All articles tagged with #expat
Paige Madison moved from Vermont to Copenhagen for a dream job, expecting a high quality of life, but found the harsh winters, high costs, social barriers, and feelings of isolation challenging, leading her to leave after two years and realize the importance of community and belonging.
Cheryl Orlov, a 55-year-old from Los Angeles, left her life in California after 23 years to move to Albania in 2023, seeking a more relaxed lifestyle, cultural exploration, and affordability. She sold her properties and business, found a safe and affordable home in Tirana, and has been enjoying her new life, traveling frequently and feeling more fulfilled. Despite challenges like language barriers and expat impermanence, she is happy and feels more like herself in Albania, with no plans to return permanently to the US.
The article explores three affordable international retirement destinations—Phuket, Thailand; Mendoza, Argentina; and Santa Marta, Colombia—highlighting their cost-effective living, healthcare options, visa requirements, and lifestyle benefits for retirees looking to maximize their Social Security income.