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Know you want to retire abroad but don’t where? Looking for help finding your personal paradise? International Living has over 30 years of on-the-ground experience in the countries that we think are the best places around the world for retiring, investing, and reinventing yourself right now. We've done the research...you've done the dreaming. With IL correspondents around the globe, we'll help you make those dreams a reality.
So, what makes for the perfect retirement location? That is of course entirely subjective. But, what we do know is, climate, affordability, good healthcare, and a healthy lifestyle are the cornerstones of a happy and fulfilling retirement. In fact, all of the countries we cover in our Annual Retirement Index score highly in these categories.
With IL correspondents living in Central America, South America, Southeast Asia, and Europe, we have you covered when it comes to finding your perfect retirement overseas. If you have ever dreamed of an idyllic life in Tuscany, a cosmopolitan lifestyle in Panama, a slice of paradise in Thailand, or a sun kissed beach adventure in Mexico, we have the experts who have been there…and are still doing that.
Having moved overseas and immersed themselves in the destinations where they live and learned their lessons the hard way, our experts are ideally placed to compare, contrast, and bring nuanced insight to the most appealing retirement destinations in the world.
This on the ground experience means we know the do’s and don’ts of moving abroad and can highlight the best way to make sure this transition is easy for you.
You can get all the tips, tricks, advice, and recommendations you need to make an informed decision. Our extensive library of articles below will give you new ideas about places to visit, invest, or live where you can find your perfect retirement.
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It’s no secret that Europe is a great place to live. Its many countries are known for excellent cuisine, gorgeous ocean views, jagged Alpine landscapes, great healthcare, and some of the best public transportation systems on the planet. But in an enormous and appealing continent, it can be tricky to know where to start your search for the most livable cities...
Avellanas (which means hazelnut in Spanish) is a virtual paradise tucked away 30-minutes south of the bustle of Tamarindo, on the Nicoya Peninsula. Ask any surfer in the province of Guanacaste if they know of Playa Avellanas and you will get a resounding, “Por supuesto” (of course). But ask the multitude of tourists in the region and you might see mostly head scratches...
As a center of Spain’s colonial power and wealth in the Americas for centuries, Mexico has many stunning historical cities. With well-preserved architecture, and narrow cobblestoned streets, you feel as if you’re stepping back in time here...
The Laguna de Apoyo encompasses the ancient remnants of a volcano that last exploded an estimated 23,000 years ago. In the intervening millennia, a large lake has formed in the volcano’s caldera, and it’s one of Nicaragua’s most impressive natural wonders...
It was a beautiful afternoon in Perast, Montenegro, a village tucked away in the heart of Southeastern Europe. Snow-capped mountains pierced the sky over the periwinkle blue bay, oranges and lemons swayed from tree branches, and bees zipped from one wisteria flower to the next. Finding a wooden bench next to the Bay of Kotor...
For any avid golfer, there’s nothing better than getting in 18 holes on a perfect blue-sky day. Luckily, if you’re a golfer who moves abroad, you don’t have to give up your favorite hobby. The game is now a favorite the world over...
Mention the word “Caribbean” and most people think of places like Aruba, the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, and other tourist-rich dollops of sand. The region conjures well-deserved images of crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches. And there’s no question: If you like sun and sand, these islands are great for a vacation. But move there? Most folks assume it’s just too expensive and don’t give it another thought.
Some expats come to Panama in search of adventure, or a quality retirement destination, others seek to take advantage of Panama as a business destination. Whatever you are looking for, you will find it here in Panama, and most likely in one of its cities. In Panama, cities are mainly positioned along the Pan-American Highway...
Placencia is a 16-mile peninsula in southern Belize, surrounded on one side by the Caribbean Sea, and on the other, by a lagoon with views of the Maya mountains. It’s often called the “caye you can drive to” as it has an island vibe, but can still be reached with a car from the mainland...
Panama has always been a top choice for retirees due to its tropical climate and many English-speaking locals. If you are considering retiring overseas, Panama should be high on your radar.Panama has a low cost of living and great retiree benefits. Here are our top five places to live in Panama.