FROM THE EDITOR
The Results Are in: 17 Places to Find "Big Magic"
Stephanie Reed
Editor-in-Chief
A few years ago, Elizabeth Gilbert of Eat Pray Love fame penned another work with a cult following: Big Magic.
FROM THE EDITOR
The Results Are in: 17 Places to Find "Big Magic"
A few years ago, Elizabeth Gilbert of Eat Pray Love fame penned another work with a cult following: Big Magic.
It describes how, at the right moment in time, a big idea circulates in the ether, waiting for someone courageous enough to grab hold and bring it to life.
Ultimately, Gilbert is speaking to the “big magic” that happens when we politely ask fear to get in the back seat, and pursue the life we truly long to lead.
When I read the stories in these pages, I think Gilbert would be proud. From Italy to Colombia to Kilimanjaro, our intrepid IL community is grabbing the magic on offer.
Where will you find it? Well, that’s exactly what our annual Global Retirement Index aims to show you.
From Old World cities to white-sand beaches to lush mountain villages, this year’s index ranks 17 countries to help you find that just-right place… and grab your big magic.
At the top of our 2024 list: Costa Rica. Time and again, expats extol its sense of community, jaw-dropping landscapes, colorful wildlife, and geographical diversity… all without sacrificing the comforts of home. And as of 2023, you can explore it for 180 days visa-free. (If you’re an IL Alliance member, see your latest Untourist report for an extraordinary, in-depth Costa Rica itinerary created for you by a long-time expat resident.)
If the practical considerations of an overseas retirement have kept fear in the driver’s seat, we’ve got plenty of advice to help with that, too.
For example, if you’d love to retire in Europe but worry the taxes are too high, Ted Baumann shows that if you know where to look, many EU countries on our index beat US rates by a mile.
And as always, our international real estate expert Ronan McMahon is on the ground where the big magic is happening, scouting property deals so good they can make your overseas dream a reality much sooner than you’d imagine…
PUBLISHER INFORMATION
January 2024 Volume 44 Number 9
Founding Publisher: William Bonner
Publisher: Jackie Flynn
Executive Editor: Jennifer Stevens
Editor-in-Chief: Stephanie Reed
Managing Editor: Megan Ritchie
Designer: Derek Westwood
Online Editor: Donal Lucey
Illustrator: Colleen Clapp
Advertising Inquiries: Advertising@InternationalLiving.com
Media Inquiries: PR@InternationalLiving.com
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
International Living (ISSN 0277-2442), © Copyright 2024 by International Living Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. Protected by copyright laws of the United States and international treaties. This magazine may only be used pursuant to the subscription agreement and any reproduction, copying, or redistribution (electronic or otherwise, including on the world wide web), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the express written permission of International Living Publishing Ltd., Woodlock House, Carrick Road, Portlaw, Co. Waterford, Ireland. International Living is published monthly. Subscriptions: In the United States US$129 for one year, in Canada CAN$165 for one year, elsewhere US$149 for one year. Printed in the USA.
Postmaster: Send address changes to International Living, International Living Publishing Ltd., Woodlock House, Carrick Road, Portlaw, Co. Waterford, Ireland. Copies of this magazine are not available on newsstands but are furnished directly to the public by mail subscriptions only. International Living presents information and research believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. There are many dangers associated with international travel and investment, and readers should investigate any opportunity fully before committing to it. How to contact us:
How to contact us: Customer service: To place an order for a product/ subscription, renew a subscription, pay a maintenance fee, change an address, follow up on the status of an order, or inquire about a missed issue, etc., see: www.internationalliving.com/about-il/customer-service.
Stephanie Reed
,Editor-in-Chief
In the Issue (Articles)
Our Magazine Team
| Founding Publisher | William Bonner | |
| Publisher | Jackie Flynn | |
| Executive Editor, International Living | Jennifer Stevens | |
| Editor-in-Chief | Stephanie Reed | |
| Managing Editor | Megan Ritchie | |
| Designer | Derek Westwood | |
| Online Editor | Donal Lucey | |
| Illustrator | Colleen Clapp |
Past Issues
November 2025
Balancing Timing and Opportunity
October 2025
Finding Adventure—and Community—in Far-Flung Corners of the World
September 2025
The Path to a More Fulfilling Life Abroad Is Paved in… Gold
August 2025
This is for the Dreamers
July 2025
They Call It Retirement—We Call It Act II (With Better Wine)
June 2025
Your Dreams Deserve a Better Address
May 2025
You're Not Late to the Ball—We've Been Saving You the Best Dances
April 2025
The Right Community is Like a Good Melon
April 2025
The Most Livable Island in Southeast Asia
March 2025
One of These Hidden Places Could Be Your Next Home
November 2025
Balancing Timing and Opportunity
October 2025
Finding Adventure—and Community—in Far-Flung Corners of the World
September 2025
The Path to a More Fulfilling Life Abroad Is Paved in… Gold
August 2025
This is for the Dreamers
July 2025
They Call It Retirement—We Call It Act II (With Better Wine)
June 2025
Your Dreams Deserve a Better Address
May 2025
You're Not Late to the Ball—We've Been Saving You the Best Dances
April 2025
The Right Community is Like a Good Melon
April 2025
The Most Livable Island in Southeast Asia
March 2025
One of These Hidden Places Could Be Your Next Home
