Are you beginning to reach your golden years and looking for a change of pace? Perhaps you’ve considered travel in a small town or a large city, but what about another country? Perhaps travelling has always been on your bucket list, but you didn’t get to travel as much as you would have did enjoy when you were younger. Now might be a good time to travel outside of the United States. Of course, there are several factors to consider when deciding on your next permanent residence, such as the expense of living, the number of fun activities to keep you busy, the community, and the climate. Fortunately, a new report from International Living can assist you in narrowing down your international options.
International Living has released their 2023 Annual Global Travel Index, which will assist you in determining which country will meet both your wants and needs. The report integrates real-life experiences with facts and figures to help you determine your best travel options. Each destination has something special to offer, but which one is best for you? Continue reading to hear from travel experts well about 11 best places to travel abroad based on new data.
The Best International Places To Travel in World
1. Portugal’s Best Places To Travel
Portugal is the best place to travel. It was recently ranked as one of the safest places to live, and residents have access to both public and private healthcare. The property tax is relatively low, and it is affordable to own a home or any amount of land.
Thus according Lewis, the country is known for its historic cities, extremely friendly locals, and stunning architecture. “Portugal is an excellent choice for those looking for a relaxed lifestyle,” he says. It’s also a great place to spend time outdoors because of the mild climate that lasts all year. If you end up in Portugal, you will truly make the most of your travelling.
2. Mexico’s Top Travel Destination
Mexico is a massive, successful country close to the United States, so you can easily return home to see relatives. According to Sam Helmy, travel writer for PointsPanda, it offers a great programme called Instituto Nacional de las Personas Adultas Mayores (INAPAM), which provides benefits to those who hold a valid residence visa for Mexico.
“With an INAPAM membership card, you can get discounts on a variety of services like health-related services, cultural activities, transportation, and lodging, and these discounts can range from 5 to 50% off the full price of the good or service,”
But rather, of course, there are many things to do in Mexico. Schmit is a big fan of the Yucatan Peninsula, particularly Bacalar. The town is famous for its Lagoon of Seven Colors, a 26-mile stretch of clear, electric blue freshwater (the largest freshwater body in Mexico!) that has earned it the nickname “The Maldives of Mexico.” Bacalar has “solid infrastructure” and a “growing number of expats while remaining priced a fraction lower than the United States,”
3. Panama‘s Travel Places
Panama is best suited for people looking for a simple and inexpensive relocation. There are many different travel communities throughout the country, and newcomers can experience both the bustling city life and the serenity of the mountains and rainforests.
“Middle class families can also get discounts from a variety of healthcare providers and use the country’s pensionado visa,” Lewis says. According to the report, the pensionado visa facilitates the move if you have a monthly pension of at least $1000. If you do not intend to stay permanently, Panama offers a temporary telework visa valid for up to 18 months.
4. Ecuador
Ecuador, praised as a tourist destination by the Galapagos Islands, is also frequently mentioned as a top travel location. Ecuadorians thrive on peace and quiet, and you’ll be welcomed right away. Furthermore, finding an apartment will not be a stressful experience—you can easily live for less than $2,000 per month in most places across the country.
The country has a mix of mountains and beaches, and there is always a breathtaking view, according to Lewis. “Ecuador also has some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, making it a great place to explore and discover nature,”
5. Costa Rica
“Pura Vida,” which translates to “simple or pure life,” is more than just a catchphrase in Costa Rica; it is a way of life. People who live here are more relaxed and worry-free because of the strong sense of community and slower pace of life—and visitors and expats from all over the world flock to the country to find their own version of Costa Rican magic.
“Owing to its relatively low cost of living and reputation as the safest (and happiest!) country in Central America,” says Jessica Schmitt, the travel blogger behind Uprooted Traveler.
The country is rich in wildlife, scenic beauty, and historic sites. If you enjoy the outdoors, you can stay active and healthy by kayaking or hiking. Many expats enjoy getting to know the locals by learning to cook Costa Rican specialties and immersing themselves in indigenous art.
6. Spain
If you want a high quality of life without a high cost of living, Spain checks all the boxes. Despite price increases over the last decade, Spain remains one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe.
Those pursuing a large city but with low living costs should consider the coastal cities of Valencia, Alicante, and Malaga. Best Life speaks with Patricia Palacios, co-founder of Espaa Guide. Smaller towns and villages are even more affordable, but no matter where you choose to live, you’ll feel welcome thanks to Spain’s emphasis on the elderly.
So according Palacios, another advantage of travelling here is the Spanish cuisine. “[The] Mediterranean diet continues to reign supreme, and the country proudly produces fruits and vegetables for both domestic consumption and export to the
rest of Europe,” she says. Because Spain is right on the coast, fresh fish and seafood are also inexpensive and readily available.
7. Greece
It’s no surprise that Greece, with its extensive history, distinctive cuisine, and natural beauty, is one of the most popular travel destinations. Greece is not a large country, but it is a popular destination for seniors. Older men will most likely be seen playing cards in front of coffee shops, and women will be seen chatting in front of storefronts. Real estate will cost roughly half of what it does in the United States, and you will also receive quality health benefits.
It has a lot to offer if you’re a special person. “There’s something special about walking in these ancient places that connects you to the people who lived there thousands of years ago,” says Carbonne.
With something new to see in every part of the country and good access to two neighboring European countries, including Greece in your travel plan is straightforward.
8. France
France is an excellent choice for those looking to live a more luxurious lifestyle without breaking the bank. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in a sophisticated environment while also relaxing and exploring to your heart’s content. The combination of rich culture and history in cities like Paris and the relaxed vibe of the countryside in the South makes for an ideal travel destination.
Another advantage is that housing options are significantly less expensive than in the United States. “The cost of living is slightly higher than in other countries, but the benefit of being able to indulge in fine dining and activities more than compensates,”
9. Italy
Italy packs a powerful punch for such a small peninsula. Each region of this must-see destination and possible travel option is rich in history, enchanting cities, and mouth-watering food. In this amazing country, there is truly something for everyone!
According to Leslie Carbone, a travel expert at Sancerres at Sunset, Rome is distinguished by its ancient ruins, whereas Florence is rich in architecture and design, as well as magnificent art museums. “But you don’t even need to go to a museum; the city is a work of art in and of itself, with cobblestone streets, the Ponte Vecchio, and a replica of Michelangelo’s David in the city square,” she says. When visiting an Italian city, all you have to do is look up to see beautiful art.
10. Thailand
The climate in Thailand is a big draw for beneficiaries: sunny skies and warm weather are year-round. Thailand has three seasons: hot (March-May), cold (November-February), and wet (May-Oct.). While the hot season can be quite humid, with temperatures reaching 105 degrees, the significant proportion of the year stays between 79 and 82 degrees. Yes, even in “cold” weather.
Not only is this a place for beautiful beach adventures and new city experiences, but there is also a strong ex-pat community with residents from all over the world who will welcome you with open arms, Lewis tells Best Life. He adds that you can also visit vibrant markets and eat a mix of local and traditional Thai cuisine. One thing is certain: looking to travel to Thailand will never bore you.
11. Colombia
Colombia has become a popular destination for Americans in recent years, because of to its lower cost of living and gorgeous scenery. It has charming small towns, coastal and mountain areas, as well as bustling cities
“Colombia has a lot of cultures to discover, with vibrant festivals and stunning colonial architecture,” says Stuart Lewis, travel agent and editor at Travel Scoop.
With everything from art and society big cities like Bogota and Medellin to tropical paradises with white sand beaches like Cartagena to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta trails through snow-peaked mountains and beautiful lakes, you’ll be able to fill your calendar and stay busy during the post-work years.
Due to current exchange rates, obtaining a visa in Colombia is easier and less expensive, and health insurance is of high quality without being prohibitively expensive. Plus, now that you have more time on your hands, it’s a great place to learn or brush up on your Spanish!