It is fun to look at a globe and wonder what it would be like to retire abroad. This might become a more common practice as one nears retirement age. After all, a small nest egg has the potential to go further and last longer in countries other than America. 

That’s why so many nearing retirement consider and study the subject, taking into account factors such as cost of living and other potential amenities (or lack thereof). Then there are those who actually dare to live the dream and walk that happy international plank. 

What might you expect from such a big move? So much depends on what you’re looking for. Many prefer a more tropical environment while other retirees put a stronger focus on an affordable healthcare system. Here are the top 7 countries to retire abroad in 2025.

Spain/Portugal

Portugal is a near-consensus first choice for many exploring this topic. Ex patriots note that Portugal is well known for its modest cost of living. The country also boasts a number of friendly tax policies with retired Americans in mind. Ex-pats also embrace the high-quality healthcare system that Portugal is known for. Combine these factors with an active lifestyle and the country’s breathtaking beach settings and it’s easy to see why Portugal is a big hit with Americans who retire abroad. 

So, what’s up with Portugal’s Iberian neighbor? What makes Spain one of the best countries to retire abroad? Like Portugal, Spain offers a Mediterranean climate that must be experienced to be believed. Spanish culture also values and genuinely respects its elders. Its citizens enjoy a vibrant lifestyle and excellent healthcare. Some retired Americans note that its “slower pace of life” might be a bit of a culture shock for those who are or were used to the hustle and bustle of state-side life but for most, that’s exactly the point of retirement. 

Switzerland

If you’re ok with trading in beautiful Mediterranean beaches for amazing mountain-side vistas, then Switzerland might be the choice for you. Why is Switzerland considered one of the best countries to retire abroad? 

Switzerland consistently ranks near the top of the list when it comes to quality of life. Breathing in all that fresh mountain air is likely one of the contributing factors to this ranking. However, one should also consider Switzerland’s robust healthcare system and its incredibly friendly culture. This is reflected in its low crime rate and politically stable government. Switzerland’s central location in Europe also makes it a great home base for travelling around the continent. 

Costa Rica

Let’s get tropical. Ex patriots love Costa Rica and for many obvious reasons. To start with, most associate Costa Rica with that of a lush, tropical paradise and they aren’t wrong. 

Costa Rica is very affordable and features a universal healthcare system. If you’re up for exploring key features and locations of Central America, you might also appreciate Costa Rica’s immediate proximity to Panama and Nicaragua. If an affordable, laid-back beachside paradise is what you’re looking for then Costa Rica should be high on your retirement checklist.

Panama

It’s no secret among ex-pats moving to Central America. Panama is renowned for its “retirement visa” which comes with a number of impressive benefits and discounts. The ease of entry into this tropical wonderland is a big selling point. 

Like its many beautiful neighbors, Panama also features a low cost of living and a thriving ex-pat community. Panama also celebrates a very low crime rate and is considered to be one of the safest countries in Central America. Yes, there can be language barriers but all you need to do is find other patches of relocated Americans and you will feel at home in no time. You can also try your hand at the native tongue. 

Mexico

While in the neighborhood, you might be pleased to note that our neighbor to the south also ranks well when Americans choose to retire abroad. To start with, its immediate proximity to home doesn’t hurt. While some might suggest that crime can be an issue in certain parts of the country, ex-pats often cite Mexico’s vibrant culture and affordable living conditions as ideal reasons for making the move. 

Mexico also puts a strong focus on helping retirees achieve permanent residency. Many retirees and ex-pats will tell you that when you retire abroad rotating or routinely expiring visas can be a slight hassle. Mexico is keenly aware of the issue and makes an effort to help and accept those who choose to seek a permanent home there.

Thailand

This tropical Asian paradise boasts a very low cost of living. Your retirement money will go a long way in Thailand. Also, if you are looking to escape cold winters and harsh rotating seasons, then you might be pleased to note that Thailand is loved for its often clear weather and year-long warm climate. 

As a result, Thailand boasts a strong ex-pat community. Other American retirees love the excellent healthcare system and the relaxed citizenry that embraces its diverse culture.

Malta

Returning to Europe, Malta is a gem for those who choose to retire abroad. If you’re looking for a quiet coastal lifestyle then get thee to Malta. The healthcare system in Malta is highly regarded and features both a public and private system. Ex-pats also love Malta for its low cost of living and 300 plus days of sun every year. As a result, the island boasts a large and growing ex-pat community which provides ample opportunities to network and socialize.

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Do not travel to India due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism.

On April 28, 2021, the Department approved the voluntary departure of family members of U.S. government employees.

U.S. citizens who wish to depart India should take advantage of available commercial transportation options.     

Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for India due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in India.

Do not travel to:

• The state of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest.
• Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict.

Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has occurred at tourist sites and in other locations.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas. Read the country information page.

Read the country information page.

If you decide to travel to India:

• See the U.S. Embassy’s web page regarding COVID-19. 
• Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19.   
• Do not travel alone, particularly if you are a woman. Visit our website for Women Travelers.
• Review your personal security plans, and remain alert to your surroundings.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Reports for India.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations, including emergency medical situations related to COVID-19. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

State of Jammu and Kashmir

Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Avoid all travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Sporadic violence occurs particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating India and Pakistan, and in tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

India-Pakistan Border

India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Atari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open, but confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Northeastern States

Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without special authorization from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Central and East India

Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The Naxalites have conducted frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials.

Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive special authorization from the U.S. consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

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The holiday season is a notoriously stressful time to travel, with jam-packed airports, congested roads, and increased fares across the board from hotel bookings to rental cars. With a record number of Americans traveling this year — roughly 107 million journeying 50 miles or more, according to the AAA — that anxiety could intensify.

Fortunately, there are some tips that can be utilized to make the best of your voyage. To help travelers navigate holiday travel, we spoke with six globetrotters on how they make the most out of their Christmas vacations. Here are their tips:

Double-check Admission Hours for Sights and Attractions

Those visiting popular destinations during the holidays should check whether attractions are really open or have special hours of operation during the Christmas season, according to Rick Steves, the travel writer and television host known for his PBS documentary series Rick Steves’ Europe.

“Your guidebook will say it’s open Tuesday through Sunday, closed on Monday on these hours, but the days around Christmas might be different,” Steves said. “If a particular sight is important to you, be sure that you confirm that it’s open on the day you hope to see it,” he added, also suggesting visitors make reservations for the attraction when applicable.

Be a Contrarian Traveler

Consider visiting places that other people rarely visit, as Matthew Kepnes, travel blogger and author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day, suggested.

“When you think about Christmas, New Years, everyone wants to go someplace warm, so you tend to see higher prices in like Florida, the Caribbean, as well as Mexico and Hawaii,” Kepnes said. “So I like to think… go where people don’t go. Maybe Europe. If you want some warm weather, then say Italy, Greece, Spain,” he added, noting the potential for cheaper airfare.

“Everyone goes to Costa Rica and Nicaragua — why not go to Belize, or maybe Guatemala?” Kepnes said. “My favorite places to go during the holiday season is where everybody does not go.”

Be Kind to Airline and Airport Staff

You may be on vacation during the holidays, but the people working to ensure you arrive at your destination are still on the clock, noted Kate McCulley, a Forbes 2017 top 10 travel influencer who runs the Adventurous Kate blog. Treating them with respect can increase your chances of a pleasurable trip at a time when most people are stressed out, she said.

“They always receive disproportionate anger from people nearby, and it can really brighten someone’s day just to be nice to them,” McCulley explained. “It’s always nice to bring, say, a bag of candy bars or something for the airline staff. If you do that, they will take care of you beautifully.”

Bring a Spare Change of Clothes in Your Carry-on

The holidays mean crowded airports — and crowded airports mean more bags for workers to check and hence, more room for error, said Andrew Zimmern, host of the Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods. He suggested you be prepared for the worst possible outcome, just in case.

“I think lost bags on busier travel days of the year have a 50% increase over the mean, so the chances are greater on your Christmas trip that you’re going to get a lost bag than on your March trip,” Zimmern said. “I always make sure I have a change of clothes.”

Prepare Yourself for Stress — and Accept That Things Can Go Wrong

You can follow all of the tips above and make the necessary preparations for holiday travel. But the most important one, according to CNN Business Traveller host Richard Quest, is coming to terms with the fact that things might go wrong no matter how much you try.

“Just be ready, and when it happens, you’ll be able to sit there smiling sweetly,” Quest said. “When you travel on Christmas, for you as the traveler — whether you’re in 1A or 39D — there is a mental state that you have to put yourself in, that you’re traveling at the busiest time of the year and you’re going to take whatever comes your way.

“Become zen-like. Do not allow little things to fluster you,” Quest added. “The flight’s delayed, the crew’s late, you may not get the seat you want, the last chicken sandwich may have gone, the movie may not work, but you will at least be sitting there humming along to yourself a little bit happier.”

Take Advantage of ‘Dead Weeks’ for Discounted Airfare

Holiday travel doesn’t need to be during the holidays, per se. If you’re on a budget, considering celebrating away from home at the start of the New Year (or even after Thanksgiving).

“There are two weeks in the travel industry every year that are known as ‘dead weeks,’” explained travel journalist Peter Greenberg. “It’s the week immediately after Thanksgiving and the week immediately after New Year’s. People don’t travel the week after Thanksgiving because they’re recovering from their obligatory, dysfunctional family get-together, and they don’t travel the week after New Year’s because they’re simply recovering.

“If you want to do yourself a big favor, travel starting January 3rd and take that week off because nobody’s traveling, you’ll own it, you can celebrate the New Year on your terms, on your budget, with your friends, and not have to mortgage your house,” Greenberg said, adding that the “dead weeks” apply to airlines all over the world.

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