“Congestion, noise, and frenetic energy.” That’s how Maureen LoBue describes her former life in San Diego. Her new life in Panama couldn’t be more different. Here, her days consist of salsa dancing, swimming, and plenty of happy hours. “I rent a three-bedroom house with three porches and a huge yard—in the beach town of San Carlos—for just $800 a month,” says Maureen. Panama City is just over an hour away. She goes often, adding that a bus to the vast Albrook Mall and National Bus Terminal is just $2.50. And she’s about 10 minutes by car from a hub town bustling with supermarkets, shops, a clinic, and more.

Jennifer Blackstone’s newfound tropical lifestyle is a far cry from her childhood in Wisconsin. In fact, it’s a life she didn’t think she could ever have. “Several things fell into place and conspired to get me to Panama,” says Jennifer, who fell in love with the tropics several years ago. “I visited Costa Rica and I loved the tropical feel…the colorful flowers and the warm ocean,” she says. “But the thought of living there…it was a fantasy.

So you've decided to move to Ecuador. You’ve done your research and know just the town to begin your adventure. You’ve got your documents sorted for getting a residence visa. You’ve even gone through the house and decided what will go with you and what will stay or be sold. But what about your beloved family pet? Just how do you bring Fido or Kitty into Ecuador from the United States or Canada? This is a concern for many aspiring expats. As it turns out, it’s really not all that difficult.

Although best known for samba, carnival, and success on the soccer field, these are not the only achievements Brazil has to its name. This country also has high-quality and highly affordable healthcare, as I have found over the course of my six-plus years living as an expat here.

For years I dreamed of leaving the stressful rat race of working life behind and finding my own Eden where I could retire in peace. And in 2014 I finally did just that. I discovered a highly affordable, fun, and stress- free retirement in the seaside Spanish town of Altea. When I told people I was going to abandon my career as a forensic psychologist in California and leave the San Luis Obispo area to move to Spain, I got one of two reactions: They either thought I was nuts or they were envious.

When I think about my time on Malta, I think of bright blue skies, fields of richly green clover, the sound of the ocean smashing against the cliffs, all only steps away from the well-worn stone streets of ancient cities and the chatty and perpetually kind people. And all of it—cities, coastal walks—warmed and cheered by the seemingly endless sunshine, even at the height of winter.

Sinking my toes into the warm white sand, I lean back in a plastic chair warped by the sun to give it a reclining effect. Homemade tortilla chips heaped on the plate in front of me are perfect for dipping into the ceviche of fresh fish caught just off the coast. And the $2 chelada, a lager beer on the rocks—Pacífico is my favorite—with a liberal dose of lime juice and salt on the rim, hits the spot.

Spain’s best beaches are hidden amongst pristine nature preserves, ancient pine forests, and historic cities that span civilizations. They have been discovered only by a small number of surfers, locals, and hippies. Now, thanks to a special distressed situation, you can buy in this undiscovered Spain for as little as one-third of what it used to cost.

Conventional Western views of Africa are of a poverty-stricken continent devoid of modern technology and economic opportunity. But over the past few years, indicators have emerged to challenge this dated and misplaced narrative. The combined GDP growth of Africa makes it the second-fastest-growing economy in the world. Clearly, there are investments on this continent worthy of anyone’s portfolio.

I ’d spent the day with Mr. Khun, my translator, as we hopscotched between meetings in Rangoon, Burma, on a sultry morning. I had arrived in the middle of monsoon season and the day’s torrential rains had bathed the city clean. Now, the tropical, noonday sun was boiling the puddles into a steamy vapor that embraced the city like a hot Wet-Nap. A pair of large, sliding glass doors glided open and a wave of air-conditioned cool slammed into me.