In my early teenage years, my family moved a few times. With each relocation, I’d lament the loss of my old friends and worry I wouldn’t make friends in my new home town. As adults, that apprehension doesn’t go away. It’s natural to worry if you’ll be able to integrate into your new home overseas. And it’s a concern that goes largely unspoken among would-be expats.
But I’m here to tell you: It’s easier than you think. There’s never been a better time in history to try it—because you have more and better options today for good-value living overseas than ever before. We bring you stories from some of the friendliest spots in this issue—places where getting to know locals and expats is easy (and fun).
Costa Rica’s Central Valley is one of them. IL Editor Jessica Ramesch recently checked out the town of San Ramon and discovered a lively expat community. “Do you long to be more involved in your community? If so, that’s a powerful reason to put San Ramon on your shortlist,” Jessica says. She found expats whose days are filled with charity fundraisers, cooking and painting classes, expat gatherings, and more.
Over in Portugal, Terry Coles and her husband Clyde are no strangers to expat life. They spent five years living in tropical Panama until, a couple of years ago, they fell in love with the idea of living in Europe. “Last year we visited Portugal for the first time…We were sold,” Terry says. The top-notch healthcare, easy residence visa, and breathtaking scenery drew the Coles to Portugal, and they are settling well in their new home. “The Portuguese people are some of the friendliest, most welcoming people we’ve met anywhere in the world,” she says. “And we have made friends with some other North Americans and are living our new life here.”
IL Chiang Mai Correspondent Rachel Devlin discovered her new home overseas when her mother Pam moved there first. By the time Rachel moved to Thailand, Pam already had a busy social schedule. Says Rachel of her mother’s integration into the community: “The thriving Expat Club was a great place to make new friends, she found a fantastic art scene, and she loved all the Thai festivals.”
Welcoming and active expats communities exist all around the globe…read on to explore some of the best…
When you’re planning a trip to Europe, choosing the right mode of transportation is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Nothing provides access to Europe’s many hidden gems like having your own car. Unplanned stops and extended stays can create some of the most indelible memories of your trip. And getting an early Read more...: 7 Strategies for Easier Driving in Europe
When I want to get out of the city of David and see some of the beauty of Chiriquí Province, my favorite day trip is to the area around the small town of Volcán. To get to Volcán, I always get on the Boquete highway and take the cut-off to Potrerillos, just past Dolega. The Read more...: The Magical Slopes of Volcán Barú—My Favorite Day Trip
No visit to northern New South Wales, Australia, would be complete without a stopover in Byron Bay. The free-wheeling Pacific Ocean resort is home to all types of people—from celebrities to surfers to hippies. This ultra-popular seaside town— a one-hour flight from Sydney to the south—was originally known for logging, sand mining, and whaling. The Read more...: Eat, Drink, Shop: Spend a Day in Byron Bay’s New-Age Hub
When looking at Europe as a destination, many people focus on the “big names.” Paris, Rome, Madrid, and the rest are appealing, to be sure. And definitely worth a visit. But for long-term living, especially for a would-be expat on a retirement budget, it’s preferable to avoid the glitz and glamour, crowds, and high prices Read more...: Homes in Mid-Sized European Cities
Holiday traditions often illustrate differences in cultural perspectives. Consider Día de los Muertos: Day of the Dead. In the U.S. and Canada, Halloween is a beloved holiday, but it’s lost any religious significance. In Mexico, Día de los Muertos—a relatively close equivalent—is a major religious and cultural holiday. Your world expands when you become an Read more...: Embracing New Traditions Abroad Has Expanded Our Horizons
No matter what your budget, in the best- value destinations around the world, your dollars really stretch. And that means you have great options for improving your lifestyle while shoring up your retirement… In the right places, you really can “trade up” in retirement. Take Jack and Nancy, real estate agents from Atlanta who, in Read more...: Fast Track Your Retirement Overseas: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference 2019
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