Old-World Cruising in the Venice of Portugal
The canal’s waters reflect the sun and soft light dapples the façade of a grand old mansion. I’m on a gondola-like boat gliding alongside cobbled slipways, lush parks...
Debunking the Myth That Europe is Too Expensive
“Europe is too expensive.” “I can’t afford to live in France or Spain.” “I’d love to spend time in Italy, but it will cost too much.” It’s a commonly held belief that spending any amount of time in Europe is prohibitively expensive. But it’s just not true.
Sipping cava while watching the late spring sun dip below the horizon Malaga’s harbor on Spain’s south coast…exploring the vineyards of France’s Bordeaux region, where rolling hills covered in vines stretch as far as the eye can see…climbing to the top of the Moorish São Jorge Castle in Lisbon to take in breathtaking views of the bustling city below…I’ve done all these things…and none of it cost me a fortune.
The trick with Europe is to take your cues from the locals. You simply need the inside track on the best places to go and to save. And that’s what this month’s issue delivers.
Whether you’re planning a two-week or a three-month adventure, we’ve got you covered. In this month’s cover story, we asked our on-the-ground correspondents in France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal to share their money-saving tips and tricks for spending spring in Europe on a budget of $2,700 a month (or less). They reveal all here.
One of the many great things about Europe is that it’s so easy to get around. Budget airlines and efficient train networks mean hopping from the jewel of Spain’s Costa Brava where you can rent from $450 a month to the romantic German city of Heidelberg to the Venice of Portugal is easy. And, in fact, there’s a way to explore this charming continent…without paying a cent. And all you have to do is talk to people. Marsha Scarbrough shares all the details here.
If your Europe stay will be more permanent and you’re looking for that perfect home in a picturesque French village, Stewart Richmond has uncovered bargain buys from $15,440. Sunny, sophisticated…and affordable. That’s the Europe you’ll find in this month’s issue…
Away From the Honeymooners in Fiji
A cheerful chap delicately lops the top off a coconut and hands it to me. Along with the sweetest of bananas, this simple roadside lunch is exactly what I was looking for...
Cuenca: City of Creativity
“Cuenca, Ecuador, has long been a popular expat destina-tion because of its low cost of living and year-round, spring-like climate,” writes IL Contributor Mike Herron...
Time to Buy Lithium, Browser Bargains and More
The past months have seen the market pig get introduced to the meat grinder, squealing all the way. And no industry got more ground up than lithium stocks. That hands you a great opportunity...
A Farm Couple Starts Over at the Beach in Costa Rica
Fresh fruits and vegetables year-round; the best coffee ever; unspoiled, deserted beaches; stunning mountain vistas; lush jungle; and the friendliest people on the planet. We didn’t think we’d ever live such a life, but in Costa Rica, we found it easily.
What’s It Really Like to Live by the Beach in Panama?
Asoft, warm breeze comes from the Pacific Ocean as Chris and Bernice Wade embark on their afternoon walk, hand in hand. The cool azure waters gently caress the sand at Playa Arenal, in Pedasí, Panama,...
Your Own Home in La Belle France: Bargain Buys From $15,440
Spotting bargains on the French property scene has become something of a hobby of mine. It’s easy and fun. And, even after three years of living here, I still marvel at the incredible...
More Lifestyle Options Living in David, Panama
Nita Sosebee and Bernie Gaider lived in Colorado Springs before moving to Panama in January 2017. Both worked over 20 years in Colorado as software developers. “We were...
Enjoying Tranquility and Stunning Scenery in Gorgona
“What’s an ideal day like here? It’s pretty much the same every day. I look out at this view…all this greenery…the lovely blue water and the blue sky…and I think, ‘You couldn’t get this for $1,200...
Enjoying a Car-Free, Vibrant Lifestyle in Panama City
In bustling Panama City, tropical heat and First-World comfort collide. Palm trees rustle in the ocean breeze. Gleaming towers and the warm Pacific make for a scintillating skyline...