The Affordable French Island Hiding Off the Riviera

“The luminous hour before sunset is special. Every bay is a brilliant turquoise. Villages take on a honeyed glow; vineyards are dusted with gold; mountain crags flare orange. Out to the west, rocky islets change from dusky pink to a deep blood-red,” writes Steenie Harvey in the February issue of International Living magazine.

Dramatic, unspoiled, sensual, the island she’s talking about is anchored 100 miles south of the Côte d’Azur, and it’s a mystery to most North Americans. In fact, this island is so far under the radar that even a travel writer can forget it’s the western Mediterranean’s third-largest.

Its 800-mile coastline is punctuated with small resorts, fishing ports and medieval citadel towns that could have been stolen from Italy. Its summers last longer than anywhere in mainland France. There are orchards, chestnut woods and olive groves…

The balconies of bougainvillea-draped hill villages look out over silver beaches and azure-blue seas… Everywhere smells fragrant. The air is perfumed with sage and rosemary, myrtle and eucalyptus… Spring delivers riots of wildflowers; fall a harvest festival of grapes, mushrooms, olives and apricots…

This is Corsica…and these are just some of the reasons it’s called France’s Île de Beauté (Isle of Beauty). Amazing ocean views, affordable real estate and delicious food are others and in this month’s feature story Steenie reveals more…

Elsewhere in the February issue, Robert Cook tells IL Panama editor, Jessica Ramesch, how he traded up his old life for a dream retirement in Panama. When Robert sold his house and car, quit his job in Kansas City, and took off to Panama six years ago, his friends asked him if he was on drugs.

Now, he says, they envy him.

Robert settled in the idyllic highland town of Boquete, in Panama’s Chiriqui Highlands, where temperatures from the low 70’s F to the mid-80s F make for a near-perfect climate. The cost of living is so low here that making this slice of paradise your new home is easy.

Editor’s note: Cheaper than the rest of the Riviera, but no less enchanting, Corsica is an island where you can definitely trade up to a better life overseas—in fact, it could be Steenie’s best trip yet—and to celebrate the fact, if you subscribe to IL magazine now, you’ll also receive our new report The Retirement Rescue Strategy: How to Trade Up to a Better Life This Year, Even if You Haven’t Saved a Dime. Read about Corsica, Boquete and lots more in the February issue of International Living magazine.

Five Places Where Crisis Investing Can Pay Off Today

“Everyone knows the world is in crisis. Yet I’m looking forward to the New Year…and you should be, too…because you could make some serious money,” writes IL real estate guru Ronan McMahon in this month’s issue of International Living magazine.

From fire sales in Panama to a market meltdown in Ireland, Ronan writes about the best chances you have to make money from crisis investment in 2011.

These aren’t the kind of opportunities that announce themselves. You have to know where to look. Ronan’s traveled to 15 countries in the past 12 months in search of these opportunities and he reveals them here in the December issue of International Living magazine…before most people even know they exist.

Also in this month’s issue, Suzan Haskins reports on a land of beautiful vistas and temperate climates. “We found amazingly-preserved colonial towns, pretty white-sand beaches overlooking the Caribbean Sea, lush rainforests, fertile plains, coffee-growing plantations and what just might be the most modern and cosmopolitan city in Latin America.”

“Mention that you’re going to Colombia,” she writes “and people think you’re crazy. But they haven’t been. My husband Dan and I are just back…and wow…”

Suzan was there to put the finishing touches to our super-detailed Colombia Report: An Insider’s Guide to the Newest  Opportunity-Rich Frontier. We’re convinced that this is the hottest emerging destination of the next decade. And having spent time doing the boots-on-the-ground research, so is Suzan. You’ll find her article on page 4 of your December magazine.

Another hot favorite, and one of the friendliest destinations we’ve ever explored, is Ecuador. Every year more and more expats are finding their footing in this beautiful country. So in this month’s magazine, Dan Prescher explains just how easy—and cheap—it is to rent in Quito, the country’s charming highland capital.

“Ecuador is the place to get the most bang for your retirement and second-home buck,” writes Dan. “And where better to get to know the culture and perfect climate of the country’s highlands region than in this thriving city of 1.5 million.”

Beneath white-washed colonial colonnades, ancient wooden doorways open onto tiny shops exuding the mouth-watering scent of fresh-baked bread and ripe fruit. Cobbled-squares fill with clear Andean light, that shines on cathedrals and mansions that were old before the United States became a country. And you can try this life on for size with rents starting at just $220 a month.

We like Quito so much in fact, that we’ve invited 100 experts from all over the world to share their knowledge with you there next February at our Ultimate Event.

Also in your December issue:

* One of IL’s long-time editors and experts, Lee Harrison, writes about the dynamic neighborhood life of his home in Montevideo, Uruguay
* Panama editor and cruise expert Jessica Ramesch reveals how to take a week-long, luxury cruises for as little as $179

You’ll also learn:

* How to cover your airfares with Artisan import-export
* Ten of the world’s best places for exotic Christmas shopping bargains
* Hundreds of hidden tropical-island paradises in Panama
* Revealed: Asia’s next big growth story
* The five easy steps to an offshore account
* Where to stay in a European castle for $64 a night
* And much more…

Get all this and more with your latest copy of International Living magazine.

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The Easy Path to Part-Time Retirement

Three months…six weeks…a short-term escape is a flexible alternative to the “all or nothing” move. But the real beauty of it is that it’s easy…

So easy you can start right now.

What does your life abroad look like? Days spent shaded by a Caribbean palm looking out to sea? Maybe you’re sipping a cold beer on the terrace of a Spanish colonial, or touring the mountain towns of Tuscany…

Catharina Flowers first heard about snow-birds a few years ago. In the November issue of International Living magazine she explains that at first she thought she needed a lot of money, a great monthly retirement check or a rich husband. “Then I read about Isla Margarita in the Caribbean and how ridiculously low the cost of living was there. I decided I just had to find out for myself,” she writes.

Catharina hopped on a plane and ended up staying five months. Now she calls herself a “snow-bird in training” and this year she’s spending winter in Ecuador. Next year? Maybe Peru, Chile, Argentina or Uruguay…

There’s only one way to find out what works for you. And it costs very little…

Do what Catharina did. Just visit. Pick a place and stay as long as you can. There’s no need to plunge into a new life. In fact, you’ll be surprised just how many “part-timers” are already testing the waters. The door to overseas life is wide open…and Catharina’s not the only one going through to try it out…

Gail and John Swainson love Canadian summers at their log home, right by a large lake about an hour north of Toronto. But when the winter blizzards arrive, their tropical home in Mexico really hits the mark.

In this month’s issue they explain that in the beginning they enjoyed spending weeklong vacations at their getaway on the Yucatan Gulf Coast of Mexico. A permanent move isn’t for them; they’d miss watching their grandkids grow up. But now they’re both retired they plan to spend whole winters down south—striking a balance and getting two summers a year.

There’s as many good reasons to make the move part-time as there are places to chose from.

And it can cost you less to spend a month in a good-value escape than it would to pay your utility bills back home.

Suzan Haskins writes in this month’s magazine how one of her friends discovered exactly that on a visit to her and Dan in Ecuador. He told them: “I could live here for a month on what I spend on air conditioning alone back in Phoenix.”

In fact, you can even make money living part-time abroad. Real Estate Trend Alert’s editor, Ronan McMahon, reveals three wonderful places where this is possible in the latest issue of International Living magazine. You can spend time in these havens every year and still see a good return.

The thing is…life abroad is so affordable that many expats buy not one, but two homes in the same country. David and Turalu Murdock in Nicaragua, for instance, divide their time between a city condo in Managua and a dream home overlooking the Pacific.

And some expats take it even further, living part time in two countries, like Dennis and Kristy Tonsing who get the best of Ecuador and Uruguay, for less than the price of life back home.

The point is—there are no rules. For every potential expat there’s a different path to overseas life. Just ignore the all-or-nothings and do what feels right.

Chase the best climates…enjoy a never-ending summer…get the best of both worlds…all worlds…live where you want to be.

…Like I said, you can start right now… we’ve packed the November issue of International Living magazine with the pleasures and perks of a part-time retirement…you can learn from folks already doing it…find out how to save—or even make—money from part-time living… Get tips on how to find the perfect long-term rental and a whole lot more…

Subscribe to International Living magazine now to get instant access to the November issue and everything I’ve mentioned in so far.

P.S. Plus, the November issue of International Living magazine also includes…

The Best Things about Part-Time Retirement—IL readers share their stories

“I get the Best of Both Worlds”—Yvette Dalton from Ohio

“I’m a Snow-Bird in Training”—Catarina Ingrid Flowers from British Colombia, Canada

“Life on the Road is Cheaper than at Home”—Kelly and Angela Grams from Alberta, Canada

From our real estate scouts….

How to Find a Money-Making Part-Time Escape

Three Places to Profit from Your Part-Time Retirement Haven

Tropical Island Opportunities—An Ocean View in Brazil from $68,000

Do You Like Adventure? Bargains Abound on Lake Chapala’s South Shore

If you’re dreaming of a new life overseas:

How to Find the Perfect Overseas Rental

Have an Easy, Vibrant Retirement in Colonial Granada, Nicaragua

Discover Alternative Rome—Good Food, Cheap Travel, No Crowds

Ten Reasons to Retire to Ambergris Caye, Belize

A Lost World Getaway in the South Atlantic

Learn about Capoeira: The Brazilian Dance Martial Art

Ten of the World’s Best Safari Locales

Eight Ways to Save Money on Simple Health Care Overseas

And On the Money…

Vietnam—How to Grab Opportunity on a New Frontier

How to Make Money from the Mega Trends

Following a Vision in Costa Rica

And much more…

Subscribe to International Living magazine now.

Revealed: The Best Colonial Retirement Haven

“Its early evening and the tall street lights with their hanging lanterns have just come on in the square, casting warm circles of golden light. This part of the city is pedestrian only, and tourists and locals are strolling down the center of the wide, flagstone streets and past immaculately-preserved colonial buildings…” writes Glynna Prentice in this month’s magazine.

The physical beauty of this small city takes your breath away. In fact, it’s so special it’s one of a select few places recognized for their extraordinary heritage and listed by the UN’s cultural arm, UNESCO.

This city is a rare colonial gem…a place to savor the cool night air and soak up the centuries-old ambience…where store windows heave with the colorful craftwork the region is justly famous for.

This is Oaxaca—where everything wonderful about Mexico meets in one place. The country’s single best destination if you’re seeking its essence…ancient cities, grand colonial splendor, smiling locals, artisan workshops, colorful markets, great food…all at affordable prices. (A couple can live comfortably here for $1,800 a month.)

Glynna can’t wait to go back, and she’s not the only one enchanted by Oaxaca. Chris and Annie Faltis from California were on their fourth visit to the city when they met Glynna there. “It’s the creative spirit” they say that keeps them coming back. They like it so much they’re now looking to rent and stay longer.

That creative spirit can be found in the bustling markets—some of the largest in the country—in the stylish boutiques and quaint galleries nestled in old colonial mansions.

A short drive from town you can explore one of the oldest and most impressive ancient cities in the Americas, Monte Alban, once home to the Zapotecs.

In the surrounding hill villages local craftspeople welcome you to watch them work, weaving beautifully patterned rugs or making unique, colorful wood carvings called alebrijes.

And Oaxaca is known as the “foodie” capital of Mexico. You can test this reputation for just a few dollars—a three-course lunch in an excellent restaurant will set you back between $3.50 and $7.

This is also the home of mescal, the fiery liquor made from cactus, and you’re never far from a shop or stall selling Oaxaca’s most indulgent pleasure—chocolate, in all its guises…hot, spiced, dark, nutty…

With so much to do it’s no surprise that many expats turn their regular visits to Oaxaca into a permanent new life. Expat Tony Raab made the move eight years ago. Now he distills his own mescal and runs a dog rescue program with his wife Rebecca. According to Tony the real reason to stay is the climate.

Located in a valley in the Sierra Madre Mountains, Oaxaca sits at an altitude of 5,500 feet and for much of the year days are sunny and temperatures are in the 70 s and 80s.

If you want to walk in the shade of grand mansions, and 400-year-old churches, find your favorite meal in a lush, colonnaded courtyard restaurant, bask in the glow of the city’s history and character…sit in the shade of the deep-green laurel trees eating delicious homemade ice cream…

…Then begin your colonial adventure now…with the latest “Oaxaca” issue of International Living magazine.

Where is the World’s Top Retirement Haven?

We’re constantly on the look out for those countries around the world where you can live cheaper, enjoy better weather, pay less tax, be healthier, happier… where you can start a new life, start a business, retire…

But which country is best of all?

Every September that’s the question we set out to answer in our Global Retirement Index.

Our Global Retirement Index is the result of months of research. We take masses of facts and figures, crunch them, mull them over, and then—for that unique ingredient—we go to our far-flung team of experts and editors to get their judgment. These guys know what life is like on the ground, they have years of experience to draw on to make their calls.

And we have this year’s winner…a champion among the world’s best places to retire. A country that scores high marks in every one of the categories we use. A place where smiles come so naturally, friendliness seems genetically wired. Where 12,400-foot mountains shade verdant-green rainforests…and five-mile-long stretches of golden-sand beaches sit nearly undisturbed—for the moment, that is…

And the best bit?

For less than $600 a month a couple can live well in this country…and $1,200 a month gets you a luxurious lifestyle.

Add to this incredibly cheap real estate, great retiree benefits and a wonderful climate…and you’re getting the picture.

There’s something for everyone here. Tropical beaches, temperate mountain retreats, atmospheric old cities and more. You can enjoy a four-course lunch for $2, get discounts on airfares…and find a two-bed condo with ocean views for less than $50,000.

I can’t reveal our number one just yet…

But our winner’s not your only choice.

There are a total of 25 top retirement havens in the world. There’s something to recommend each one. Some have the ideal climate, others the most affordable real estate. Our winner scores highest in cost of living, but our runner up has the best special benefits for retirees…and which one is the healthiest place to live?

You can learn everything you need to know about the best retirement haven in the world…and get the ratings and rankings in every category for every other country in our 2010 Global Retirement Index… in the latest issue of International Living magazine.

Sign up for International Living magazine now and get immediate access to the 2010 Global Retirement Index.

7,000 Hidden Island Paradises

It wasn’t hard to get IL’s roving correspondent Steenie Harvey to spend time in South-East Asia. After all, there are no winters here…just thousands of glittering tropical-island paradises, all within easy reach…

Getting from one to the other is an affordable pleasure…seriously discounted airfares and short-hop flights mean these glittering jewels are just your whim away. From the air these islands are like emerald necklaces strung out in a turquoise sea.

Everywhere you go in this region there’s the intoxicating exoticism of the east…multi-colored temples tucked into mountainous jungle clearings…strange, delicious fruit…spice gardens, pearl divers…smiling, welcoming locals…

Today you’re walking barefoot on sugar-white sands. You’ve just emerged from water the color of a shimmering peacock’s feather…tomorrow you’ll be riding an elephant along a jungle trail or treasure-hunting in Asia’s largest night market for hand-loomed silk…

Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines—these three beautiful countries offer several lifetime’s of opportunity. Here, thousands of miles of tropical beaches, lush mountains and dense rainforest are yours to explore …

For many visitors, Malaysia’s most beautiful spot is Pulau Langkawi, in the Andaman Sea, close to the border with Thailand. Here, you can get back to nature among a jungle-full of exotic birds, or just hang a hammock between coconut palms…

With an architectural heritage of mosques and mock-tudor, Hindu and Buddhist temples, Kuala Lumpur is the country’s gleaming capital. Its airports, highways, and user-friendly monorail are more modern than those in many western cities.

You’ve heard of Bangkok. You may even have been there. But you’re guaranteed that this city of 10 million souls has more to offer with each visit. Its 35-acre floating market alone requires more than one visit to navigate.

The “Rose of the North”, Thailand’s other city is Chang Mai. This is traditional Thailand where teakwood houses cluster around golden wats (temples).

Thailand’s idyllic resorts, like Pattaya and Koh Samui, are popular spots, and then there’s the “just emerging,” like the relaxed, royal beach resort of Hua Hin on the upper-western side of the Gulf of Thailand.

For some of the world’s most amazing seascapes…some of its best snorkeling and dive sites…there are the Philippines. Made up entirely of island paradises—7,107 to be precise—it’s essentially an English-speaking country.

In the latest issue of International Living magazine, IL’s roving correspondent, Steenie Harvey reports from the Philippines…

“It’s a sight to swoon over. As the plane dips down, there they are—strewn across the South China Sea…glimpsing even a fraction of the Philippines gives most visitors a visual knock-out. With tropical sunshine, silvery beaches, world-class diving and jungle adventures, the Philippines is seventh heaven for vacationers. But this South-east Asian country also has retirement credentials…”

Steeine found out all about the Philippines special retiree visa. (If you’re over 50 years old and have a monthly pension of $800 a month you can obtain permanent residency.)

She also found the tastiest food in Asia—in the island paradise of Penang, Malaysia, a country which also has a special retirement program…

Yes, you can retire to these countries. Real estate is affordable, medical care is world-class…the cost of living is so cheap you can actually save money…

But it doesn’t have to be a permanent move. How about an extended adventure? Discover your own Asia…your own slice of paradise. Can you afford it? Yes…

You can live in a beachfront bungalow for $12 a night in Thailand. Rent in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s smart capital for as little as $170 a month. In the Philippines you can find a mountain retreat of your own in Tagaytay, surrounded by orchards and wildflowers, for only $315 a month.

And on Malaysia’s Penang Island, dubbed “the Pearl of the Orient,” you can live in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Georgetown for less than $1,500 a month—that’s for a couple…and includes rent.

In south-east Asia the retiree lifestyle is all about exploring new places, playing golf and tennis, swimming, diving, surfing, and sailing—and never having to think twice about being able to afford to dine out. A couple will be hard-put to spend more than $30 between them on breakfast, lunch and dinner each day.

These islands, beaches and glimmering cities are the dream zones for a long-term retreat—even permanent retirement under the tropical sun…

Begin your Asian adventure now…with the latest issue of International Living magazine.

Feel Better, Look Younger, Live Longer…

Americans distracted by the health-care debate at home probably didn’t notice when 400,000 of their fellow citizens picked up their passports and left the country to seek treatment. That’s the number who travel for care annually. And with reason.

As Josef Woodman reports on page 14 of IL June magazine issue, nearly every standard medical procedure is available overseas today. And—depending upon the country and the type of treatment—you can save anywhere from 15% to 85% by getting care outside the U.S.

Every day we get letters from readers asking about health care, health insurance and healthy destinations overseas. So throughout the current issue of International Living magazine, we answer your questions. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.

For instance, studies show that optimism and purpose, a low stress level, a natural diet and an active lifestyle are three times as important as your genetic makeup when it comes to enjoying a long and healthy life.

Good news is: Even the most curmudgeonly, fast-food addicted soul will find those admirable habits easy to fall into in our picks for the world’s healthiest places to live. Starting on page 20, you’ll find a collection of destinations all around the world, where you’re likely to feel better, look younger and live longer.

Read all this and more in the June issue when you subscribe to IL magazine right now.