ILA Magazine: The World’s Best Places to Retire Overseas Subscribe Now and Save 35% about subscribing to International Living Magazine Imagine lounging on your deck, cold beer in hand, while the turquoise waters of Koh Samui lap the shore in front of you…Or picture yourself in the hustle and bustle of Penang, which plays host to 85,000 street food stalls…
Perhaps a mountain getaway is more your thing—you’ll be spoilt for choice in Chiang Mai, a city known for its ancient temples and long list of outdoor activities, from abseiling and paragliding to dragon boat rides and hot springs…
Outside of Southeast Asia, you’ll find property bargains galore in countries like Spain, Italy and Greece, which are bursting with Old-World charm and culture. Wind your way through cobblestone streets, past quaint cafés, taking in the smells of freshly baked bread and strong coffee…Or picture a life for yourself in the South of France, spending your days sipping wine and eating cheese…
Or, if you’re yearning for a cooler climate, venture north to Ireland, Scotland or Wales—where the rugged landscape is unrivalled…
Further afield, retirement havens in Central and South America continue to attract expats from all over the world—from sleepy villages in Costa Rica to beachside resort towns in Mexico. Wherever you’re looking for, you’ll find it in International Living Postcards.
Even though it was two-and-a-half years ago, the moment is still vivid in my mind. My friend Tony accosted me at the local shopping centre. He had heard my family and I were selling our house and moving overseas. His eyes were piercing and earnest and carried a sense of urgency. His fingers were digging into my forearm in an attempt to really make his point. “Don’t do it Rachel! Just don’t do it!”...
Paris is the city of romance and art, of the Eiffel Tower and the Musee du Louvre. Paris can also be an amazing place of fun and adventure, especially during European summertime. And activities in this great city don’t have to be budget-busting.
Recently Vivien and I took a two-week road trip through northeast (Isaan) and central Thailand. We love a road trip and this one was all new territory for us. We quickly became aware that not many international tourists or expats, like us, venture to these regions of Thailand. A shame, as this trip opened our eyes to so many new discoveries...
Having left his high-pressure position in a mining company in South Africa, Jack Taylor, 53, was looking forward to his retirement. He pictured himself living on a golf estate, enjoying a relaxed and comfortable lifestyle. “I went to an estate on Bribie Island in Queensland and it was terrific,” says Jack, “but I felt about 15-20 years too young. It just wasn’t right for me.”...
At 51 years of age, my husband Rob and I shocked our friends and family when we announced we were relocating to Bali. In 2016, after selling our half-acre home, two cars and most of our belongings, we ran away from home. Don’t worry, the kids are old enough to look after themselves—in fact, they’re now the biggest supporters of our new life...
Mention ‘Thailand’ and people often think of the welcoming smile of the Thai people. This is accompanied by thoughts of visiting distinctive Thai temples, experiencing the intriguing culture, exploring lush tropical rainforests, meeting hill tribe people, getting up close with wildlife, frolicking on palm-fringed islands and beaches...
Chiang Mai’s food scene is one of the best in Thailand. It is a place where you can get everything from a whole grilled fish, suckling pig or even world-class Peking duck from right on the side of the street.
Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi offers mystery around every corner. Just wandering through the Old Quarter, you’ll discover hidden temples, fantastic street food, exotic markets, traditional Chinese medicine dispensaries stocked with enigmatic herbs and beautiful French-colonial mansions coloured with the patina of age. Hanoi’s mysteries go far beyond the Old Quarter, but it’s the perfect place to begin your exploration of the city...
The city of Toledo, just an hour south of Madrid, is one of Spain’s biggest tourism destinations and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. Thanks to its convenient location close to the capital and its cultural importance, Toledo attracts visitors pretty much all year round. But don’t be put off by the hordes. Some cities deserve their hype…and Toledo is one of them...
Ask most long-term expats if Cambodia is a safe place to live and they will likely be too busy trying to hold back laughter to be able to answer. But don’t worry; it’s just a question that seems almost absurd to expats based here. The short answer is yes, Cambodia is a safe place to live. Twenty or 30 years ago it was the sort of question people asked before even entering the country...