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Discover Europe's new cultural capital and learn about the ancient gems of Jordan in this month's Travel Talks

During the past year, I had the good fortune of two assignments taking me to Ecuador. And even though I lived there for more than five years, I was continually amazed that such an affordable paradise can still exist in 2009.

I live in a condo in Manta, Ecuador, where I wake up to the Ecuadorian surf right outside my door. In season, I watch whales play almost daily, and I kayak, surf, body board, ride my Portuguese Andalusian horses, hike, bike, watch movies at one of our local Cinema 8 Theaters, and eat out at hundreds of restaurants with same-day fresh seafood.

I began working at International Living nearly a decade ago—20 years after we first started identifying gorgeous real estate in not-yet-fashionable places...

If peace, stability, a strong democratic tradition, culture, diversity, natural beauty, a temperate climate free of natural disasters, a low cost of living, and outstanding real estate values are on your checklist, look to Uruguay.

Tequila has a long, rich history, after all. It was the first distilled beverage produced in North America, made of distilled sap from the hearts of the agave plant—not related to cactus, as you might think, but rather to the lily and amaryllis.

If you want to retire while you’re still young, moving overseas can make it possible. And choosing a country with a good list of social benefits can raise your standard of living even beyond what you expected. But you may be entering a different political world…

As an economical and interesting travel option, house swaps, also known as home exchanges, are growing in popularity. I run a home exchange program, and from the feedback that we have received from our subscribers who have done house swapping, it was a positive and mutually beneficial experience.

Since I began studying medicine 12 years ago, I’ve seen insurance companies cheat policyholders. I’ve seen doctors prescribe worthless drugs and tests. And I’ve seen older folks die because of incompetent medical treatment.