Overseas Haven Reports
Showing 1–20 of 79 results
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Italy, Overseas Haven Reports
Abruzzo, Italy | Overseas Haven Report
In our Overseas Haven Report for Abruzzo, Italy we uncover the hidden-gem that will let you step back in time. No over-crowding, no heavy industry, just the best of Italian country life.
Life in Abruzzo hasn’t changed much over the centuries, and coming to Abruzzo is like wandering into a gentler, kinder yesterday…a yesterday with little or no crime and neighbors who watch out for each other.
SKU: OHR-ABRUZZO-ITALY -
Overseas Haven Reports, Portugal
Algarve, Portugal | Overseas Haven Report
Located at Europe’s westernmost tip and boasting 100 miles of Atlantic coastline, Algarve could be Europe’s most famous secret. This region boasts Europe’s best beaches, Europe’s best golf courses, some of Europe’s friendliest folk, and Western Europe’s lowest cost of living. It’s also Europe’s newest tax haven.
Algarve has been Live and Invest Overseas’ the World’s #1 Retirement Haven for several years running now… That’s a distinction we don’t bestow lightly or easily, but our editorial team has a lot of experience at this… We’ve been rating and ranking the world’s best places to spend time in retirement for 30 years now—we can tell you from firsthand experience, the Algarve really nails it.
A safe region, with very little crime and a laid-back lifestyle for expats, this destination caters equally to families and retirees with its culture, cuisine, Blue Flag beaches, historical cities, and so much more. And the Algarve is also a world-recognized golf destination… at last count there were 42 courses in less than 100 square miles.
Thanks to its 3,300 hours of sunshine per year, more sunny days than almost anywhere else in Europe, the Algarve has a longstanding reputation as a top summer destination among European sun-seekers and a top winter retreat for those looking to escape Northern Europe’s coldest months. Plus, Portugal has the lowest cost of living in Western Europe, on average 30% lower than other countries.Bottom line, the Algarve offers an opportunity to savor the best of an old-school, Old World lifestyle at a very affordable cost. Here you can enjoy the best the Continent has to offer, from medieval towns and fishing villages to open-air markets, local wine. This is a land of cobblestoned streets and whitewashed houses with lace-patterned chimneys surrounded by fig, olive, almond, and carob trees.
Here on Portugal’s Algarve, the seafood is fresh, the people are pleasant, the service is friendly, and the wine is affordable on every menu.
Beyond Europe, the Algarve is largely ignored as a retirement haven. If you’re looking for a Continental lifestyle and don’t have the budget for France, Italy, or Spain, Algarve could be your answer.
SKU: OHR-ALGARVE-PORTUGAL -
Belize, Overseas Haven Reports
Ambergris Caye, Belize | Overseas Haven Report
Belize has much to offer beyond its rain forest interior, including one of the world’s best choices for a new life by the sea, la isla bonita Ambergris Caye.
This small haven in the Caribbean, is surrounded by vibrantly turquoise waters and skirted on its eastern side by the longest barrier and reef in the Western Hemisphere.
Living on Ambergris, you’d wake up to the gentle lapping of waves onto pristine white-sand beaches just outside your window and the faint crash of the ocean in the distance, breaking against the second longest coral reef in the world…
Ambergris Caye’s San Pedro Town is now also a bustling tourist destination with world-class restaurants, great night life, a broad variety of activities and pastimes.
Belize is English-speaking, uses the common law system, has a stable government, and is part of the British Commonwealth and of Caricom (Caribbean Community).
Ambergris is not only one of the best places to think about spending time, but also, right now, a top investment option. This is a closing window to take a position in advance of all this big-deal infrastructure… which will lead to more tourists, more residents, and higher property values.
Ambergris… a true meeting place of cultures. She stands somewhat apart from the mainland in her self-expression and lifestyle, and embodies one of those cultures that truly has it all.
On this small island, the passion and vitality of Latin American culture and music can be experienced alongside most of the comforts and business facilities of the Western world, melded all the while with the laid-back and welcoming vibe of the Caribbean.
SKU: OHR-AMBERGRIS-CAYE-BELIZE -
Guatemala, Overseas Haven Reports
Antigua, Guatemala | Overseas Haven Report
This Overseas Haven Report features Antigua, Guatemala, the overlooked colonial city in the heart of Central America with plenty to offer the would-be foreign retiree. A few of the city’s main draws include various cost lifestyle options, tax advantages, little to no humidity, entertainment, and even affordable real estate.
Antigua combines a moderate cost of living, moderate climate, good food, old-world charm, friendly people, lots of culture, and engaging activities to create a vibrant and welcoming community for expats seeking solace and tranquility from the lunacy of the modern world.
SKU: OHR-ANTIGUA-GUATEMALA -
Indonesia, Overseas Haven Reports
Bali, Indonesia | Overseas Haven Report
In this Overseas Haven Report, we feature Bali, Indonesia.
A few of the draws to the island of Bali include; beautiful beaches, low cost of living, tropical climate, and opportunity for Indiana Jones-style escapades.
SKU: OHR-BALI-INDONESIA -
Overseas Haven Reports, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand | Overseas Haven Report
In this Overseas Haven Report we feature Bangkok, Thailand, a favorite among everyone from young to old, singles and families, and those living on a budget or looking to live like royalty.
This is a city where you can find it all. It is a pleasant mix of culture and entertainment, and a perfect spot to hang your hat.
SKU: OHR-BANGKOK-THAILAND -
Overseas Haven Reports, Spain
Barcelona, Spain | Overseas Haven Report
In this Overseas Haven Report we feature Barcelona, Spain, one of Europe’s most appealing lifestyle options right now.
Barcelona is the economic, cultural, and administrative capital of Catalonia, located in northeast Spain
SKU: OHR-BARCELONA-SPAIN -
Overseas Haven Reports
Bocas del Toro, Panama | Overseas Haven Report
Bocas del Toro is a tourist town. In fact, it is often regarded as Panama’s top tourist destination—and for good reason, too. Bocas del Toro Province is one of the most pristine areas on Panama’s Caribbean coast, and tourists have started to take note of its dense rain forests, clear and clean turquoise water, and white-sand beaches.
Bocas del Toro is a province in Panama consisting of a small portion of the mainland as well as an archipelago of nine islands. It borders the Caribbean Sea to the north, Chiriquí to the south, Costa Rica to the west, and the indigenous Ngöbe-Bugle comarca to the east.
Minutes after stepping off the water taxi that takes you to Bocas Town, on the Bocas del Toro archipelago’s Isla Colón, tour guides are waiting to pounce with their offers of island hopping, scuba diving, surf lessons, ziplining, and more. Hostels, hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, restaurants, cafés, and bars surround the main seafront strip where the water taxis unload the wide-eyed visitors.
But Bocas is so much more than just tourists… The 19,000 or so residents in town consist of surfers, fishers, and entrepreneurs, including local indigenous people, Panamanians, and foreigners. Like much of Panama, Bocas is a multicultural mix.
Bocas town has a distinctly Caribbean flair (not surprisingly, given that it’s located on the Caribbean coast). Rastafarian culture is present in the music, shops, and restaurants, and Bob Marley blasts from bar speakers and adorns tourist T-shirts. Don’t be confused though. This isn’t Jamaica; Bocas Town just feels like Jamaica.
SKU: OHR-BOCAS-DEL-TORO -
Overseas Haven Reports
Bogota, Colombia
Bogotá is one of those cities that isn’t going to click with everyone.
This is a place for people who want the hustle and bustle of a major city with amazing dining options, culture, and something always going on.
You can enjoy the comfortable climate of San Francisco combined with the city lifestyle of New York, but at a fraction of the cost.
Some streets are gritty with vibrant graffiti while others are tree-lined
and polished. Dramatic green mountains line the northern part of the city.
Neighborhoods, like Chapinero, have a Brooklyn vibe where creativity booms
and buildings hide secret hipster cafés, art galleries, and cocktail bars that
you wouldn’t know about unless a local filled you in.
While Bogotá is one of the most expensive cities in Colombia, its culture
and food scenes can’t be beat. This is a destination for people looking to
experience a booming gastronomic scene, live theater, art, fashion, and film
festivals.
The largest city in Colombia is definitely one of its best-kept secrets.
SKU: OHR-BOGOTA-COLOMBIA -
Colombia, Overseas Haven Reports
Bucaramanga, Colombia | Overseas Haven Report
In This Overseas Haven Report, we give you an insider’s look at Bucaramanga, Colombia, an overseas haven that scores high on all criteria (affordable healthcare, first-world infrastructure, high-speed Internet, and a seemingly unlimited amount of cultural amenities). It’s a fascinating, little-known city, hidden away in Colombia’s interior.
SKU: OHR-BUCARAMANGA-COLOMBIA -
Argentina, Overseas Haven Reports
Buenos Aires, Argentina | Overseas Haven Report
Wherever you are in the city, what is certain is that something is happening. Buenos Aires deserves a nickname like “the city that never sleeps,” as it is alive with activity at all hours of the day, every day. Those looking for a culturally rich city will feel inspired and fulfilled in Buenos Aires. While it is lively and abuzz with activity, the Buenos Aires lifestyle also encourages people to slow down and smell the roses. Flexibility, resilience, and openness are key to making any big move abroad, especially to Buenos Aires.
SKU: OHR-BUENOS-AIRES-ARGENTINA -
Colombia, Overseas Haven Reports
Cali, Colombia | Overseas Haven Report
Known as the Salsa Capital of the World, Cali, Colombia, is not a typical tourist destination—but not for long! It’s a ways off the typical gringo trail, yet a well-organized real estate industry can be found here with a generous inventory of quality properties. Construction standards are high—even in older buildings—yet prices are much lower than you’ll find in most markets in South America… an amazing value when compared to Cali’s quality of life.
As Colombia’s third largest city, Cali offers a slice of authentic culture along with clear skies, nice weather (average temperature is 75°F year-round), relatively easy traffic to navigate, top-notch health care (with the highest rated hospital in Colombia), upscale food, and increasingly sophisticated nightlife. In addition, Cali is only about a 90-minute drive to the Pacific Ocean.
But where Cali really shines is in comparison to other, higher cost cities in Colombia like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena. The low real estate prices caused by today’s exchange rates make it an attractive, viable location for expat retirees, snow birds, investors, and workers with portable careers. In this Overseas Haven Report, we take an in-depth look at Cali, Colombia… its lifestyle, cost of living, property market, and investment potential.
SKU: OHR-CALI-COLOMBIA -
Colombia, Overseas Haven Reports
Cartagena, Colombia | Overseas Haven Report
Cartagena is considered the exotic jewel of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The city is a beach resort destination that is popular with foreigners and moneyed Colombians that enjoy living or investing in a Caribbean beach location.
In our Cartagena, Colombia Overseas Haven Report we detail all of the ins-and-outs of life in this Old-World wonder.
SKU: OHR-CARTAGENA-COLOMBIA -
Overseas Haven Reports, Panama
Casco Viejo, Panama | Overseas Haven Report
In this Overseas Haven Report, we offer in-depth, insider intel on Casco Viejo in Panama City, Panama, an eclectic and ever-evolving enclave where luxury-level properties coexist with centuries-old, colonial-era wonders.
Often regarded as the Soho of Latin America, the historic neighborhood of Casco Viejo offers a different kind of ambience than is found throughout the rest of Panama City, or even all of Central America. Reminiscent of French-colonial New Orleans, modern-day Casco, with its vibrant cultural scene and world-class dining, is a multicultural mosaic from around the world.
SKU: OHR-CASCO-VIEJO-PANAMA -
Belize, Overseas Haven Reports
Cayo, Belize | Overseas Haven Report
Belize’s Cayo District has long held a certain mystique. It draws pioneer-types looking for elbow room; good, honest small-towners… and artists.
These expats have integrated into the friendly local community to organically grow an open-minded identity that celebrates healthy living, art, agriculture, environmental preservation, and diversity.
The area has not been inundated with corporate developers or daiquiri-drinking tourists… it has a feel that can’t be contrived or intentionally created.
SKU: OHR-CAYO-BELIZE -
Thailand, Overseas Haven Reports
Chiang Mai, Thailand | Overseas Haven Report
Our Overseas Haven Report for Chiang Mai, Thailand covers everything an expat would want to know about living, retiring, or investing in Southeast Asia’s most livable city.
With a population just over 1 million, Chiang Mai is a shining example of a perfect balance of past, present, and future. You’ll find ancient temples and antique shops, thriving universities and public spaces, and still be able to enjoy first-rate health care and safety.
There is a reason Chiang Mai is consistently rated as one of the top places in the world to live or retire. Find out for yourself!
SKU: OHR-CHIANG-MAI-THAILAND -
Ecuador, Overseas Haven Reports
Cuenca, Ecuador | Overseas Haven Report
As a favored destination for English-speaking expatriates, Cuenca is strictly a 21st-century phenomenon.
The infrastructure is good and getting better, the weather and colonial culture are excellent and it is relatively easy to get to, especially from the United States.
The city is the perfect size for a lot of people—large enough to have big city amenities and cultural activities but small enough to have a comfortable, homey feel.
The cultural attractions includes Cuenca’s Cañari and Inca heritage, its well-preserved Spanish historic district (second only in South America to nearby Quito’s size), and its reputation as a center for the arts.
It features dozens of museums and art galleries and hosts an international film festival and an art bienal.
Another major draw for expats is Cuenca’s low cost of living, allowing North Americans to live comfortably on Social Security and pension checks.
Other incentives include: an efficient public transportation system, the best drinking water in Latin America, and good health and dental care.
Ample opportunities for outdoor activities abound, including biking, fishing and hiking.
And Cuenca is a great place to get around on foot.
SKU: OHR-CUENCA-ECUADOR -
Overseas Haven Reports
Da Lat, Vietnam | Overseas Haven Report
Best known as “Little Paris,” Da Lat is a resort town in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Often shrouded in mist thanks to its altitude, its elevation also means year-round mild weather and pine forests, attracting plenty of expats and tourists seeking cooler climes. The climate also means an abundance of local produce available no matter the month.
Da Lat is Vietnam’s honeymoon capital, often called the Valley of Love, offering flower gardens, swan-shaped paddleboats, a miniature Eiffel Tower, and much more to the romantic at heart. Plus, golf courses for those who like to hit the links.
The city is relatively small (under 400 square kms), allowing you to get around on foot. It’s also considered a safe area, not subject to earthquakes or other natural disasters.
Perhaps the best thing about Da Lat, though, is that it can be enjoyed at an shockingly low cost. Everything from rent to health insurance to a cup of coffee is cheaper than it is back home, and you can live well here on nothing but your pension.
If you’re after peace and tranquility, rest, and relaxation, this might be the place for you.
SKU: OHR-DA-LAT-VIETNAM