When you dream of retiring, does world travel come to mind?  Maybe you don’t think it’s affordable on a fixed income. But if you live in the U.S., the cost of living abroad might just come as a pleasant surprise.

International Living, an organization “helping people retire, live and invest overseas since 1979”, provides insight into life overseas and the actual comparative costs.  Becoming a member provides access to information and experts around the world in virtually every country. Providing country reports, local resident updates, workshops, scouting trips, conferences, and a monthly magazine, International Living is a goldmine for retirees. 

Country Reports

Have a favorite getaway or a dream location in mind?  IL probably has made a report on it. From Europe – “Escape to Italy Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less”, to tropical paradises – “The Worlds Best Secret Islands”, to Asia’s best in class – “Vietnam: Fun, Safe, and Inexpensive”.  These reports from actual expat residents breakdown the costs and the pros/cons of life in each destination.

Global Retirement Index

Not sure where to start your global wandering?  Annually, IL publishes a Global Retirement Index, which ranks destinations based on top requirements for retirees to consider: climate, cost of living, healthcare, safety, friendliness, walkability, cultural and social activities and more.

Workshops and Conferences

International Living also hosts workshops and conferences throughout the year offering even more in-depth information on the logistics of living abroad. 2024 included a Medicare overview, and the Ultimate Go Overseas Bootcamp 2024, being held in Las Vegas (October). 2025 already has a February conference on the calendar – Fast Track Panama. Hear from local residents and advisors on a variety of topics in these sessions, including visa and entry requirements and planning and executing your trip or move.

Scouting Trips

If you are nearing the start of your global retirement journey, perhaps a field trip to one of your potential destinations is in order? IL provides scouting trip sample itineraries, maps, and real estate contacts for your journey.  You can travel on your own or join a planned IL trip.

Interactive Community Forum

Maybe best of all, International Living provides members with an interactive community forum to personally connect with other expats and retirees all over the world. You can build community before ever leaving home and have connections in place the minute you touch down abroad.

But don’t take my word for it – check out all the benefits of joining International Living today and maybe I’ll see you somewhere in paradise!