You have probably thought about relocating abroad after retirement. This is undoubtedly a huge step, and it doesn’t mean it’s easy if you’re a seasoned traveler, either.
Even if you have spent significant periods abroad, relocating to another country is still an entirely different story. The prospect may seem daunting. However, doing proper research is the way to go about it rather than to make the decision on a whim.
Meet Many People
Don’t use your reconnaissance trip as a vacation and forget that you are out there on research! Speaking to many people will help you gather plenty of information. Getting into conversations with people who know more can help you gain insight into the place. Speak to people who live and work there. Don’t be afraid to discuss the crucial aspects of daily living and personal lifestyle.
Dig Up Some Expats
If you can find some expats, you will find that they will likely turn out to be one of your best resources. Expats can be one of the most insightful of people to speak to about your potential location. If you can find ex-pats from your location, it is even better!
They can help you understand what needs to be done before you leave your country. You can also get insights on what you can expect when you arrive. Valuable information on the pros and cons of that location from someone with a universal perspective will be of great help. You can find expats on Facebook or community forums and even retirement groups in your selected area. Don’t worry – expats are a friendly bunch (most of the time!).
Have A Look At The Property Market
Finding the place you want to call home will mean having to look at a couple of real estate companies to find a comfortable place to live. You can only research so much online, so during your reconnaissance trip, you should interact with the agents and look at the homes, the living areas, and the costs involved. It isn’t worth the risk to make a purchase from a distance, only to meet issues when you arrive. It is best to narrow your property search to a few neighborhoods. This way, you will not waste too much time during your trip. Arrange for property viewing when you arrive and ask the realtors questions you may have about the area, the property, or the transaction in person.
Get A Feel For The Place
When you plan your reconnaissance trip, bear in mind that you will want to live as though you have relocated there already as much as you can. So, if you have a property you are interested in in a specific area, try to book your stay for your trip at an Airbnb in that neighborhood so you can gather a feel for the atmosphere of the place. Booking this way ensures that you have a better chance of feeling what it is like to lie there before actually moving.
For the trip, get a place where you can cook your meals. It will help you see what the commute to grocery stores and the shopping centers are like. You can also know about the traffic, the cost of groceries, and the ease of moving around. These are essential factors when relocating for optimum retirement lifestyle happiness. After all, you will likely think that a lot of things are similar to everything back home when they may be quite different! Don’t risk juggling your retirement lifestyle only to be unhappy with your decision at the very end simply because of many small issues that you could have picked up on through a reconnaissance trip.
Making this reconnaissance trip to the country you are considering retiring in can end up helping you make your final decision on whether to relocate or not. It’s alright to decide that relocation isn’t for you and to change your retirement plans. Don’t feel the pressure of relocation if you aren’t comfortable. It is easier to relocate later, rather than too soon and find that you struggle either financially or otherwise. Sticking around in your home country won’t be so bad. You may end up scrapping the thought of relocating altogether! Take your time to gather your thoughts. In the meantime, plan that reconnaissance trip!