bare hands,” says Elbert Greer. It was this desire, to carve out a place in paradise, that led the former teacher to his new life on Ambergris Caye, a Caribbean island just off the northeastern tip of Belize. After many years teaching vocational education…
Own in Panama’s Highlands… from Just $49,000Posted on April 29, 2013 by Jessica Ramesch
It feels like the highland town of Boquete is Panama’s fastest-growing relocation destination. There are a lot of “new things” around here…a new market, new theater, new library, and a new hospice are just a few
We Sold Our House to Roam the WorldPosted on April 27, 2013 by Lynne Martin
My husband Tim and I are living proof that older people can learn plenty of new tricks. And our errors have been almost as much fun as our home runs. In 2011, we sold our comfortable California house, dumped the furniture, put our small treasures, art, and clothes in storage, and kissed our four daughters and seven grandchildren goodbye. At ages 67 and 72, respectively, we became senior nomads.
Panama’s Lowest Cost of Living (and Best Fishing)Posted on April 26, 2013 by Jessica Ramesch
Here in the Azuero Peninsula, paradise overlooks the Pacific and the fishing is renowned worldwide. The eastern region is more developed, with a mix of old cities and new developments.
How to Turn Your Work Week into a Dream VacationPosted on April 24, 2013 by Jason Gaspero
When Aaron Bradford first traveled to Southeast Asia in 2008, he had no idea he’d wind up staying. He visited Thailand…Laos…Vietnam…Malaysia…and Indonesia. He explored undiscovered beaches, wild jungles, and ancient temples. He tasted exotic cuisine. And he made new friends from all over the world. His original plan had him returning home once the trip was over.
Retirees Have More Fun in PanamaPosted on April 23, 2013 by Jessica Ramesch
Panama is well known for its friendly people…and that includes both expats and locals. It’s easier than ever to find like-minded people who are willing to make friends, include you in their activities, or support you in starting something new.
A Comfortable Retirement in Panama for Less Than $2,000 a MonthPosted on April 22, 2013 by International Living
Comfortable retirement. That’s an oxymoron for anyone living in the U.S., Canada, or Europe these days. If that’s you, listen up: there’s a tiny little country where all your retirement dreams can come true: Panama. That’s right. Panama… the squiggle of a country that connects two continents…
Colonial Highland Life in Guanajuato, MexicoPosted on April 18, 2013 by Glynna Prentice
Sandra Ward was introduced to the idea of living in Mexico early. The love of the country followed her for 45 years…into retirement. Sandra’s journey to Mexico began in 1952, when she was just a girl.
Three Little-Known Havens in Italy, France and SpainPosted on April 17, 2013 by Steenie Harvey
If you’re in love with classic Europe and its history, romance and culture, take heart: Spain, Italy and France aren’t only for the vacationer who saves for months just to visit. Each one of these three countries has numerous small towns and villages that lie under the radar—places with enticingly affordable properties to rent or buy
“The Lower Cost of a Retirement in Panama Drew Us Here”Posted on April 16, 2013 by Terri Marshall
When John and Robyn Cole married in 1990 their 12-year age difference wasn’t a big deal. But as they started to age together, the difference became more apparent… and they started to think about the future. “I began to see what life would look like if I worked until age 65,” says Robyn. “John would be 77.”
A Charming, Low-Cost Lifestyle in ColombiaPosted on April 15, 2013 by Michael Evans
A tamales vendor rides through town blasting his sales pitch over a bullhorn, zipping past rings of children playing marbles on the sidewalk. An old woman sits in a doorway enjoying the cool breeze, as smitten teenagers walk hand in hand to an ice-cream parlor.
A New Start in an Unusual Home in NicaraguaPosted on April 13, 2013 by Jason Holland
Lee’s biggest business is advising people how to build eco-friendly homes out of shipping containers, throwing in alternative-energy systems, like solar panels, if they’re interested. He’s also the go-to guy in San Juan when expats and business owners have computer trouble. And he helps fellow expats transition to life in Nicaragua…
“Latin America Changed Everything For Me”Posted on April 11, 2013 by Suzan Haskins
With a love for Latin American culture and an itch to travel, Jaime Johnson struck out for Panama four years ago. His life took a turn when he met a “special someone”—and a year later he found himself living in her hometown of Bogota, Colombia. “That first year, I traveled throughout Colombia,” he recalls. “In Medellin I found one of the most progressive cities I’d ever visited.
No Regrets Moving to MalaysiaPosted on April 10, 2013 by Keith Hockton
As I meet more and more people who are interested in moving here, I think back to the day in 2008 when I made the decision to move to Malaysia. It wasn’t that I was unhappy—in fact, far from it. I just made a conscious change in the way I saw things, the way I thought about my life.
The One Thing Everyone Should Know Before Moving OverseasPosted on April 9, 2013 by Dan Prescher
Over the last 11 years of living throughout Latin America, my wife, Suzan, and I have missed lots of things we had back in the States. The first one for me was roasted red peppers. Eight brands in the supermarket back home… none in the first two countries we lived in. (For Suzan, it was Triscuits.)
Retirees Don’t Wait in Line in Panama…Posted on April 8, 2013 by Jessica Ramesch
“Pase al frente”… “Go to the front.” That’s the phrase I hear most when I’m with my Dad, who is 75 years young. When I was a kid in Oregon, I don’t remember there being a particular emphasis on respect or special courtesies for our elders. Now we live in Panama, where I’ve discovered that locals have very specific notions about how to treat mature citizens.
The Best Sunsets in Costa RicaPosted on April 6, 2013 by Jason Holland
In my mind, there’s nothing better than watching a sunset in a beautiful location, drink in hand. Fortunately, in my new home of Costa Rica, there’s plenty of opportunity to do just that. There’s 780 miles of Pacific coast–prime sunset-watching territory, as well as several spots inland that give you a great view.
“I Get Paid to Have Fun in Ecuador”Posted on April 5, 2013 by Alison Talbert
My teenage daughter, Sarah, and I were enjoying an afternoon at a beautiful spa near Cuenca after a full morning of shopping. Sinking into the warm mud, I couldn’t help thinking, “I’m getting paid to do this.” Perhaps I should back up. I began importing gorgeous, unique goods from Ecuador five years ago with no experience.
The Time to Change Your Life Is NowPosted on April 3, 2013 by Edd Staton
I didn’t know where I was. Well, that’s not totally accurate. I had decided to walk home through a neighborhood I’d never visited before. I was aware of my general location and direction, and I had a sense of how long it would take to be sitting at the dining-room table… so I didn’t need to know my exact coordinates to enjoy my spontaneous exploration.
The Best Things in Life Are Still Free in Montevideo, UruguayPosted on April 2, 2013 by David Hammond
Somehow, in my adult life, I developed the belief that I needed money to have a good time. However, living in Montevideo reminds me that’s just not so. Here, there are so many public spaces, celebrations, and ways to socialize… all for little or no money. In fact, the idea that the finer things in life should be available to all is so important to Uruguayans that they dedicate a whole weekend to it every spring.
Why Move to Vilcabamba, Ecuador?Posted on March 31, 2013 by John Curran
In Ecuador we found one of the most beautiful and bio-diverse countries in the world. And with a low cost of living, a government that leaves us alone, and some of the friendliest people you’re ever likely to meet, Ecuador more than exceeded our expectations.
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“And to think that I paid less for this piece of property than I did for my car…and this I’ll own forever! Our house—a 3,000-square-foot gem with a separate guest house, pool, outdoor living area, etc.—is the perfect place to entertain friends, gather with the family, or get away for some privacy. Really, it’s a …
