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 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.
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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.
Get The Global Retirement Index
Get The Global Retirement Index
If you’re considering retirement abroad , you need information, and you need lots of it. But more than that, you need guidance on how to interpret that information. That’s what we’re here for, and that’s why we’ve compiled the 2025 Annual Global Retirement Index: to help you with the exciting business of choosing where in the world will best suit your needs.
Spotlight Event
In-Person Conference
Feb 7, 2025Fast Track Panama 2025
Join us and discover everything you need to know to decide if Panama is your ideal retirement or relocation destination… Come away with the knowledge and expert contacts you need to make your move happen with confidence.
People We've Helped
“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!”
Expat Stories
Real-life stories from people, just like you, who have made the move overseas. Some have retired…others have relocated and started a business in their new country... some are wintering over where it's sunny... and still others are taking their portable incomes with them to a good-value place they'd rather spend time... From Europe to Latin America to Southeast Asia... you'll find some of their stories, below...
From Disaster to a Dream Life in Portugal
It was love at first sight when Rhonda laid eyes on Tavira, in Portugal's sunny Algarve region.
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An Early Retirement Dream Come True in Spain
Our vision was a sun-drenched tropical paradise with a relaxed vibe and low cost of living.
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Why Our Retirement Journey Led Us to Italy
On that exploratory trip, we fell in love…with the people, food, and wine in every town we visited.
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