From warfare and murder weapon to a prop for dancers, fans are more than just a way to keep cool during Japan’s humid summers. Traditional fans hold a special place in Japanese culture and the history of the fan is anything but dull. Fans have never gone out of style in Japan; they are as popular as ever and there are so many different types. They are small, affordable works of art. Real Japanese fans are unique to Japan and many varieties would rarely be seen outside of the country itself.

When Harry Segil first got off the plane in Panama in 2007, he had half a mind to leave. “My glasses fogged right up,” he says, adding that the humidity was a surprise. “I thought, I’m getting back on the plane!”

As the 2008 recession began to hit home, Philadelphia-born Tom Ewing and his wife Tonya, a Colorado native, lost everything—their business, their cars, and their home. But now, six years after moving to the laidback beach town of Canoa, Ecuador, Tom and Tonya have rebuilt their lives—and created a business building custom homes up and down the central Ecuadorian coast.

Armenia is an ancient place. The world’s first Christian country, it’s home to soaring mountains, secret valleys and a warm and friendly people. Sure, it’s a bit out of the way, but it’s still one of the easiest countries to visit in the wild Caucasus region. The capital, Yerevan, is one of the world’s most ancient cities—it dates back to the 8th century B.C.—and you’ll find a unique mix of artwork, architecture and some unforgettable kebabs.

Located right at the heart of South America, Bolivia is famous for amazing natural settings, stunning wildlife, and intriguing archeological sites. And in one very special town, you have all this right on the doorstep: Samaipata.

In many great-value places overseas, a couple can live comfortably on less than $2,000 a month. It means that instead of pinching pennies, you can relax, travel, eat out, and lower your stress level. Your quality of life increases, even though you’re spending less.

Before the automobile came along, people lived life on a more intimate scale. You shopped at the local butcher, baker, and grocer (whom you knew by name). The café downstairs, or down the street, was your second home, and its patrons your second family. You scheduled your day by how long it took to walk from place to place...and nobody was in a rush, anyway.

I was in my favorite grocery store the other day buying fresh chicken at the butcher counter, and it made me think about a recent food scare in the U.S. One of the mega-conglomerate producers had recalled thousands of pounds of chicken, due to possible contamination. Then over coffee the next morning I read a story online about health insurance companies raising their “affordable” premiums by 20% to 40% next year. And I realized how relieved I am that those things don’t concern me here in Chiriquí Province, Panama.

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