Top Destinations
Whether you’re looking for sand and sea, a skyline full of high-rises, or a secluded retreat deep in the mountains, our top countries can offer you all that and more. Explore the countries below and find the retirement destination that’s right for you.
Panama
Panama’s modern infrastructure, affordable living, and proximity to the U.S. make it a top expat destination. Its famous Pensionado Program offers retirees discounts on healthcare, utilities, and more. With vibrant cities, serene beaches, and mountain retreats, Panama has something for everyone.
Portugal
When you imagine old Europe—those cobblestone alleys, medieval town walls, crenelated castles on hilltops, all soundtracked by the toll of church bells. Portugal delivers. Not in a touristy, contrived way, but as the standard day-to-day life of the country.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers a great climate year-round, neighborly atmosphere, no-hassle residence programs, excellent healthcare, a stable democracy, and safety and security. It doesn’t hurt that many retired couples report living well on $2,000 a month—that includes all their costs.
Just Released: New Book - Hidden Places Abroad, a Smaller Budget Buys a Better Life
Just Released: New Book - Hidden Places Abroad, a Smaller Budget Buys a Better Life
Whether you’re interested in a part-time getaway where you can recharge, a full-time escape, or simply a place to invest where you could move some funds beyond our borders and build a “life raft” for yourself and your family, in case things really go sideways at home... We'd like to show you what you need to know, including the best places to go... gorgeous hideaways, custom made for troubled times...
Subscribe to International Living Magazine Today and you'll receive this brand-new Book as part of our Hidden Places Agenda for 2025.
Subscribe today and you'll receive Live Better Overseas: Hidden Places and Surprising Ways You Can Spend Less, Live Richer, and Thrive Abroad straight to your door.
How to Live Abroad
You can embrace a more international life in so many different ways today—go winter over somewhere warm, travel a few months a year, retire overseas full-time, even take a sabbatical and work remotely for a time. Singles, couples, multi-generational groups... you have so many options today. Here at International Living, our experts will help you explore your options and find your path.
Best Places to Retire in 2025: The Annual Global Retirement Index
Discover the best places in the world to retire in 2025, where affordable living meets rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant expat communities.
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How to Move Out of the U.S.
As another contentious year for politics ramps up in the US, more and more people are researching their options to move far, far away from it all.
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Cheapest Places to Live in the World in 2025
Discover the top destinations for affordable living from our 2025 Global Retirement Index, where comfort meets incredible value for retirees.
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Discover The World’s Best Retirement Climates: Top 6 Countries For 2025
Explore the top retirement destinations with ideal climates, from sunny beaches to cool highlands, perfect for 2025.
Read hereMeet Our Global Network
Jennifer Stevens
Executive Editor, International Living
Travel
Jennifer Stevens has traveled through 27 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa, writing about the best locales for overseas travel, retirement and investment.
Jessica Ramesch
Editor, Panama
Panama
Jess Ramesch, is constantly on the road, in the air, and on the water—exploring Panama and the wide world beyond. She also hosted and produced IL bestseller Panama 101 and she is the author of Escape to Panama.
Chip Stites
Italy Correspondent
Italy
Chip Stites, a retired Certified Financial Planner from Albuquerque, New Mexico, is living la dolce vita near Rieti, Italy since 2015 with his wife, Shonna, and their dog Frankie.
Bel Woodhouse
Mexico Correspondent
Mexico
Belinda Woodhouse is the author of the 21 Reasons to Visit... travel book series. Her love of writing, photography, and videography enables her to live her dream life on the gorgeous Caribbean Island of Cozumel in Mexico.
Spotlight Event
In-Person Conference
Aug 30, 2025Ultimate Go Overseas Bootcamp 2025
In all sorts of beautiful, welcoming, good-weather communities that dot the globe from Europe to Latin America to Southeast Asia, you can live better than you do today for less than it would cost you to stay home. August 30 - September 1, 2025 - Portland, Oregon.
People We've Helped
“IL is fabulous! All the information one could ever want and need is there in your publication. With your help and guidance I guess you could call it, I’ll be making the jump soon. I began reading IL as a newly-wed and I just celebrated my 38th anniversary. I was far from ready then but I’m close now. I look forward to each new addition. Thank you for the heads up on retiring overseas.”
Hidden Places Initiative
Our Hidden Places Initiative is designed to help you find calm, safe, overlooked, undervalued escapes—places where you can live comfortably... for less. We’re dispatching our correspondents and editors across Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia to uncover the next great retirement destinations—places that offer safety, charm, value, and long-term viability but haven’t yet made it onto the mainstream map.
Guimarães, Portugal
A peaceful northern gem with rich history and authentic Portuguese charm.
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