3 Tropical Paradises to Explore If You’re Looking to Pack It Up and Start Over From Scratch
Living in a tropical paradise is a dream of many people. As quite a few individuals approach retirement or want to trade a hectic lifestyle for one that’s slower-paced, tropical destinations around the world have become popular ex-pat destinations. Starting a new life in a more affordable country can help, but so does a culture that promotes the idea of “working to live” rather than “living to work.”
Even if you think you’re ready to start that new life, before you go out and buy your first set of bamboo cay shirts, it’s wise to check out your options. From Bali to Latin America to the Caribbean, here’s a list of the top 10 locations to consider.
Island Life
A lot of islands are known for including some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. According to travel and retirement experts, many of them make the list of best places to retire. One of them is Malta, which is located in the Mediterranean. Besides the warm, year-round temperatures and coastal lifestyle, many of the residents speak English fluently. The lack of a language barrier and relatively low cost of living makes it easier for Americans to transition to the island of Malta.
If Eastern cultures are appealing, Penang in Malaysia may be your next home. This island is also known for its large English-speaking population as well as its affordability. The island touts its ability to deliver a luxury lifestyle on a budget.
Latin America
Both Ambergris Caye in Belize and Roatan, Honduras, are viable options if you’re seeking an affordable place to retire or slow down. Roatan is situated thirty-five miles from the coast of Honduras, while Ambergris Caye is full of outdoor enthusiasts and a healthy nightlife scene. Although Ambergis Caye is the more expensive of the two, it is still considered affordable by American standards.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico, is located only ten miles from the popular destination of Cancun. The island boasts a more peaceful lifestyle than its closest neighbor as well as pristine white sand beaches and a lower cost of living than most U.S. states. Other locations with solid potential include Isla Colon in Panama and Las Terrenas in the Dominican Republic. Although technically in the Caribbean, Las Terrenas features Latin American influence and a wealth of pristine beaches.
Other Great Contenders
Some other good contenders for starting over in a tropical paradise include Koh Samui in Thailand, Bali, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Mallorca, Spain. The one downfall of St. Thomas is its popularity as a cruise ship port of call and its high population. If you’re looking for a place that is more secluded, a lesser-known island may be a better fit. Affordability may also be more of an issue with St. Thomas, but Mallorca and Koh Samui offer affordability you may not be able to find in the states.
Making the decision to relocate abroad or start a new life is not easy. Weighing the disadvantages and advantages is important, but what’s even more important is following your dreams. If that dream includes living out your golden years in a tropical paradise, there’s no reason you can’t start looking to make it happen. Affordability, lifestyle, culture, and language barriers are just a few of the factors to start considering.
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