I recently took a trip to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Researching this tiny Baltic country, which had been ruled by the Soviets for over 70 years, I expected a somewhat gloomy city— the kind of place where its dark history still echoes. What I found, instead, was a bright, modern, neat, very pretty European capital.
We all have preconceived notions about the world around us, but when you dig a little deeper—as I did—often what you find is a delightful surprise. Here at International Living, we believe so strongly in the importance of that on-the-ground discovery that we keep a network of expat correspondents employed around the world—pounding the pavement on your behalf.
In our experience, there is opportunity to be tapped almost everywhere, and we’re on a mission to help you do it.
For many, retiring in Southeast Asia wouldn’t feature in their future plans…whether it’s because it’s too far away or because of a preconceived notion that it’ll be too difficult to settle in or too different from home.
But in this month’s feature story, we aim to dispel those notions. Sure, it may require a long plane ride, but what you’ll find on arrival is more than worth the trip. With easy, affordable, luxurious living, and welcoming locals and expats, it’s hard to beat the attractions—and great value—Southeast Asia provides. We explore five spots worth your attention here.
Probably most famous for its beautiful Lake Atitlan, Guatemala is another destination not exactly well trodden by North American expats, at least not yet. But Ontario native Iva Ursano found her happy place in the small town of Panajachel, where a comfortable apartment rents for just $300 a month. Iva says, “The people are happy, friendly and warm…and it’s a wonderful, family-type community here.”
IL Correspondent Sharyn Nilsen and her husband Tim have explored more than 130 countries over the last 10 years. “We’ve learned it’s best not to build up too many preconceptions before we visit a country,” Sharyn says. “That proved difficult for our adventure in mysterious Oman.” Exotic markets, palm-fringed oases, and camel trains across the desert crowded her dreams. Did Oman live up to her expectations? Sharyn shares her adventures from the Persian Gulf here.
It’s a big world out there, with lots of interesting and surprising places to discover. Read on to begin…
After over a decade of travel and 130 countries, my husband Tim and I have learned that it’s best not to build up too many preconceptions before we visit a new country. But that proved difficult as our plans for an adventure in the mysterious Sultanate of Oman came together. Exotic markets filled with golden treasures, spices, frankincense, and myrrh crowded my dreams...
In its heyday, it was said that the sun never set on the British Empire. With territory in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and beyond (and trade and cultural influence extending even farther), the English language spanned the globe. And to this day, it remains the principal—or at least a common—language in countries and regions around the world...
The concept of living, working, and retiring abroad is such a compelling idea—one that makes so much sense on so many levels—that stories about successful North American expats abound. I’m a member of that cadre myself. My wife and I have lived and worked abroad for 17 years now, and we’ve spent almost all that time talking to, and writing about, people successfully living their own happy, affordable lives overseas...
As quality of life deteriorates elsewhere in the world, Panama that truly welcomes expats…In Panama you can have it all: A cosmopolitan capital city with one of the world’s largest financial districts…hundreds of miles of spectacular beaches…highland retreats with green valleys where the weather is spring-like, even in January and August…and there are never any hurricanes...
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