South America’s Unsung Wine Region
If you mention wine country in South America, most people think of Chile or Argentina or even Uruguay. But there is another country in South America that also makes excellent wines.
A Healthier Approach to Time in Low-Cost Europe
The greatest fear of the modern age might just be wasting time. We feel it keenly. It weighs us down. Clocks chime, smartphones beep, places to go, things to do. As the master juggler of work and family, hobbies, and professional life, it’s a fear that affects the average American more than other people.
All this clock-watching gets us nowhere in the end of course. The greater fear ought to be not “wasting our time” wisely.
Less traffic. Less corporate America. Less punching a time clock. That’s what Tim Little wanted. And it’s why he began a new life on a sailboat among the islands of the Aegean Sea. “I discovered how affordable it can be.” For instance, “staples could be purchased fresh for 30% to 40% less than what I paid for them in Florida grocery stores.”
You’ll have a healthier approach to time in Europe. In the off-the-radar French haven Tuula Rampont calls home, expats happily embrace the local concept of doing nothing with your day but enjoying yourself. Tuula explains how her leisurely morning walks through the market often turn into long and pleasant lunches. Last year this place was named “the sunniest city in France” and expat couples can live here on $1,800 a month.
Barcelona is another spot for idling over a meal with wine under the Mediterranean sun. Linda and her husband Kurt moved there nearly four years ago and spend plenty of time in the city’s many art museums. “We consider our living expenses to be minimal. Since we own our own apartment, our regularly occurring expenses (minus groceries and entertainment) average about $860 a month. Back in Texas, we were used to property taxes consuming a huge portion of our monthly paycheck; in Barcelona, property taxes average around $66 a month,” writes Linda.
Perhaps no one savors time quite like the Italians. For a true “dolce vita” lifestyle, the best spot is Puglia. Tucked into the heel of the Italian boot, it’s hidden, though growing in popularity with savvy expats. You won’t have much to worry about except where to eat or what adventure to go on next. Living costs are just $1,600 a month.
—Eoin Basset, International Executive Editor
Undiscovered Beach Bliss in Northern Peru
My wife Nancy and I have just returned from a two-week whirlwind tour of the northern coast of Peru, from Trujillo to the Ecuador border. I’m amazed that more expats have not discovered this spectacular section of South America.
Italian Wine, Caribbean Lionfish, and More
Pyongyang Restaurant, located on one of the busiest boulevards in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is one of the few places outside North Korea where you can taste authentic cuisine from that cut-off corner of the world.
Uranium’s Uptrend, A New Case for Gold, and More
In December, the iShares MSCI Germany Fund (EWG) jumped 6% in just three days. And the rally has led to new 52-week highs. History shows that buying after a 52-week high is a good idea.
Toulon: A Secret Haven for Affordable South-of-France Living
Your typical morning includes a leisurely walk through the bustling central market. The air is rich with the scents of spices, herbes de Provence, dried lavender, and the freshest cuts of local fruits and vegetables.
Living Large in Panama: The Ultimate City-Beach Combo
You look out your balcony to the sapphire-blue waters of the ocean below. Closer to shore, the water is lighter... it’s warm and perfect for bathing. When kissed by the light of the setting sun, it turns to liquid gold.
Setting Off on a Life of Adventure, Rent Free
In less than two years, Sherry Goodloe has visited England, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Finland (twice), Bali, and Tasmania—and savored many memorable experiences along the way.
An Island-Hopping Life on the Aegean Sea
Dark roasted coffee steams from my Istanbul mug in the quiet September sunrise. A breakfast of fried Egyptian potatoes, goat cheese, and farm-raised eggs cools enough to take a bite, as I look at the chart plotter one more time.
Should You Open a Bank Account Overseas?
Nomatter how affordable an overseas location is, you still need money to live there. So how do you access your money? Some expats choose to open a local bank account in the foreign country they move to.
The Best-Value Island for an Active, Caribbean Retirement
The sky is blue with just a few clouds on the horizon, and the sun is high above me. But the constant sea breeze keeps things comfortable. As I stand on the terrace, I take in the panoramic view.