Retirement Can Also Mean a Change of Scene: Top 10 Places for a Retirement Retreat (2019)

After working for years, it is very vital to retire to a befitting location; a location that is stress-free, conducive, safe and has a great climate. It's hardly worthwhile relocating to a place where you end up facing more stress than all your working years put together! The location should be a place where you can easily have access to quality social amenities, that lets you live life maximally. The choice you make is largely dependent on the kind of life you want to live during your retirement years. One of the goals of retirement is to fill your days with what you want to do and like; if you love sightseeing, then you could decide to retire in a country with many beautiful sites to explore, and if you love serene environments with quiet parks, the choice is yours and if you love to spend your last days socialising, making new friends and learning new things, then search out countries with a high level of socialisation. Over all, retirement should be a time when you have the best moments of your life.

First on the list is to find out how safe the city you seek to retire to is. Don't make a move to anywhere until you find out facts like; the political situation, the way foreigners are treated, the economic data and the crime rate of the city. These factors are highly important and should not be ignored.

Choose a city that is serene and relaxing with a desirable climate. Consider the traffic situation and if the local population is welcoming of outside settlers. You wouldn't want your peace to be hampered by things like traffic and noise and other such factors.

Even if you are considering getting a part time job after your move to your chosen retirement location, it is wise to choose a city with a cost of living that allows you spend and still have some money left to save. The cost of living is one major thing you need to really find out, so you can have the most strain-free retirement ever; cruising when you want, spending time at resorts when you need to and also comfortably paying your healthcare bills and meeting other needs without incurring debts.

If you have been wondering where to retire to, Panama City is one place you should not overlook. Panama’s multi-ethnic capital, Panama City, is considered the only true First World city in Central America. The City has been termed a quality retirement destination because of the many appealing and alluring pleasures the city has to offer; from the wonderful climate, beautiful beaches and mountains, exciting food and culture scenes, new industries, novel architecture and the well structured and functioning infrastructure, and to top it all, Panama City is filled with friendly citizens.

Another beautiful place to tick on your list of the countries you can retire to is, Malaysia. A place with a lot of beauty and sparkle, and not only is the country safe and peaceful but it is a country that is large, yet filled with much required stability. The citizens are loving and kind and you can bet your network of friends will shoot up within weeks of being in Malaysia.

Portugal is another country you should consider retiring to located in southern Europe. The country has a wonderful atmosphere, fantastic beaches, warm water and endless sunshine and the people of Portugal are polite, helpful and friendly. Portugal is almost topping the list of the world’s leading destination, even though it is known as the oldest country in Europe. The country is known for its rich history, tradition and culture.

Though the news may be filled with news of violence, Mexico can be a place you can consider retiring to. The country has a vibrant and very interesting culture, and the people - you feel drawn to them as they are warm and friendly. Two things you will never get tired of in the Mexico are food and music. Most expats live in Mexico City because it is Mexico’s single most important business center and the heart of the government.

Known as the world's second most bio-diverse country, Colombia is located on the northern tip of South America. It is a country with loving, welcoming people and dazzling scenery. As the fourth largest economy in region, the country has a booming future. The country has a great geographical climate that gives a relaxing feel to the atmosphere.

If you choose India as the country you would love to retire to, then one of the cities you need to consider is Coimbatore. It is a city in Tamil Nadu, located on the banks of the Noyyal River. The city is among the fastest developing Tier-II cities in the country and has a perfect mix of nature and upcoming communication and telecommunications. Coimbatore is called the 'Manchester of South India' and also called the motorsports capital of India.

Goa is just as beautiful as its reputation. It is divided into the Northern and Southern part. The northern part will definitely give your social life a boost with the music, dance and night life, while the southern part of Goa is is serene and beautiful. In Goa, most foreign retirees spend much of their time in Old Goa and Vasco De Gama.

The beautiful valley city of Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand state. It is located in the Doon valley on the foothills of the Himalayas nestled between two rivers on its east and west, and when compared to other major cities in India, Dehradun is quite calm, peaceful, safe and serene.

Khandala is one of the twin hill stations in the state of Maharashtra, the other being Lonavala. Khandala is one of the most visited hill station and a beautiful city with many beautiful sites to visit. The population of the city is just perfect for people who will like to stay in places far from the city, the noise and the hustling and bustling of life. Khandala is located at one (top) end of the Bhor Ghat.

This is one city where you can never get bored of living in. Now known as Bengaluru, Bangalore is the capital city of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is known as the "Silicon Valley of India" and is considered the fifth most populous urban city in India. Bangalore is considered the second fastest growing metropolis of India and it is a city you would love.

Although your retirement may give you a wonderful opportunity to go to a city of your choice but be mindful not to go too far from your family or else it will become difficult to see your children and grandchildren. The truth is that you will have the privilege of meeting and making new friends but nothing compares to family. Pick a city where you can choose to hop into a plane and fly to see them; keeping the bond between families is one key thing to consider while choosing a retirement location.

Work out a clear budget for your retirement so you can make the decision without any doubts. Consider your available funds and how you can invest/use them to sustain you and your spouse in the lifestyle you choose. You may be well served if you consult a professional financial advisor to help you make the plan.

The city you are retiring to should be a place that will not be so difficult for you to fit into, especially when it comes to the lifestyle of the people, the climate, their culture, the environment and the language used for communication. Although, if you have a look at all the aforementioned things and you think you will be able to cope and adapt within few months, you can go ahead. But if you can’t, then you have to reconsider and think about picking a location that you can fit into; make enquiries and then picture what living in the city will be like based on your findings, and if it looks good then you can make your decision gladly.