2020 03 22 11 09 44 "You Say"

What No One Else Is Telling You About Colombia
By Nancy Kiernan

"I never considered Colombia as a place to retire until I heard your presentation." I must hear that at least 150 times during each International Living conference. As IL's Colombia Correspondent, one of the best parts of my job is getting to share the ground truth about what life is like in South America's rising retirement haven.

Colombia is full of colorful surprises.

I keep a glass jar on the corner of my table at IL conferences. When attendees ask me if Colombia is safe, I ask them to put a dollar in the jar. It's a joke of course, but I do it to demonstrate that this is one of the most common questions I get asked during the conferences. By the way, I´ll give you the answer and save you the dollar...Medellín—where I live—ranks safer than many U.S. cities according to statistics.

Here's a few more surprises about modern-day Colombia...

Medellín, Colombia's second largest city, is the fastest growing choice for retirees, digital nomads, and snowbirds. The perfect, year-round, spring-like weather and stunning mountain views are attracting more and more people every year. Some come for a few months, others choose to make Medellín their permanent home. When you add in that the city has an impressive gastronomy scene, universities, art and culture museums, a philharmonic orchestra, sporting activities, and international festivals for jazz, fashion and flowers, you can easily understand why so many people want to call Medellín home.

Colombia is the gateway to South America. The country sits at the northern tip of the continent making travel back and forth to the U.S. to visit family and friends easy and quick, as well as being a hub to easily explore Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Chile, and the rest of South America. There are direct flights to Florida, New York, and Texas out of the international airports in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Pereira.

Colombia has world-class healthcare. Of the 191 countries ranked by the World Health Organization for quality of healthcare systems, Colombia came in at number 22. That outranks Canada at number 30 and the U.S. at number 37. According to the 2019 América Economía publication of Latin America's top 58 hospitals, 24 of those hospitals were based in Colombia. That means that 41% of the top Latin American hospitals are located in Colombia. Four of these hospitals are Joint Commission International accredited, the gold standard in world health.

If all of this sounds good to you, then you're probably wondering, "How do I figure out how to live in Colombia?" Well, you can come for a visit to check things out and stay up to 180 days in a calendar year on just a tourist stamp in your U.S., Canadian, or EU passport. If you want more time than that, you will need a visa, but thankfully the process is straightforward. The most common types of visas are the pensioner visa, the real estate owner visa, and the business-owner visa. Each of these has a different income or investment threshold and lasts for three years.

Seeing is believing. Put your boots on the ground and check out Colombia for yourself. I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised by what you find.

Our Roving Retirement Formula
By Susan Barnes

We are frequently asked, "This international roving retirement thing that you two are doing... Just how does it work?" It's a loaded question, and one for which we have yet to settle on a singular response. After living a roving retirement for a few years now, one would think we have the formula set. Truth be told, our formula keeps evolving.

When we were planning our retirement, my husband Don and I envisioned selecting an international locale and renting a furnished apartment there for six to 12 months, before repeating the process in our next chosen country. The timeframe per location would be dictated by the visa time limits for which we qualified. Renting for a period of several months would reflect favorably on our budget, as we could negotiate a lower rate for a longer stay. We would use our apartment as our home base from which to both take a deep dive into the local culture and explore the broader country, our two primary travel goals.

And so our adventure began. It was fall, 2016. We settled into a modern, two-bedroom apartment in Quito, Ecuador, giving us time to delve into this capital city's rich history and colorful Andean culture. On our first foray, we splurged a bit on the apartment, paying $950 per month—two-bedroom apartments here start at $700 per month.

The modest size of Ecuador and its well-developed, affordable public transportation system made multi-day trips to the beach, the jungle, and even the Galapagos Islands, feasible and affordable. We went, we saw, we experienced. We were sure we had the roving retirement formula sorted.

Then we arrived in Spain. Almost immediately, we realized that our formula would need some tweaking. A much larger country with deep regional influences from ancient Romans, Moors and Greeks, we would need to move around if we wanted to experience all that this diverse country had to offer. Armed with a tourist visa that allowed us to stay for up to one year, we decided to split our time equally among four distinct regions, giving us reach into Spain's vast geographic and historical wonders, plus first-hand experience with its cultural diversity.

In three locales, we would rent furnished apartments in cities central to our chosen regions: Alicante on Spain's alluring Costa Blanca, Malaga on the stunning Costa del Sol, and San Sebastian in the Basque country.

Susan and Don experienced local life in Alicante, Spain.

By choosing the shoulder season in each location, we would negotiate rents that kept us on track financially—we paid between $700 and $1,000 per month. In the fourth region, Andalusia, we would test a new living arrangement: housesitting. And so for a second time, we went, we saw, we experienced. One year later we celebrated the success of our revised formula. It had worked splendidly. We had memories to last a lifetime.

Buoyed by this success, we were eager to repeat it on our next adventure in New Zealand. However, while researching our trip, we discovered that the iconic way to see New Zealand is by campervan.

Campervan? This would be a total deviation from our formula, but we were anxious to give it a try. Just one thing, we were not certain that we wanted to spend the full six months, the length of our visa, on the road in a camper. So once again, we adapted the formula—find housesits, each for about one month, in three different regions across New Zealand's two islands. Then, rent campervans to slow travel from one housesit to the next, checking out all that the country has to offer along the way.

We're now in the midst of our New Zealand tour and it has been amazing. We have experienced two awesome housesits and are on our second campervan experience. Campervanning gives us flexibility to set our own pace, stay longer in places that catch our interest, and keep the budget in check. It allows us to go beyond popular tourist locations, experiencing less-traveled destinations and even remote locations.

New Zealand is the latest stop on the couple's roving adventure.

Pricewise, it's comparable to renting an apartment, albeit one on wheels. Housesitting gives us the chance to really explore a locale, while providing downtime in which to plan our next camping adventure. We're seeing, we're doing, we're experiencing. We couldn't be happier with our current formula.

Where we go next is yet to be determined. One thing is certain, wherever it be, our present formula will need some adapting. Which takes us back to the question of how a roving retirement works. When asked, we have stopped trying to give a singular answer. Instead, we now offer up a few guiding principles: set travel goals, be open to new living arrangements, tune-in to local travel methods, and adapt plans to fit the environment at hand. It's all about being open-minded and flexible. Leveraging these, our roving retirement has been more than we ever dreamed possible.

Leading a Culture-Rich Retirement in Vibrant Oaxaca
By Tricia A. Mitchell

"The people, food, and of course the weather here, all attracted us to Mexico," says Marilyn Albright, 72, who previously taught English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at a community college in Alaska.

Given her background, Marilyn developed an interest in teaching English in Mexico and first moved to Guadalajara and Colima to teach ESL students.

"David was still working in Alaska at the time, so while I was teaching in Mexico I traveled to other regions and towns of Mexico, scouting possibilities for retirement living," says Marilyn. "I had read about Oaxaca and was intrigued."

When David, 67, retired eight years ago, the couple headed to Oaxaca City, in southwestern Mexico, for the first time and became enamored with the cultural hotspot, which is home to 260,000 people. They were seduced by Oaxaca's exceptional food and pleasant weather, teamed with its vibrant fiestas, arts, and textiles. Ever since, the couple have spent six months out of every year in Oaxaca.

Marilyn and David are enjoying their part-time Oaxaca retirement.

Marilyn and David live in an apartment compound with 18 units in Oaxaca's city center, not far from the Zócalo (main plaza). There are restaurants, shops, galleries, and markets nearby, and the couple's neighbors come from diverse backgrounds.

Oaxaca's historic center—which is characterized by cobbled lanes, colorful homes, graceful churches, and attractive squares—was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1987.

Marilyn and David rent their apartment on a full-time basis even though they are only there for half of the year. They pay $400 per month. There is also a monthly utilities fee of $65, which covers electricity, propane, water, and the internet. When they are away from the apartment for an extended period of time, they still have to pay the monthly utilities fee, but it's reduced to about $50.

"The rents in Oaxaca vary widely and have definitely risen in the eight years that we have been coming here," says Marilyn. "The Airbnb growth has affected things also, as it has done in many places. Apartments in El Centro, the historical district, are generally higher than in more outlying areas, because that's where all the interesting action takes place."

Marilyn says that Oaxaca offers ample opportunities for socializing—whether it be with Oaxaca locals, or fellow expats. "Social life is much more active in Oaxaca than Alaska because people are much closer together. In our complex there are many impromptu get-togethers or short conversations, and it's easy to meet friends for a beer or a supper out," she says.

"The Oaxaca Lending Library, which was started many years ago by expats, is the place to go for meeting people and connecting with groups that share interests. They offer lectures, food events on holidays, short travel experiences, and the hiking program is also now organized through the library. They post a newsletter every week with social, music, art, and performing arts events in the city.

"There are often food events here too, which are wonderful because Oaxaca is famous, even in Mexico, for its fantastic food. From street vendors to gourmet restaurants, a person would never be able to try them all."

Marilyn says that Oaxaca also offers entertainment in the form of music and art events, adding that some museums are also "very low-cost or free on Sundays."

As for Oaxaca's cost of living, Marilyn says that it can be "quite reasonable," depending upon one's lifestyle.

"Monthly rents can be anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to over $1,000. This is dependent on where in the city and in what type of a house or apartment a person wants to live. Food, produce in particular, is fresh and inexpensive, especially in comparison to Alaska where almost all the food is imported, some of it from Mexico," she explains.

Marilyn and David do a lot of walking on a day-to-day basis. "Public transportation is readily available and affordable (for most people) in any place I have ever been in Mexico," says Marilyn. "No matter where you want to go, you can find a way to get there, and sometimes the transportation is as much fun as the destination.

"I know people who bring their cars to Mexico, but we do not. For us it's totally unnecessary and not having a car here saves a lot of money and hassles. In the city we walk almost everywhere, and if it's too far there are plenty of buses and taxis. You can get lots of exercise just doing your daily routines plus you see interesting places and meet people along the way. There are buses and colectivos (shared cars or vans with set prices) that travel to other towns. Long distance bus travel throughout Mexico is wonderful—buses and bus stations are clean, comfortable, plentiful, and it's a great way to see the country."

Marilyn and David also enjoy venturing beyond Oaxaca. They've explored states like Chiapas and the Yucatán, and have hiked in the outskirts of Oaxaca.

"We have gone on many hikes in the mountains that surround the city, and several villages have cabins for spending the night," she says. "The city is over 5,000 feet in altitude, and many villages are situated in the surrounding mountains, some at altitudes of 10,000 to 11,000 feet. Most of the hiking we have done is in these areas, and we lowlanders do a lot of huffing and puffing."

Marilyn and David's habit of exploring new corners of Mexico reflects their advice to potential expats that they get to know a region before committing to it for the long-term. "Living in a place is much different than being on vacation," Marilyn says. "But the people here are so friendly, kind, and welcoming. The thing I love most about Mexico is how comfortable I feel. As long as it suits us both, we'll continue living here."

Tropical Island Living for $380 a Month
By Bel Woodhouse

One of the best things about living abroad as a single is that you don't need as much space. Having lived in a three-bedroom house with a swimming pool for some time I was hit with the realization that I simply didn't want so much space anymore. My needs are simple and, argh, all that cleaning... No thanks. Plus, let's face it, I would prefer to be out exploring, going on day trips, or doing something I love rather than being at home wandering around a big, empty house.

So, making the decision to downsize was simple. I just needed to find a place that matched my list of must-haves:

• A safe, friendly neighborhood
• Good internet
• A quiet location (my last neighbor had a very lively and vocal Chihuahua)
• Close to the ocean so I can swim or snorkel in the Caribbean daily
• Close to supermarkets and downtown so I can walk everywhere

I told friends and local contacts what I was looking for and pretty soon I had found my perfect place—with the added bonus of the rent being just $380 a month.

My new, one-bedroom apartment is in the best—and safest—neighborhood on Cozumel, Corpus Christi. Nestled on a quiet street, it's my dream apartment. Each morning I awake to birdsong and smile. Some days I don't even want to step outside.

My apartment complex.

My home is just three blocks from major supermarkets and strolling the streets on the five-minute walk to get my groceries is wonderful. The architecture is gorgeous and I'm always discovering hidden gems like the small restaurant that just opened on the next block offering amazing breakfasts for under $5...

Big omelets, healthy options, or eggs any way you like them come with baskets of bread and a coffee. Or, enjoy a traditional Mexican breakfast, like my all-time favorite huevos rancheros—two crispy tortillas covered with eggs, hand-made salsa rojo (a red sauce made from fresh tomatoes), and sprinkled with cheese.

My favorite breakfast; huevos rancheros.

For me, the $200 a month I'm saving by downsizing means there's more money to do the things I love. There is the luxury of dining out at nice restaurants with friends, day trips and sunset sails, or anything else that takes my fancy.  

The best part is, no more paying expensive gym memberships. My exercise is walking everywhere and swimming with the mermaids—an ocean swimming club. Morning swims are with eagle rays and a rainbow of colored fish over swaying sea fans which, in my book, beats a sweaty gym any day.

I also spend a lot of time at home working, so a decent internet connection is important. It has to be reliable and strong. To my surprise the internet was included in my monthly rent, along with other amenities such as gas and water.

The only utility bill I pay for is the monthly electricity. The highest bill has been $22 for the month, compared to the $100 I used to pay at my previous home. Even in summer, with air-conditioning on nightly, it still works out cheaper.

Most of my time is spent out front on the palapa terrace enjoying a nice cool breeze. Because I spend so much time out there, my friends call it "the office” which, once the huge cloth hammock is hung, will soon be complete. It's so much more relaxing working with a nice view.

I spend most of my time working or relaxing on my shaded terrace.

The good news for you is that there are a lot of great rentals like this one on Cozumel. If you are after more than one bedroom, there are larger two- and three-bedroom apartments, houses, and condos regularly coming up for rent or sale. Rental contracts are either six months or a year, and renewable very easily.

As I write, on the market is a two-bedroom villa, surrounded by gardens, with a swimming pool, for $650 a month. I've also seen four- and five-bedroom, fully-furnished houses for $1,000 to $1,200 a month. No matter what your budget is, there is something for everyone on Cozumel.

The Small South American Country That Stands Apart
By Jeff D. Opdyke

I've been trekking to this country two or three times a year, just about every year, since 2011. I've driven from its western border to its eastern border, and through the vast ranchlands and farm country that define its sometimes-hilly, sometimes-flat interior.

I know the backroads in, around, and through the beach communities that dot the coast. I shop at local markets and fill up at local eateries. I may be a tourist, but I don't play like one.

Pretty beach communities dot the country's coastline.

And here's what I can say, unequivocally, about this place: It is not your typical Latin American country.

It's decidedly middle-class and wealthy. It's highly democratic, educated, and free. And it feels far more European than South American, having been populated over the last few centuries by Italians and Spaniards.

It is, in short, a place where one instantly feels comfortable and welcomed, and where one blends into the scenery rather than stands apart as an obvious gringo. Indeed, I'm a fair-complexioned descendant of Scandinavian stock, and I cannot tell you how many times locals approach me, jabbering away in Spanish because they think I'm a homeboy. It's comforting, actually, because you don't feel like you're the "mark" in a forever game of Fleece the Foreigner.

For those reasons, this is a place to know—a place that increasingly serves as home to a growing flock of expats who have traded living in the U.S. for a quiet, easy, safe, and comfortable life in an upper-end, largely overlooked corner of South America.

So, here's a quick rundown of what you need to know…

Cost of Living

Along with not being poor and not being a kleptocracy…this is not a cheap country. At least, not in Latin American terms.

That's not to imply that it is overly expensive. It's just that it's not a place where you go to live like royalty on pocket change.

As a middle-class country, you find middle-class pricing for certain things. Other purchases, like cars, are exorbitant. Some are really cheap. When you average it all out, the overall cost of living works out to about one-third less than that of the U.S.

Efficient infrastructure, general affluence, and fiscal stability do cost a little more. Electricity is expensive here and, as expat Diane Cording points out, "Buildings are not built for heat retention here so in winter you have to turn on the heat." That can push the electric bill into the hundreds.

The flip side is that, outside of winter, the weather is pleasant and mild, and regular ocean breezes mean there's rarely a need for air conditioning along the coast. The interior, however, can be much warmer and will likely require some air conditioning in the hottest stretches of summer.

It's the same with food. Imported packaged food can be pricey, but fruits, vegetables, meat, and the abundance of seafood is relatively cheap at the outdoor markets that are commonplace here.

Real Estate

Real estate is, obviously, the other big cost but you can find pretty much anything you want at affordable prices.

In the country's capital, very nice, new-construction apartments that anyone would be happy to call home sell for under $150,000 in desirable areas. For $100,000, you can buy an apartment in a nice, refurbished older building and remodel it to your style.

You can buy an apartment in the country's capital for $100,000.

In an affluent coastal city I checked out an upscale, 840-square-foot, 1.5-bedroom (one master bedroom, and one small), two-bathroom apartment with water views from a large balcony on the 14th floor of a newly remodeled high-rise in the arts district. It's in a building that honestly looks like a hotel inside—and includes hotel amenities such as spa, masseuse, heated pool, and gym. The list price: $198,000. But you'd probably be able to pick it up for $175,000, maybe less.

Healthcare

Expats here say the healthcare is excellent. But it's First World healthcare at discount prices.

While several private insurance companies offer coverage— including Blue Cross Blue Shield—most expats opt for mutualistas, which you can think of a bit like the old non-profit, cooperative-owned mutual savings banks that existed for the benefit of members rather than a group of shareholders.

This is not an insurance plan, so you're not having to send bills through to be paid by an insurer. You have no deductibles to meet and no lifetime cap on benefits. Rather, you become a member of a hospital (or a group of medical facilities) for almost all of your healthcare needs.

And the price is affordable—typically well under $100 a month for coverage.

I spoke with retirees who pay about $55 a month for coverage. They might have a co-pay at times, but those are small. A non-urgent office visit, for instance, is a bit more than $3. A blood test is $13. An MRI, representing the most expensive co-pay, is $26.

How My Expat Life Rescued My Retirement
By Don Murray

There have been times in my life when I needed to be rescued. Like the time I landed my float plane on a remote Alaskan lake and became disoriented. As I hiked through thick, marshy growth, the weather quickly worsened as the clouds lowered almost to the ground. I could no longer see the horizon or the nearby mountains. I had no idea which way to walk to return to my airplane. Thankfully, I made it out. The how is a story for another time.

Then there was the time I was emotionally shipwrecked. My rescuer, Diane, (who is now my wife) shed light into the darkness I felt.

And then, there were times when I have actually and successfully saved myself.

Retiring outside the U.S. is one such occasion and is, perhaps, the most impactful "save" of my life.

What is now called "The Great Recession" began in 2007/2008 and has been calculated to have been the greatest financial downturn of all time, next to the Great Depression. That recession marked the beginning of a very painful economic chapter for my wife and I.

Not only was our bank account almost empty, our emotional reserves had also been depleted. Although millions of others were suffering similar fates, that knowledge did little to buoy us as our future appeared uncertain and my 62nd birthday was approaching. This is not what we had planned. 

We made the decision to leave the U.S. after reading numerous articles, including those from International Living. We communicated with a number of people already living abroad to confirm such things as cost of living, medical care, relative safety, and culture. We asked all the typical questions and received honest answers.

It appeared we could live a very comfortable, and economical life in Ecuador. At that time, it was the number-one-rated retirement destination in the world (according to International Living'sGlobal Retirement Index). The one thing we did (which few do and I do not recommend for most folks) was to move to a country we had never visited.

We sold and/or donated everything except what would fit into six suitcases. We landed in Quito, Ecuador, and were met by friends we had made online. We drove the seven hours to the northern coast and walked into a condo our friends had arranged for us. The healing, financial and emotional, began at that moment.

Don and Diane's expat adventures began in Ecuador. Today, they live in Mexico.

What, exactly, did our rescue involve? What happened in Ecuador that could not have occurred in the U.S.?

The first and most obvious benefit we received was a significantly reduced cost of living, less than half our cost back in the U.S. And our lifestyle had actually improved. We had a fully furnished condo just across the road from the Pacific Ocean. The views were as good as you can imagine. The condo came equipped with everything including pots, pans, silverware, glasses, and a coffee maker and the rent was only $450 monthly. Our village was small and quaint and close enough to larger towns to provide for our needs.

Absolutely everything was cheaper. Fresh food was everywhere and eating healthy was natural. We paid a pittance for groceries, car insurance, gasoline, electricity, and medical care. Most costs were less than half what we had been used to paying.

But the greatest benefit was something less tangible. Something that's tough to put a cost to. We regained our emotional health. Stress completely disappeared with the ongoing knowledge that we would never again need to worry about our retirement funding.

We began to seriously learn Spanish. There was no choice. No one in our adopted hometown of San Vicente spoke English. Our confidence grew as we learned a second language and gradually adapted to a new culture. Diane and I grew closer as a couple, accepting our new challenges with a smile, knowing we had found a secret life that only a few in our expat tribe shared.

It's now been seven years since our lifesaving expat adventure began. We moved from Ecuador to Mexico about five years ago and have just completed construction on our home in a tiny Maya village in Yucatán.

Every day remains an amazing gift that costs pennies on the dollar. We have great friends and neighbors and are about to plant our first garden. We have zero debt and money in the bank…a long way from where we began.

A Resort Town Home for $186,000
By Jen Phillips April

"We get more for our retirement dollar here," says Lynn Behrendt Luchs of her sun-soaked, adopted homeland. Those savings allow Lynn and her husband, Steve, to indulge their passion for travel. "We take two major trips a year and two or three smaller ones," says Lynn. "Whether it's to visit the kids in Greensboro, North Carolina, or go to the Greek Islands, which is on this year's agenda.

"When I met Steve, he was already a subscriber to International Living magazine. (Get your own subscription for just $17, here). When it came to our overseas retirement plan, we had Central America and Mexico in our sights. Steve was attracted to Panama. We attended an International Living conference there to check it out. It was our first trip where we really explored the idea of becoming expats and retiring outside of the U.S. That conference was great because it connected us with people all over and we got to see a lot of different areas."

Ultimately Lynn and Steve chose to move to a beach town popular with expats and vacationers, in large part for the culture and range of activities on offer. "We also chose it because of the close location of an international airport," says Lynn. "We are able to fly direct to so many locations in Europe, along with taking easy trips home. We also enjoy the fact there's an international melting pot of expats here."

Located just an hour from an international airport, this expat haven is a fast-growing city. It offers a sizeable international community, good infrastructure, and convenient access to the U.S. and Canada.

"When we first arrived, we stayed at a hotel downtown and, with a real estate agent, looked at houses," says Lynn. "We wanted a one-floor home but weren't looking to buy. Then we toured a development on the outskirts of the town and fell in love."

The object of the couple's affection was a 1,500 square feet, two bedroom, two-and-a-half bath condo, which they bought for $186,000. It has a shared pool, with a thatched palapa for shade, and a gym. It's a 10-minute walk to the beach. The HOA fees run to around $180 a month which includes pool, gym, and building maintenance, plus a full-time gardener.

"Electricity tends to be expensive," says Lynn. "So we had solar panels installed for about $6,000. Now I run the air-conditioning whenever I want and our electric bill is about $100 a month in the hottest months of the year. During the winter, when the windows are open day and night, we pay much less."

Having purchased their home, Lynn and Steve returned to Greensboro to downsize in preparation for their move. "We sold three houses, two cars, and a boat," says Lynn. "We digitized our CDs and photos. What we didn't sell, we gave away. We researched the best state for us to establish residency for tax purposes, six months before the move (for us, it was Florida)."

Lynn retired from her paralegal career and Steve retired as a Director of Finance but was asked to be an auditor. It meant he could cut back his hours but still work remotely a couple days a week. They moved overseas full-time in 2018.

Lynn and Steve are enjoying beach town life.

The couple enjoy an active social life. "The calendar is always busy. On Tuesdays, we have Rotary," says Lynn, who's the incoming President of the Seaside Rotary. "Our chapter is English-speaking and was established about eight years ago."

Rotary International is a 110-year-old service organization dedicated to helping others. The Playa del Carmen chapter works with a local community helping children. "It's nice to be able to give back," says Lynn.  

"We're also pleased with the healthcare here," adds Lynn. "Steve's had a kidney stone procedure here. The professionalism is as good as or better than care received in the U.S."

For those considering a move abroad, Lynn has this advice: "Be aware of and take the time to sort out your financials. For example, how will you receive your pension or Social Security? Do you have a credit card that doesn't have foreign fees? Does it make sense to establish residency in a non-income tax state? You need to work all that out to execute your move."

Uncovering a World of Pleasant Surprises
By Seán Keenan

What does Crete look like in your mind's eye? Dusty blonde limestone outcrops, crumbling Classical ruins, and dark blue sea—right?

And yet, when you turn the page to this month's Images From the Road (p.6 of the March issue), the geometric patterns of deep green trees, shrubs, and grain rows convey a fertile, verdant island that looks nothing like the parched rocks you likely imagine.

IL Contributor Jeff D. Opdyke snapped this shot of the rolling hillsides, covered in olive groves and vineyards, outside of Heraklion, on the Greek island of Crete.

Photography, like any art form, has its techniques and tricks. What the photographer chooses to leave out can tell as much as the image itself, but ultimately, it's a truthful medium. One of the reasons we decided to include a two-page spread of photos in the magazine is to give a visual impression of what life is like in the locations we send our correspondents and editors to scout for you, our readers.

I'm a huge advocate for the imagination (especially in an era when I'm convinced our constantly connected, data-on-demand society is eroding our ability to imagine).

Nevertheless, it's also true that we can be hampered by our expectations, too.

Think about Mexico City. If you've never been there, would you expect leafy, bohemian districts where cyclists glide along quiet streets lined with craft stores, artisan breweries, and independent art fairs? Probably not, but that's what Jason Holland, our roving Latin America editor, found in the Condesa-Roma district of this exciting city (You'll find that story on page 10 of the March issue of International Living magazine. Access it here).

Challenging your preconceptions reaps huge rewards, and this month's issue is packed with stories of people who weren't willing to accept the standard, often outdated, view of their destinations. Like real estate investor Ronan McMahon, who wasn't content to just dismiss the incredibly popular tourist cities of Rome, Florence, or Venice as "too expensive, too difficult, too late." Instead, he found a way to own a home in historic Italy that isn't just affordable, it can pay its own way (Read all about it on page 24 of the hot-off-the-presses March issue).

And in Georgia, regular contributor Tricia A. Mitchell found a spectacular green, mountainous nation that's wonderfully affordable, deeply cultured, packed with mouth-watering food and wines (Georgia claims it invented wine), and where North Americans can stay for a full year on a tourist visa (get the lowdown on all it can offer you on page 31 of this month's IL magazine. Get your hands on it, here).

Read all about it when you get access to the March issue of International Living magazine.

What a joy it is to be pleasantly surprised. When we update our expectations, the world becomes instantly bigger. And better with it.

Start Today and Live Anywhere Tomorrow...With This Income
By Dan Carpenter

Back in suburban Salt Lake City, I was working a corporate cubicle job. Then my wife and I discovered online English teaching. That, coupled with a red-hot housing market, spurred us into action. We decided that it was finally time to sell our house, downsize our belongings, and head abroad.

Since 2017 we've spent time in Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the U.S., and Canada and sampled expat life in the Azuero peninsula of Panama...

While the income from teaching English isn't enough to get rich, it's certainly adequate to sustain a life abroad. Panama, with its miles of empty beaches and modestly priced cost of living, was where we started.

Once in Panama, we quickly found ourselves embracing the slower pace of life, the Spanish language, and the interesting people that we met from all over the world. Because our English students are on the other side of the world, we teach very early in the morning (usually 4:30 a.m.). By 8 a.m., we are done teaching for the day, and ready to have fun.

We spend our days exploring miles of deserted beaches, exercising, taking Spanish lessons, or hanging out in the town square with locals. Day trips are frequent. The neighboring cities offer more shopping options and cultural celebrations, and a 15-minute ride in a small fishing boat (known as a panga) will take you to the nearby Isla Iguana, for some incredible blue-water snorkeling.

We've also had time to take on some additional fun projects. My wife contacted a local seamstress and learned how to make a traditional Panamanian pollera dress. We began chronicling our adventures on our blog, and I even started a camping website to share my lifetime love of the outdoors.

It's amazing what you can get done when you have all day to do it.

While we try to keep our expenditure modest, our lifestyle is great. The freedom to leisurely enjoy our waking hours and the flexibility to work from a cherished corner of the world, more than makes up for any inconveniences.

As you might imagine, we've taught lessons in some interesting places. Hotel bathrooms, inside cars, even parks and other public places with WiFi have served as makeshift classrooms when needed. While this isn't always ideal, we are still able to teach, and we have consistently maintained high ratings.

Panama isn't our forever home, but it has given us a taste of this forever truth. While we stroll the beaches collecting shells, we realize that this lifestyle isn't the exclusive realm of the uber-rich and famous, just the result of a willingness to think and act differently. Online teaching is just one of many tools that can help you to fund your exciting overseas adventures, but it is one that has been a great fit for us.

The Pros and Cons of Expat Life in Costa Rica 
By Kathleen Evans

A Slower Pace

In 2013, when my husband Steve and I made the decision to make an international move, I was longing for a slower pace of life. My sales career in corporate America had beaten me up for two-and-a-half decades. I was longing to slow my life down with a leap from the roller coaster—for my sanity and my health. Costa Rica offered that chance to stop and smell the roses.

Costa Rica is picture-perfect, but that doesn't mean life there is all smooth sailing.

I love long walks on the beach and the "tranquilo pura vida" (calm, pure life) attitude. Here, life is primary and work is secondary, which is wonderful…until I am waiting for a friend to show up for lunch or that cable guy who was supposed to be here yesterday, or two days ago, but never told me. Things move slower here. And for a North American from the corporate world, occasionally this pro can be a con. 

Good, Affordable Medical Care

There are many healthcare options in Costa Rica—first is the universal medicine program, called the Caja. Once residency is acquired, you simply pay monthly into the program and your medical care is covered. The payment is typically 7% to 11% of your reported income, so for most, it is quite affordable.

There are also well-known international private healthcare policies available, which are much more affordable than a similar policy in the U.S. The private healthcare sector is top-notch. Some expats choose to pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses, especially those in excellent health.

Paying directly for treatments in Costa Rica can save you 40% to 80% of what the same procedure costs in the U.S. For example, a doctor's visit typically costs around $50 and a specialist, $80. There are both public and private medical centers throughout the country, with the best of them being around San José, the Costa Rican capital.

Rain

This is a con that is also a pro. Sometimes in the height of rainy season (September to October) it gets pretty darn soggy. You might have to put on galoshes to walk around your property. The dog needs mud rinsed off after every walk. You have to drive out of your way to get somewhere because the river crossing is now too dangerous. 

But the rain is also glorious. It keeps dust down and turns the forests into awe-inspiring rich shades of green. It gets whitewater rivers cranking and supplies drought-ridden areas with necessary refreshment. Many expats even come to embrace the rain for a change of pace after all that sunshine, and the rain rarely lasts the day.

Healthier Lifestyle

There is no doubt that the majority of retirees and expats here report living a healthier lifestyle than they did in their home country. The weather is warm to temperate. It encourages you to get outside. There is no six-month winter hibernation. It is an active country with so many options to get you moving, from salsa dancing, to jungle hiking, beach walks to golf, and surfing to mountain climbing.

There is also an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and fresh seafood available. In many smaller communities, fast food is nonexistent and processed foods are minimal. With a change in diet and more activity, it is typical you will start seeing a positive transformation in Costa Rica.

Driving

Somehow Costa Rica went from the best road system in Central America over half a century ago to, in my opinion, one of the worst. Of course, the major "highways" are paved, as are most primary roads. But you get into the secondary roads of Guanacaste, the Southern Zone, and the Caribbean side and you will find unpaved roads with potholes, exacerbated by rainy season which turns the thoroughfares into mud pits or small rivers.

The lack of signage, street names, and an insufficient number of drivers with any proper training will urge any motorist to think twice about getting behind the wheel in Costa Rica. That said, I drive here. Cautiously.

Peace, Safety, and Family

Costa Rica abolished their military in 1948 and pledged that budget to education and healthcare. It is overall a peace-loving nation and is often referred to as the "Switzerland of Central America." I feel safer here than I do back in the U.S. The Costa Ricans (Ticos) are respectful of other cultures, family comes first, and they work to live, not live to work.

Shipping

It is improving. Slowly. But if you are an Amazon junkie, you will either have to go on the wagon or pay some pretty hefty prices to ship to many parts of Costa Rica. There are places in the country even UPS does not service. The lack of addresses makes receiving postal items hit or miss; and the possibility of finding your items hung up in customs indefinitely is a reality.

Flight Choices

Although just the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica has two major international airports with daily flights on every North American airline from major gateway cities. Between these airports, it is easy to get to the country's most popular destinations within an hour or two. Depending on the season and route, you can find flights as low as $400 round-trip. With that ease of travel, it is convenient to get back home for special occasions or easily receive visitors.

A Lower Cost of Living

You will not find "screaming" deals in Costa Rica. That ship has sailed. However, you can definitely find a way to spend a lot less money here compared to living in the U.S. For example, if you were to take our well-appointed, two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom condo with a partial ocean view and compare it to downtown living in San Diego, Austin, or Boston, our place would easily cost three to four times more were it in the U.S.

Our annual real estate taxes are just 0.25% of our registered value. In those savings, we can pay six months of our bills. We also save on food costs when we buy at the local farmers' market (feria). And living in a tiny community, there is little temptation to buy designer items. In fact, very few people have the "Keeping up with the Joneses" mentality here. It is really quite refreshing.

Own in Beach Town Portugal For Just $166,000
By Ronan McMahon

It's October on Portugal's Algarve and you've just stepped out of your condo for a stroll to the marina. A pleasant breeze greets you. With the temperature a perfect 71 F, you plan to stop at an outdoor café.

The marina is just five minutes' walk from your place. Or, you could stroll down to the historic center, stopping to admire the brilliant blue and white buildings and mighty medieval walls.

In fact, with a climate this mild you could stretch your legs further and head to one of the golden-sand beaches dotted around this historic town.

Lagos, in the western Algarve, is surrounded by beaches.

Your condo's location is absolutely ideal. It's perfect when you want to spend time here. And visitors will pay you up to $1,480 a week to stay. On the roof of the four-story building is an immaculate shared pool and good views of the ocean.

With the surging rental market here, I figure your condo could throw off a gross yield of nearly 12% a year. And in five years I expect its value to be around €90,000 more than you'd pay...

The best deals like this come and go fast on the Western Algarve. But there is plenty of opportunity if you are ready to act...

First, some context...

Offering 300 days of sunshine a year, breathtaking beaches, and first-rate golf, Portugal's Algarve attracts millions of tourists each year. It's in the south of the country facing the Atlantic, although it boasts a Mediterranean climate. It's a place of culture, great food, and welcoming locals.

For years Portugal was fairly unknown. The Algarve was the only part of the country that drew a lot of tourists. Those were mostly British and other northern Europeans. I visited often—the Algarve is a favorite place of mine and one reason I keep going back is I'm personally looking for property there.

I'm not alone...not anymore.

The number of tourists visiting Portugal has broken records eight years in a row.

Portugal is one of the hottest trends in travel these days. Tourism in Portugal has been on a tear for most of a decade. Last year was another record-breaker. Portugal saw a whopping 24 million tourists. And the Algarve alone had a record-breaking 20 million overnight stays.

North Americans and Canadians have discovered Portugal. It's no longer the “best-kept” secret in Western Europe. Getting to Portugal is easier, too. In 2019, Portugal's national airline, TAP, launched new direct routes to Chicago and Washington DC. They already offer flights to New York, Boston, L.A., Miami, Toronto, and Montreal, and they plan more in the near future.

Since 2012 the country has become a safe haven for international investors lured by the Golden Visa and the promise of a safe place to park their money. A minimum investment of €350,000 in real estate could get you the visa, which opens up visa-free travel throughout Europe's Schengen Zone.

That's just one of the reasons Portugal topped International Living's 2020 Retirement Index.

Not only is it easy to gain residence, it's one of the safest countries in the world. Portugal came third in 2019's Global Peace Index. It definitely feels overwhelming peaceful, safe, and easy going. In fact, safety is high on the list for the growing number of expats you meet there. They also talk about the low cost of living, mild climate, culture, history, and the ease of getting around the rest of Europe.

I've been visiting the Algarve since 2002, and this southern stretch of coast has delivered some incredible deals to members of Real Estate Trend Alert.

For instance, in one deal I uncovered in the historic town of Lagos, which I mentioned above, I believe we will see strong appreciation—around €90,000 in five years. I reckon it could command an annual rental income of nearly €25,000.

It was priced at €210,000 in a four-story building with a shared pool—a property that will easily top the listings on websites like Airbnb if you market it right. In five years, I expect this condo to be worth €300,000.

Monthly payments, even on a condo like this, will blow your mind. Banks in Portugal are hungry to do business, and even foreign investors like us can get mortgages of 80% LTV, at rates as low as 1.5%. That's something that's hard to find anywhere else, where foreign investors usually can't access bank finance.

You could borrow 80% LTV at 1.5% and your repayments would be €663 a month for a 30-year mortgage.

In the eastern Algarve, near the historic town of Tavira, I've uncovered a deal where the numbers look even sweeter. Borrowing 80% LTV on a €149,000 condo, you'd be into the deal for just €29,800, plus buying costs. And with a rate of 1.5%, your repayments are just €575.

These condos are already built, ready to move into, and ideally placed for rental income. You can learn more about the opportunity here.

I'm struck by the parallels with opportunities I have discovered on Mexico's Riviera Maya. Just as a Path of Progress has driven profits there, it's doing so on the Algarve. In both places the whole spectrum of tourism markets is catered for—from mass-market through to upmarket and boutique.

The short-term rental market in the Algarve is anchored by a red-hot, 10-week peak season. You can add the two weeks at Easter and schools' (in northern Europe) spring and fall breaks. (The Algarve is very popular as a family destination.) May and September are good months to rent to golfers, young couples, and retirees. Figure, all told, on 10 weeks of peak rentals and then 10 weeks scattered through the rest of the year at an off-season rate. And the season is getting longer as Portugal's tourism sector booms. Plus, Scandinavians are coming in increasing numbers in the off season to escape their winter.

But there's another reason why the Algarve is becoming a unique investment opportunity. Recently, the Portuguese government started talking about adding new restrictions to the Golden Visa, which would exclude property in Lisbon and Porto from eligibility. If this happens, we could see a rise in the number of expats looking to buy in the Algarve.

But the deals go fast these days. You have to be swift...