Monthly Archives: September 2026

The Dominican Republic – one of the world’s most affordable retirement destination – continues to draw retirees from Metro Atlanta and other American cities to its laid-back Caribbean culture, tropical beaches, diverse mountains, and low-cost healthcare.

“White-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, warm turquoise water, year-round sunshine—you’ll find them in abundance here in the Dominican Republic,” Live and Invest Overseas reported. “What sets the DR apart from other Caribbean islands and nations is its more sophisticated lifestyle—one that is strongly European.” Kiplinger added, “Located on Hispaniola, an island on the Great Antilles archipelago between the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean, the Dominican Republic offers iconic beaches, lush vegetation, and rugged mountains.  Best yet, retirees can live in the country on a household budget about 50% lower than in U.S. warm weather cities like Austin, Miami, or Phoenix.”

Uruguay – the “Switzerland of South America” – remains one of the world’s highest-ranked countries for foreign retirees.  Visitors from the Cincinnati area are drawn to its low living costs, high quality of life, political stability, stable economy, moderate climate, healthcare access, favorable tax policies, and highly-developed modern infrastructure.  Fortune ranked Uruguay as the best country to retire abroad, noting its easy process for obtaining a retirement visa and range of retiree benefits. 

One of the smallest countries in South America, the Oriental Republic of Uruguay borders Argentina, Brazil, and the Atlantic Ocean.  About 90 percent of its 3.5 million people are of European descent (largely Spanish and Italian), creating a culture with strong European characteristics.  International Living magazine ranks Uruguay among its safest retirement destinations globally. “Most Uruguayans are descendants of immigrants,” the publication noted, “and tend to be tolerant of newcomers who are respectful of the culture and seek to fit in.  Uruguay also enjoys less economic disparity than other parts of the region, International Living continued. “Strong protections for workers, a public healthcare system, and social programs for those in need help maintain the country’s high level of social stability.”

The Republic of Ireland – known for scenic coastal villages, mythical landscapes, inviting culture, lush scenery, cozy pubs, leprechauns, and Guinness Beer – continues to welcome tourists and businesspeople from Charlotte and other towns throughout North Carolina.

“Ireland is a country of contrasts,” Lonely Planet reported. “To the west, its ocean coastline boasts towering sea cliffs, powder-soft beaches, medieval castles, historic villages, and forlornly beautiful islands where locals nurture ancient traditions.  The midlands harbor lesser-seen towns and meandering blue trails that follow the path of the River Shannon along rich green countryside.”

Officially known as the Republic of Ireland, the country occupies more than 75% of the island of Ireland, while the country of Northern Ireland covers the remainder.  The island lies in the North Atlantic Ocean east of Great Britain.  While Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland is an independent country whose only land border is with Northern Ireland.  The republic is home to more than 5.5 million people and remains a member of the European Union, using the euro as its currency.  While Irish is the official “first language” of the republic, English is more commonly used.

Peru ranks among the world’s top countries for retirees due to its scenic beauty, low cost of living, political stability, and rich culture.  Visitors from the Nashville area are drawn to its pristine beaches, lush Amazon rainforests, ancient villages, historic sites such as Machu Picchu, and the towering Andes Mountains.

The Republic of Peru borders Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and the Pacific Ocean.  Peru’s history dates back to the 10^th millennium BCE, making it the earliest civilization in the Americas.  Once a part of the Incan Empire, modern-day Peru was colonized by the Spanish during the 16^th Century before gaining independence from Spain during the early 1820s.  Its population of 33 million people includes mestizos (descendants of Europeans and indigenous peoples), Amerindians, Europeans, Africans, and Asian.  Most Peruvians speak Spanish.

Thailand – “the Land of Smiles” – enjoys a strong tourism sector that helps power Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy.  The nation welcomed almost 30 million international visitors in 2025, including more than one million from cities and towns across the United States such as Buffalo.

Lonely Planet called Thailand “one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and for good reason – there's an incredible amount to see and do, costs are moderate and the food is out of this world!” The publication continued, “The glorious variety of Thailand appeals to all types of travelers.  Flavor-loving gourmets will love the street food, produce-laden markets, and deluxe restaurants all over the country.  Those seeking enlightenment can find wisdom and inspiration at its thousands of temples and monasteries.  Outdoors enthusiasts can set out on a hike, exploring virgin forests and lush mountains.  And you might have heard the country has some of the best beaches in the world.” (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-places-to-visit-in-thailand)

The Kingdom of Thailand borders Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia, plus shares maritime boundaries with India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.  It covers more than 198,000 square miles and has a population of 71.6 million, with more than half of Thai residents concentrated in rural rice-growing areas.

Ethiopia – the cradle of civilization – is welcoming record numbers of tourists from American cities like San Diego who seek historic cultural treasures, exotic natural beauty, and warm hospitality.

“Ethiopia is like nowhere else on the planet, a beautiful country blessed with a peerless history, fabulous wildlife and some of Africa's most soulful peoples,” Lonely Planet stated recently (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/ethiopia).  The publication highlights the country as a top African destination for adventurous travelers looking for rich culture alongside unusual primates, secluded tribal villages, historic rock-hewn cave churches, and stunning natural landscapes.