The first thing that struck me as I arrived in Gran Canaria was the spinning white blades that dotted the horizon. I later learnt that these wind turbines generate 20 per cent of the island’s energy, far higher than the European average.
28.01.2024 - 01:19 / forbes.com
The lure of island life is hard to resist…
Be it Treasure Island, Fantasy Island, or Gilligan’s Island, for generations of North Americans images of near-deserted, sun-soaked shores and the promise of overseas adventure left an indelible impression.
But not all islands are created equal… especially for those considering making the dream of living on a palm-fringed outpost a reality.
There are many factors to consider such as visas, health care, infrastructure, cost of living, expat community, and more. Which is exactly what my team at Live And Invest Overseas and I do each year when we produce our annual Overseas Retirement Index.
This year we’ve identified 10 expat havens which our findings show offer the best opportunities for North Americans considering a move outside home borders this 2024—and two of them are islands…
So, if you’re looking to escape the 9-to-5 grind and cast away to a picture-perfect island escape but still enjoy the conveniences and comforts of the modern world, here are my top two recommendations for 2024.
Birthplace of Zeus, home of Europe’s first advanced civilization, the Minoans, and the crossroads of the three continents of the Old World: Africa, Europe, and Asia Minor, Crete is steeped in rich history and culture.
It’s also a dream destination for sun-seekers, offering the highest number of sunshine hours per year in all of Greece, and outdoor enthusiasts, with miles of sandy beaches, snow-capped mountains, and untouched wilderness to explore.
Here, a couple can enjoy a comfortable life on a modest budget. An average monthly spend of $1,865 is a good guide.
You won’t be short of company should you choose to seek it out. The island is home to around 18,000 expats—including a large contingent of Americans stationed at the Souda Bay naval base—and the locals are a welcoming bunch.
Though the official language is Greek, you can get by in English as just about everyone, from real estate agents to market stall holders, has some level of English.
The health care is of a good standard, the crime rate is low, and the Mediterranean climate means hot summers and gentle winters with no snow-shoveling to worry about.
There’s also plenty of year-round entertainment options to stave off island fever, including museums, galleries, shopping, architecture, historical attractions, restaurants and cafés, and cultural events.
Add to that, on Crete the infrastructure is solid, the lifestyle is laidback, and you’re never far from glistening blue waters…
To qualify for Greece’s Financially Independent Person Permit, you need to show that you receive €2,000 per month in income. This residency permit is available for two years and is renewable.
Greece also offers a golden visa program, Europe’s
The first thing that struck me as I arrived in Gran Canaria was the spinning white blades that dotted the horizon. I later learnt that these wind turbines generate 20 per cent of the island’s energy, far higher than the European average.
In the southern reaches of Australia, where the vast ocean stretches towards Antarctica, lies a hidden gem that rivals the famed Galapagos Islands in its natural splendor and unique wildlife. This is Kangaroo Island, described by Craig Bradbery, Chief Operating Officer for Baillie Lodges, as one of the most exceptional nature-based destinations globally. More than just its name, the island is a sanctuary for an array of Australian wildlife, including kangaroos.
Helen Iatrou, who considers herself a full-blooded Greek islander shares some ideas for planning an island-hopping trip.
Never mind being the city that never sleeps — New York is the city that never stays the same. Whether it’s your first time or your 30th time, you’ll find every district of the Big Apple full of new places to discover. And it’s not just limited to the new restaurants and shops that dot streets from the Bronx to Staten Island — there are vast arts centres, cultural districts and even an entire new landmass, cast off into the Hudson River. Manhattan is the epicentre of some of the most exciting recent developments, and on this one-day itinerary you’ll zoom in on them across a manageable chunk of Midtown and Downtown. Here’s everything you shouldn’t miss on an exploration of New York’s latest and greatest.
MGM Resort’s upcoming three-hotels-in-one mega-resort in Dubai will not have a casino, CEO and president Bill Hornbuckle has said. Still, he has high hopes for the project, now with a new budget in excess of $2.5 billion.
International travelers visiting New Zealand go to Queenstown; Kiwis go to Wānaka. Like its better-known neighbor to the south, Wānaka has spectacular outdoor pursuits, breathtaking scenery, and a buzzy lakefront. But this is where the two towns diverge: Adrenaline-fueled Queenstown increasingly caters to foreign visitors (members of its seasonal workforce frequently have English or American accents), while Wānaka leans in the other direction, creating an oasis of localness that has made it an under-the-radar capital of the Kiwi lifestyle. Now, in-the-know overseas travelers are catching on.
A romantic escape is the best gift imaginable. Picture the most astounding beach you’ve ever stepped foot on and an impossibly idyllic island that makes for a dream getaway. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort are pleased to present specially crafted experiences as part of the Marriott Bonvoy in the Maldives romantic programing, ‘Eternally Ours,’ which guests can take advantage of until the end of the year. For a limited time only, Marriott Bonvoy in the Maldives invites couples to experience a luxurious getaway to celebrate meaningful occasions, whether it’s birthdays, honeymoons, anniversaries, or babymoons. This package incorporates two carefully curated romantic experiences and culinary indulgence through breakfast and dinner. The booking period starts from February 1 to February 29, 2024, for stays from February 1 to December 21, 2024, ensuring that couples will have the opportunity to celebrate love throughout the year.
The U.S. Department of State is warning travelers to be careful when visiting the Bahamas due to crime and safety issues on the water.
All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The nine-year tax-free status enjoyed by many cruise lines with private islands in the Bahamas is about to end.The changes are slated to take effect on March 1 and are aimed at leveling the playing field, according to a report in The Tribune.The publication broke the news based on a Bahamas Department of Inland Revenue document it had obtained and later confirmed with local officials.Under the plans outlined in the document, in just a few weeks the tax treatment for goods and services provided to the millions of tourists who visit private islands in the Bahamas maintained by cruise ships will change. Moving forward, transactions on the island will be taxed the standard local rate of 10 percent.
Japan is gearing up to launch a digital nomad visa next month. It will allow citizens of 49 nations, including EU member states, to stay in the country for up to six months.
Situated in Norway’s remote northwest, the Arctic archipelago of Lofoten stands out with its dramatic, granite mountain peaks that soar out of the sea, picturesque fishing villages hugging the coastline, incredible hiking trails, and pristine beaches.