Could your next vacation spot make the perfect new home? Many people have been considering making a move out of the U.S., and if you’re one of them, there are a number of outstanding international travel destinations you may want to check out to help you make your decision. At the minimum, you’re sure to get an unforgettable holiday out of the experience.
Koh Samui, Thailand
A top destination in Thailand, Koh Samui and the surrounding islands are just an hour from Bangkok, yet it’s an ideal place to escape the crowds. The idyllic vision of a tropical escape, it offers golden sands that sit at the edge of sparkling waters in every shade of blue and green imaginable. It was a place that somehow managed to stay a secret well into the 20th century – in fact, there were no roads until the 1940s, and even today, much of the mountainous interior on this large island remains jungle. By the 1970s, the hippies had discovered it, and a decade later backpackers followed, which means now, you’ll find everything Thailand offers and then some, including modern conveniences. Enjoy lively bars, beachside bungalows, Thai massage, and delicious $2 bowls of noodles too.
La Paz, Baja California, Mexico
La Paz was once set to become the next Acapulco, but Baja’s unassuming laid-back city was mostly left alone by tourists until just recently, with resorts popping up just outside of town aimed at travelers looking for luxury that they once could only find in Cancun and Cabo. For now, the essential nature of the capital hasn’t changed and you can still enjoy a provincial Mexico town atmosphere along with picture-postcard beaches, lively squares, and city streets nestled between coconut palms, old laurel trees, and date palms. Not to mention an average of 340 days of sunshine and the ultimate seafood smorgasbord. In fact, it’s so alluring, more than a few who came decided they never wanted to leave. Crime statistics are low, and so are the home prices – plus, it’s the only city on the Sea of Cortez that Jacques Cousteau called the “world’s aquarium,” as the home of 900 different species of fish and one-third of the world’s marine mammal species.
Roatan, Honduras
Most people have never heard of Roatan, but that’s starting to change, thanks to its irresistibly clear, aquamarine waters, gorgeous beaches, and rugged, lush jungle-covered terrain. More and more travelers are heading here, not just to enjoy a vacation, but to live out their dream. While it’s still largely undeveloped, boredom is a word seldom heard here. The mesmerizing Caribbean and Mesoamerican Barrier Reef which surrounds the island is renowned for some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world and is teeming with colorful fish and brilliant coral. On land, opportunities include golfing, hiking, zip-lining, and more. Plus, the majority of residents here speak English, making it much easier to get around and get to know the locals. You can mingle with plenty of expats too, there’s a close-knit American (and Canadian) expat population that’s especially welcoming and willing to offer advice.
New Zealand
New Zealand offers it all as one of the best world’s top countries when it comes to spectacular scenery, with everything from soaring mountains and glaciers to beautiful beaches, thermal regions, and fjords, along with charming villages and cosmopolitan cities. While it should be on every traveler’s bucket list, it’s also a place that may lure you in for the long term. The locals are incredibly friendly, and you won’t have to worry about battling crowds unless they’re sheep – New Zealand is home to six times more sheep than people. Wellington was recently named one of the most affordable cities for expats.
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada
Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island is absolutely breathtaking with jaw-dropping scenery along the Atlantic coast. Canadians are especially welcoming, and Nova Scotia, Cape Breton in particular, is a fabulous place to visit with its magnificent Cabot Trail, Scottish Highland heritage, fiddlers, and a close-knit bond with nature. Take a scenic drive around the Cabot Trail, popping into one of the many small-town seafood stops that serve mouth-watering fresh lobster and seafood chowder. You can even overnight in the Munroe Point Lighthouse, a former home with a private, non-functioning lighthouse.
Exuma, Bahamas
One of the lesser-visited islands in the Bahamas, Exuma offers a laid-back way of life just 250 miles from Miami, making it ideal if you want to stay relatively close to the U.S., but want to immerse yourself in a different culture. As one might imagine, surrounded by water, this is a watersports paradise, with fantastic fishing, particularly bonefishing at the world-renowned Exuma flats, as well as swimming, kayaking, sailing, and just about everything else you can dream up to do in the clear, turquoise waters. If you’re planning on retiring, or you work remotely online, it’s an excellent tropical island option for a permanent move as the residency laws are open to anyone who can support themselves without working for a local employer.
Ecuador
Ecuador is one of Latin America’s cheapest countries to visit or to live. Plus, it’s consistently warm and beautiful, guaranteeing the perfect backdrop for many different outdoor adventures. You can enjoy an astounding array of wonders from charming colonial centers and gorgeous beaches to the lush wildlife-filled Amazonian rainforest and the jaw-dropping heights of the Andes. It’s also very safe, with some of the lowest crime rates on the continent. If you move here, you’re likely to seriously upgrade your lifestyle as day-to-day living costs a fraction of what it does in the U.S. – and, you’ll have access to high-quality, low-cost healthcare too.
Ireland
The Emerald Isle is on or at the top of just about every traveler’s bucket list, and many who go never want to leave. The Irish are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, and some of the funniest too – even in the face of major challenges, they always seem to find the humor somewhere. And then there’s the scenery, those endless lush green hills, breathtakingly rugged coastlines, glistening lakes, and mountains that stretch into the sky. The fertile land also produces an amazing array of delicious, fresh food, in fact, Ireland has a modern, thriving foodie scene. Of course, you’ll be able to enjoy a perfectly-poured Guinness to go along with whatever meal you desire.
Argentina
Argentina offers a very diverse landscape, with everything from stunning beaches and rocky seaside villages to dramatic mountain peaks and lush jungle. It even has an increasingly popular wine country region. From skiing and hiking to horseback riding, winery tours, mountain climbing, boating or just hanging out at the beach, there is no shortage of fun. If you like excitement, check out the cosmopolitan Argentine capital where you can tango the night away, reinventing yourself to an entirely different beat. Bariloche, famous for its chocolate is an adventurer’s paradise in the summer and a true winter wonderland for snow bunnies in the colder months of the year. No matter where you go, Argentinian cuisine is to-die-for, as one of the most celebrated in South America.
Although cities like Buenos Aires are reminiscent of European destinations like Paris, the cost of living is much lower, allowing residents to enjoy a high-quality life at more affordable costs.
