Avoid the Crowds and Explore the World’s 5 Best Secret Beaches

By International Living

A great beach can be one of the deciding factors when considering a move overseas. But, what constitutes a great beach is different for everybody. Some people are looking for quiet natural beauty, where the only sound is the breaking waves and the only other visitors are seagulls. Somewhere away from the crowded tourist spots where you can sink your toes into the sand, swim in the ocean, and admire a stunning tropical sunset in peace.

Here is a list of five secret beaches, well off the tourist trail, and each with something special to offer.

Lagos, Portugal

Lagos is a town in southern Portugal’s Algarve region. Just an hour from Faro, beautiful, pristine beaches can be found all along here, as well as amazing fresh seafood, and beguiling, centuries-old buildings packed along winding cobblestoned streets. There are still fishermen going out to sea as their fathers and grandfathers did before them.

A 15-minute stroll along the Avenida dos Descobrimentos—the main road of Lagos—is Praia da Batata (Potato Beach), the city beach. The 17th-century fortress gives this beach a stunning backdrop.

The local kids and dogs jump off the ancient pier into the ocean, then climb back up to do it again. The beach snack of choice is a bola de Berlim (a cream-filled donut). A man with a cooler walks around selling them, and the Portuguese chow down.

Soliman Bay, Mexico

Blink and you might miss the turn off to Soliman Bay along the ramrod straight coastal highway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, on the Riviera Maya. And you’d be missing a gem.

This long, gracefully arcing bay is accessed down a narrow dirt road. Hang a right and keep going past a strip of large beach villas to find public access at the end of the road.

Park and hit the water or order some beers and food at Chamico’s, a simple outdoor restaurant right on the sand. That entitles you to a table and/or beach lounger.

The Caribbean water is blue and clear and there are rocks and reef just a few dozen yards off the sand, with tropical fish, rays, and other sea creatures abundant.

Montezuma, Costa Rica

On the far tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, the fishing village of Montezuma is great for those looking for a laidback destination. There’s no major development. And the town center has just a few restaurants, hotels, and shops.

The roads on the way to this part of Costa Rica can be rough, especially in rainy season from May to November, but it’s well worth visiting this area on the Pacific.

Here you can get a sunrise instead of sunset because it’s on the east side of the peninsula. The beach is an easy walk from town, where you’ll find a unique freshwater waterfall right on the sand, with pools for soaking and swimming.

Olón, Ecuador

In many ways, the quiet fishing village of Olón is the best of two worlds. Located on the southern shores of the Pacific Ocean in Ecuador, this is a place where you will find wide, sandy beaches on one side of the main road through town, and lush, green hills on the other.

Most tourists stop at the flashy, party town of Montañita, and never realize that beautiful Olón is just on the other side of a bluff.

The east side of Olón is a place where bamboo forest and fruit trees are growing on the rolling hills. It is not unusual to see horses or cattle slowly grazing their way across fields where tropical flowers like Bird of Paradise are growing wild.

On the west side, there is an incredible seven-mile stretch of beach where you can swim, surf, or just relax in a beachfront restaurant with your toes in the sand, enjoying a fresh seafood meal, favorite beverage, and incredibly colorful sunsets.

Penang, Malaysia

Penang is a special place. It’s historically significant, architecturally jaw dropping and there is always an inviting pool or deserted beach nearby to recharge the batteries before setting out to explore a little more.

Tanjung Bungah Beach is one of the longest on the island and is popular with expats and locals alike but there are many hidden coves and beaches.

But head to the south of the island and you will find deserted beaches, where life runs much slower on this part of the island. It’s like entering a different time. The south of the island is much less developed than the north but it’s only a leisurely 35-minute drive from the capital, George Town. It’s the perfect place to go to get some quiet time. This area is largely Malay and there are traditional kampongs (villages) scattered everywhere.

Many of the hidden coves here don’t have a name which may be why they are such a well-kept secret. When you’re done relaxing on the white-sand beach while listening to the waves lap the sand, you can check out one of the many local restaurants along this coast.

Original Source

Advertisements

Local Spotlight: Living and Retiring in San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico

By Travis Luther

If you are looking for a wonderful adventure while in Mexico, then you may want to consider San Cristobal de las Casas Chiapas. Whether deciding to retire there or are just vacationing, it is a wonderful town in Southern  Mexico in which to immerse yourself in culture. Let’s look at some great aspects regarding the town of San Cristobal de las Casas Chiapas, Mexico.

Where in Mexico is San Cristobal de las Casas?

San Cristobal de las Casas is a city located in the southern state of Chiapas, Mexico, and is just about 100 miles from the Guatemala border. As the third largest city in Chiapas, it is the cultural capital of the state of Chiapas. The city was founded in 1528 as the Villa Real de Chiapa.

Village Living in San Cristobal de las Casas

The area can be described as village living. With a population of just over 180,000 people, the town is populated with many things to do, yet it is not overcrowded.

Highlights of San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cristobal de las Casas can be described as a town with breathtaking scenery. It is located in a privileged geographical zone, more than 2000 meters above sea level. The climate gets chilly quickly, and a person can get quite winded walking around the hilly town. Within San Cristobal de las Casas, you’ll see plenty of colonial architecture, art, and music. It is a true portrayal of its residents, who are a mix of Tzotzil descendants and European foreigners. The town is rich in Mexican history, with a number of museums and colonial churches to see.

What is San Cristobal de las Casas Famous For?

The town is most well-known for its cultural flair. It also contains one of the largest indigenous Mayan populations in Mexico. The town has a great marketplace, selling food, art, textiles, shoes, and clothes. The town is filled with old-world narrow cobblestone streets and plenty of vibrant colors. Visitors and residents will always find friendly coffee shops and quaint restaurants as they are strolling around town!

Social Climate of San Cristobal de las Casas

While the town is not heavily populated, it is not secluded either. You can enjoy friendly conversation with locals and visitors without being overwhelmed. The interaction tends to be light, as the town has a quiet, easygoing feel.

Expats in San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico

While it is difficult to pinpoint an exact number, San Cristobal de las Casas is a popular place for expats.  This is mainly because of the rich culture that the town offers. It is a vibrant highland location in Mexico, where there is much to enjoy. There are new construction projects that promise modern living to those looking to relocate to the area. Alternatively, there are a number of historic properties that are perfect for restoration. With ecological attractions and a comfortable temperature year round, San Cristobal de las Casas is truly a desirable place to live for those who prefer a small town feel.

Cost of Living in San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico

For those who may be wondering about the cost of living in San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico, is low as compared with living in the United States. Basic necessities, such as housing, food, and clothing is extremely affordable.

Amenities in San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico

The closest airport is roughly a one and a half hour drive. There are several hospitals and many schools in the town. Roads are accessible, and there is a convenient bus system that provides easy travel around the town.

Original source

5 Apps for Expats in the Riviera Maya

By Thomas Lloyd | Top Mexico Real Estate

In today’s technological world, living with apps is essential. Whether you’re at home, traveling or an expat abroad, there are some apps that are great for your day by day life. Especially for expats, some apps are great to get around a new city, overcome the language barrier or deciding where to go and what to do. Apps help us decide if we want to dine at a certain restaurant or not, or if we want to purchase a product or another. Here are some amazing apps that will help you and other expats feel more at ease in your new home.

DUOLINGO

This is the gift that keeps giving. This app is a great platform to practice and learn any language you want. If you’re living in Mexico and struggling to communicate on a daily basis, this app can teach you the basics of the Spanish language. Moreover, the app is completely free and you can choose as many languages to learn as you want. It teaches you vocabulary, pronunciation, spelling, and hearing. Its sections and quizzes at the end of each lesson help you stay on track

TRIPADVISOR

You’ve probably heard of TripAdvisor, and it is exactly as its name states. The app lets you read other customer reviews on certain places and companies. Before you head out to try a new restaurant in Playa del Carmen, you can check it out on the app and see what other people are saying about it. It’s also a great way to find out what the tourists like and where the locals are actually going. Customers share photos of the place or the menu. You won’t be surprised when arriving at a place or restaurant you want to visit. It’s a great app for expats before they get a good handle on all the places in their new home.

TRIPIT

You’ve moved to a new country and are eager to explore every given corner. TripIt is the one place to see and stock all your travel planes. The app is easy to use and rather intelligent. It lets you create a leading itinerary and gives you the opportunity to forward your documents to any travel companions. You can also create a user profile that can be shared with whomever you want. It allows you to sync your calendar, as well, to keep track of upcoming trips and dates. If you’ve got a departure flight, you can check it straight in the app. Any stress of traveling is gone with TripIt. It is efficient and smart.

SKYSCANNER

There was no way to avoid an actual flight purchasing app. Any expat knows that constantly looking for flights to go back home is essential. With Skyscanner you can search for the cheapest and most convenient flights available to your destination. For expats who want to travel back home but don’t have a set date, the app allows you to choose the destination and see the cheapest times of the year to fly. Expats can also set alarms for dates and places they are interested in traveling to. It’s an essential tool when planning a trip.

NAVIGATION APPS

Google Maps provides maps all around the world and offers the option to get directions from any point of the city. It allows you to choose your transportation means, as well. You can see the times and routes it takes from one point to another by walking, riding bike, taking the bus or driving. The great thing about Google Maps is that it’s constantly updating its maps to add and remove roads as cities change. You can use it even when you are not connected to the Internet. However, for that to work you need to have your route planned out first.

Maps.me is another wonderful app because you can use the maps offline, working on the Open Street Map Data. You can also bookmark and share location using this app. It is compatible with all devices, making it easy to find and share certain location points with any friends or family in the area.

It’s rather easy to move to another country with today’s internet reach. Everyone has a smartphone today and access to wireless connection. Like these, there are many other apps that can be helpful in new places and when first trying to become familiar with your new city. We suggest you download as many as you can while you get a hang of moving around on your own.

 

The 10 best places to retire overseas in 2018

By Kathleen Peddicord | US News

Retirees can choose to live or retire in any country in the world. A move to a new country can allow you to live better, reinvent your life and have a grand adventure. Here are ten global destinations to consider for retirement.

1. Algarve, Portugal.

Portugal’s Algarve is a land of cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses with lace-patterned chimneys surrounded by fig, olive, almond and carob trees. Located at Europe’s westernmost tip and boasting a hundred miles of Atlantic coastline, Algarve boasts beaches, golf courses, sunny weather, friendly folk and a low cost of living. It is an old world lifestyle at a very affordable cost.

Silves and Lagoa are two top options in the region that offer history, charm and spectacular beaches. Silves is nestled in verdant valleys on the banks of the Arade River and surrounded by fields of citrus. The warm microclimate makes it feel like summertime all year long. Lagoa, with a capital town of the same name, is a much smaller municipality located close to the ocean and boasting top beaches, specifically around the fishing towns of Carvoeiro and Ferragudo. Estimated cost of living: $1,835 per month.

2. Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic. 

The Dominican Republic is more than an all-inclusive resort destination. While this country sees lots of tourists every year, thanks to its miles of sandy beaches, it’s also a top Caribbean choice for foreign expats and retirees. Dominicans are friendly and hospitable, and the country feels warm and welcoming to newcomers.

Las Terrenas, on the country’s northeast coast, is not just another sandy Caribbean beach town. This island outpost is more cosmopolitan than you’d imagine. This means fresh baguettes, sophisticated restaurant menus, kisses on both cheeks in greeting, waitstaff who are alert and attentive and other similar niceties. Estimated cost of living: $1,500 per month.

3. Medellin, Colombia. 

Medellín is a city of parks and flowers that is pretty, tidy and pleasant. Most buildings are constructed of red brick and topped with red clay roof tiles. The overall effect is delightful. Thanks to its mountain setting, Medellín is one of a handful of cities around the world that qualifies as a land of eternal springtime. This means no heating or air conditioning is required, helping to keep utility costs low.

The current exchange rate between the Colombian peso and the U.S. dollar makes the area feel affordable to Americans. It’s possible to enjoy a penthouse lifestyle in Medellín on a shoestring budget. If you like the idea of living large, but your budget is small, put Medellín at the top of your list. Estimated cost of living: $1,900 per month.

4. Abruzzo, Italy. 

The Abruzzo region is the most overlooked and undervalued in central Italy. You can buy property here for far less than in Tuscany or Umbria. It is also at least as appealing as Italy’s more famous regions, with both mountains and seacoast. At certain times of year you can even ski in the morning and swim in the afternoon. Low cost flights give you affordable access to the rest of Europe.

Abruzzo is a top choice for old world living on the Continent. Near the 16th century thermal spring town of Caramanico, you could live in an old majella stone house nestled in an extraordinary natural setting. In this charming medieval town day-to-day life continues as it has for centuries. Estimated cost of living: $1,500 per month.

5. Mazatlan, Mexico. 

Mazatlán is one of the few places in the world where you can walk for miles on an uncrowded beach within the city limits. Located about midway along Mexico’s Pacific coast, Mazatlán is making a comeback. The renaissance has been focused on the city’s historic center, which has undergone an impressive facelift. The focal point is Plaza Machado, which is now surrounded by busy outdoor cafés and international restaurants. Forming the eastern border of the plaza is Calle Carnaval, which is pedestrians-only at the square.

Mazatlán lies about 720 miles south of the Arizona border, making it a 13-hour drive down Highway 15D. You can throw everything you need in the car and drive to your new life overseas without worrying about what the airlines will let you bring. If you’d rather fly, Mazatlán is a two-hour nonstop flight from Phoenix. You can choose to associate primarily with fellow expats, speaking mostly English, or live in a Mexican setting, speaking mostly Spanish and immersing yourself in Mexico’s culture. Estimated cost of living: $1,370 per month.

6. Ambergris Caye, Belize. 

For many, the retirement dream is all about the Caribbean, and nothing else will do. If your overseas retirement fantasies are similarly aquamarine and sandy, put Ambergris Caye at the top of your list. The diving and snorkeling, the color and clarity of the water and the abundance and variety of sea life in this country is unparalleled.

On Ambergris Caye you can live a simple and relaxed life by the water. There are only a handful of streets and very few cars on the island. People get around primarily by golf cart and their own two feet. At the same time, the established and growing expat community, one of the biggest in the Caribbean, continues to import services, products and amenities to make life here more comfortable. Estimated cost of living: $2,170 per month.

7. Cuenca, Ecuador. 

© Peter Adams/Getty Images  You begin to appreciate that Cuenca is a special city as you make your approach from the air. Passing through the surrounding Andean peaks, you’re able to make out the more than fifty church steeples poking up from a sea of red clay tile roofs.

Cuenca is a lovely and historic town that predates the arrival of the Incas in a majestic setting. Cuenca’s large center has a wealth of colonial homes with interior courtyards, thick adobe walls and iron-railed terraces looking down onto the street, punctuated regularly by plazas and squares. Travelers come from the world over to enjoy these square blocks of history, study in Cuenca’s world-class language schools and to experience a rare glimpse of unadulterated life in an Andean colonial city. Estimated cost of living: $1,135 per month.

8. Languedoc, France. 

This region may not be the cheapest place in the world to retire, but it is in many ways one of the most appealing. Languedoc is historic, colorful, eclectic, always changing, authentically French and at the same time very open to retirees. Villages here date from prehistoric times, but the feel of this part of France is medieval. Living here is simple and traditional, while still offering all the services and amenities of modern life.

Languedoc has a fascinating history, even including its own ancient language, Occitan, which is still taught in some schools. The region was once independent from France and ruled by Raymond IV, Count of Toulouse. It was here in the Languedoc province that the Cathar religion (a sect of Catholicism) first appeared in the 11th century. Estimated cost of living: $1,590 per month.

9. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

Located just north of the equator, Malaysia is a tropical country divided into two parts, Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo. Most people live near the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, an attractive and ecologically diverse strip of land that borders Thailand to the north and Singapore to the south. Malaysia’s largest city, Kuala Lumpur, with a population of around 1.76 million, sits in the west-central part of the peninsula.

This is a country of contrasts. The ultramodern city center in Kuala Lumpur, with its many skyscrapers, overlooks Kampung Baru, a traditional Malay village and the city’s oldest neighborhood. Kampung Baru has somehow managed to survive completely untouched by modernity, less than half a mile away from the downtown area. Beneath the shadows of the Petronas Towers and the Public Bank skyscraper, Muslim families raise vegetables, hold open house on their front lawns and tend to chickens roaming freely on the quiet streets. Estimated cost of living: $1,580 per month.

10. Chiang Mai, Thailand. 

The cost of living in Thailand can be temptingly affordable. The way of life is exotic and idyllic, full of adventure and discovery and, at the same time, completely at peace.

Life in Chiang Mai is both traditional and increasingly influenced by the growing and active expat community in the region. Living here, you could fill your calendar completely with expat activities. You will meet people from all around the world, who are all looking for new lives in an exotic, beautiful, welcoming and almost unbelievably affordable part of the world. Estimated cost of living: $1,365 per month.

Living in Puerto Vallarta Mexico

By Banderas News

For many the thought of living in – or even near – a major tourist resort is about as appealing as a buying a condo in Disneyland. But here in Vallarta, the incredible natural beauty, combined with a small town atmosphere and the inherent warmth and friendliness of the local people, attracts foreign residents who enjoy the good life.

With a colorful blend of the old and the new, the Banderas Bay region offers an unrivaled combination of simple pleasures and sophisticated charms. Fine dining restaurants, art galleries, upscale shopping centers, internet cafes and nightclubs peacefully coexist alongside taco stands, street-side vendors and open air markets selling Mexican handcrafts, and strolling Mariachi bands.

But much of Puerto Vallarta’s magic is in the hearts of her people. Often described as “one big, happy family,” Vallartenses are known for their hospitality and for going out of their way to welcome foreign residents. And, since the Mexican people are extremely tolerant of different lifestyles, international residents and Mexican locals can live side-by-side in harmony – provided that the expatriate can learn to be creative and adaptable.

Puerto Vallarta is an unhurried refuge for people seeking more than just a beautiful beach. Those of us who choose to live here embrace the challenge of learning patience and understanding. Taking the time to “stop and smell the roses” along the road to becoming bicultural gives us the opportunity to grow – and to enjoy a more relaxed way of life.

How To Become A Mexican Resident

By Christian Reeves | Escape Artist

In recent years Mexico has seen a surge of people from all over the world applying for residency. No matter what President Trump says, Mexico is the number one second residency program in the world based on number of applicants. Here’s how to become a Mexican resident. If  you want a second residency, and you’re a US citizen, becoming a resident in Mexico is quite easy.

Whether its an American who wishes to retire in the sandy beaches of Playa del Carmen, a European wants to live in the colonial town of San Cristobal de las Casas (one of my favorite towns in all of Mexico), or an entrepreneur setting up in the financial capital of Mexico City, here’s how to become a resident of Mexico.

Mexico’s stable economy and overall low cost of living is what attracts many foreigners to Mexico. Its geographical position and its proximity to both the United States and Latin America make it a prime country to retire to. The competitive salaries compared in the United States make Mexico a great place to set up shop.

Above I said that Americans were becoming residents of Mexico despite what Trump has to say. In fact, it might be because of what our President says. His hostility to Mexico, threats to NAFTA, and brewing trade war, are all great for Americans moving to Mexico. The Mexican peso is getting crushed, making life very cheap for those of us with dollars.

Mexico is a gorgeous country filled with a diverse culture, amazing food, paradisiacal climate all year long, and everything you expect from a country hosting a rich and vibrant history. To become a resident or citizen of Mexico you must follow certain steps and meet with a list of requirements.

As I said, Mexico has a very diverse culture ranging from state to state, so you’ll need to do your research before finding your place in Mexico. The climate also changes depending on what city you are in, you won’t find the same weather in Mexico City that you would find in Cancun. The same goes for living expenses.

Some of the best cities to live in Mexico based on job opportunities, culture, cost of living, and overall happiness are: Guadalajara, Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, Querétaro, San Cristobal de las Casas, Ensenada, among many other beautiful towns.

The first step to initiate the process of becoming a Mexican Resident is to present your documents to the corresponding authorities. The documents that you must need to show are your birth certificate, education documents, marriage certificate, passport, and letter indicating you have no criminal record.

Americans don’t need a visa to enter Mexico. You get in by showing your passport (visa free). But this does not authorize you to work in the country or start generating income. Also, it’s very difficult to open a bank account in Mexico without a residency visa.

Once you enter Mexico, you have 90 days to solicit the temporary resident visa. There are a number of ways in which you can obtain this visa but the most common one is to apply and get a job offer from a company in Mexico.

The temporary resident visa applies to foreigners who wish to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days and no more than 4 years. In order to qualify for a temporary resident visa you must complete the following steps:

• Download and complete the temporary resident form
• Original and a copy of your passport
• 1 Photograph
• Document proving that you can maintain yourself economically
• Document that proves your legal stay in the country

If you wish to change your temporary resident status to a permanent resident you must provide the same documents, but you must have completed 4 years in the country and not committed any crime.

In order to retire in Mexico you’ll need to apply for a Retirement Visa. Getting a visa in Mexico, unlike the United States, is a short and almost always uncomplicated process. Here are the steps you must take in order to apply for a Retirement Visa in Mexico:

Submit a letter from the bank or financial institution that proves investments or bank accounts with an average monthly balance equivalent to $100,000 USD during the last 12 months. The bank’s letter must contain your full name, date of opening of the account, the balance for the last 12 months and signed by a bank official and the original document must be submitted.

Have a monthly income pension fee greater than $2,500 during the last 6 months. The Social Security letter indicating your pension and the account statements of the last six months where that amount is reflected can be presented and is the most common.

If you’re not a US citizen, you must show proof legal stay in the United States through an original and a copy of the US visa you have, the stamp of entry to the United States of the ESTA, approved work permit or permanent residence.

After you obtain the Retirement Visa you can apply for Permanent Resident after 4 years.The steps that an American retiree needs to take in order to become a legal resident of Mexico are quite simple, if you are older than 50 years of age and provide proof that you can maintain and take care of your family and each one of your dependents you qualify for permanent residency. You will also have to prove that you are still retired, a letter from the US Social Security Office will do just fine.

Medicare se quedará sin dinero antes de los previsto

Por Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar y Andrew Taylor

El Medicare se quedará sin dinero más pronto de lo que se había previsto anteriormente, y los problemas financieros del Seguro Social no pueden ser pasados por alto por siempre, dijo el martes el gobierno en una valoración de programas que resultan vitales para la clase media.

Los administradores del programa dijeron en un informe que el Medicare será insolvente en el año 2026, tres años antes de lo pronosticado la vez anterior. Su gigantesco fondo fiduciario para atención hospitalaria no estará en condiciones de cubrir las facturas médicas previstas para ese entonces.

Según el informe, el Seguro Social será insolvente en 2034, sin cambios respecto de la proyección del año pasado.

La advertencia sirve de recordatorio de los principales problemas que se han dejado languidecer mientras Washington se sumerge cada vez más en una pugna partidista.

Más de 62 millones de jubilados, trabajadores discapacitados, cónyuges y niños beneficiarios reciben prestaciones del Seguro Social. El pago mensual promedio es de 1.294 dólares para los beneficiarios. El Medicare provee seguro médico a unas 60 millones de personas, la mayoría de al menos 65 años.

A ambos programas en conjunto se les acredita una fuerte reducción de la pobreza entre gente mayor y un aumento en la esperanza de vida de los estadounidenses. Financiados con impuestos de nómina que se cobran a los trabajadores y empleadores, el Seguro Social y el Medicare representa aproximadamente 40% del gasto del gobierno, excluyendo los intereses de la deuda federal.

Pero la demanda de ambos programas ha crecido debido al envejecimiento de la población.

A menos que los legisladores actúen, ambos programas enfrentan la posibilidad de no poder cubrir el costo total de las prestaciones prometidas. En el caso del Seguro Social, eso podría implicar una marcada reducción en el monto de los pagos a algunos retirados, muchos de los cuales afrontan dificultades presupuestarias. En el caso del Medicare podría implicar que los hospitales, asilos y otros proveedores de atención reciban solo parte de sus honorarios acordados.

Los problemas del Medicare son considerados por muchos como los más difíciles de resolver. No es simplemente el aumento del número de beneficiarios de la generación de la posguerra que se han jubilado. Sino también la imprevisibilidad de los costos del cuidado de salud que pueden verse afectados por curas innovadoras pero costosas que por lo regular rebasan la tasa general del crecimiento económico.

Fuente Original