A retirement by the beach was once the preserve of the ultra-wealthy.
They built summer homes in Cape Cod (the Kennedys), Newport (the Vanderbilts), Bar Harbor (the Rockefellers), and beyond and ultimately saw out their golden years there.
Back then, if your family didn’t have a compound, chances are you retired to a rocking chair on your front porch.
Then along came the interstate highway system, widespread car ownership, affordable air conditioning, Social Security and private pensions, mass homebuilding, improved health care, accessible air travel, the Sun Belt boom, and, of course, Jimmy Buffett… all of which played a part in turning the dream of a retirement by the beach into a reality for millions of Americans.
As the years passed, horizons expanded further still.
The New York Times and The Washington Post began featuring overseas spots like Mexico, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and Spain as affordable retirement destinations… but it was still a pretty out there idea for all but a few brave pioneers.
Then, Kathleen Peddicord took the helm at Bill Bonner’s little-known International Living publication and along with her scouts roamed the globe to find hidden havens where North American retirees could enjoy a fun-filled retirement for pennies on the dollar.
In the years since, that mission has only gathered momentum. Today, the demand among our readers—your own good self included—to find an overseas escape is greater than ever before and, happily, so are the options.
Kathleen’s going to be presenting the very best of them at the upcoming 2026 Live And Invest Overseas Beachfront Living Event and the good news is, you’re invited.
Kathleen’s schedule doesn’t allow her to participate in most events on our annual calendar but not only will she be in the room for this one, she’ll be up on stage leading the conversation, sharing her wisdom and insight from decades of expat experience, and more than happy to join you for a chat about your own overseas plans come cocktail hour.
From Panama to Portugal, Greece, Mexico, Spain, the Dominican Republic, and beyond, Kathleen and her team of expat experts will give you the inside track on how and where you can enjoy your dream retirement by the beach.
It’s a one-stop shop for exploring your very best overseas options and getting connected with the experts who can show you the quickest, easiest, and most affordable route to your own beachside bliss.
It’s also going to be a whole lot of fun.
Sincerely,
Victoria Harmer
Managing Editor, Beachfront Living Letter
