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Retirement and getting out of the 'rat race' is the ultimate goal for most employees.
But when daydreaming about retirement, it's usually about the act itself, not necessarily
where to spend that retirement.
If you've ever wanted to experience island living, retirement might be the best time.
Islands around the globe offer different experiences, climates, luxuries, and challenges.
So, where to begin looking?
If you haven't had the opportunity to explore the world on your own or don't know where
to start when thinking about retirement locations, I'm here to help!
I'll be reviewing ten of the best islands to retire to for today's list.
Make sure to subscribe to this channel ,so you never miss a travel video - let's get
started!
Number ten.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Phu Quoc is home to about 100,000 full-time residents as Vietnam's largest island.
The coastline is filled with beaches, and more than half of the island is comprised
of protected parks and reserves.
What makes it appealing for retirement is the mix of natural beauty, solitude, and amenities.
Healthcare, complete with many English-speaking doctors, is readily available.
Internet is easier to acquire in populated areas, but data plans are a way to circumnavigate
a lack of reliable internet.
The climate is sub-tropical and does have a monsoon season.
The best weather is between November and April, with warm sunny days providing ample opportunity
to explore outside.
And while the cost of living is extremely reasonable by western standards, bear in mind
that many goods have higher prices than in other parts of Vietnam due to shipping.
Number nine.
Crete, Greece.
My Home island, Boasting a significantly larger population than Phu Quoc, over 630,000 people
call Crete home.
There are many tourist offerings, but the island can also support year-round living.
Sunny weather abounds, and winter is usually mild and rainy, with some snow in the north
and mountain regions.
Greek hospitality is lovely and unique, and Cretans are incredibly loyal to their island
- often identifying as a Cretan first and Greek second.
The capital city of Heraklion has over 180,000 citizens and prominently features the ancient
Palace of Knossos.
Crete is large enough to sustain its inhabitants without relying too heavily on the mainland.
The cost of living is on par with mainland Greece, and you'll have plenty of housing
options
Number eight.
Koh Samui, Thailand.
International Living magazine named Koh Samui one of the best islands to retire to in 2021
and is one of Thailand's most popular destinations.
You can enjoy a more luxurious lifestyle on an affordable budget, making it extremely
attractive to retirees.
An airport on the island provides regular and easy access to Bangkok, and several catamarans
and ferries service the island.
Four western-style hospitals provide English-speaking staff, making overall healthcare affordable
and trustworthy.
Thai cuisine is varied, and you can find street food and fine dining on the island.
Water sports are easy to access on the island, but activities like cooking classes, yoga
retreats, and art classes are also readily available.
Number seven.
Penang, Malaysia.
Penang is one of the more multicultural islands on our retirement list.
More than half of the inhabitants are Chinese, about one-third are Malays, and about seven
percent are Indian.
This makes for a mind-blowing food fusion experience throughout the island.
Retiring here is relatively cost-effective, as a couple can easily live here for around
$1,500-2,500 per month.
Healthcare is a breeze, and neighboring places like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Indonesia frequently
turn to affordable and quality healthcare in Penang.
The weather is typically hot and humid year-round.
Number six.
Cozumel, Mexico.
Cozumel is situated in the shimmering waters of the Caribbean.
It's only 17 miles off the coast of Playa del Carmen and operates as a world-class vacation
destination.
The main town is chock full of tourists, seeing four to five million Cruise ship passengers
annually pre-pandemic times now it has dropped significantly.
There are about 100,000 people that live on Cozumel year-round.
Due to the heavy tourism, the infrastructure on the island is solid when it comes to electricity,
internet, and medical care.
Warm, tropical weather is a draw for many when choosing where to retire.
Water recreation rules this island with boating, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, fishing, and sailing.
A word of caution: the area does have an active hurricane season.
They don't happen every year, but residents need to pay particular attention to the weather
during this time of year.
Number five.
Hawaii.
Hawaii is a dream paradise for many.
But retirement?
It turns out that it depends mainly on your budget.
Hawaii is one of the most expensive retirement options on our list, so be prepared to spend
liberally to have a comfortable retirement here.
Median home prices at the end of 2021 were $1.06 million - and while property taxes are
relatively low compared with other US states, it's an expensive pill to swallow and may
be a barrier to entry for some retirees.
It doesn't stop at housing, either.
Importing goods will include price hikes on groceries, utilities, and transportation.
But let's talk about the pros.
Not only is the weather warm but mild, with summer temperatures often peaking in the low
80s, but there's an almost constant breeze that kisses the islands.
The lush, dense rainforests and gently-sloped volcanoes offer plenty of hiking opportunities,
and relaxing with one of the many waterfalls on the island is a sure way to beat the heat.
Beachside views abound, and it's possible to see rainbows nearly every day.
And there's a reason it's called the Aloha State - the laid-back and level of caring
residents share for one another is unique to Hawaii's islands.
Number four.
Ireland.
Thinking about Ireland probably evokes images of rolling green hills, sheep farms, and turbulent
ocean waters breaking against dramatic cliffs.
It's an island that's well-suited to those looking for a more traditional country living
- without sacrificing the ocean.
Traditional country living has its challenges - or at least surprises for those who have
lived in more established cities.
Roads in Ireland are often narrow and in poor condition, so make sure a four-wheel-drive
vehicle is on your list of necessities.
The winter months are dreary, with short days and drizzly gray skies.
But these conditions won't deter all retirees - in fact, they may appeal to many.
The charm of Ireland lies in its small-town feel across the country.
Galway is one of the more modern and bustling cities and lies on the west coast.
It functions as the art and culture capital of the country, so there are a lot of interesting
shops and events in the city.
Number three.
San Juan Islands, Washington.
Our second entry from the United States is made up of 172 named islands off the coast
of Washington and British Columbia.
While there are hundreds of islands to choose from when it comes to buying property, it's
important to note that only a handful of islands have dedicated ferry services to access the
mainland.
Although these islands are not as expensive as Hawaii, they aren't cheap either.
You may find homes as low as $500,000 but expect to pay north of a million dollars for
a decent one.
The towns are small, so this spot works best for those seeking a more remote lifestyle
or those who want to split their retirement between multiple places.
The weather is seasonal, with summer temperatures rarely topping 70 degrees and occasional snow.
It also gets about half the amount of rain that nearby Seattle does.
So if a quiet lifestyle with incredible scenery, outdoor activities, whale watching, and several
parks is appealing to you, the San Juan Islands are worth a serious look.
Number two.
Bali, Indonesia.
Moving back to more tropical environments, Bali is unique, offering beautiful beaches,
natural waterslides, diving opportunities, and iconic waterfalls.
The Balinese people are amiable, and most speak English fluently, making communication
easy for English-speaking retirees.
Making new friends is a breeze, as the locals are usually happy to engage in conversation
with anyone, including tourists and transplants.
Bali is steeped in culture and tradition, holding festivals like the OMed-Omedan kissing
festival and a monster parade before Nyepi - the day of silence.
The numerous temples that dot the coastal and mountainous landscape serve as tourist
attractions and functioning houses of worship for Hinduism.
The culinary scene in Bali is robust - with excellent traditional meals and international
menus catering to American, Mexican, Greek, Chinese, Indian, and French cuisine.
Number one.
Malta.
It's pretty tough to top a place that boasts so many days of sunshine per year.
Winters in Malta aren't bad by most standards - short and rarely fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit
- but a lack of central heating and good insulation in most homes can make it more unpleasant.
Healthcare in Malta is free if you're employed, and private health insurance is inexpensive.
As a result, you can expect longer wait times to be seen since the cost of care isn't a
barrier for residents.
Its location in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea makes it easy to access multiple destinations
in Europe and Africa.
The area also makes for prime scuba-diving if that's a hobby or something you'd like
to pick up in retirement.
As one of the smallest countries in Europe, Malta can feel a bit claustrophobic with everyone
squeezed together on the small island.
Transportation can also be a challenge, but the local government has made several improvements
in recent years and continue to push to make the country even more appealing to tourists
and those looking to move.
There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to retirement or island living.
Every place on today's list has its pros and cons, so it's about prioritizing the things
most important to you.
What climate do you want to retire to?
Do you picture yourself in a remote mountain cabin, a high-rise condo with panoramic views,
or something in between?
Let me know in the comments below!
And if I've missed your favorite island, make sure to mention it in the comments.
If you enjoyed this video or found it helpful, make sure to hit the like button.
Until next time!