The 11 best places to retire abroad, says a new report

These counties offer lower lifestyles, rich crops, sweet weather, etc.


Are you going in your golden years and are you ready for a change of pace? Perhaps you have retired in a small town or in a large town, but what about another country? Maybe travel was Always on your list of buckets But you did not arrive at Globe Trot as much as you hoped when you were younger. Well, could be the time to really live life outside the United States, but of course, there are several factors to keep in mind when it comes to choosing your next permanent residence, such as the cost From life, the amount of fun activities to keep you busy, community and climate. Fortunately, a new International Living report helps Reduce your international options .

International Living has officially compiled its 2023 global retirement index which will help you determine which country will suit your desires and needs. The report is a combination of experiences of real life, as well as facts and figures that can help determine your best retirement options. Each destination offers something unique, but which one is the best for you? Continue to read to hear travel experts on the 11 best places to retire abroad, according to new data.

Read this then: The most accessible American cities in America for seniors .

The best places to retire abroad

11. Colombia

Cartagena Colombia
Alexmillos / Shutterstock

Colombia has become a popular place for Americans in recent years due to its living cost and its beautiful landscapes. It is a place full of charming small cities , Coastal and mountain regions, as well as lively cities.

"Colombia has a lot of cultures to explore, with dynamic festivals and superb colonial architecture", " Stuart Lewis , travel agent and publisher at Travel scoop recount Better life.

With everything, big cities like Bogota and Medellin full of art and culture in tropical paradise with white sandy beaches like Cartagena to the Sierra Nevada trails of Santa Marta through pregnant mountains and beautiful lakes, you can fill Your calendar and stay busy during the years after work.

Thanks to current exchange rates, obtaining a visa in Colombia is easier and cheaper, and health insurance is of high quality without the high price. In addition, it is a big country to learn or refresh your Spanish now that you have more time in your hands!

10. Thailand

Beach in Thailand
Saiko3p / Shutterstock

The climate in Thailand is a big argument of sale for retirees: the sunny sky and hot weather are a constant. Thailand is divided into a warm (March-May), a cold (Nov.-February), and a wet season (May-Oct.). While the hot season is quite mugy with temperatures up to 105 degrees, most of the year remains between 79 and 82 degrees. Yeah, even in the "cold" season.

Not only is it a place for beautiful beach adventures and new experiences in the city, but there is also a strong community of ex-spots with residents around the world who welcome you with open arms, says Lewis Better life . He adds that you can also visit dynamic markets and enjoy a mixture of local and traditional Thai cuisine. One thing is certain, you will never get bored if you withdraw in Thailand.

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9. Italy

Street in Italy
Catarina Belova / Shutterstock

For a small peninsula, Italy has a punch. THE essential destination And the possible retirement option is full of rich history, enchanting cities and appetizing food in each region. There is really something to do for everyone in this incredible country!

Rome is distinguished by its old ruins, while Florence is full of architecture and design, as well as magnificent art museums, says Leslie Carbon , A travel expert to scent at sunset. "But you don't even need to enter a museum; the city itself is a work of art, with cobbled streets, the Ponte Vecchio and a replica of David de Michelangelo on the place of the city, "she said. When you are in an Italian city, everything you have to do to see the magnificent art is looking for.

8. France

Countryside in France
Zdenek Matyas photography / Shutterstock

France is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a more sumptuous lifestyle without exceeding the budget. You can immerse yourself in a place full of sophistication, while relaxing and exploring the contents of your heart. The combination of rich culture and history in cities like Paris with the relaxed atmosphere of the countryside in the south, ends up making a large retirement place.

An additional bonus: Housing options are considerably at a lower price than those in the United States "The cost of living is slightly higher than in other countries, but the advantage of being able to engage in refined cuisine and To activities that this compensates, "said Lewis more.

7. Greece

Ancient Ruins in Greece
Sven Hansche / Shutterstock

It is not surprising that Greece, with its vast story, its unique cuisine and its natural beauty, one of the best places so that people retire. Greece is not an extremely populated country, but it is a popular place for the elderly. You will probably see older men playing cards in front of cafes and women and to be chatted in front of the windows. Real estate will cost about half of what it does in the United States and you will also get quality health benefits.

If you are A BUFF History , he has so much to offer. "There is something special in walking in these ancient places, which makes you feel connected to people who lived among them thousands of years ago," said Carbon.

With something new to see in each part of the country, as well as practical trips to European border countries, the addition of Greece to your retirement plan is obvious.

6. Spain

Beach in Alicante Spain
Carlos Castilla / Shutterstock

If you are looking for a place that can offer you a high quality of life without the high cost of living, Spain checks all the boxes. Although prices have increased over the past decade, Spain is still one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

Those who are looking for a big city but who wish to maintain the lifestyles below, should discover the coastal cities of Valence, Alicante and Malaga, Patricia Palacios ,, co-founder of España guide, tells Better life . Small towns and villages are an even cheaper alternative, but no matter where you decide to call at home, you will feel welcomed thanks to the accent put by Spain on the older generation.

Spanish cuisine is another bonus to choose to retire here, according to Palacios. "[The] Mediterranean regime is still king and the country proudly produces fruits and vegetables for local consumption and export to the rest of Europe," she said. Fresh fish and seafood are also inexpensive and easily available because Spain is just on the coast.

Read this then: The 6 best small towns to retire .

5. Costa Rica

Waterfall in Costa Rica
Galyna Andrushko / Shutterstock

"Pura Vida", which translates into a simple or pure life, is not only a sentence in Costa Rica, it is really a way of life. People who live here tend to be more relaxed and without concern because of the great sense of community and slower lifestyle - and visitors and expatriates around the world rush to the country to find their own version of Costarian magic.

"The Costa Rica, in general, is an ideal place of retirement, because of its cost of living and its relatively low reputation as the safest (and happiest!) Central country," explains Jessica Schmit , the travel blogger behind Uproot traveler .

The country itself is full of fauna, beautiful landscapes and historic sites. If you are a outdoor , you can kayak or a hike to stay active and healthy. Many expatriates like to get to know the inhabitants by learning to cook Costa Rican specialties and admiring all native art.

4. Ecuador

Church on a hill in Ecuador
Jess Kraft / Shutterstock

Made famous as a tourist destination thanks to the Galapagos Islands, the equator is also often noted as the first location for retirement. The Ecuadorians thrive in a calm lifestyle and you will be immediately welcomed in the community. In addition, finding an apartment will not be a stressful experience - you can easily live less than $ 2,000 per month in most places across the country.

The country offers a mixture of mountains and beaches and you will always have a breathtaking view, shares Lewis. "The equator also houses some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, making it an ideal place to explore and discover nature," he said.

3. Panama

Waterfront in Panama City
Sylwia Brataniec / Shutterstock

Panama is ideal for people looking for an easy and inexpensive movement. The country has many different retirement communities throughout and new arrivals can discover animated urban life, as well as the Mountain serenity and tropical forests.

"Retirees can also access reduced prices from a range of health care providers and take advantage of the country's retirement visa," said Lewis. Based on the report, the Visa Pensionado makes the movement transparent if you have a pension of at least $ 1,000 per month. If you are not trying to stay permanently, Panama has an option for a temporary telework visa that lasts up to 18 months.

2. Mexico

Palace of Fien Arts in Mexico
Kamira / Shutterstock

Mexico is a large modern country that is close to the United States, so you can easily go home to visit parents. It offers an excellent program called Instituto Nacional de Las Personas Adultas Mayores (INAPAM) which offers advantages to those who have a valid residence visa for Mexico, said Sam Helmy ,, editor For pointspanda.

"With an inapam membership card, you can benefit from discounts on a wide range of services such as health related services, cultural activities, transport and accommodation and these discounts can vary from 5 to 50 previous," he says.

And of course, there are a lot to do in Mexico. Schmit is a big fan of the Yucatan peninsula, especially the bacalar. The city is known for its seven -colored lagoon, a section of 26 miles of long electric water electric blue (the largest freshwater body in Mexico!) Which earned the city the nickname "the Maldives of Mexico ". Bacalar has a "solid infrastructure" and a "growing number of expatriates while being less than a fraction lower in the United States," she said.

Speaking a little of Spanish will help you acclimate yourself in the lifestyle, but there are also a lot of people who speak English who can help you get what you need.

Read this then: The 8 best American national parks for people over 65, say the experts .

1. Portugal

Lisbon Skyline in Portugal
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

The best place to retire is none other than Portugal. It has recently been classified as one of the safer places to live And residents have public and private access to health care. The property tax is relatively low and if you are looking to have a house or a quantity of land, it is affordable.

Lewis says that the country is known for historic cities, extremely sympathetic inhabitants and amazing architecture. "Portugal is an excellent choice for those looking for a relaxed lifestyle," he said. In addition, it is an ideal place to spend time outside due to the mild climate that sticks all year round. You will really get the best party of your retirement if you find yourself in Portugal.


Categories: Travel
Tags: News / Over 60 / / Travel Advice
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