Uruguay’s province of Rocha has the country’s best beaches and most charming beach towns. And now the Path of Progress is due to roll down this coast. I expect real estate values will rise as accessibility improves. My contacts in Uruguay have been keeping me up to speed. One particular infrastructure project has my attention right now.

In October of last year, China and Russia signed a landmark currency-swap deal allowing Russia to tap into $24.4 billion in liquidity. This was followed by an announcement that the People’s Bank of China would permit trading of renminbi-ruble derivatives and China’s Import-Export Bank extended credit to two sanctioned Russian banks. In other words, China’s doing what it can to help Russia keep its head above water. This is one of the greatest economic chess moves in recent history. And could be one of the greatest investment opportunities in our lifetime.

Nothing quite says “vintage” as much as an authentic, British longcase clock (also known as a grandfather clock) standing in the corner. These charming household adornments have gone through several remarkable reinventions over their history, meaning there’s one to suit every taste and interior. And there’s now one to suit every budget, too. As fashion has shifted away from “traditional” interiors, interest in later longcase clocks has declined—and so have their prices, putting them very much in reach of collectors of modest means. As more collectors realize that now is a good time to buy, prices will inevitably start to recover—but in the meantime it is an excellent time to re-introduce a classic clock as part of the furniture.

Ecuador attracts people from all over the world for many reasons. The natural beauty, colorful culture, great climate, and affordable cost of living are just some of the pulls. Beer, however, has never been one of the country’s strongest selling points. And this is something that U.S. expat Greg Gedeon is trying to address with his microbrewery, Zarza—coupled with the beer and bar of the same name—taking the mountain town of Loja by storm. Texan Greg first came to Ecuador nine years ago, fresh out of acupuncture school and looking to ply his trade in Latin America. Attracted by Loja’s nice weather, friendly people, and colonial architecture, he settled down in the area and stayed for two-and-a-half years. “When I first moved here, I was desperate for a decent beer,” Greg says. “So I started learning to brew my own beer.”

Sun, sand, and surfing. These are the three main draws enticing visitors to Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast. And these have also created a ready market for businesses that can cater to the massive influx of tourists to the region, as California expat Danny Clark can attest. Danny first came to the central Pacific coast more than 20 years ago for a surf trip, and it changed his life. Today, the 42-yearold owns and manages a pair of successful restaurants in the bustling resort town of Jacó. And he says he lives a better lifestyle than he could in the States. His Side Street Bistro is a gourmet sandwich shop with an on-site microbrewery. And Graffiti is an upscale restaurant and wine bar.

Spectacular mountains, a towering volcano, azure waters, and verdant rainforests with a wealth of wildlife: Chiriquí province is Panama’s natural treasure trove. It’s also the place I—and about 20,000 other expats—call home, and it’s Panama’s most popular tourist destination. Whether you live in Chiriquí, plan to retire here, or just come on vacation, here are seven of my favorite daytrips that Chiriquí has to offer. Mysteries of Panama’s Distant Past. One of Panama’s most intact archaeological sites, Sitio Barriles was a center of the native Barriles culture, which thrived in the area until around 800 AD.

When you think of France, tropical beaches may not spring to mind. But there is a place where you can experience the best of both these worlds: a taste of French language and culture with an infusion of rum, sun, and laidback island life. The bulk of France lies in Europe, but a small piece is sandwiched between the Caribbean islands of St. Lucia and Dominica: Martinique. Martinique is, for all intents and purposes, French. The locals use the euro, speak French, and vote for the president who resides in Paris.

Right now, in a quiet, laidback beach town steps from the blue Pacific, you’ll find a welcoming international community, cute restaurants and stores, and a remarkably low cost of living. On a budget of just $1,600 a month, a couple could live comfortably here, right near the ocean where you can fish, swim, kayak, sail, or just read a book on the sand… In an historic city we recommend, you could enjoy the cosmopolitan culture—live music and choral concerts, art galleries, independent restaurants, chic boutiques—and live comfortably for as little as $1,300 a month (less if you own your home outright).

Imagine a place of rich, earthy smells, dappled light, soaring tropical hardwoods, and thick underbrush…the dawn calls of birds and the nighttime chirps and whistles of insects. From your terrace it’s as though you have Eden on the doorstep—a thousand shades of green and nature’s bounty. These days, living in a jungle home, you can have the best of both worlds: the feeling of being set apart, while enjoying conveniences like high-speed internet and air conditioning in your own paradise.

Lower costs, less stress, better weather, new adventures…all the expats I meet have their reasons for moving to Ecuador. In my little mountain town of Cotacachi, I’m loving the lower cost of living—my husband David and I and our two sons live here for $1,400 a month, including rent—which in turn allows me to work only part-time. That, of course, leads to more time with my family, which creates a happier environment at home. This nice little chain reaction ultimately creates a relaxed overall atmosphere that is great for my health.