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Tired of the mundane, nine-to-five, rush hour traffic and cold weather? Hungry for adventure? Nothing broadens your mind like travel. For those with an adventurous spirit, travel allows for embracing new cultures and ways of doing things, and leads to a happier, richer, fuller life.
International Living’s editors and correspondents travel the world searching for the best retirement destinations. They clock up a lot of air miles and in their time on the road (and in the air) and by doing so have found the best ways to travel for less in interesting places overseas.
Maybe you’d like to shop in chic markets in Paris…golf on Ireland’s famous links…have a suit custom tailored in Bangkok (and delivered to your hotel) …experience a fiesta in Mexico, or surf some great waves in Costa Rica.
Well, good news: You can afford all of that…even on a modest budget.
It might surprise you learn that it doesn’t take a fortune to enjoy a rich travel experience abroad. Traditionally, travel was prohibitively expensive due to high air fares and accommodation costs, but not anymore. The truth is you simply need to know where and how to do it. And we can show you how.
So, there is no need to put off that dream around the world trip any longer, because now you can make it a reality.
The articles below will give you new ideas about places to visit…and live. Find out more about ways you can save money when you travel, where to find the best hotels in the world at affordable prices, and get some insider knowledge to take you off the beaten track. Our writers also reveal their top travel ideas that won’t cost the earth, but will make you feel like a millionaire and inject some excitement into your life.
Costa Rica is famous worldwide for its flora and fauna. Thanks to a wide variety of climates, from steamy rain forest to moist cloud forest to dry plains to wetlands and more, it is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet.
With an estimated 89 million travelers crossing her borders, France was the most visited country in the world in 2017. I’ve been living in this delightful country since 2010 and have been fortunate to visit many of its regions. So this news hardly came as a big surprise. Wherever you decide to go in France, Read more...: How to Take a Tour of France Without Breaking the Bank
Situated on Nicaragua’s southern Pacific coast, San Juan del Sur is a funky beach town—with around 1,500 expats from all over the world. Stroll through town, and you’ll see colorful buildings of all different sizes flanking the ocean. They house surf shops, bakeries, beach clothing stores, hotels and hostels, from basic to top-dollar. Buy hand-made jewelry from artists from every continent. Take a swim in the beautiful bay; watch the multi-colored sunset.
If you’re ever in the Arenal region of Costa Rica there is one activity you have to make time for: a dip in one of the natural hot springs. Known locally as “aguas termales,” the 90 to 110 degree Fahrenheit waters are naturally heated by volcanic activity. In fact, most of the hot springs have a great view of the Arenal volcano from the pools.
When moving to Costa Rica, many newly-arrived expats decide to forgo having their own car. In retirement on a limited budget they want to eliminate the added expense of maintenance and fuel for a vehicle. Cars can be expensive to purchase in country and import from North America too, so that's another reason to go car-less.
The tiny five-island archipelago of Malta is an increasingly sought-after retirement destination among expats these days—and it’s no surprise why. Situated just 100 miles south of Sicily, the Mediterranean island offers an incredible charm.
There I was, sipping a lovely white wine from grapes grown within 100 yards of where I stood at a community wine festival. You might think I’d gone off the beaten track to some remote corner of France where timeless traditions still hold sway... but I was in fact, right bang in the middle of one of Paris’ popular tourist areas—the bohemian quarter of Montmartre.
John Sklute, a retired English professor from California, has lived just about everywhere—from sunny Spain to spacious Sweden. So when he says that Berlin has a special something, you know he's done the legwork. John's love for Berlin started when he spent a summer there in 1994 and fell in love with a local. The relationship didn't work out, but John's passion for Berlin never waned.
Maybe it’s the music. Or the breathtaking landscapes. Or the witty humor and long, effortless conversations. Even without a drop of Irish blood in your veins, it’s easy to fall in love with Ireland’s charms, traditions, and strong sense of community. The recession that followed the Celtic Tiger boom hasn’t altered the essentials that make the Emerald Isle special.
I happen to think that I'm one of the luckiest guys in the world. Not only do I live in Malaysia, a beautiful country on so many levels, but also I love what I do. I travel at will, pretty much at the drop of a hat. I've enjoyed complimentary meals and hotel upgrades along the way.