Of the grand capitals of Europe, Lisbon in Portugal is unjustly neglected by North Americans visiting the Old World. At the edge of the continent, facing the Atlantic Ocean, it’s just a little off the beaten track.

Forget the trek to Machu Picchu, Peru. While the pre-Columbian city is truly a work of art, it is difficult not to feel disappointed after hiking for four days only to find a hoard of tourists who got to the top in an hour by train. Instead of following the masses, why not venture off the beaten path and hike Bolivia’s El Choro Trail?

This is Nadaam or the “Three Manly Games,” Mongolia’s most important annual festival held during the national holiday from July 11 to 13. Its roots lie in Mongolian warrior traditions and include fierce competitions in three disciplines: Male only wrestling, all gender archery and gritty horse races out on the open steppe with fearless child jockeys.

I retired abroad almost 10 years ago. And since then, I’ve re-retired and relocated a few more times, just to continue the adventure I started back in 2001. I’ve accumulated a large body of personal knowledge about where to retire…and how to evaluate retirement destinations.