A Year to Spare

My month-long stay in Puerto Rico was my first attempt at a long term stay abroad at one location. I would have to say that spending that length of time in such a lovely location while working remotely wasn't enough time to explore our lush surroundings. As I reflect I ask "Could we manage a year's stay?"

Yes, we are ready to find roots elsewhere. New York is absolutely a spectacular city including the good and the very bad. However, we see our lives in New York City coming to an end in the near future. But where? Many of my colleagues have found their slice of Nirvana in Florida; but Florida is no longer the first location on my mind.

Where would I go for a year's respite to assess (and bank some dough) for that paradise; that magical mystical place to spend the rest of our days in total bliss with high speed WIFI.

The Americas:

Anywhere in Mexico that's beachy, safe, hurricane resistant, clean, has good doctors, economical, has a plethora of healthy food choices, culture, and welcoming people. In my opinion there are no beach towns in the United States that meets these criteria. Show me that beach town and I will put it on my list.

Central America:

My first pick is Guanacaste Province in Costa Rica. My second choice would be Panama; the American dollar is the currency there.

South America:

Guayaquil Ecuador primarily because of it's proximity to the coast and the Galapagos Islands.

Caribbean:

I have been reading a lot about Bonaire lately. It's out of the hurricane zone. I do not consider it a money saver at all. However, it does appeal to me.

Europe:

1. Southern Spain

2. Anywhere along the coast of Portugal.

Africa:

I'd pick Cape Town, South Africa hands down.

South East Asia:

Koh Samui - Thailand

Koh Phangan - Thailand

Koh Chang - Thailand

Krabi - Thailand

Koh Lipe - Thailand

Da Nang - Vietnam

Nha Trang - Vietnam

Penang - Malaysia

Langkawi - Malaysia

Sanur - Bali

Pacific:

Anywhere in the Philippines that's beachy, safe, monsoon resistant, clean, has good doctors, economical, has a plethora of healthy food choices, culture, and welcoming people.

Of course there are incidentals to consider such as medical insurance, immigration laws, visa runs, type of accommodations, and emergencies seen and unforeseen. Just by speaking to expats, travelers, and wanderers galore I realize it's a dream that's quite doable. All we need is a year to spare.