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Live Better Overseas

Unlock insider tips and expert advice on the best places to live, retire, and invest overseas

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 #1 Top Countries Graphic

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

Portugal #2  Top Country

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 #3 Top Countries Graphic

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

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.  

Panama Park
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Meet Our Global Network

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Meet the Full Team
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Spotlight Event

In-Person Conference

Aug 30, 2025

Ultimate Go Overseas Bootcamp 2025

Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront Hotel

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

“Your International Living Magazine & Postcards are nothing short of life-changing! Since I’ve been a reader, I’ve become very clear about how I want to live by immersing myself in the cultures of the world. I am currently working towards that goal by putting my affairs in order before I fly out the door. Thank you for all the inspiration.”

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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
Guimarães, Portugal

A peaceful northern gem with rich history and authentic Portuguese charm.

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Cádiz, Spain
Cádiz, Spain

Spain’s Little Havana, offering coastal charm, history, and local life.

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San Pancho Mexico
San Pancho, Mexico

A hidden Pacific gem with a laid-back vibe and a secretive expat scene.

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Ascoli Piceno Italy
Ascoli Piceno, Italy

A hidden Italian gem of history, beauty, and small-town charm.

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