For those wanting to finally quench their wanderlust in their retirement, but don’t quite have a fortune to spend, odds typically seem slim. With mainstream media constantly spouting off about how impossible it is to retire comfortably, one may begin to lose hope. Despite all of this, the reality lies somewhere in the middle. Yes, retirement can be expensive, and to live it out in Spain or Italy will take some serious pre-planning. Although, if your dream is simply to spend your time in places you’ve never seen, surrounded by some of the world’s greatest beauty, you’re in luck. Not every gorgeous foreign country is a tourist destination, and some are extremely affordable. Allow me to be your guide to adventure; here are the 3 best places to retire for $1000 per month.
Bolivia
A popular destination for budget-minded American travelers, Bolivia is a great option for multi-mile-high views. With a one bedroom costing around $200-300, your money will go extremely far in the capital city of La Paz. Food is cheap, drinks are cheap, and the natural beauty you will be surrounded with is astounding. Not only that, but crime rates against travelers are relatively low, and the crimes that do take place are typically “non confrontational.”
Laos
A friendly place that welcomes Americans, the majority-Buddhist nation of Laos is a peaceful place to lay your head for a while. A one bedroom here costs $170-300 per month, and the coastal areas offer cheap and serene ocean exploration. Certain areas that are off limits due to unexploded charges left over from wars past, but overall it is a safe spot for tourists, aside from your usual petty crime. Exotic foods, soothing waters, and amazing coastal views await you in retirement here. Not only that, but Laos is a great place to learn terrific cooking skills from the locals. The culture of Laos is that of sharing knowledge and experiences that will last the rest of your life.
Fiji
That’s right, Fiji. Though it is a pretty exciting tourist destination, one can choose to live like a local and do so modestly. One bedrooms here have a wider range, and for anywhere between $200 and $700 per month, one can be flexible in how they’d like to enjoy this slice of paradise. Despite relatively common burglaries, Fiji is considered a very safe tourist destination so long as one has a good head on their shoulders. Tips for Fiji usually entail not walking around at night and keeping personal belongings secured with good locks. Otherwise, Fiji has some great tourist spots that you can always visit from your home in the cheaper regions, so it is as close to a permanent vacation destination that American retirees can get.
Trey LaRocca is a freelance writer, financial sales worker, and tech guy. When he isn’t out and about or at work, he’s usually at home enjoying some video games and a beer. Currently residing in Newport Beach, this California Kid can be found at the beach on any given weekend. Trey has years of experience in day/swing trading, financial analytics, and sales.