10 Under-the-Radar Expatriate and Retirement Havens

Calling places havens has become something of a lifestyle cliché. The reality is that more often than not, most places described as such have become overexposed slices of paradise lost; their romantic sense of refuge ironically ruined by what made them attractive in the first place.

On our well-trodden planet there are no true secrets— we do, after all, live in a world that is rapidly shrinking with each passing day, leaving few places that haven't been "discovered." But there are some destinations that somehow remain overlooked by the stream of tourists and retirees who pour into already popular retreats, pushing up the cost of everything from meals to real estate. These lower profile gems are just as attractive, with fewer crowds and gentler prices.

I'm always reluctant to write about these places. Few would-be expats have heard of them; fewer still have visited. These are the kind of spots those "in-the-know" tend to keep to themselves, hoping they will forever remain relatively obscure.

Six Mega Trends Leading To Lifestyle and Financial Freedom

By Michael Manville  In a minute I am going to show you how six mega trends will help you reach your lifestyle and financial dreams.  When I say “dreams” I am not referring to some magic process where money falls effortlessly from the sky and into your pocket.  I am talking about six very real trends that are enabling people of all ages to abandon the rat race in favor of a free-wheeling mobile lifestyle that allows them to live and work anywhere they want. This article will show you how you can benefit from these mega trends, and how you can open up a whole new world of lifestyle, financial freedom, and job security.

Stretching Your Dollars in Uruguay

by Julie R. Butler 

Uruguayans share an attitude toward enjoying life's simplest pleasures with the Ticos in Costa Rica - la pura vida. Friends and family, a ramble along la rambla while sipping mate, dancing up the dawn or fishing until dusk, a good game of football, a day at the beach, lighting up the parilla... This is Uruguay. Saving money will come naturally to those who are willing to jump in and immerse themselves in Uruguayan culture.

Happily, housing expenses are much lower than those in the US, whether you are looking to buy property or to rent, with variations depending on where and how you want to live. You will find that Uruguay has much to offer, so be sure to look around.

As for other ongoing costs, one major expense that you can easily do without in Uruguay is a car, as the taxes and annual fees are high. Fortunately, the bus system is excellent, easy to use, inexpensive, pleasant, and distances within the country are not large. No doubt having a car is way convenient, but it really is more of a luxury than a necessity for most people. A popular alternative is to buy a motorcycle, although that has its obvious disadvantages in a nation with such rainfall as Uruguay gets (according to Wikipedia, Montevideo receives an average of 950 mm, or 37 in, per year).

We found our biggest living expense in Uruguay to be the electric bill. That funky old refrigerator in the house you are renting will entail a painful experience when the utility bill shows up. Low-wattage light bulbs help, and here's a little Latin American secret with a big impact: hot water heaters can be turned off. But be prepared for the unexpectedly bone-chilling, moist winter winds that blow either off the pampas of Argentina or in from the Atlantic Ocean, combined with the fact that fireplaces tend to be inefficient at radiating their heat. Juice-sucking electric heaters, or natural gas heaters, are localized, at best. Then there is the more expected summer heat to deal with. If its not one thing its another.

Electronics are also expensive in Uruguay. You can bring computers and such into the country, as long as they are for your own personal use. Another option may be the duty-free shops in Chuy, at the border with Brazil - bring your passport, as Uruguayan citizens can't get out paying these duties. The stores carry many luxury goods at bargain prices in the "Free Shops" that line the Uruguayan side of the street, while you can find excellent Brazilian coffee, coconut milk and all kinds of bulk consumer goods at low prices over on the Brazilian side. A one-day trip is possible from Montevideo - count on about six hours each way in bus travel, and be sure to take a break from your shopping frenzy to rub shoulders with the Brazilians who are gorging themselves on Uruguayan steak at one of the excellent, if noisy, parillas.

Cell phone minutes are another expense that can quickly eat through your dollars, if you are not careful. (We were paying approximately thirty US cents per minute in the latter part of 2009.) Texting costs less, and the companies offer free texting between select phones using the same system. So get those thumbs warmed up and ready to go. Internet access is also a significant cost, and expect slow service during times of peak usage, regardless of which system you use. The least expensive option is to pay for a phone line to be installed. If you are able to sign a two-year contract, the modems work just as well, and have the benefit of being mobile. Prepaid modems are the third option, but because you pay for bandwidth, uploading and downloading will clean you out in a hurry. Internet cafes, on the other hand, are very competitively priced, and will get you out of the house. To really cut back, consider using Skype, as you will find that you still continue breathing without a 24/7 connection.

Food costs are where the greatest savings lie. Excellent quality, inexpensive meats and wines stand out as the real treasures of Uruguay, with delicious produce following up right behind (knowing when the fresh deliveries come is key). The prices feel more than right when the full flavor sensations of the food and drink hit your taste buds. Even mundane staple foods have an amazing capacity to surprise, as I never knew that little ol' lentils could be so flavorful, and smelling the earthiest of smells exploding from the pot of water that I had just poured my potato ñoquis the first time into simply blew me away.

When you are out and about, you can catch an inexpensive bite to eat (or a stomach-full) in a variety of settings, from food wagons to take-away bakeries and confiterías to sit-down sandwich shops and restaurants to parillas to bars, and every combination thereof. Even fine dining is an excellent value in Uruguay, although once you get used to the local economy, you might catch yourself grumbling about prices that, once upon a time in a country far, far away, you would have broken out in a gleeful dance or started kissing everybody upon seeing on your check. Hmm - maybe that's why all the kissing in Uruguay.

And then there are Montevideo's funky neighborhood flea markets, where you will find everything from antiques to yard-sale items, cheap imports, fresh produce, live birds, used books, potted plants, carpets, and whatever else you might expect at a flea market, and then some. The most famous is the one-hundred-year-old Feria de Tristán Narvaja, which busts onto the street on Sundays. The bohemian scene adds all the more charm to this market full of colorful characters, and in addition to great deals, you will find shops with new-age offerings, vegetarian restaurants, anarchist book stores and, of course, your cool beret.

I recently moved to Patagonian Andes, after coming to Argentina then spending nine tranquil months in the Department of Rocha, Uruguay. My South America blog, Because the World is Round... covers my travels and life with my husband over the past year since we left the US to discover the wonders of the Southern Cone, with links to our photos on flickr. Contact me at julierbutler@yahoo.com for questions, comments, suggestions.


This article first appeared on Expat Daily News South America - for more stories, news and information about expat life in South America click here


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Discover the New Destination for People Like Us - Single Boomers

Retired or retiring soon, Single and Tired of Travelling Alone? 

The trouble is, for anyone over the age of 40, finding the right travel partner can be an adventure in itself!  At our age we’re in the fortunate position to have the time and the money to explore and have fun, but oftentimes we’re struggling to find likeminded friends to go on an adventure with.

Have you ever baulked at the thought of paying a single supplement, do dinners for one depress you, does the thought of witnessing the wonders of the world alone make you feel just a little bit regretful?  If so, you are most certainly not alone.  The irony is that just at the point when we are able to jet off and be footloose and fancy free in life, many of our friends are putting their feet up, (or digging their heels in), and refusing to get the most out of life.  So what do you do?  Travel and have adventures for one?  If you’re of a mind to travel and see more of the world, explore the sights and the experiences available abroad but you have no one to share your experiences with, it can be frustrating at best and almost heartbreaking at worst…

…Enter Celia who faced the above dilemmas herself personally.  What’s more, through talking to friends and family about her frustrations she realised that she was not alone.  She understood straightaway that it can be impossible to find likeminded travel partners through traditional dating websites for example.  And after speaking to her network of friends and her close family she realised that what many people also want at this stage in our lives is an investment partner to share opportunities abroad with too. 

Can you relate to the dilemmas posed?  Perhaps you’re looking to buy that perfect condo in the Caribbean and you want to go halves with someone.  You understand that you can each take it in turns to holiday overlooking the azure seas and white sandy beaches, and the rest of the year you can rent it out for mutual profit.  But where do you find that investment partner you need?  Maybe you want to lie under the stars on a desert island and share the experience with your soul mate…but where on earth can you meet him or her?  Then again, maybe you’d be happy to hook up with a group of friends once in a while just to discover whole new horizons abroad.  But where can you go to meet people looking to share the same adventures as you?

Well, Retiringsingles.com is the answer to all your prayers.   After facing obstacles, frustrations and various setbacks along the way,  Celia has pursued her dream to create the perfect platform for us all!  She has taken her idea of creating a meeting point for like-minded singles who share a passion for adventure, travel or international investment, and made it into an online reality. 

Retiringsinglesoverseas.com is a place where you join for free, post your profile and your pictures, and meet up in a safe environment with other people just like you.  It couldn’t be more refreshing or simple.

The site is already attracting those looking for companionship and even love, and it is acting as a platform where those seeking travel companions or overseas investment partners can share ideas and come up with itineraries for exploration, or plans for investment success. 

The factors and character traits that all members of the free-to-join site have in common include the fact that they are 40+ and on the look out for likeminded friends, companions or partners.  All share an interest in adventurous travel, all are seeking to expand their friendship network, and so far members have found everything from deep and lasting friendships to love, and members have also fulfilled their dreams of travel, exploration and investment together.

Celia’s platform is an open one, she and the site’s members have no hidden agendas which is why it is free to join, and you can begin meeting and chatting to new friends within minutes.  The easy to navigate website makes it highly accessible, and thanks to Celia’s perseverance in getting her idea to fly – you too can now fly off on adventures with your new friends!

Whilst others are now apparently following Celia’s example, having realised what a brilliant concept she has come up with, hers is the original and the best meeting point on the Internet.  It’s the place to sign up for free if you share a passion for travel, you have a love of meeting new like-minded friends, and if you want to share your holiday plans, your business proposals or even just your stories about where you’ve recently travelled abroad.

All Expat Daily News readers already share a passion for exploring new horizons, yet whilst reading this magazine can be a passive experience enjoyed alone, Retiringsinglesoverseas.com takes the experience a stage further.  You can now connect in a safe online environment and take your passion for travel to the next level with new friends, new partners and perhaps even a new love in your life. 


Click here now and visit www.retiringsinglesoverseas.com

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Why NOW Is the Perfect Time to Take Your Kids Abroad

By Maya Frost

Thinking of spending time abroad with your family but worried about your kids getting off track and falling behind their classmates?

You’re not alone. Every week, I hear from parents who are longing to go on a long sabbatical or make a more permanent move but they’re waiting for the perfect time. Should they go with preschoolers? School-age kids? Teenagers?

My answer is always this: GO NOW. There will never be a perfect time, but you won’t regret leaving sooner rather than later, and you can always go for another stint when your kids are older.

Though I’d given birth to our first two daughters while living in Japan, and we’d taken all four girls to India and Nepal for a sabbatical when they were tweens, my husband and I wanted to live abroad with the kids before they scattered for college. So, in 2005, my husband and decided to sell everything and leave our suburban American lifestyle behind. The tricky part: we had to usher our four teenage daughters through high school and into college in nontraditional ways.

Most school administrators warn parents not to change schools when their kids are in high school so as not to upset their fragile balance of courses and credits. Baloney. We plopped our girls into new cultures, new languages, and completely new educational settings.

They absolutely thrived.

Moving abroad was the very best thing we have ever done for our kids. Doing it while they were teenagers set our daughters free from the old 4X4 model (four years of high school, four years of college). They blended high school and college in creative ways, picking from a range of options including high school exchanges, private tutoring, enrollment in schools at home and abroad, online courses, early college and more. They skipped the angst about college admissions, never submitted an SAT score and never took a single IB or AP course. But they did graduate from U.S. or Canadian universities by 19 or 20 with fluency in at least one foreign language, outrageously relevant global experience, a blazing sense of direction—and no debt. And while many of their classmates are still in college or struggling to find jobs, our girls (and many others like them who follow this same Bold School approach) have cool jobs they love in their chosen destinations around the world.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to give your children this gift. In fact, we actually saved money by moving abroad—and not just a little. On our combined annual income in the mid five-figures, we saved enough to pay for nearly four simultaneous college educations—while enjoying a fantastic lifestyle abroad! Many middle-class American families who are doing the same. The key, of course, is to pick a destination with a low cost of living AND figure out how to earn an adequate income. We saved thousands each month (in both Mexico and Argentina) by simply avoiding expensive health insurance, car expenses, and the insidious extra costs of raising a family in the United States (activities, home maintenance, etc.)

I decided to write a book to help other parents ensure that their kids are prepared for their most thrilling opportunities. My book, The New Global Student: Skip the SAT, Save Thousands on Tuition, and Get a Truly International Education, was published last May. It offers insider insights and stunning success stories from students who are thriving by doing things differently. By spending time abroad at a young age—either as part of a family move or sabbatical or a high school exchange—these students catapulted over their test-dazed classmates and got a great global education without spending a fortune.

No matter how old your kids are, the most important thing is to focus on their learning and happiness rather than their education.

I know this seems counterintuitive in our competitive culture, but the reality is that by simply exposing your kids to a new place, you are giving their brains a huge boost. They are surrounded by new sights and sounds, new tastes, new everything. Parents who fuss about enrolling their kids in the best schools abroad are missing the point—it’s not the school you’re there for, it’s the learning. Let them absorb everything in as many ways as possible and don’t obsess about the details.

The biggest obstacle to going abroad with kids is not how to handle your employment, your kids’ education or health insurance or housing—it’s getting past the naysayers. In the book, I have a list of ten commandments for parents considering going abroad and there is a chapter devoted to dealing with those who shoot down your plans. Here’s a tip: avoid making grand announcements about your departure a year in advance. That’s too much time for doubt to creep in! We actually made our decision, sold our stuff and moved abroad within six weeks. Of course, we’d been thinking about it for years, but when it comes down to the notifying and packing, a smaller window of time is almost always better. Our momentum was unstoppable, the thrill was palpable and the sense of liberation enormous.

And here’s another piece of advice gleaned from expat families around the world: don’t overthink or overplan. You have to be okay with—no, embrace—the fact that you will not be in complete control. You can’t possibly anticipate every challenge, nor can you foresee the amazing highlights ahead. Leave your expectations at home—and be open to all kinds of wonder and wow.

I’ve interviewed hundreds of students who have spent significant time abroad during their middle school or high school years, and there are three areas in which they stand above their peers: they are more creative, more flexible, and more skilled at advocating for themselves to get the education they want. Research has shown that those of all ages who live abroad for at least six months develop greater problem-solving skills, and kids who do so become more confident, competent and compassionate.

Giving your children a greater understanding of themselves and the world primes them for their best opportunities to share their talents. Plan, pack and prepare for an incredible learning experience for everyone.

Oh—and don’t put it off. Now is almost always the perfect time to go.

Maya Frost is a writer and education consultant. She lives on a farm in Uruguay with her husband and is writing a new book. To learn more about her work and The New Global Student, visit http://www.mayafrost.com/

This article first appeared on Expat Daily News Central America.  For more articles, stories and information about expat life in Central America visit www.expatdailynewscentralamerica.com

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Making Money Overseas as a Writer: Workshop Retreat in Bali

Click on the image for an informational video clip

By Joanna Penn
Interview With Robin Sparks

Robin Sparks organizes writing retreats and workshops all over the world, and this October I am the speaker at her Bali writer’s retreat. Many writers would like to make time for this type of break, so I thought you might like to hear more about Robin and Bali.

Tell us a bit about you and the vacations you run
I have a Turkish based company called Oneworld Ltd. I set up writing workshops around the world, most recently in Bali and Turkey, two of my favorite places on the planet. I provide private flats for short term rent to global travelers in San Francisco, Istanbul and Bali. I am a freelance writer currently writing a book about my search through 4 continents and 12 countries for a new home.

Why are writing retreats important?
Writing retreats are a time to focus solely on your writing accompanied by other authors and top notch instructors. They are an excellent way to recharge and kick your writing up a notch.The perfect vacation for me and many people I know is one with a purpose – where you can relax, learn and be inspired. I began organizing writing retreats in 2002 because it was on a photography retreat 15 years ago where I found the inspiration to write for a living – and where I learned from the other writers there, how to do that.

Can you tell us a bit about the Bali retreat in October?
This retreat is for writers who are boggled about how to get the book out of their head and out into the world. It will be full of information about how to bypass the traditional publishing bottleneck in a way that will grab the attention of traditional publishers, should one wish to go that route. Current conditions are such that publishers are looking for authors who have already established a platform and following. We will show authors how to prepare a platform and create buzz so that their book will take off and be launched successfully into the world, with or without major publishers.

What is Bali like as a holiday destination? What is so special about it?
Bali is a magical place – beautiful, peaceful. It is but a tiny speck on an atlas, yet, it is known world wide for its idyllic nature. I myself have searched the world for 10 years for the perfect place for a home away from home. Bali comes as close as any. It is warm and tropical, with beauty etched into every inch. Architecture that integrates the indoors with the outdoors.

It has a culture that remains unchanged from hundreds of years ago. Ubud, where the retreat is based, means healing, and true to its name it is a healing mecca where the energy is very conducive to change. The Balinese still observe spiritual rites and practices putting them above all else.

The New “Cancun” of Panama

Take a ride across the Bridge of the Americas and travel along the Pan American highway less than an hour and as you wind down out of the Campana Highlands, all of a sudden…it hits you…the first panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Chame Bay.

The Punta Chame hills dramatically appear to rise out of the Pacific Ocean. The view is spectacular!

As you get closer watch carefully for the sign that says Bienvenidos a Punta Chame. You will want to take a left turn here.

This beautiful new road is close to completion and you can be assured that the millions of dollars spent on this 25 minute stretch of road was not spent to service the 500 residents living down there. The beautiful lush tropical meadows and forests extend for miles and the delightful virgin white sand beaches continue for 22 miles along the peninsula of Punta Chame.

Don’t let this lack of development fool you... it is soon coming. Most of the surrounding area has been aquired by large corporations and is rumoured to become the next “Cancun” of Panama.

As the entrance to this tropical paradise is only 40 minutes from the city of Panama and the pristine beaches are so vast and glorious, it is no wonder that this area is destined to become the most popular district for the next playground of sultry Panama. You can actually see the the highrises of the city of Panama from the Punta Chame Point on a clear day.

Tens of those who kite-board and wind-surf from around the world are familiar with this well-kept secret rendezvous for the likes of whom come here every year for the sports. The wide beaches and the crosswinds are the perfect setting for these popular activities. Even if you are not a participator in these hobbies the spectacle of either of these sports is amazing to watch.

Another popular activity in the village of Punta Chame is the fishing. Many tourists and locals come from miles around to purchase fresh fish and shrimp from the local fisherman. For a few dollars and an early morning you can even catch a boat ride out with them and check out the local fishing for yourself.

If you are looking to get involved in something even more touristic try catching a short boat ride out to the local island, Taborcillo, or more widely known as John Wayne Island, where the legendary actor spent many years fishing and taking it easy from his hectic lifestyle. This island used as John Wayne’s retreat has a Sherriff’s Office which doubles as a Post Office and carries a theme of the American Cowboy.

This is the perfect place to purchase your next piece of Panama real estate or retirement home as the area will most definitely be increasing in value over the next few years. There are numerous four and five star resorts scheduled to arrive along the beaches of this haven. Not lost in it all are the views from the Cerro Chame hills which are at least as much as, if not even more spectacular than, the views from the beaches. With the hills only a little over 1 km from the seashore you cannot even imagine the vision from the summits without even mentioning the sounds of the expansive ocean from these heights. Many of the developments set up in the hills will not only overlook these pristine beaches but will also overlook the various resorts below. There are some parts of the highlands that not only overlook the beaches and the ocean below, but also have the unique scenic views of the Chame Bay and the magnificent Campana Mountains.

It is not surprising that many of the wealthiest people from Panama City have their weekend homes in this well-kept secret serene peninsula. This secret will not last for much longer as it is fast becoming known because of its tranquility and unsurpassed beauty.

By Jacqueline D. Hill - info@connectiontopanama.com

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Top 7 Signs You’ve Integrated as an Expat in Spain

An advanced crash course in Spanish culture.

You’ve worked so hard learning to speak Spanish and you love living here in Spain, but how can you tell whether you’ve truly integrated into Spanish society? Integration is tricky business after all. Here are 7 unequivocal signs that you’ve done it:

1. You think that a whole ham with a hoof is a good Christmas gift and the Museo del Jamón is one of your favorite restaurants. And it’s not just because you like Spanish ham; actually, it’s a matter of truly being able to appreciate the jamón. With the passion of a wine connoisseur you can expound on the best ham varieties Spain has to offer, arguing over serranos and ibéricos with the best of ‘em. Heck, you might even know the correct way to slice a bone-in jamón.
2. You’re more religious about your soccer than your actual religion. With Carnaval-like excitement you anticipate the Liga de Campeones, Liga española, Copa del Rey, Copa de la Liga, and the Supercopa de Europa more carefully than saint days. You wear your favorite team’s flag like a superhero cape or drape the official team color-emblazoned, embroidered scarf around your shoulders as if it were a priestly vestment.
3. You spend the run-up to Christmas clutching lottery tickets. You and everyone else you know make a ritual of getting a décimo or two, like eating almond soup, fish, and turrón on Christmas Eve or stuffing 12 grapes into your mouth at the 12 chimes of the clock on New Year’s Eve. You don’t really expect to win the Sorteo de la Lotería de Navidad and make off with millions, but you’ve found that beyond delusion that’s not really the point.
4. Your 10 closest friends are Spanish. You do everything as a group and couldn’t imagine it any other way. Bar hopping, tapas crawls, holidays, weddings, children’s playdates, you name it. It’s like you grew up together, as your Spanish friends in the group probably did.
5. You enjoy opening your hand-held fan with two fingers and snapping it shut with a flick of your wrist. You don’t bother leaving the house in summer without your brightly-colored abanico, for women (and some fashion-forward men. Men’s fans are slightly smaller than women’s). Highly practical in urban subways, on hot beaches, at restaurants and cafes, on streetcorners, and everywhere else, you don’t remember what you did in the summer before Spanish fans came into your life.
6. You have a pueblo. Even if you were born and raised in a decidedly city environment like New York City, Sydney, or London, same as a Spaniard you still have a pueblo and refer to it as such. You don’t actually go home to visit like an expat anymore; you retreat into the arms of your pueblo, like a Spaniard. (Most urban Spaniards are only a couple generations from their rural roots, so the idea of having a pueblo and going back for an occasional weekend or for holidays is very common. Your pueblo would be the place you grew up or where your family ties are strongest.)
7. You drink your coffee with milk and your beer with lemon soda. Breakfast wouldn’t be breakfast without a café con leche and summer wouldn’t be summer without sipping a clara con limón at a terraza on a long, hot night.

source: http://www.spainexpat.com/

Do you agree, or do you live in Spain and have your own idea of successful intregration pointers? We would love to hear from you - email us at editor@expatdailynews.com

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Mexico Real Estate – Balancing the Budget for the Sandwich Generation

Have you heard of the "sandwich" generation? Maybe you're a part if it. This idea means you are stuck in the middle, in your 50's, taking responsibility for ageing parents, while still either raising children or supporting adult children who still seem to need more guidance than you did at that age. There are many experts who have excellent advice for this generation, but here's one idea which could help you; Mexico real estate.

Here's how; if you choose to live in Mexico, either part of the year or permanently, you can begin to plan for your own retirement in a in a beautiful beachfront or colonial destination with a year-round warm climate, at a more accessible price than you might imagine. At the same time you can generate an income to help you recover expenses of owning another property, keep the budget balanced and save for up-coming years, and even earn a living.

Mexico is already very retirement friendly, and is becoming so more and more as time goes on. Groceries, other day to day goods and large-ticket purchases are available for more affordable prices in Mexico than in the U.S. or Canada. Whether on an extended vacation, or living in Mexico permanently, you will find that shopping day costs you less, bills are lower, and, in general, that money goes further. Many of Mexico's favorite beachfront destinations as well as colonial cities have world-class golf and marina facilities; and for places to visit, Mexico is one of the riches countries in official world-heritage sites, eco-parks and out-door activities.

There are also excellent healthcare facilities, with modern, state-of-the-art equipment, again, with service available at a fraction of the cost of in the U.S. While these points are important for the present – for your visits, perhaps with your parents or your children – they are also a very important consideration for your future retirement. Many locations have invested or are investing in specialized retirement-focused facilities.

NAFTA has given Mexico an advantage over other inexpensive options, with very well developed infrastructure. Large-scale investment placed Mexico #1 in the world for new highway projects, passing even the U.S., and places like Brazil. What's more, Mexico is very close to home.

What about the part about making money? Beachfront condos and homes have a fairly high demand for vacation rentals in the top tourist destinations (which mostly correspond with the top retirement destinations.) Income from rental can serve as a occasional income to balance maintenance and ownership expenses, or it can become a full investment income in itself.

Playa del Carmen Condos provide an excellent example. These condos can range from $500,000 and up right next to the beachfront down to just over $100,000 a few blocks back, about a 15 minute walk. Whichever fits your budget, you will also find vacationers looking for many styles and price ranges. One Canadian bought a condo in Playa del Carmen considering a modest income as mentioned above, and after realizing the potential, he used the income to invest in several others. He now enjoys virtually another full income from renting out condos to vacationers. Playa del Carmen is one example – there are also Cancun, Merida, Puerto Vallarta, La Paz, Lake Chapala to mention only a few.

Now think of your situation, stuck in the middle trying to balance helping out your parents, supporting kids (maybe paying for college). With funds to invest in one condo, it could lead to future possibilities of further ownership. Mortgages and excellent seller financing are also becoming more readily available to help you get your start, if needed.

A few years down the road, you could be in a situation where you are ready to retire in Mexico early, rather than keep cutting back on retirement savings, pushing that date back farther and farther. Of course, other forms of investment exist in Mexico. Start investigating possibilities that could work for you.

Think about buying Mexico real estate; it could be your way out of the sandwich.

TOPMexicoRealEstate.com; Mexico's Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely


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The Most Beautiful Golf Courses In The World

The Seychelles are rightly considered by all a paradise, and a legend tells even as, at the time of the separation of the continents, a corner of paradise was preserved on earth. In addition to pristine beaches and clean blue sea, here you can find more than a dreamy golf course. Generated by the fragmentation of the ancient continent of Gond, Seychelles emerge in the heart of the Indian Ocean with an archipelago of 115 islands of volcanic and coral nature. Sun, incomparable climate, crystal blue sea, glittering green, these are the elements that make the islands a paradise on earth. A paradise where you can also play golf.

Praslin, in particular, has one of the most enchanting locations that a golfer can hope to encounter. Accessible by boat, but more easily in fifteen minutes by air from Mahe, by order of magnitude is the second largest island of the archipelago of the Seychelles, and in the northwestern part, since October 2000, offers the spectacle of Lemuria Golf.

Branded by the French champion Marc-Antoine Farry, who helped Rodney Wright in the designing, the course, with 18 championship holes, par 70, extends for 5556 meters in length.

The first dozen holes were obtained along the beach amidst lush vegetation consisting of huge palm trees and bushes in bloom, in which occur overwhelmingly dark granite boulders and ponds covered with multicolored flowers. The layout of the remaining holes follows the soft rolling slopes of the hills, offering a spectacular view of the ocean and the surrounding islands.

Even on the island of Mauritius there are some wonderful tracks, where also tournaments are often organized, especially in winter months. Beautiful paths surrounded by unspoiled nature with a five star service. It is easy to see why golf champions and movie and entertainment star choose Mauritius to test their swing. If you love this sport, on the island you will have the opportunity to practice it on beautiful green course or to see the professionals of the discipline at work. "Legend" is a unique camp designed to meet the highest standards within golfers, and perfectly integrated into the landscape in which it is. The use of special herbs, an innovation in the construction field, suitable to be irrigated with a high content of salt water, makes the grass a truly unique must-see landscape.

Although it is a small island, Mauritius is punctuated by an unexpected high number of golf courses, ranging from the Mashicourse at the Shandrani Hotel in south-east of the island, to the Heritage Golf and Spa Resort in BelOmbre.

But without a doubt, three of the most popular and enjoyable course are Ile Aux Cerfs, the Anahita Golf course and the Tamarina Golf course; of course, all three consist of eighteen holes. Playing golf here does not only mean having fun playing sports, but also enjoying an unspoiled and breathtaking nature. A paradise for the lovers of this discipline.


This article was written by Martina Meneghetti with support from http://www.battistellagolf.it/en/ridge-country/.

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Hey Boys, Why Dating a Hot Mexican Girl May Not Be as Fun or Easy as it Sounds

Aaaah, Mamacita!

So you are wanting to enter the world of dating a Mexican girl. You are not alone, trust me. The ultra-tight jeans, the heels, the long dark hair, the fact that you may not be able to understand much of what they say to you (this at times can be a great plus), all come together to form a nicely exotic package. Couple this with the fact that a gringo guy may be just as exotic and alluring to them, and you soon may find yourself in the Mexican dating pool. But beware, the norms and customs of dating in Mexico may not be quite what you are used to, especially if you come from a country like the United States. Undoubtedly, some of you may find this article stereotypical, but I have enough guy friends in living in Mexico that will vouch for the fact that many times, these stereotypes are spot on.

The first thing you need to realize is that Mexican woman are more used to being spoiled by their man. You will be expected to pay for dinner, and she may take great offense at the idea of splitting the bill. If you want to get to date number two, you will need to get in the habit of opening doors, offering her your coat if you are cold, and walking on the street side of the sidewalk, preferably holding her hand, even if you just met her.

Mexican girls are taught from early on to play up their femininity, and you are expected to notice her efforts. She is probably used to getting cat-called a million times a day as she walks down the street, so you will need to one-up those efforts, while coming across as sincere and respectful. (Yeah, I know, good luck).

To do so, basically pretend you are in a bad soap opera, and say all of the corny things that you would never say back home for fear of cracking up laughing. Then you will begin to hit the mark of what she is used to. “Mi tesoro, mi cielo, mi vida, te amo tanto, mi princesa!” (‘Oh, my treasure, my heaven, my life – I love you so much, my princess!’). This could be deemed appropriate talk in the first ten minutes of meeting each other if things are going well. Try to do this with a straight face, while gazing passionately into her eyes and caressing her cheek. As hard as it may be to believe, this is not overkill. Not even close.

Public displays of attention also take on a whole new meaning in Latin America. I have seen people full on making-out on the bus more times than I can count, and no one seems to notice or care. It’s normal. As a Latin friend once shared with me, “At least in Latin America you can tell when a girl is with her boyfriend. It’s obvious. In the US, you never know if its her brother she is with or what! They barely even touch walking down the road!” So do not be shy. Take her hand, kiss her passionately, nuzzle her neck…and it doesn’t matter if you are waiting in line at the grocery store together, or at her little sister’s recital. It always seems to be appropriate somehow.

Also, appearance is much more important in Mexico than it is in some other countries. To prepare for a date, you better put on nice clothes, be well-showered and smelling good. Anything less will not be tolerated.

So, if you want to date a Mexican girl, you better go buy some flowers, watch some soap operas for some good lines, and get all dolled up. Suerte, my friend, suerte.

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Working Overseas - Do Something Different This Summer, Teach At A Summer Camp In Spain

This summer students and graduates have the chance to do something different,  it's time to pack for summer camp.

TEFL or teaching English as a foreign language has long been a massively popular way for students and travellers to earn money while they traverse the globe or even to live and work in another country for longer. It allows travellers to gain a deeper insight into the lives and cultures of the people they work with and the country they live in, and it’s a whole lot of fun too.

And since the main essential requirement to start studying for TEFL qualifications is fluency in English it couldn’t be easier to get qualified and start a TEFL career.

Companies like i-to-i have been working in the industry for a good few years, 12 years in this case, so when it comes to experience in the field and knowledge about TEFL i-to-i certainly know their stuff. They’re also internationally accredited by the ODLQC so a TEFL qualification from i-to-i will enable you to teach almost anywhere in the world.

i-to-i’s longer courses are a great way to get a really in depth experience, thorough knowledge of TEFL, teaching practice and advice from expert tutors who’ve been there and done it. Plus they’re what most EFL employers are looking for, the more qualified you are, the more chance you have of finding your ideal teaching job.

A little while ago i-to-i decided to make the road to excitement and a new career overseas even easier! So they added a fantastic free placement service to their 100 hour online and 120 hour combined courses! Now there’s even better news, i-to-i have just launched another great teaching experience; a summer camp in one of the best TEFL hot spots in Europe; Spain.

Starting in June this year, the camps are based in a variety of locations including; Benidorm, Salamanca, the Pyrenees and Mar Menor. Students will have the chance to see a range of the country’s natural beauties, really get under the skin of Spanish culture and get paid for it! That’s right; campers get paid for all of their hard teaching work to the tune of £280 a week, plenty of coins to put towards the local tapas and weekend excursions.

As well as the wonderful experience of teaching campers will have the choice of a whole host of exciting weekend activities including; hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, rock-climbing and visits to natural wildlife parks.

Not only are the camps a great travel experience, campers can choose to stay for anything from 2 to 8 weeks, which makes the camps a perfect option for graduates or students on their summer break! The short timescale is a rare chance to get a real taste of life as a paid TEFL teacher without a year long contract, and more than a few points to brighten CV’s.

If you’d like more information contact i-to-i TEFL at 0871 423 9941 or visit the website http://www.onlinetefl.com/tefl-jobs/spain-summer-camps

Real Estate in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua - Infrastructure improvements add value

San Juan del Sur is an idyllic fishing village that has become the premier tourist destination and real estate investment in Nicaragua. The quaint horseshoe shaped bay is attracting crowds of international tourists and investors while gaining a reputation as being one of Central America's top destinations. As tourism and real estate investment grow so does the commitment of the Nicaraguan government and private businesses to improve infrastructure in San Juan del Sur.

During the last several years as the real estate market in Nicaragua has begun to mature San Juan del Sur has seen tremendous improvements in it’s infrastructure. Just a few short years ago the trip from Managua to San Juan del Sur was a bumpy one, as travelers and investors had to bounce along the semi-paved and neglected highways for 3 hours. Today the entire trip is smooth sailing and has been reduced to 2 hours as all 140 kilometers have been resurfaced in various phases during the last 4 years.

San Juan del Sur has seen incredible improvements in the town itself. Many of the interior roads have been improved and public lighting has been installed along the main streets. The central park and town square has been given a facelift and a new playground was installed in front of the church. The baseball field in town was given a modern sprinkler system and proper drainage was installed. The municipal sports park was completely refurbished through private donations. The court was resurfaced, new lighting was installed for night events, a seating area was built for the fans, and new basketball hoops and soccer goals were all built on site. On the northern side of town a playground was completely rebuilt from private investor donations as well.

The beach in town has seen a major improvement with the construction of a pedestrian bridge spanning the estuary. San Juan del Sur is home to it’s very own mini Golden Gate Bridge which connects the residential neighborhood on the northern side of the bay with the center of town to the south. The 200-meter suspension bridge is a gorgeous addition to the picturesque bay. The port on the southern end of San Juan del Sur has been modernized and is now received cruise ships a few times a week during the winter months.

Access from San Juan del Sur to the surf beaches north and south have been dramatically improved in recent years. The first two kilometers of the road heading north was paved with paving stones and the road bed was raised to avoid future flooding. The road south to Playa El Coco, Playa Yankee and Playa Remanso is currently undergoing improvements in drainage and paving should begin within a few months. At the turnoff to Playa Maderas, Playa Marsella and Playa Majagual a new bridge is currently under construction that will span the creek and guarantee access year round to one of the best surf beaches in Nicaragua.

Water and electricity are vital to fuel the growth of a burgeoning Nicaragua real estate market. There is a large wind turbine project on Lake Nicaragua along the Pan-American high way between San Juan del Sur and the Costa Rican border that will provide a large percentage of the countries electrical power once completed. There are currently 19 turbines operations with another 11 in various stages of construction. Another large-scale project will bring potable water from Lake Nicaragua 17 kilometers to San Juan del Sur. This project has been initiated and the crews have been laying pipe for the last several months. In conjunction with fresh water they will be modernizing and improving the black water treatment facilities for the town. Both of these projects are vital for the short and long-term growth of San Juan del Sur as a tourist hotspot and real estate investor’s destination.

About the author: Zachary Lunin founded Aurora Beachfront Realty and Vacation Rentals Nicaragua in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua in 2004. He is considered an expert in Nicaragua real estate.


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Retire Overseas - Retirement Visas in Thailand

If you or your spouse is over 50 and want to live in Thailand, a retirement visa may be for you. There are two ways to apply for a visa to retire in Thailand. The first is by applying in your home country before you come. The visa you must apply for in this case is called the Non-Imm O-A.

How to apply for a Non-Imm O-A from outside Thailand

First, go to a Royal Thai embassy or consulate in your country of residence or your home country and get the forms. Your completed application should include your passport, which must have a remaining validity of at least 18 months. You must also supply three 4cm x 6cm photos taken within the last six months. There are two forms you must submit, the visa application form in triplicate and the personal data form.

The fee is the equivalent of 2,000 baht for a single-entry visa, or 5,000 baht for a multiple entry visa. If you are living in Thailand on a Non-Imm O-A and wish to travel outside of Thailand, you must have a multiple entry version, or the Non-Imm O-A will be cancelled when you return.

The most important requirement for the O-A visa is that you must be able to show that you have assets and/or income. There are two alternatives for this. First, you may show by copies of your bank statements that for at least three months before the application you have had the equivalent of at least 800,000 baht deposited in a bank or banks in your home country or in Thailand. The bank or banks must give an original letter about each account confirming the accuracy of the account statement. (http://www.visabc.com/)

Second, you may submit an original income certificate from the source of the income showing you have a pension or monthly income of at least the equivalent of 65,000 baht.
You may, likewise, prove a combination of your monthly income multiplied by 12 plus bank deposit of the equivalent of a total of 800,000 baht and this will be acceptable.

You'll also have to submit a letter from the police or similar organization in your country, issued less than three months before your application, that you have no criminal record. This must be notarized.

Finally, you'll need a medical certificate, in the form the embassy or consulate will give you, showing that you are not suffering from leprosy, an advanced stage of tuberculosis, drug addiction, elephantiasis or the third phase of syphilis. This must be notarized and dated not more than three months before your application. If your spouse is under 50, he or she will be considered for a temporary stay under what is known as a Category O visa. This means that your spouse can only stay in Thailand for a three-month period, rather than the one-year period that you will have. This rule was recently imposed and some under-50 spouses are currently in Thailand on longer visas.

Even though you've received a Non-Imm O-A, you're still required every 90 days to file Immigration form TM.47. Also, you'll have to renew this visa every year.

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Spoilt for choice: Vietnam’s best beaches

The heavyweight champion of Vietnam, Nha Trang has been knocking out visitors for years. True, the town is brazen and brash, but the beach is bold and beautiful and a gateway to a cluster of quieter islands.

Mui Ne

Set on a seductive swathe of sand, Mui Ne is an absolute charmer with swaying palms and towering dunes. Get pummelled on the beach by a masseur or pummelled by the waves with some water sports – this place blends action and inertia to perfection.

Phu Quoc

Simply the most beautiful island in Vietnam, Phu Quoc is liberally sprinkled with picture-perfect white-sand beaches and cloaked in dense, impenetrable jungle. Long Beach is sophisticated, Ong Lan Beach romantic, and Bai Sao simply irresistible.

Cozumel Real Estate Benefits from Island's New Cargo Dock

The Cozumel Real Estate real estate industry is about to benefit from a new cargo dock, which will allow for easier delivery of goods to the island, meeting the demands of the thriving cruise-tourism industry, and providing more services for resident

As of late April, a new cargo terminal for Cozumel was almost complete, and the work is expected be finished for the end of May. For Cozumel Real Estate, the new terminal is a reflection of the growing cruise tourism on the island, the ongoing investment in this industry, and the benefits which real estate buyers will reap from it.

There will also be boarding area of more than two hectares, which are almost finished and paved. This space will accommodate shipping vehicles waiting to board the boat for the departure. As drivers loading units can stand in line for several hours and have a great physical strain, will have at their disposal one of the three terminal buildings dedicated to their service, which will include a cafeteria, dormitory, showers and restrooms.

Globalisation Continues to Drive Expat Employment in South Africa

Despite the recent worldwide economic slowdown, globalisation is stimulating the growth of expatriate employment internationally with South African companies also getting in on the act as they seek to grow their footprints in the rest of Africa and further afield.

While multinationals keen on expanding in Africa are increasingly deploying their staff to the continent to build local operations, South African companies - particularly in banking, retail, construction and telecommunications - are sending their staff to various destinations to grow their international operations.

"Expatriates are not a dying breed, they are still very much a part of the business strategies of many companies seeking to expand their activities beyond their home bases," says Siobhan Cummins, managing director Europe Middle East and Africa of ORC Worldwide, a leading world consultant in expatriate pay and working conditions, which has a working association with Johannesburg-based management consulting firm, P-E Corporate Services.

Stranded in the Third World

When we made Puerto Vallarta, Mexico our permanent residence a decade ago, our friends back in the States frequently asked if we felt stranded in the Third World. The answer was no; perhaps the Second World! Prior to the demise of the USSR, the Second World consisted of the communist bloc countries. Since the collapse of the iron curtain, there are no longer any Second World countries, so perhaps we can promote Mexico to the New Second World!

Actually, Mexico along with China, India, Brazil, Turkey, and others are recognized as Newly Industrialized Countries or NIC´S. These NIC´S have more advanced economies than the developing countries of the Third World, yet have not attained the level of developed countries of the First World. Regardless of what World we were in, it was a cultural shock and required a number of changes to our daily living habits.

As an example, the Mexican TV had only five or six channels which were either old movies from the US with Spanish subtitles or Mexican shows obviously directed to sixth graders. The only channel that we could understand and relate to was CNN with it’s biased, almost anti-US commentary that was only a bit more palatable than the sixth grade Mexican shows!

Charly Garcia Tells the Argentine Government What He Really Thinks

How could a man who has made a musical career out of blatantly and harshly criticizing the Argentine government ultimately get be asked by ex-President Nestor Kirchner to play a concert at the Argentine government palace? The man in question could of course be none other than the legendary Charly Garcia, arguably Argentina’s most recognizable musician with a long career in both folk and rock. Charly Garcia, for over 35 years, has seen his ups and downs both personally and professionally, but what can not be argued is his determination to always push the envelope in his own quest for truth, justice, and freedom for the people at a time in Argentina’s history when these were not popular traits to publicly desire.

Trailing Spouses – Create your own Job

Moving to a new country can be a great opportunity to reinvent yourself. Whether continuing your present career just isn’t possible or you simply want to make a change, there are many ways you can take matters into your own hands and create your own job. Trailing spouses by definition tend to be resourceful, flexible and adventurous – definitely entrepreneurs in the making! By working for yourself you can set your own hours and often it’s a great solution for those with young children.

If you’re embarking on an international lifestyle, then considering a career which will be portable is definitely a good idea. Chances are your first move overseas may not be your last. Jo Parfitt wrote a trailblazing book on this in 1998 – A Career in Your Suitcase. Recently updated in 2008, it’s definitely worth a read. Jo has carved herself a successful portable career as a writer, teacher and mentor.

Some of the most common portable careers for trailing spouses are:

Calls increase in New Zealand to follow Oz crackdown on foreign property buyers

Australia is cracking down on foreign real estate buyers as they price ordinary people out of the real estate market and now calls for a similar move are being voiced in New Zealand.

Earlier this week prime minister Kevin Rudd confirmed that new rules will be brought in for foreign buyers which will mean they have to sell any property they own if they leave the country as a direct result of concerns that ordinary Australians cannot afford to buy a home.

He said the government is prepared to introduce penalties to enforce the changes. Temporary residents will require approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board to buy property, and will have to sell when leaving the country. The rules will also apply to those on student visas.

The removal of restrictions in late 2008 made it easier for foreigners to buy property without government approval but surging real estate prices, up 12% in the last 12 months, are thought to be being fuelled by overseas buyers, especially Chinese investors.