“We have been traveling to Belize since 1997 and have never found a country with more caring, welcoming, and positive people,” says Lisa Cyrier. “And it’s gorgeous, too. We can travel from the beach to the rainforest in just a few hours. And the tropical climate suits us just fine.”
Since moving to the island of Penang, Malaysia, Ed and Sally Wilkerson enjoy a 1,300-square-foot apartment with sea and harbor views, and a balcony that can easily hold 30 people. “We entertain quite a bit,” Sally says. “This balcony and the apartment are made for entertaining, and we love having friends over.”
"San Miguel is alive with music and the arts,” says expat Jayne Halle of what drew her to her new home in Mexico’s Colonial Highlands. “Most people are friendly, and say ‘hello’ when you make eye contact. The weather is great, and the surrounding countryside is magnificent.
Right now, my husband Doug and I are living rent-free in a four-bedroom luxury villa overlooking the Caribbean. From our veranda, we have a 300-degree view of the colorful homes dotting the hillsides of our island home. Our days are spent mostly lounging around the infinity saltwater pool, making sure the pets get everything they need.
Since retiring two years ago, Vadim Ponorovsky has been traveling non-stop. He has been to Mexico, Costa Rica, Italy, Spain, France, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam, immersing himself in new cultures and making new friends. “Every day is a new experience. You see something you’ve never seen, you hear something you’ve never heard, and you eat something you’ve never eaten before,” he says.
“Traveling is a fountain of youth,” says Christina Daggett, as she sits down to dinner with her husband, Tim. It’s evening in the town of Hawick, Scotland, where they are currently staying. “I can’t imagine going back to the States or our old lifestyle. Nothing could be better than what we’re doing now.”
For Lindsay Hackston, her daily commute on a tropical island easily beats the one she left behind in California. “I drive to work in my golf cart, stress-free, which I love. I enjoy my home, which is on the water, with an amazing view that includes wildlife such as crocodiles, anteaters, parrots, and other exotic creatures.” Home for Lindsay is the island of Ambergris Caye, Belize. For the last 28 years she has owned and operated Belizean Arts, an art gallery popular with North American visitors and expats on the island.
Since arriving in the Costa Rican mountain town of San Ramón, John and Caryl Buford have done much to endear themselves to the local community. But they’re especially proud of bringing TubaChristmas to Costa Rica, which has performed favorite Christmas carols since 2011.
Becky and Ken Campeau have a busy retirement—and wouldn’t have it any other way. “I would love to tell you about being retired and enjoying our down time relaxing and playing,” says Ken. “But we stay active in community projects and socializing with our friends.
For Chuck and Susan Bussey, relocating to the highland town of Cotacachi, Ecuador, was the move that saved their retirement. They both had good jobs in Georgia, where Chuck was an airline mechanic for Delta Airlines and Susan was a dental hygienist.