Caitlin M. Says:
This might be a bit basic, but I am just starting to think about moving overseas and want to know where on earth do I start?
IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says:
Hi Caitlin,
Congratulations on making the first step in deciding to find a better life for less overseas! I know it can seem like there is so much to consider, finding where to start is daunting in itself. But that’s why we’re here to help—no question is too basic.
First, pick a place that speaks to you. If you’re a diver, put the Caribbean coasts of Mexico and Belize front and center on your list. Looking for beach time and colonial cities, but you’re on a budget? Consider Costa Rica or Panama. If a temperate climate and mountain living sounds good, start in Ecuador. (In fact, if low cost is your highest priority, you should know that Ecuador offers great beaches, too.)
Don’t rule out Europe. You can find all sorts of pockets where a pied-à-terre in Portugal, France, Spain, or Italy is a lot less expensive than you may imagine.
And a tropical villa in Asia…don’t cross that off as a possibility either. When it comes to a part-time adventure, no place should be off-limits.
This approach gives you an opportunity to try several countries (even several locales within a given country) and several lifestyles on for size. If you can’t pick just one, then don’t—pick more than one.
But for starters…just visit. Pick a place and stay as long as you can. Rent an apartment or home to see what daily living is like. If you find it’s not for you…head someplace else….
The point is: There are no rules. Do what works for you. You can keep a foothold back home if you like.
You will find years and years worth of research and insights on the world’s best retirement destinations available in your IL archive here. Take the time to read any and all articles that interest you. This will help you make that first decision in picking a place that speaks to you.
And for the practical considerations, our Dream Retirement Project offers a fantastic step-by-step guide to actually making your move overseas. See all the details of that here.
Plus, next week we’ll be releasing the 2023 Global Retirement Index next week alongside our January 2023 issue. That’s free to our IL members as a benefit of membership, and it, too, is a great tool to help you begin narrowing down your choices so keep your eyes on your email for access to that.
Got a Question?
Send your thoughts to mailbag@internationalliving.com. We’ll post and respond to as many of your emails as we can right here in the e-letter.