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SUBSCRIBE TRIP IDEAS America’s Best Cities for History Buffs Whether you’re seeking out for Presidential pomp or the story behind a French-fry-topped sandwich, these 20 cities are living in the past in the best ways possible. KATRINA BROWN HUNT MAR 7, 2017 9:43 PM EST When you’re exploring our nation’s capital, suggests one historic-tour guide, don’t miss the chance to tour the Pentagon, explore the tucked-away Theodore Roosevelt Island—or stand in a parking garage in Arlington, VA. “Many people don't realize that the ‘Deep Throat’ garage—where Mark Felt met with Woodward and Bernstein—is still a working parking garage in Arlington’s Rosslyn neighborhood,” says Andrew Terranova, concierge at Philadelphia’s Hotel Monaco, and the guide for the nearby Spirits of ’76 Ghost Tour. “A historic marker has been placed outside. ” No doubt, history can live on in the most unlikely locations—even in stately, landmark-filled cities such as Washington, D.C., and Philly, which both made the top five for historic significance among Travel+Leisure readers. In the most recent America’s Favorite Cities survey, readers ranked 38 metropolitan areas for such cultural attributes as their art galleries, live music and architecture—and also how well they have preserved their pasts. Certainly, some of the top 20 winners have provided the settings for various chapters in U.S. history, but the definition of “historic” need not be limited to monuments and museums. In some of the top 20 cities, you can step into another era just by pulling up a stool in the pub where Paul Revere used to be a regular, by checking into the hotel where famed gangster John Dillinger was captured, or by catching a concert where Elvis first performed for a crowd. That offers a nice cover for anyone who likes to balance museum visits with historically legit downtime. “It’s more than the original buildings and period characters,” says Terranova. “It’s truly the spirit of the city. Sometimes you can’t touch it—it’s just a feeling.” NEWSLETTERS PRIVACY POLICY YOUR CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS TERMS OF USE ADVERTISING CONTACT ©2017 Time Inc. Affluent Media Group. All rights reserved. Skip to content MENU International Living To search this site, enter a search term SUBMIT best places to retire in 2017 Sidebar Get Your FREE Report on the World’s Top Retirement Havens Simply enter your e-mail below to subscribe to International Living’s free daily e-letter and we’ll immediately send your free report–The World’s Top 10 Retirement Havens Your email address Your email address GET MY FREE REPORT POPULAR POSTS tuscany Tuscany - Italy READ MORE san miguel de allende San Miguel de Allende - Mexico READ MORE caribbean islands 5 affordable Caribbean islands to live on and 2 to avoid READ MORE cities in spain 7 of the Best Cities in Spain for Your Retirement READ MORE koh samui The 5 Best Places for Expats to live in Thailand READ MORE UPCOMING CONFERENCES Fast Track Panama: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference 2018 7th - 9th June, 2018 VIEW MORE subscribe to magazine BEST PLACES By International LivingJanuary 1, 2017 The World’s Best Places to Retire in 2017 For just over a quarter of a century, International Living has ranked, rated, and named the best retirement destinations in the world. Each year we’ve refined and improved the process, bringing new categories and considerations into play, gathering new data, and asking more and better questions of a greater number of expats. We’ve added countries to the shortlist as they moved into the limelight, Malaysia in 2000…Colombia in 2007…and let others drop away. But the winner this year has been constant. For the past 14 years, this country has consistently ranked in the top 10 retirement destinations on the planet. And—for the fifth time—it takes the top spot once again in our Annual Global Retirement Index. This year sees our most comprehensive index yet, with a list of 24 top retirement destinations, all of which have been put under the microscope and examined as regards their cost of living, retiree benefits, climate, healthcare, and much more. This thorough questioning and assessment ultimately leaves us with a definitive list of the best retirement havens from around the world. All of which share the values that you can expect from an International Living approved retirement destination, while also maintaining aspects that make them stand out as individuals, meaning our index has a place to suit every taste. So, without further ado—after months of research, number-crunching, and fact-finding—allow the expats who live there to introduce you to the benefits of the world’s top 10 retirement destinations in 2017. 10. Malta malta ranked as 10th best spot to retire in the world Glorious pink and gold sunsets. Sapphire blue waters. Centuries-old cities made of honey-hued stone. Vertiginous white cliffs rising from the sea. This is just a taste of the beauty Malta offers to those who live here. And it’s only one small part of what makes it such an extraordinary place to retire. Malta is easy to overlook—literally—as a desirable retirement destination. On a map, the tiny island chain is represented as a scattering of dots floating in the Mediterranean, between the coasts of Sicily and North Africa. Only two of its main islands, Malta and Gozo, have a substantial population, and both are so small that it only takes 30 minutes to drive across them. But Malta’s compact size doesn’t detract from the marvelous lifestyle it offers. Here you can expect 300 days of sun with warm weather lasting through mid-November…mild winters…and a laidback atmosphere with a large and welcoming international, English-speaking community. For a Mediterranean island, the cost of living is remarkably reasonable. IL Correspondent Barbara Diggs says: “A couple can live here comfortably for less than $2,700 per month. You can rent a two-bedroom apartment in Sliema, one of Malta’s most lively cities, for about $800 per month. Your rent could be as low as $600 per month in the countryside in Gozo. A pleasant dinner out can cost as little as $25 per person, including a glass of local wine.” Excellent healthcare is another major plus, and the cost of private health insurance is far lower than in the U.S. Even if you have a basic hospitalization plan, prices are so low in Malta that you can cover the cost of doctor’s visits and medications out-of-pocket. For example, a general practitioner visit usually costs around $20 while a specialist may cost $65. Perhaps best of all, you’ll never get bored in Malta. Thanks to the careful preservation of their 7,000-year history, these islands have a phenomenal number of historic sites to explore, from prehistoric temples to stunning medieval fortifications. There are also endless opportunities for sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Expats also enjoy the many festivals that Malta and Gozo host each year. Known as festas, these celebrations largely focus on Maltese culture, religion, local foods and wines, and music of every variety. And if you do ever find yourself with island fever, then just take a three-hour ferry ride over to Sicily for a change of scenery. Or you can even take a short flight to Paris. On Air Malta, roundtrip flights are available for as little as $175. Europa/Destinații populare Paris Paris Muzeu, monument, modă, artă și grădină 483 RON Londra Londra Muzeu, teatru muzical, teatru, concert și modă 406 RON Roma Roma Antichitatea, gladiator, biserică, muzeu și monument 301 RON Coasta Amalfitană Coasta Amalfitană Lună de miere, drumeție, navigație cu vele, vin și romantic 360 RON More DestinationsMai multe destinații din Europa 17 Best Places to Visit in Europe | U.S. News Travel https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-europe-vacations/ Traducerea acestei pagini We rank the 17 Best Places to Visit in Europe. See which places our readers like the best, and vote for your favorites. ‎Rome · ‎Porto Pictures · ‎Porto · ‎Amalfi Coast Best places to Visit in Europe - Europe's Best Destinations https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/ Traducerea acestei pagini Plan your trip to Europe and find your hotel for the best price in the best destinations. Discover the best places to travel, the most beautiful beaches, the best ... ‎Best destinations 2017 · ‎Best hidden gems · ‎Best beaches in Europe · ‎Destinations The 10 Best Places To Visit In Europe In 2017 - Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/.../best-places-to-visit-in-europe... Traducerea acestei pagini 23 mai 2017 - A brand new, updated look at the best places to visit in Europe in 2017. Whether you're gearing up for your first Europe vacation or it's your ... 30 places in Europe you must see in your lifetime - The Telegraph www.telegraph.co.uk › ... › Destinations › Europe › Galleries Traducerea acestei pagini 28 iul. 2017 - Not a bad spot for a Christmas minibreak. Secret sights in the city: the hidden attractions you didn't know about · The best flight search websites ... Best Destinations in Europe - Travelers' Choice Awards - TripAdvisor https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Destinations-c... Traducerea acestei pagini TripAdvisor - Travelers' Choice Awards. Find out what the best destinations in Europe are as awarded by millions of real travelers. Places to Visit in Europe | Where to go in Europe | Rough Guides https://www.roughguides.com/destinations/europe/ Traducerea acestei pagini Places to visit in Europe: find out where to go in Europe with Rough Guides. Read itineraries, features, travel essentials and image galleries. The 2017 World's Best Cities in Europe | Travel + Leisure www.travelandleisure.com › Worlds Best › Europe Traducerea acestei pagini Hearteningly, despite all the adversity that Istanbul has faced, readers still see it as one of the best places in Europe to visit. The climate in Turkey might be ... 20 of Europe's Best Cities for Fall Travel (with Photos ... www.tripstodiscover.com/20-of-europes-best-cities-for-fall-t... Traducerea acestei pagini 28 feb. 2017 - Traveling to Europe in the fall often means fewer crowds, shorter lines, idyllic weather and better deals – along with spectacular displays of ... The 20 Best Cities in Europe - Photos - Condé Nast Traveler www.cntraveler.com/.../top-10-cities-in-europe-readers-choi... Traducerea acestei pagini 2 nov. 2016 - A usual suspect tops the 2016 Readers' Choice Awards list of the best cities in Europe, but we're seeing the emergence of Scandinavia this ... The best places to visit in Europe in 2017 - Lonely Planet https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-europe Traducerea acestei pagini Our hotlist of European destinations you need to see in 2017. Anunț Places To Visit In Europe - 2017 Travel Guides‎ Anunțwww.inspirock.com/trip+planner/free‎ Custom day-by-day itineraries for 40,000+ destinations. Save 50% off hotels. Online Trip Planner · Plan Your Trip · Daily Trip Itinerary · Customize as desired · Book · Collaborate EuropeAustraliaMiddle EastAfricaUnited StatesSouth America 9. Portugal number 9 best place to retire is Portugal Portugal’s low cost of living and real estate is just some of the reasons for its growing popularity among retirees. According to IL Editor Glynna Prentice: “A couple can live well on as little as $1,700 a month, including rent, in many smaller cities, and from about $2,200 a month in Lisbon, the capital.” It also doesn’t hurt that Portugal’s climate is generally mild, and that most of its western coast is lined with beaches. And although its coastline is Atlantic, Portugal’s lifestyle in many ways is classic Mediterranean, with a laidback air, an emphasis on friends and family, and plenty of good food and wine (and leisurely mealtimes for enjoying them). Port, the fortified wine beloved by the British, is the signature drink of Porto, the country’s second city. But Portugal’s red and white wines, including the slightly fizzy vinho verde, are also excellent. Seafood appears on most menus, especially bacalhau (salted cod), showing Portugal’s seafaring history is evident in its diet, even today. The Lisbon area, including the seaside towns of Cascais and Estoril, is a favorite with expats. Lisbon offers all the amenities you’d expect in a capital city, including an international airport, great restaurants and cafés, and museums and concert halls. Though it’s one of Europe’s oldest cities, much of Lisbon is 18th century or later, thanks to the Great Lisbon Earthquake that razed much of the city in 1755. Lisbon proper lies along the banks of the Tagus River estuary, which gives the city a pleasant seaside air. Cascais and Estoril, just half an hour away, are on the Atlantic proper. Known for their beaches, they are popular with both full- and part-time expats, especially the British. The country’s second city, Porto, offers a mild, moist climate, much like the U.S.’s Pacific Northwest. It tends to attract expats who prefer cool weather and city amenities in a small package. (Though Porto has all the amenities of a major city, its population is a cozy 240,000.) The Algarve, the country’s warmest and southernmost region, is home to numerous golf courses and sunny beaches. You’ll also find plenty of British expats here, so English is widely spoken. But, actually, many Portuguese speak English. So while it’s a good idea to learn some Portuguese if you plan to retire here, you can generally get by in English. And Portugal’s friendly locals help make life here extremely pleasant. 8. Nicaragua 8th on the list for retirees in Nicaragua Nicaragua has changed greatly over the last decade. And all for the better. Pock-marked roads have turned into smooth highways. Renewable energy windmills dot the southern countryside. San Juan del Sur has blossomed into a foodie town, as well as a surf town, and a great place to retire. Matagalpa is now on the map too, and its coffee sells in cafés around the world. Everywhere you look, there is progress, and the expat lifestyle gets easier and easier every year. It doesn’t take long to get your resident’s card, and it’s easy for expats to open businesses. Many find that when they open a business they make a U.S. profit, but in a country where their costs are a fraction of what they are back home, allowing for a superior lifestyle. And that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the amenities and conveniences you had back home either. IL Nicaragua Correspondent Bonnie Hayman says: “Nicaragua has stores like PriceSmart and Walmart, where you’ll find all the electronic equipment you need as well as washing machines, flat screen TVs, and high-end sound systems. Modern supermarkets like Maxi Pali and La Colonia provide turkey, shitaki mushrooms, quinoa, almond milk, all the beef cuts you like, and more. Alcohol distributor Global Brands also provides all of your wines, preferred tequilas, and everything else to stock a bar. This is a far cry from a decade ago, when your choices were rum and nothing else.” In 2006, Bonnie’s financial advisor told her she could never retire in the U.S. She had worked since she was 16, paid into Social Security all her life…yet she would have to work forever. “One vacation later and I made up my mind,” Bonnie says. “I was going to leave the U.S. and retire in Nicaragua. What was there to stay for? Working forever?” So, about 11 years shy of her retirement, she moved to San Juan del Sur, all by herself, without knowing a soul there. “Sounds scary,” Bonnie admits, “but it was the best decision I ever made.” So if you’re considering retiring in Nicaragua, just know that each year the infrastructure improves, the chocolate and coffee wins global awards, there’s great healthcare, wonderful people, less stress, no traffic jams, and a couple on a budget can live here for $1,500 a month. What more could you want? 7. Spain Spain gets number 7 in best places to retire in 2017 Spain’s miles of beaches, the warm climate along its coasts, its low cost of living and real estate, and its relaxed, laidback lifestyle all help to make it a top retirement destination. The many advantages of this southern European country have long made it a favorite among European vacationers and second-home buyers. Today, it’s increasingly popular among North Americans for many of the same reasons. Spain offers some of the lowest-cost First-World living in Europe. IL Editor Glynna Prentice says that: “In Spain, a couple can comfortably get by in smaller cities from as little as $1,900 a month, including rent. Small one- and two-bedroom apartments can be rented from as little as $500 a month, and can be bought from about $70,000.” Daily living expenses, especially food, are also low-cost, and the famed Mediterranean diet means plenty of tasty, healthy cuisine. Spain covers most of the Iberian Peninsula, from the Pyrenees Mountains right down to the Strait of Gibraltar, looking across at Africa. This gives it a climate that ranges from cool and moist in the northwest, to hot and dry in the south, with sunshine most days in southern Spain. Throw in Spain’s many miles of beach—including such famous stretches as the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca, on its southern and eastern Mediterranean coasts, respectively—and you have your choice of warm, seaside destinations. But Spain offers much more than just beach living. Spain’s interior is rich in beautiful, historic cities. The country’s largest cities—Madrid, the capital, followed by Barcelona—are among the world’s greats, yet are much less expensive than their peers, like London or Paris. Valencia, the country’s third-largest city, remains a bargain by any measure. It offers all the big-city amenities you’d expect, including museums, concert halls, sports and science facilities, major hospitals, universities, and an international airport—yet offers a low cost of living. A couple can live here comfortably on a budget of about $2,200 a month. And for many expats, Spain’s biggest attraction is its friendly, laidback lifestyle. Stroll Spain’s parks and cities, sip a coffee or an aperitif at an outdoor café, enjoy a long, leisurely meal with friends until the wee hours…it’s all part of the Spanish way of life. Get Your Free Report on the World’s Best Places to Retire: Learn more about the best places in the world to retire in our daily postcard e-letter. Simply enter your email address below to sign up for our free daily postcards and we’ll also send you a FREE report on The World’s Top 10 Retirement Havens. Get Your Free Report Here E-Mail Address SIGN UP No spam pledge. We value your privacy. 6. Malaysia malaysia slotting into 6th place on top retirement destinations Malaysian cities are clean and modern, its public transport unrivaled, and its people the friendliest in Asia. And while other Asian countries offer great budget holidays, and some offer first-class vacations, Malaysia manages to cater extraordinarily well to both. Occupying Peninsula Malaysia and two states on the island of Borneo, Malaysia is known for its idyllic islands—there are 878 of them—its stunning beaches, and its untouched rainforests. Malaysia’s people are a mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Europeans. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to recognize its rare qualities over 600 years ago, and the Dutch, and then the English quickly followed. This fusion of cultures is unique to Malaysia and has resulted in a truly multi-cultural society where all religions are tolerated. Safety in the World’s Top Retirement Havens This is a question that pops up every year. If you’re looking at the index for the first time, you may be wondering, “That’s all well and good. But how safe is it? And why don’t you address that in the index?” But here’s the thing: At International Living, we only recommend locations that we can vouch for as being safe for expat retirees. Every country—including the U.S.—has places you won’t go. Our focus in compiling and researching the Annual Global Retirement Index is on the places within countries that expats live, want to be…peaceful, secure, and problem-free. Also worth remembering is that reputations can linger long after the reality has changed. Medellín, Colombia, for example, used to be one of the most violent cities in the world. Used to be. Since the 1990s, violent crime here has plummeted. Twenty-first century Medellín is a peaceful, thriving metropolis, attracting growing numbers of expats like IL’s Colombia Correspondent, Nancy Kiernan. “My husband Mike and I have been living here since 2012, and not once have we felt in danger,” says Nancy. “Both the local people and the expat community have been very welcoming. That said, we still take the same basic safety precautions that we would in any large city anywhere in the world.” In all the countries we recommend, you’ll find expats living safely. Take Vicki Lyall, who lives in the town of Playa del Carmen, on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. “I feel safe. There are a lot of older single women here. I walk home by myself at night. Violent crime isn’t a concern.” Farther north in Mexico, in Puerto Vallarta, Rip Rupinski feels the same way. “I feel totally safe here. Nowhere in Puerto Vallarta do I feel uncomfortable.” This isn’t to say that you should throw caution to the wind when you move abroad, either. As Nancy Kiernan says, apply the same common sense precautions you would at home. Don’t walk down unlit alleys at 2 a.m. Don’t dangle $5,000 jewelry when you’re out in public. And don’t get blackout drunk in the company of people you don’t know and can’t trust. Follow the same simple steps abroad that you’d take to keep yourself safe at home, and there’s no reason why you can’t live a crime-free retirement overseas. “In Malaysia, you’ll get the best street food, restaurants and cafés in the region, and some interesting architecture that is unlike any other,” says IL Malaysia correspondent, Keith Hockton. “The food is not just first class, it’s world class, and the shopping in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, where I live, is to die for. From state of the art air-conditioned shopping centers to colorful night markets, Malaysia has it all.” Malaysia also has no less than four UNESCO world heritage sites (the Lenggong Valley, the Gunung Mulu National Park, Kinabalu Park and the cities of George Town and Malacca). Kinabalu Park is a bird watcher’s paradise, and Mont Kinabalu is the tallest mountain in Malaysia. Sunrise seen from here is something that you will remember for the rest of your life. Consisting of 13 states and three federal territories, there is a lot to see and do here. It’s just one of the reasons that first time tourists to Malaysia come back again and again, and ultimately end up moving or retiring here. It’s also one of only three countries in Asia (Singapore and Hong Kong are the other two) where you can buy property freehold. And you don’t need to be living here to do it. When you arrive in the country you’ll be given a three-month visa, and if you decide to buy while you are here, you can. It’s a very special place, central to Southeast Asia, which means that traveling to other countries in Asia is quick and affordable. And there is a plethora of good, reliable, safe budget airlines that will help you do just that. Add to that the low cost of living and excellent healthcare, and you have a great retirement haven if Southeast Asia is on your shortlist. “Malaysia has some of the best-trained doctors in Asia, and most have learned their profession in the U.S. or the U.K. They all speak English, too, which is a huge plus,” Keith says. Two months ago, Keith tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee and needed treatment. “The cost of the entire procedure, including the initial consultation, MRI, and then the operation, anesthetist, and a private room, was just $2,000. In the U.S., depending on your insurance, the same would have cost $18,000 or more.” 5. Colombia colombia features as 5th best place for retirees Colombia, once an overlooked retirement haven, is now just grabbing the attention of expats looking for a place to live that is close to home, has excellent healthcare, a diverse and temperate climate, and of course is low cost. The country has shed its dark past and is now thriving, welcoming to foreigners and proud of its culture and heritage. Located on the northern tip of South America, Colombia is a little over 440,000 square miles in area, about the size of California and Texas combined. It touches both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and has the three ranges of the Andes Mountains running down its spine. This beautiful country has something for everyone, including lush green coffee plantations, sparkling crystal beaches, and quaint colonial towns. All this gorgeous scenery is a backdrop to one of the best things about Colombia—its warm, accepting people. Happy to share their country with foreigners, the Colombians will welcome you into their communities with music, dancing, delicious local food, and of course festivals. Nearly every city and town has a festival to celebrate some aspect of Colombian life. This beautiful setting and exciting lifestyle also comes at an affordable price. According to IL’s Colombia Correspondent Nancy Kiernan: “An expat living in Medellín’s upscale El Poblado neighborhood pays about $1,250 a month to rent a three-bedroom high-rise apartment, however there is a very wide range of prices available throughout the city beginning around $500.” Only a short three-hour flight to Florida, Colombia is in the eastern time zone, and due to being located so close to the equator, there is no daylight savings time. Colombia enjoys approximately 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night regardless of the month of the year. Getting from one area of the country to the other is easy. Bus travel is inexpensive, however, due to the mountainous area around most of the country, journey times can be quite long. On the positive side, you can spend the hours soaking in all the magnificent scenery. Many airlines provide service between major cities. Domestic flights are reasonably priced and make for much shorter transit, allowing you to spend more time exploring your destinations. Life in Colombia varies from laidback, relaxing beach living in the coastal town of Santa Marta, to the culturally rich capital city of Bogotá, filled with theaters, churches, and the Gold Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of Pre-Columbian gold artifacts. Trendy nightlife, upscale shopping, and an array of imaginative restaurants can be found in both Bogotá and Medellín, as well as several other large cities. 4. Costa Rica Costa Rica is always in there at 4th best places to retire for US expats Costa Rica has been hosting retirees and other expats for more than 30 years, and all the reasons why this Central American gem first attracted those seeking a better life abroad back then still hold true today. As a safe and stable country, with no army, Costa Rica welcomes foreigners with open arms. People are friendly and happy. The unofficial national motto, Pura Vida, means “life is good.” And that laidback attitude permeates daily life in the country. It’s a stress-free, relaxed existence. Because expats have been living here for so long, it’s an easy transition. You don’t have to be a pioneer or figure things out—services and modern conveniences are available. And it’s easy to make friends with both locals and expats. Getting residence is a straightforward process in Costa Rica. For retirees, the pensionado program requires an income of just $1,000 per month from Social Security, a pension, disability, or another similar source. That covers the applicant and a dependent spouse. It’s the perfect solution for long-term living in Costa Rica. One of the major benefits of Costa Rica is the lower cost of living. “For between $2,000 and $3,000 per month, a retired couple can live well and cover all expenses without scrimping,” says IL’s Roving Latin America Editor Jason Holland. “For example, you can fill your fridge with fresh produce from farmers’ markets for about $35 per week…property taxes are just 0.25% of the home’s assessed value…a decent meal at a local restaurant will run you $5 per plate…and rents start at $400 per month for fully-furnished condos or homes in nice areas.” Costa Rica also has a wide variety of climates, landscapes, and lifestyles. So there’s really something for everybody. Whether you want a temperate climate in the mountains, in small farming communities…or would rather chill out in a bustling beach town where there’s always a party going on…there’s a place for you in Costa Rica. One of the major reasons Costa Rica is so attractive to retirees is the highly-rated healthcare. All the latest technology is available, and doctors are trained in the latest techniques. There are two healthcare systems in the country. Legal residents, in the pensionado retiree visa program for example, join the government-run healthcare system known as Caja, which has a network of clinics and hospitals throughout the country. After you pay a monthly fee based on income, your care is free. You can also pay cash or use insurance to access private medical providers in Costa Rica, including clinics, hospitals, and individual doctors. Even in this system, the costs are a fraction of what you might pay in the U.S. 3. Ecuador Ecuador a winner for years previous If you look at the overall scores on this year’s Global Retirement Index, you’ll see that the top three retirement destinations on the Index are separated by just three tenths of a point (see the chart below with all the scores for the 24 countries featured in this year’s index). Ecuador comes in third this year with a final score of 90.7. But Ecuador has been someplace at the top of IL’s Annual Global Retirement Index for a long time now. This year is no exception, and there are good reasons for that. For anyone who has excellent weather at the top of their list of personal requirements for a retirement destination, Ecuador can’t be beat. Thanks to its mountainous terrain and its position directly on the equator, you can choose almost any climate you like simply by moving up or down in altitude. And healthcare in Ecuador’s major cities is the equal to anything available, anywhere, and at amazingly low prices. Ecuador also comes out on top for its affordability and availability of real estate to rent or buy. This can mean significant long-term savings for anyone making Ecuador their permanent or semi-permanent residence. The country also offers great retiree benefits. Over-65s get discounts on flights originating in Ecuador, as well as up to 50% off entry to movies and sporting events. Discounts are also available on public transport (50%) and utilities, with the option of a free landline if you purchase a property. Also, once you get here you won’t have any problems getting to know your neighbors. According to IL Senior Editor Dan Prescher: “Thanks to growing expat communities in several of Ecuador’s most popular destinations, fitting in once you arrive is remarkably easy, and the infrastructure in those destinations ranks near the top as well.” Ecuador’s most popular expat havens are Cuenca, Quito, Cotacachi, and Salinas. Jim Santos, IL’s Coastal Ecuador Correspondent, lives in the beach town of Salinas with his wife Rita. Their monthly budget comes in at less than $1,500 a month. But, he reports another huge benefit of life in Ecuador over the past three years. “Living in Salinas has had a big impact on our health,” Jim says. “Here in Salinas the weather is great and there are lots of opportunity to be outdoors. We enjoy fresh, healthy foods too. My wife and I have both lost weight and feel better than we have in years. I’ve been able to stop taking medication for Type 2 diabetes, and we are more active than ever, spending time exploring Ecuador and enjoying our new, healthier lifestyle.” For thousands of expats who have already made the move, Ecuador has ticked all the right boxes for years now, and continues to do so. 2. Panama Last years best place to retire - Panama comes in second Modern, comfortable, and tolerant—if you had to describe Panama in just a few words, these are what they’d be. Panama may be famous for its canal, but it’s the ease of living that draws retirees here. Of course, this country is so convenient thanks to the international trade and migration facilitated by the canal. (And even before that, by Panama’s strategic location and unique geography.) Today’s Panama is a place shaped by interactions with people from Spain, France, Israel, Lebanon, the U.S., China, India, the Antilles, and many more. Newcomers need not fear that they won’t fit in or be welcomed. Panamanians are accustomed to and welcoming of foreigners. In fact, they usually treat them like VIPs. Add to welcoming people and policies, a rock-solid infrastructure and Panama’s appeal is easy to see. As IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch explains: “With top-notch cellular and internet connections, Panama offers a user-friendly and familiar environment you may not have expected to find in the warm, sunny tropics. It’s a big reason why Panama regularly scores so highly in International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index.” In terms of retiree benefits, Panama’s Pensionado program is one of the best in the world. In addition to making it easy for foreign retirees to obtain residence, this program also grants members access to a wide range of discounts. Save 10% to 50% on travel, healthcare, hotels, restaurants, and more as a resident pensionado. There are many other Latin American countries that offer excellent benefits, but when it comes to overall value, Panama checks more boxes than any other. Whether you’re looking to live in a truly cosmopolitan world capital…by a pristine beach ringed by clear blue waters…or on a mountain in the cool, verdant highlands…Panama has much to offer. The 2017 Annual Global Retirement Index—Final Scores Annual Global Retirement Index Annual Global Retirement Index And the winner is…Mexico Mexico wins best places to retire in 2017 Mexico has always offered arguably the easiest transition to expat life around: Low-cost, conveniently close, friendly locals and plenty of expats—Mexico offers an appealing balance of exotic foreign culture and familiar First-World lifestyle. Over recent years, crime and insecurity across the border have made headlines—and yes, there are parts of Mexico we don’t recommend. But this is a big country…and while the mainstream media may bash Mexico, we’ve actually noticed a trend of people gravitating there. Seasoned expats, folks who have lived in countries like Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Belize, are moving to Mexico. After all, there’s a reason over 1 million Americans call Mexico home. The cost of living is great—expats report living well for as little as $1,200 a month—and has gotten even better with the weakening of the peso against the dollar in recent years. Your dollars now buy nearly 50% more pesos than they did just a few short years ago. The weak peso also means you can pick up great-value real estate (to buy or rent) for even less than you could a few years ago—an apartment that cost $1,300 to rent in 2014 costs $980 now. Those dollars also go even further when it comes to Mexican healthcare. You can get healthcare that’s even better quality than what you’re used to and for one half to one third the price to boot. According to IL’s Roving Latin America Editor Jason Holland, who lives on the Riviera Maya, there are first-rate hospitals throughout the country—every major city has one. “Even paying cash at private facilities costs a fraction of what it would in the U.S. Most doctors have received at least part of their training in the U.S. or Europe…and many speak English,” Jason says. English is widely spoken in popular expat spots like Lake Chapala and the Riviera Maya. This makes it easy for you to fit right in. And heck, you can drive down, or fly home for as little as $200 round-trip—so getting home is convenient. This proximity also makes it an ideal destination for snowbird living, perfect for escaping from the worst of the winter weather. And the diverse selection of climates spread out across this massive country, ranging from hot weather on the beach to spring-like in the highlands, means you’re guaranteed to find weather that’s perfect for you. “The cost of living in Mexico allows me to live a fun life on my Social Security check,” says San Francisco-native Jack Bramy. Living half a block from the beach in Puerto Vallarta, Jack’s not scrimping. “There are great restaurants and tons of cool bars on the malecón (promenade). My rent is $575 a month for a two-bedroom apartment with a great modern bathroom and nice kitchen.” If you prefer to live in the Colonial Highlands, there are the picturesque historic towns like San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, and Ajijic on Lake Chapala. Chicago native Steve Garcia, 67, has lived in Guanajuato for four years. “I live well here on Social Security. My expenses are $1,200 a month, including rent. I have a two-bedroom house with a terraced garden,” says Steve. “With the dollar going up I’ve got 50% more to spend.” After you become a legal resident of Mexico, which is quite easy to qualify for, you can also take advantage of its retiree benefits. Those over 60 get discounts on airline and bus tickets, medical care, museum entrance fees, and much more. “I love my senior discount card,” says expat Marty Kramer who lives in Playa del Carmen. “All Mexican citizens, including resident expats, can get one when they turn 60. With it, I get discounts on almost everything: healthcare, public transportation, groceries, restaurants, hotels, and even some airlines. It’s up to the business how much of a discount they offer, but it’s usually around 10%.” If you acquire official residence in Mexico, you can get an INAPAM Card—and all the discounts that come with it. These can range from 5% up to 50%. And recent changes in the law now provide an easier and faster path than ever to permanent Mexican residence. Most retirees qualify for residence by showing they have the funds to support themselves. And—also unusually—Mexico gives you two ways to qualify. You can show monthly income from Social Security or a pension. Alternatively, you can use assets, such as funds in a savings or investment account, to qualify. You don’t need to transfer these assets to Mexico; you only need to prove that you have them. “Life here is easy and relaxed,” says IL Mexico editor Glynna Prentice. “And also rich and complex in sensations and experiences. People are friendly and welcoming, their warmth as genuine as the Mexican sun. And roots are deep. “Whether you’re looking at the mighty ruins of Teotihuacan, the face of a local Maya vendor, or the cool patio of a Spanish colonial hacienda, you sense a depth of history and tradition around you. “Mexico isn’t perfect—no place is. But its flaws pale when weighed against the vividness of life here.” Watch the video below to learn the many reasons why International Living Editors Dan Prescher and Suzan Haskins have recently made the move to Mexico. Behind the Scenes: How We Compiled the 2017 Retirement Index For the past 26 years, we at International Living have made use of our extensive network of editors, correspondents, contributors, and contacts based around the world to amass the great wealth of information, data, and insights we use to prepare our Annual Global Retirement Index. Our focus is multifaceted. Our key aim is to help you find locations where your dollar goes further, where you can get the best bang for your buck in terms of real estate, cost of living, and overall quality of life. We also assess the quality of a country’s healthcare and infrastructure, the proficiency in English of the local population, and the size of existing expat communities (ensuring there’ll be plenty of like-minded people for you to mix with once you arrive), how healthy the lifestyle is, how easy it is to gain residence, and more. In our ongoing efforts to make each index more comprehensive than those which preceded it we’ve improved our research and information gathering processes by soliciting the insights of more experts than ever before, and by asking even more questions in each category. The addition of these two factors mean that our 2017 index is the most detailed and accurate yet. It should be said: Our rankings are subjective. That is by design. We purposely rely on the informed judgment and real-world experience of in-country expats…folks just like you who have made the move and learned all their lessons the hard way. They live in the countries they write about. And they’ve been there long enough to get under the skin of their host nation and provide us with real understanding about what it’s like to live there. They provide us with detailed data and thoughtful insights under a total of 10 categories this year—buying and renting, benefits and discounts, visas and residence, cost of living, fitting in, entertainment and amenities, healthcare, healthy lifestyle, infrastructure, and climate. Note that we focus not on nations as a whole, but on the particular areas of each where we recommend people consider living. We do this because “macro” data averaged over a nation as a whole is a lot less useful than the more targeted insights we solicit from the relatively small number of places in each country where we really believe you might like to live. Of course, a lot of hard data goes into our analysis of each destination we consider on this Index. It includes, for example, weather data (like average rainfall, average temperature); reliable and up-to-date market baskets compiled by our correspondents on the ground in the communities we recommend; real-world data on average home prices and property taxes (not average across the nation, a nation filled with local buyers) but average prices specifically for the kinds of properties we know our readers would want to live in for both rental and purchase; specific—and reliable—data and rules on residence and visa requirements; costs for specific medical procedures (to include hip replacement, blood transfusion, flu vaccine, mammogram, prostate check, hearing test, laser eye surgery, facelift, dental crown, and more). These are the sort of data points that make sense for potential retirees to consider—they’re much more useful than, say, macro-economic data would be. And that’s why we use them as we compare and contrast these 24 countries across the 10 categories. At the core, our eye is on good value and easy, comfortable, safe, healthy living as we rank and rate what we deem to be the best retirement havens in the world today. Right now there exists a tremendous number of good options for an affordable, enjoyable retirement overseas. So many, in fact, it can be hard to compare one to another. And that’s what this 26th Annual Global Retirement Index is meant to help you do: Take stock of what’s most important to you…and then help you draw a line from that to the spots most worth your attention today. Get Your Free Report on the World’s Best Places to Retire: Learn more about the best places in the world to retire in our daily postcard e-letter. Simply enter your email address below to sign up for our free daily postcards and we’ll also send you a FREE report on The World’s Top 10 Retirement Havens. Get Your Free Report Here E-Mail Address SIGN UP No spam pledge. We value your privacy. Related Articles Mexico: International Living’s Retirement Index Winner The World’s Best Climate: The Top 5 Countries in 2017 5 Countries with the Best Healthcare in the World Share this article Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comments (6) W.Ferreira April 23, 2017 at 11:16 am Where are Asian countries??” The best ones! REPLY Andy Patterson April 25, 2017 at 4:31 pm How is is possible that Barbados or any other Caribbean country is not on this list? REPLY Todd April 27, 2017 at 7:00 am If Mexico is so darn great to live in,why are so many of it’s citizens escaping to the US? I live in Colombia and the people here want to do the same, escape to the US. Why? I tell them all the same thing,WHY? They have a dream and unrealistic expectations. Ignorance truly is bliss. REPLY Andy May 4, 2017 at 4:08 pm Wow, you’re extremey insightful. They’re leaving or trying to because they’re poor. Which is one of the reasons these places are cheaper. Why, really? If you make $20 per day and you can at least in theory move to a place where wages are much higher and send money back to your family, then you do it. Do you really think they WANT to leave? Are you that ignorant? They want to live in their home country AND make a decent living. You were smart enough to pick the country you were born in apparently. You are the ignorant one. You have no idea how the world works. Amazing. Entitlement is bliss. REPLY Abbie Jones May 17, 2017 at 8:36 am I’ve always said Trump was wrong about Mexico. The country is an amazing place to live retire or visit!!! The people are extremely friendly and the way of life is just second to non. The Peso being so weak means we’ve been able to live here so cost effectively. Plus a visit to the doctor doesn’t cost us big $$$$’s now. Great to see International Living has our little bit of heaven as #1! REPLY James July 31, 2017 at 9:39 am Where is a good place to start my move to Puerto Vallarta? How do I find an affordable place to rent. Thank you! REPLY LEAVE A COMMENT Get Your FREE Report on the World’s Top Retirement Havens Simply enter your e-mail below to subscribe to International Living’s free daily e-letter and we’ll immediately send your free report–The World’s Top 10 Retirement Havens Your email address Your email address SIGN UP TOP OF PAGE Click to go back to top of page Footer Useful Links IL Magazine New to IL Ask the Experts Media Center Customer Service Popular Categories Best Places to Retire World Rankings Earn Overseas Real Estate Reader Profiles Subscribe to the magazine today and save 35% SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY POSTCARDS Your email address SIGNUP Subscribe to International Living Sales Tax Privacy Policy © 2017 [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 10] [if gte mso 10] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 10] [if gte mso 10] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 10] [if gte mso 10] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 10] [if gte mso 10] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 10] [if gte mso 10] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 9] [if gte mso 10] [if gte mso 10] Sign Up to IL Postcards - Get "World's Top 10 Retirement Havens Report" FREE Enter e-mail address SIGNUP WORLD OF WANDERLUST ADVENTURE THE “TOP 25” BEST DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD 883 shares + A few days ago a list of the top 25 Best Destinations in the World surfaced. According to Trip Advisor, these are the top 25 travellers’ favourites…. including locations throughout Asia, Northern Africa, The UK, USA, Latin America, and even Australia. But the big question is… how many have you visited!? Marrakech Medina 1. Marrakech, Morocco What is there not to love about Marrakech!? This city is an abundance of colours and fabrics, an endless maze of souks, and with many mosques, palaces and gardens to keep you exploring for days on end. Be sure to avoid the warmer months, as Marrakech experiences extremely high temperatures year-round. Watch out for the snake charmers in the Djemaa el-Fna! angkor wat Image via Wikicommons 2. Siem Reap, Cambodia As the gateway to the ruins of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap attracts tourists from around the world and has recently become one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions. Grand Bazaar Istanbul 3. Istanbul, Turkey Istanbul has all the bustling Byzantine romance of the past and all the chaotic charm of the present. You can’t miss these top Istanbul attractions. Hanoi the huc bridge Image via Wikicommons 4. Hanoi, Vietnam Now the capital of Vietnam and the countries’ second largest city, Hanoi is often cited as a must visit for travellers making their way to Vietnam. While the streets are busy and often chaotic, there is an abundance of culture to be found in the distinct blend of influences over the years: particularly the Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences. prague 5. Prague, Czech Republic This ‘just passing through’ city in Central Europe has quickly become a favourite for European adventurers. The Czech Republic capital offers visitors great beer, partying, and oodles of sightseeing for the more tame traveller. Be sure to visit nearby Cesky Krumlov (a short 2 hour drive away), as it might just be the most romantic town in Europe. london 6. London, United Kingdom As the world’s most visited city, it is perhaps no surprise that London nears the top of the list for 2015. To discover more of London beyond the tourist attractions, be sure to check out the London contributor’s top tips. Rome if you want to 7. Rome, Italy The eternal city has so many attractions to offer travellers that it is little wonder it scraped into the top 10 of the world’s best destinations. Be sure not to miss anything with this list of the top attractions in Rome. four seasons buenos aires 8. Buenos Aires, Argentina The capital of Argentina is bursting with Spanish architectural influence and is a modern day hub for business in South America. Be sure to check out this list of the best things to see and do in Buenos Aires so you don’t miss anything! Shangri-La Paris 9. Paris, France It is hardly a surprise to see Paris on the list – it is after all a WOW reader fave!!! The city of love has so much to offer all travellers – whether you’re loved up or flying solo. If you are indeed loved up and looking for that iconic view of the Eiffel Tower from a hotel balcony, check yourself into the Shangri-La Paris, who arguably have the best view of the tower from their gorgeous rooms and suites. cape-town-sunset-tour 10. Cape Town, South Africa Cape Town is fondly regarded by locals and visitors alike as the world’s prettiest city – all because of that iconic blend of where the city meets the sea, and nature plays a key part in the lives of locals. If you like hiking, you’ll love making your way up the famous Table Mountain and the many activities on offer around Cape Town. New York 11. New York City, New York A city that needs no introduction – the big apple. Be sure to check out the various New York Neighbourhoods you must visit and for the photograph enthusiasts, here’s a quick list of the best places to take a snap in The City. zermatt_switzerland Image via Wikicommons 12. Zermatt, Switzerland And so it goes that if you love skiing, you’ll love Zermatt. This mountain resort town in Switzerland is one of the most popular in all of Europe, so you’ll need to book well in advance if you’re coming in the peak winter season. Also, it won’t come cheap! barcelona sky bar 13. Barcelona, Spain The capital of Catalonia is also the capital of GREAT food and captivating architecture. Gaudi’s legacy is to be seen throughout the city, so be sure to take the time to wander through the various neighbourhoods and appreciate the architecture up close. cappadocia turkey 14. Goreme, Turkey This little town in Cappadocia is a favourite for travellers visiting Turkey to take flight in the sea of hot air balloons over the area. To find out what the experience is like, here’s one of the best full recounts of the experience: Hot Air ballooning over Cappadocia. Ricefields Bali 15. Ubud, Indonesia Well before hollywood caught on (aka Eat Pray Love) to the charm of Bali, travellers have been flocking from near and far to experience the fantastic organic foods, spiritual experience and colourful sunsets on offer. But perhaps no place is as serene and surreal as Ubud, lying in the centre of Bali with its’ pristine rice fields, rolling hills and friendly locals. For the full experience, why not consider a surf + bike + yoga retreat!? Machu Picchu 16. Cusco, Peru Having recently visited the popular (and highly photographed) UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu, I can certainly say firsthand that it is little wonder this is one of the world’s top 25 best destinations. Here’s a guide to help you get the most from Machu Picchu. st petersburg 17. St. Petersburg, Russia You’ll love the former capital of the Russian Federation… it’s impossible not to! St Petersburg is charming, cultured, and oozing with history at every turn. bangkok Image via Wikicommons 18. Bangkok, Thailand The Thai capital makes the list thanks to its’ chaotic charm. Bursting with colour and neon signs, Bangkok mesmerises travellers as they pass through the busy city en route to the much more calm shores of Phuket, Koh Samui or other resort towns. Jonah M. Kessel / China Daily Image via Wikicommons 19. Kathmandu, Nepal Sadly devastated by the recent earthquake, the city of Kathmandu has long been a favourite for the adventurous traveller. While they are still picking up the pieces given the current crisis, now might be the perfect time to visit in a capacity where you can give back on an active and engaging trip away from home. Athens_greece Image via Wikicommons 20. Athens, Greece Athens often gets a bad wrap for being dirty, unorganised and not tourist-friendly. But the plain fact is that Athens has history like no other – so it is certainly worth a couple of days in your itinerary, if even only en route to the nearby Greek islands. budapest 21. Budapest, Hungary Budapest is commonly cited as one of Europe’s most underrated cities – but I’d say it is probably THE most underrated of the European cities now being discovered by travellers venturing beyond the tradition path in the West. Queenstown_in_Winter 2 Image via Wikicommons 22. Queenstown, New Zealand New Zealand’s adventure capital has a lot to offer travellers: bungy jumping, sky diving, mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking are just a few to be named. Hong_Kong_Skyline 23. Hong Kong, China My obsession with Hong Kong will probably never fade. Having visited the city for up to two weeks at a time on more than 8 occasions, I can safely say that I have a soft spot for this East-meets-West city in Asia. If you’re heading there soon, here’s where you’ll find the best dim sum, what to do in Hong Kong, and a very unofficial guide to Disneyland Hong Kong. dubai 24. Dubai, UAE The city that emerged out of the desert almost overnight is quickly becoming a favourite for frequent travellers. Its no secret that Emirates is one of the best airlines out there (they seriously offer the most comfortable economy class and a very indulgent business class), so Dubai is becoming a common stopover for travellers flying across the globe. Four Seasons Sydney 25. Sydney, Australia Way over in the Southern Hemisphere lies one of the most popular ‘dream destinations’ – Sydney, the cultural capital of Australia and home to the iconic Sydney opera house and Sydney harbour bridge. If you’ve stepped off a long haul flight to get here, you’re gonna need to know where to get the best coffee in Sydney. You’re welcome. WHAT A LIST! How many have you been to!? 103 Comments By BROOKE SAWARD BROOKE SAWARD Brooke founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen! YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE Lord Howe Island | World of Wanderlust Hiking Lord Howe Island – Must do hikes, views & attractions April 17, 2017 In search of Fairies and Giants in the Scottish Highlands June 3, 2014 The Top 10 Must Visit Cities in South America April 30, 2015 magda199512@wp.pl' FOTOTRAVELKA.COM March 16, 2016 at 4:36 am When it comes to this list I’ve been to Goreme, Turkey; Paris and Prague so far;) jeremy@theworldorbust.com' JEREMY December 31, 2015 at 2:17 am Great list! I have been to a few on your list like Bangkok and Cusco, but have just added some more to my bucket list! anank.ars@gmail.com' IDTOURING December 15, 2015 at 10:57 pm I’m very pleased Indonesia is included to the list, as I know besides Ubud, there are many most beautiful places in this country.. coolcucumber150@yahoo.fr' PAPDEORGAKI November 23, 2015 at 2:23 am MOROCCO is the best country in the world. Snow,sahara(disert),hot and cold,moderne and traditionnel in one country.FOR EVER MOROCCO. meta_klaudia@yahoo.com' KLAUDIA September 21, 2015 at 6:07 pm Absolutely true…Prague is amazing, breathtaking and magical! Only those who know the art of building and architecture , can really feel how special this city is! WEEKLY WANDERLUST: TAKE ME TO LAOS! | WORLD OF WANDERLUSTWORLD OF WANDERLUST August 2, 2015 at 8:35 pm […] it’s neighbours Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia (which has recently been named one of the World’s top 25 Destinations). However there is much to love about Laos, particularly if you’re eager to get out of your […] geri_savana@yahoo.com' GERI August 2, 2015 at 6:35 pm Well, here we go – 25 are NOT ENOUGH! There are also Cuba, Japan, Norway … Cuba is my number one! I doubt there is a person that will go there and not like the place and the people! So, Brooke, you should extend the list to top 50 I guess 🙂 tayla@tayladiana.com' TAYLADIANA August 1, 2015 at 11:50 am oh WOW Morroco and Turkey are easily my top two places to visit! mithy_93@hotmail.fr' STUDENTSNTRAVELERS July 31, 2015 at 10:08 pm Cape town my love!!! jan@thecrazytourist.com' JAN July 31, 2015 at 5:06 pm Awesome to see Hanoi on the list as I’m planning to visit it in 2016 🙂 And Prague is going down this year! Woohoo:) mgabbett@yahoo.com' SANJANA @ GREEN GLOBAL TRAVEL July 15, 2015 at 2:10 am This is such a great list! I’ll have to use it as my own bucket list of destinations! Thanks for sharing MY TOP 10 “TO DO LIST” | BCOLLINSTATTOURISM July 13, 2015 at 6:05 pm […] recently I read a post from Brooke Saward of worldofwonderlust.com of her reply to Trip Advisers “TOP 25 Best destinations in the world”. Brooke was […] danyekelly@gmail.com' DANY July 9, 2015 at 7:40 am I’ve been to only 🙁 but I’ve been to many others that aren’t on the list that I would put before these ones. Eg. Beirut in Lebanon, or Jaipur in India. Thanks for sharing though! danyellekelly.com SEE HEAR SPEAK NO EVIL NEWS & VIEWS – JUNE 10, 2015 | NEVERSTOPTRAVELING July 8, 2015 at 11:52 pm […] The “Top 25″ Best Destinations In The World […] MY TOP 10 “TO DO LIST” | BCOLLINS TATTOURISM July 8, 2015 at 8:13 am […] I read a post from Brooke Saward of worldofwonderlust.com and her reply to Trip Advisers “TOP 25 Best destinations in the world”. Brooke was […] travelwithava@gmail.com' AVA H July 1, 2015 at 9:49 am I’ve been to 11 of these places, but I’ve been to many others that I would put ahead of some of these places on the list. I have other places that I want to see before I get to the ones on this list. All great locations though 🙂 sophthomas93@gmail.com' SOPHIE June 24, 2015 at 6:08 am Love this list, includes so many places that I want to go to and made my desire to travel all the more right now, especially as we approach the summer. mariekouassi2@gmail.com' MARIE June 23, 2015 at 8:14 am wow Iam surprised there are not more african or south american/carribean places as they are for me one of the most beautiful places because they are so raw & pure. justtravelabit@gmail.com' ANGEELIKA June 22, 2015 at 11:22 am Paris and New York has been on my list for a long time! I’ve been to Barcelona, Ubud, Sydney, Budapest, Rome, London and def worth visit 🙂 msskay11@gmail.com' YASMIN June 22, 2015 at 2:50 am want to visit all!! alfredo196@alice.it' ALFREDO CIANO June 20, 2015 at 5:11 pm Wow !!! Amazin’ Collection !!! You Are Great My Dear World of Wanderlust !!! grouchos@mail.com' BOBBY MCFERRIN June 20, 2015 at 4:43 pm For real? What a wanker! Harmony_sweetpea@hotmail.com' HOLLY June 20, 2015 at 8:35 am Well I’ve been to 6 of those places. I’ve visited some of the other countries mentioned but not those exact cities. I admit I’m surprised Hanoi is on there. I found HCMC & Hoi An far more cultural experiences and enjoyable cities. The capital was a little more westernised & less enjoyable for us in Vietnam. ULTIMATE RABBIT HOLE #23 - June 20, 2015 at 6:01 am […] morning I wake to new photos in my feed. Cue a huge case of Wanderlust, which this post – top 25 best destinations in the world only added to! I’ve done 14, still more to tick […] theeighthoursblog@gmail.com' THEEIGHTHOURS June 19, 2015 at 4:31 pm Now this is a list I am happy to work through. Some beautiful and inspiring destinations. We are currently enjoying number 15. russ@russellsmith.co.za' RUSSELL SMITH June 17, 2015 at 2:42 am As a matter of principle I hold you responsible for taking my image with out my consent and will not let this practice go unchallenged. I am still waiting for the ‘source’ you claim gave it to you. janice.storti@live.com.au' JANICE June 16, 2015 at 10:04 pm Loooove Hong Kong! I stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Tsim Sha Tsui a few years ago and it was hands down the best hotel I have ever stayed in – the most exceptional customer service I’ve ever received. This was what started my Hyatt obsession – I know you’re headed to Canada soon and probably have all of your accommodation and what not sorted, but if you’re going to Vancouver and haven’t booked your accommodation, I highly recommend the Hyatt there too (I swear I’m not employed by them). There’s a Starbucks in the lobby, has a great restaurant, and has some of the friendliest staff I’ve ever encountered. It is practically in the epicentre of Vancouver – on the corner of West Georgia and Burrard St. Enjoy Canada, the people are so incredibly friendly and it’s just a lovely place to be. emma.roffey@hotmail.com' EMMA June 15, 2015 at 3:25 pm I couldn’t agree more with this list! I loved my time in Morocco, especially the days spent in Marrakech! Glad to see that Hanoi received a mention as well, can’t wait to be there! joey.cino.she@gmail.com' JOEY June 15, 2015 at 2:08 pm just back from New Zealand. Queenstown is the most beautiful places! Thanks for sharing! erikasanchez23_ny@yahoo.com' ERIKA June 15, 2015 at 1:19 pm I’ve been blessed to have been born and raised in New York City. However, I’m with Humberto. I absolutely can NOT take this list seriously if you can’t include Rio de Janeiro!! The most beautiful city with the warmest, fun-loving, passionate people in the world. A shame you couldn’t give South America more love. I’m with another lady that mentioned Colombia. Definitely an up-and-coming country that has had a bad rap with drug cartels and guerrilla armies. It’s cleaned up loads and has so much to offer tourists. San Andres, Colombia is HEAVEN. Also, may I also suggest adding Capri to a future list!? STUNNING. Ah well, to each their own. lol. Renmalt@hotmail.com' REN June 15, 2015 at 9:25 am It does say ‘cultural capital’ but I would argue that while Melbourne has less glitz than Sydney, it definitely has more in the way of culture. booandmaddie22@gmail.com' LINS @ BOO AND MADDIE June 15, 2015 at 7:45 am I could spend the rest of my life travelling and never see all there is to see. Thanks for sharing this list lucylees@hotmail.com' LUCY June 15, 2015 at 1:46 am What a great list 🙂 Pretty sure so many more amazing destinations could be added. Glad to see London there- my city, so wonderful! coraltintedperceptions@gmail.com' NATALIE June 14, 2015 at 10:38 pm I would probably agree with most of the list, I have been to Paris, London and lived in Cape Town so definitely agree with the inclusion of those. contact@greatthingsoflife.nl' ANGELA June 14, 2015 at 8:50 pm I went to Paris and Barcelona. I would like to travel more, but first I’m going to move in my new house! humbertoribas@gmail.com' HUMBERTO June 14, 2015 at 8:08 pm I’m afraid this list is worthless, as it does not include Rio de Janeiro, by far the most beautiful city in the world. Paris is the most beautiful city made by man, but Rio is the most beautiful one made by nature. Should you drop a bomb and destroy ANY of the above mentioned cities completely there would be NOTHING left. Should that be done to Rio it would still be the MOST BEAUTIFUL city in the whole world. In my 25 best destinations list Rio would rank 1 – 10, then Paris would come as 11, Rome 12, and so on. As a matter of fact Rio could only be hors-concours, as its beauty just cannot be matched, one cannot compare a peacock and a cockroach as far as beauty is concerned.. retromnia@gmail.com' CASSANDRA IKEGBUNE June 14, 2015 at 4:13 pm Such a wonderful compilation! justavantia@gmail.com' AVA June 14, 2015 at 1:46 pm Let’s go for the next 25 best destinations! And will Cuba be in that list? A must visit country! top 10 this or best 25 that, is pure marketing for blogs I think. Who agrees with me? darto52@yahoo.com' SUDARTO June 14, 2015 at 1:35 pm I’ve been to Bali, including to Ubud. Ubud is beautiful, especially its traditional art and life of its people are very peaceful and respect the customs. It’s really a special sight for modern citizens. Thank you. andrespoiche@gmail.com' ANDRES POICHE June 14, 2015 at 11:59 am I love it r_krusee@yahoo.com' REBECCA KRUSEE June 14, 2015 at 10:49 am Amazing locations! Thank you for sharing! ssstratos@gmail.com' STRATOS June 14, 2015 at 10:46 am Athens is way more cleaner than most of the other places. janauma@gmail.com' NADIA June 14, 2015 at 9:49 am We have been in 9 of them not bad but still many to discover! We think also NYC must be in a higher position, after living there some time ago we are planning now our next trip there and there are too many special activities to do there! You can take a look if you would think it could be useful for you.So true indeed! I really do love this post and the entire blog! My compliments and thanks to bloglovin for let me know about you! Add another follower to your list 😉 Alterzidou@yahoo.gr' ALEX June 14, 2015 at 5:59 am Athens dirtiest and not organized than Rome, Prague, Vietnam and Turkey??? Hahahaha!!! Have u ever been in Rome,Prague, Vietnam and Turkey? Have u ever been in Athens? Let me quess! Of course NO! I wish someday you will find Athens and change your mind caroline.edwards22@bigpond.com' CAROLINE EDWARDS June 14, 2015 at 3:14 am SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA….the home of my birth NO. 25…….O …CANBERRA is the Capital of AUS come on down under…..see our superb Great Barrier Reef….. darrelwarrington49@gmail.com' DARRELL WARRINGTON June 13, 2015 at 3:28 pm Been to 13 would like morroco Spain dubai next time. presynukman@yahoo.com' PRESYL June 12, 2015 at 6:50 pm it would be perfect if Kyoto was up on the list! you can find modern and traditional japan in Kyoto, the temple, the tourism spot, the people, the food! and geisha are attraction that you can’t be missed Ubud is awesome, you never get boring visit this place again and again. Ah, london and turkey always on my bucket list! hope I can make it come true someday sarah@writingleo.com' SARAH ANTON June 12, 2015 at 9:32 am This is such a great list, honestly! I’m heading to Paris this summer (Solo Euro Trip inspires by you:) ) and I can’t wait to write my own review on the city! olg.rabo@gmail.com' OLGA June 11, 2015 at 2:52 am How can anyone consider Prague ‘just passing through” kind of city? It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to! thisoffscriptlife@gmail.com' JENNIFER @ THIS OFF SCRIPT LIFE June 11, 2015 at 12:33 am I’ve just returned from Marrakech, so it was great to see it first on the list. You’re right about the heat too. It was 100 degrees F (38 C) in early June, so I can’t imagine what July and August are like. SO HOT. danaimoraiti@gmail.com' DANAI June 10, 2015 at 5:43 pm mallorylunetta@aol.com' MALLORY LUNETTA June 10, 2015 at 11:19 am So happy to see that NYC made the list! Loved this! My husband and I have recently created our own travel website centered around the USA. exploresmore@gmail.com' JULIA June 10, 2015 at 7:46 am Budapest has to be number one on my travel bucket list, followed by the entire land of Australia (backpacking trip already planned for years in the future!). Thank you for sharing, this list is so insightful! Now it only needs a few more German locations on it 😀 Julia thepinthemapproject@gmail.com' NIKKI VARGAS June 10, 2015 at 4:38 am What an awesome list and so great to see I’ve been to a few of these places and will be headed to Morocco and Vietnam soon!!! Thanks for putting this together. Cheers, Nikki kim.purcell4@gmail.com' KIMBERLY PURCELL June 10, 2015 at 3:31 am What an amazing list! I certainly need to add a place or two to my bucket list. I cannot wait to go to Cambodia! xo Kim lvmills@gmail.com' LAURA June 10, 2015 at 1:58 am Been to 7 of them (and currently live in one – London) but want to go to so many more!!! brittanystopa@gmail.com' BRITTANY STOPA June 10, 2015 at 1:01 am Wow these are some really beautiful destinations. I’ve been to some but have yet to see many others. It just goes to show you that even if you think you’ve seen a lot of the world, there is still so much yet to be discovered…the driving force behind all travelers I think! anatea.oroz@yahoo.com' ANATEA June 9, 2015 at 9:15 pm Only 4, but I want to go to all those places! travel@aholeinmyshoe.com' LYN - A HOLE IN MY SHOE June 9, 2015 at 7:52 pm Great list and I’d love to one day say I’ve been to them all. Made it to 12 so far, including Sydney, which isn’t Australia’s capital, it is the capital city of New South Wales, Canberra is Australia’s capital. olyagarkushavogue@gmail.com' OLYA June 9, 2015 at 7:26 pm Oh, thank you so musch for the information!! I’m a crazy traveler, so I saved your post!:) thank you♥ Olya, x lagringachapina@gmail.com' CHELSEA June 9, 2015 at 5:25 pm All of these places look really amazing, no doubt, although I am not surprised as they are almost all major cities. I was bummed to not see a larger representation of the Americas on the list as there are so many wonderful places between Alaska and the tip of Argentina and there wasn’t a single mention on Central America. Guatemala and Cuba as both SO amazing along with other parts of Central America and the Caribbean so it was sad to see parts of the world that are constantly overlooked, continuing to be overlooked. I also didn’t see much in Africa apart form Morocco on this list. I guess it’s hard to say 25 best places because the world just has WAY too many beautiful, unique, and intriguing places it’s hard to list them all! Happy travels to all!! I hope to go to EVERYWHERE on this list and MUCH MORE! The planet and its people have soooo much to offer 🙂 xo_shelbs_ox@Hotmail.com' SHELBY June 9, 2015 at 12:43 pm Lovely list! I’ve been to 8 of these places but will hit a lot more of them on my next big trip! hongminh317@gmail.com' MINH NGUYEN June 9, 2015 at 10:38 am Lovely to see Hanoi in the list! I would love to add Busan (South Korea) and Kyoto (Japan). I’m so in love with Busan, which is a super stunning city! THE “TOP 25″ BEST DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD | JOHNSJOURNIE June 9, 2015 at 10:30 am […] post The “Top 25″ Best Destinations in the World appeared first on WORLD OF WANDERLUST. Source: Travel […] Alaperchoineinfo@gmail.com' JODIE @PERCHOINE June 9, 2015 at 9:52 am Wow im suprised to say I have ticked off 12 of these destinations. The rest are certainly on my bucketlist. À la perchoine, Jodie ellen_dorsman@live.nl' ELLEN DORSMAN June 9, 2015 at 6:43 am such a good list! Did 11 of these destinations in this last year, so I’m bursting with ‘pats on my own back’. Budapest is up as on of the destinations this summer. Would love to see Vietnam though! lcakuijpers@gmail.com' LISA June 9, 2015 at 6:10 am Nice list. I’ve only been to 9 of these destinations, so there’s some good bucket list inspiration here. 🙂 I have to disagree on Prague and Budapest being underrated or untraditional tourist destinations though. Maybe for people from other continents, but they have been popular destinations with European tourists for years. I have visited these cities as a child, about ten years ago, and they were definitely already full of tourists then. tallgirlbigworld@gmail.com' CLAIRE @ TALLGIRLBIGWORLD June 9, 2015 at 5:33 am Of the places listed, Siem Reap is one of my all time favorites. Angkor Wat is absolutely stunning! I just went to London last week and am planning on posting about it soon 🙂 I hope to visit each of these cities one day. -Claire, tallgirlbigworld.com laurenslittleblogs@gmail.com' LAUREN June 9, 2015 at 5:14 am I’d love to visit these places, especially Paris and Rome! xx thelittledaydreamer@hotmail.com' KATE June 9, 2015 at 3:34 am I have been to none of them. It’s kinda sad but I’m only 18 years old so hopefully I will explore this places soon. x Kate arnewell@gwu.edu' ALLISON June 9, 2015 at 1:54 am Awesome list! Buenos Aires and Istanbul are my favorites. I am dying to go to St. Petersburg but I know the visa process is pretty tedious for Americans. lovelyforliving@yahoo.de' YVONNE June 9, 2015 at 1:44 am Still so many on the list! But I totally adored Sydney and Queenstown is such a great getaway! And New York.. there’s not much to say about New York, as it’s just one of the most amazing cities I have ever been to! But for me, Asia and South Africa are high up on my bucket list! xx Yvonne mikeandjana@cox.net' JANA MILLER June 9, 2015 at 1:02 am Venice Italy is my all time favorite! kerjan@backpackbabe.com' BACKPACK BABE June 9, 2015 at 12:31 am Eeek! Nothing like travel bucket lists to get you excited about your travel goals again! On my list: Cambodia, New Zealand and Nepal 🙂 besabine.wordpress@gmail.com' SABINE June 9, 2015 at 12:21 am Great list! I visited a lot of these great spots! My favorite country is Colombia. Not yet discovered that much, so maybe in a few years it can be added to a ‘best destination’ list! junemoonchild63@att.net' ANITA MONSON June 8, 2015 at 11:42 pm I’ve got to go ahead and get started on this list of destinations soon! andreaspassions@hotmail.com' ANDREA PETERSEN June 8, 2015 at 11:02 pm Beaut post! Agree with a lot of the countries featured, of which I have been to 13. Cape Town next!!! Desperate to go to Marrakesh too… Lots of love, Andrea xxx endlesslyexploring@gmail.com' KELLY | ENDLESSLY EXPLORING June 8, 2015 at 10:56 pm Wonderful list! I’ve been to around half of these destinations and I can’t wait to visit the other places on the list. Next up I would love to visit Turkey and Morocco! 🙂 x catquayle@gmail.com' KITTYQ June 8, 2015 at 10:44 pm I’ve been to 21 of these, but I have to disagree with Hanoi. I much preferred Saigon to Hanoi, but Vietnam in general was amazing. linda_schouw@live.nl' KARBONKEL June 8, 2015 at 10:03 pm Just in Prague and Budapest, love those cities! This summer i’m going to Rome! victoriah311@hotmail.com' VICTORIA June 8, 2015 at 10:01 pm I’ll be visiting Jordan soon. Pity it’s not on the list ! Gill_morris@hotmail.co.uk' SEASIANGIRL June 8, 2015 at 9:36 pm Hi, just found you on bloglovin…love this post. I shall look forward to reading some more of your posts 😉 sillymedleyNC@gmail.com' CAMILLE June 8, 2015 at 8:47 pm I’m surprised by how many I’ve been to, mostly the ones in western Europe but also Buenoes Aires and NYC! travelkiddosblog@gmail.com' TRAVEL KIDDOS BLOG June 8, 2015 at 8:00 pm I’ve just found your blog on Bloglovin and must say that it’s so inspiring… including this post! Have been so lucky visiting most of these destinations, but still at few to hit… like Hong Kong! Really need to put that on top of my list! Miss Tokyo on the list though…. 🙂 tiptoeingtheworld@gmail.com' MIMA ISONO June 8, 2015 at 7:00 pm I had only been to 9 countries out of 25 but some I visited when I was still working in international organization. There was not enough time to explore and enjoy the city as much as you wanted to when you travel on work. I’m planning to visit Siem Reap and Ha Noi again this year or early next year. Mima Isono Tokyo Blogger on the Roam rosiemckay@hotmail.co.uk' ROSIE June 8, 2015 at 6:59 pm I have visited 5/25 on this list, but I am ticking a few more off this year 🙂 Rosie x Nastasyak@hotmail.fr' NASTASYA June 8, 2015 at 6:59 pm I did 9 of it, and some others I’m gonna visit soon! Next!! Richard@manx.net' RICHARD June 8, 2015 at 6:22 pm Have been to over half of these: 11 more to get to snglasbrenner0@frostburg.edu' SARA June 8, 2015 at 5:34 pm What an incredible list!!! I’m heading to Prague today and Budapest later this week, so excited to see why people love these two cities so much! lelacquerhookup@gmail.com' MICHELLE June 8, 2015 at 3:34 pm This is a wonderful list. However, please don’t say “Hong Kong, China.” Although it is technically politically correct, it still bothers some people. Maybe “Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China” would be better. madison@thehornblows.co.nz' MADISON June 8, 2015 at 3:26 pm So glad to see New Zealand made the list 🙂 PS: I have a blog I recently post on being happy! Please check it out lovelies xxxx karen@littleblackshell.com' KAREN FARBER June 8, 2015 at 3:25 pm Wow what a beautiful list! I’m so happy that Cusco made it on here. Peru is my home country, yet I haven’t seen Machu Picchu yet! Hoping to go next year, and would love to go to Morocco or Greece at the end of Summer!! pernillabredolt@gmail.com' PILLA June 8, 2015 at 3:24 pm Lovley spots! I was at the Faero islands this weekend and it was all Amazing there! australia@gov.com.au' AUSTRALIA June 8, 2015 at 3:15 pm hey, really cool list, except that Sydney is not the capital of Australia, Canberra is… rachelanggg@gmail.com' RACHEL ANG June 8, 2015 at 2:59 pm I really want to go to Ubud and Cusco!! Rachel x thehappybits.blogspot.com edee@hotmail.com' DANIELA June 8, 2015 at 2:06 pm Sydney is beautiful but not the capital of OZ michellereimann@gmail.com' MICHELLE | LIGHTS CAMERA TRAVEL June 8, 2015 at 1:01 pm Wonderful list! I’m making my way through them all. A little saddened not to see any Japanese destinations on this list though. I know you haven’t been yet, but Kyoto has been listed as a top destination to visit by Lonely Planet! It truly is an amazing destination with many luxurious Ryokan options to stay if you ever make it over there 🙂 isti.kurniasari@gmail.com' ISTIQUERS June 8, 2015 at 12:49 pm It’s good to know that Ubud is one of them. I really love this place. ig @istiquers tristan_reposo@yahoo.com' TRISTAN June 8, 2015 at 12:22 pm Gonna add a lot of those in my list. I’m still hoping Philippines would be in the list! 🙂 tristan_reposo@yahoo.com' TRISTAN June 8, 2015 at 12:21 pm Still hoping Philippines would be in the list! 🙂 chloe.coslovich@hotmail.com' CHLOE June 8, 2015 at 11:55 am So far been to 10 of these places. Next on my bucket list would be Turkey and Morocco for sure! However first I’m heading to Amsterdam and Italy for 5 weeks in July, follow my travels at adelaide.haynes@hotmail.com' ADELAIDE HAYNES June 8, 2015 at 11:45 am There’s just not enough time and money in the world to tick all of these off and the countless others that are on my bucket list! At the moment, I’m really keen on going back to Iceland (which should definitely be on the list), New York, Singapore, Tokyo, Indonesia and Egypt! samantha.leroy@hotmail.com' SAMANTHA June 8, 2015 at 11:07 am Just when I thought I had a large enough Travel Bucket List, then I see this post…Yup, I have a lot more ground to travel than I thought. Nice post 🙂 ABOUT ME About Me TRAVEL + LIFESTYLE BLOGGER Welcome to World of Wanderlust! A travel + lifestyle blog sharing adventures abroad, adventures in the kitchen and an adventurous lifestyle to inspire your own. My Bakery: Charlie's Dessert House My Boutique: Little White Boutique My Book: World of Wanderlust Book BUY MY BOOK! wow Search and hit enter... SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW Email Address SIGN UP FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM Final stop in Greece before Italy & Malta: Agios Nikolaos in Crete. 😍😍 #ExtraordinaryworldsKicking back in Crete - found this perfect little picnic spot, just forgot the picnic 🙄😝 #ExtraordinaryworldsY'know those places you wander around imaging yourself on a little balcony writing a book about the source of happiness...💭 #Extraordinaryworlds #MykonosI've been saving Greece on my travel list for so long that it hardly feels real 😍✨ today wandering the streets of Mykonos, second port of call with @seabourncruise 💙 #ExtraordinaryworldsLunch a la Mykonos 😍🍇 #ExtraordinaryworldsPretty excited to be out and about exploring Greece for the first time! 🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷 First stop: Skopelos ✨ filled with alleyways, stairs (of course) and views for days. Exploring Greece & beyond with @seabourncruise #ExtraordinaryworldsWaking up to this view.... only the half of it, when the real memory is in the beauty of waking up next to you 💜 #homeiswhereverimwithyouThe most memorable ✨ #positanoNew travel vlog 🎥 behind the scenes of my Book Tour in the Netherlands! POPULAR CURRENTLY LOVING: [show_shopthepost_widget id=”2727478″] Final stop in Greece before Italy & Malta: Agios Nikolaos in Crete. 😍😍 #ExtraordinaryworldsKicking back in Crete - found this perfect little picnic spot, just forgot the picnic 🙄😝 #ExtraordinaryworldsY'know those places you wander around imaging yourself on a little balcony writing a book about the source of happiness...💭 #Extraordinaryworlds #MykonosI've been saving Greece on my travel list for so long that it hardly feels real 😍✨ today wandering the streets of Mykonos, second port of call with @seabourncruise 💙 #Extraordinaryworlds © 2017 - World of Wanderlust All Rights Reserved. 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