Look Beyond the “Usual” and You Might Discover Your Perfect Overseas Haven

I recently took a trip to the small Belgian city of Bruges. It’s a place I’d heard of (mostly because of the Colin Farrell movie In Bruges) but knew little about. What a gem it turned out to be with its cobblestone streets, stone bridges over the canal, and more chocolate shops than I’ve ever seen in one place. It’s a little city well worth a visit.

It made me think that no matter how many countries in the world you may have traveled to, there is always more to explore. And if you’re just beginning your overseas adventure, then you have so much to choose from.

Take the location featured in our cover story this month. Croatia has long been known to European vacationers, but it’s only in recent years that Americans are discovering all this Mediterranean country has to offer. “Since 2013, my husband Shawn and I have been spending up to three months at a time in Croatia,” says IL Contributor Tricia Mitchell. A permanent visa can be difficult to get here, but Tricia points out: “The country is a superb place for a part-time retirement, thanks to its pleasant climate, lower costs, and exploration opportunities.” In this issue, Tricia shares details of four coastal cities in Croatia that are perfect for part-time living.

Another Mediterranean country featured this month that might not be on your radar to visit is Lebanon…and specifically the capital of Beirut. Although commonly associated with the worst of Middle East tensions, IL Contributor Jeff Opdyke says, “The city today is a peaceful, if overlooked, destination. In only a few places in the world have I ever felt so welcomed. If you want to experience Arabic culture in a place that much of the Arabic world sees as its local playground, this is the place to come.”

When we think of Spain, we tend to think of the big hitters like Madrid, Seville and Barcelona. But if you look beyond these cities, you’ll find royal retreats like El Escorial. IL Editor Sean Keenan recently explored this mountain retreat, just 26 miles from the capital of Madrid and discovered an “atmospheric, historic, and pretty royal nook of the Spanish meseta.”

It’s a big world…with so much to discover. So, let’s get started.