These top three countries offer retirees great weather, a vibrant culture and a substantially cheaper cost of living in comparison to many other places in the world.
Once the retirement checks start rolling in, there is no need to hang around during the cold winters of Canada, especially since these countries also have active expat scenes that will offer new arrivals an instant community.
With a gorgeous stretch of Pacific coastline, rugged Andean mountains lining the interior and a beautiful swath of Amazon rainforest, Ecuador is among the most bio-diverse countries on Earth. It is also located right on the equator, which gives it a nearly seasonless year where perpetual summer reigns in the beach towns and year round spring and fall climates can be found at higher elevations.
Ecuador is home to countless colonial towns that exude architectural charm. Towns like Cuenca, which sits in the foothills of the Andes and offers a relaxed pace of life at a low cost have become coveted spots for expats.
White sandy beaches, awesome cuisine and friendly smiles await those who pack up and head to Thailand. This country is also inexpensive in terms of rent and real estate. It boasts a wide variety of environs to choose from: everything from tiny villages to booming metropolises such as Bangkok.
A favourite among expats who opt to spend time in Thailand is the northern mountain town of Chiang Mai, which is known for its amazing cooking schools, breathtaking scenery and chilled out, low-stress lifestyle. Warm waters and balmy breezes of this tropical paradises like Ko Samui continue to attracted a fair share of international residents.
The island communities in Thailand can be enjoyed even on the most limited retirement income, so do not overlook this getaway when making those retirement plans.
With both a Pacific and a Caribbean coast, each sporting neverending stretches of gorgeous beaches, Costa Rica remains a top choice for retirees seeking coastal living. The Golden Coast runs along the northern coast of the country, starting near the Nicaraguan border and is dotted with waterfront villages that are perfect locations for pitching up a retirement home.
The area around Port Limon , where the crystal clear Caribbean attracts music lovers and beach bums alike, is often a favourite. But do not dismiss the hidden gems in the centre of the country because the interior is definitely worth checking out. Lush rainforest valleys surround charming towns like Arenal, another expat hub, where the temperature is perfect all year round and organic produce is sold in local markets.
