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.
How to Move Out of the US (And Where to Escape To)
How to Move Out of the US (And Where to Escape To)
We are living in uncertain times—politically, economically, socially. You’re not alone if you wonder where it will all lead. Maybe we’ll come through this spell with our democracy intact, our economy humming away, our social tensions calmed. And if so, wonderful. But if you’re not convinced, now’s the time to grab a life raft for yourself and your family—just to be safe.
Let us show you how—in the right places beyond our borders—your lifestyle could expand in extraordinary ways.
Subscribe to International Living Magazine Today and you'll receive two exclusive bonus reports: Blueprint for Your Escape: How to Move Out of the US and Live Better for Less Overseas and 8 Savvy Strategies to Save Money—and Make Money—Abroad.
Get a FREE Chapter from our Most Popular Book: European Living: The Complete Manual for Americans Over 55
Get a FREE Chapter from our Most Popular Book: European Living: The Complete Manual for Americans Over 55
While most Americans are restricted to just 90 days in Europe on a tourist visa, there’s a way to stay 4, 6, even 12 months (or longer) – just using your US passport.
And inside this free chapter... we’re going to show you exactly how to do this.
Sign up now to learn more!
By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to IL Postcards and special offers from International Living and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.
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.
Read now
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.
Read now
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.
Read now
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
Gail M
“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.”
Thomas D
“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.”
Bess K
“I’m really happy I subscribed to International Living Magazine. I feel like there is a lot of information and encouragement for people who are considering making a move or taking an extended trip from the country where they grew up. I really enjoy hearing details on how people are making their new lives work and how they adjust to different cultures. But I also like the more “pure travel” sections that are less about relocating and more information on an exotic travel destination. It’s a good mix. Thanks for turning out an interesting read month after month!”
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.
Read now
Unlock a World of Member-Only Advantages
Information and Expertise You Can Trust
Get our monthly digital magazine full of up-to-date news, views, inspiration and essential insights.
Your Personalized Guide to Overseas Opportunity
Access customized, personalized and detailed destinations guides. Unlock expert advice that covers all bases – from property, tax, logistics and so much more.
Become Part of a Global Community
Become part of a unique and energizing global community. Join likeminded individuals, sharing first-hand experiences from all corners of the planet.
