What makes a place “hidden” in this series?

We’re looking for livable places where your dollars stretch— those lesser-known towns, villages, and cities from Latin America to Southeast Asia to Europe that are simply overlooked and underappreciated.

Are these places good for full-time living or just part-time?

One of the questions we’re asking our correspondents to answer about the places they’re exploring under our Hidden Places Initiative is: Who would this place be good for? Some may be ideal escapes if you’re looking to winter over where the sun shines every day. Others may be great for year-round living, with access to all the conveniences you’ll need and want abroad. Still others could be great spots for an investment property you get to enjoy a few weeks a year. Each detailed Hidden Places report will help you see if that place might be one worth a visit—or not.

How are these places chosen?

We’re considering, primarily, cost of living, infrastructure, lifestyle, climate, and the ease with which somebody could settle in. Yes, it’s subjective. By design. We trust the good judgement of the people we’ve sent. They have an inside track on places few people have ever heard of.

How do we finally determine how good a choice any Hidden Place is?

Every destination lives on a “continuum of development.” What we’re looking for, ultimately, are places that you could settle into now with relative ease. The idea is that they’re “hidden.” There’s nothing wrong with them, they’re simply overlooked and underappreciated. We’re rating them on a loose scale from “Ready Now” to “Up & Coming” to “It’ll Be a While.” That way you can get a sense immediately for whether a spot would work for you—or not.

Uncover the Latest Hidden Place

IL scout Kirsten Raccuia uncovers a hidden gem near Puerto Vallarta—where the few Americans who’ve found it want to keep it a secret.

Click to read her full report and see if the laid-back beach town of San Pancho is your perfect fit…

Read Now: Mexico's "Tell-Nobody" Secret Town

Welcome to IL’s Hidden Places Initiative

Since 1979, International Living has been uncovering opportunities to live better, retire sooner, invest wisely, and travel smarter. While news outlets focus on turmoil—political meltdowns, economic uncertainty, and global strife—we look for hidden opportunities instead.

We keep on our payroll a team of far-flung correspondents whose job it is to share their real-world insights about what life is like, where they live, and what opportunities they see on the horizon there.

Our guys are on the ground, plugged in. And they work to share not just accurate and timely information—but context, recommendations, and guidance.

This year, we’ve sent our team out with one mission: To find the next great, overlooked expat destinations—the villages, towns, and cities where you can live well for less before they hit the mainstream.

Travel has exploded—in 1990, only 5% of Americans had passports; today, it’s nearly 50%. As a result, many once-hidden gems are now crowded, expensive, and overrun with short-term rentals. In cities like Venice and Barcelona, locals are being priced out.

That’s why we’re looking beyond the beaten path—to places where communities are welcoming, the cost of living is still affordable, and you can enjoy a better life for less.

Explore our reports below to find your Hidden Place.