moving abroad

3 Things to Do Now If You Want to Leave the Country

Published October 20, 2020 | By Clark Norton

Sarakiniko -- Milos' moonscape by the Aegean. Photo by Clark Norton — If you want to move to Greece, an expat suggests, hire a local language tutor. Photo by Clark Norton

With the U.S. presidential election nearing and emotions running high, it seems a good time to start plotting a possible escape abroad if your candidate loses.

So as a public service, I’m running this piece from the editors of International Living , a publication that has provided ex-pats and would-be expats both inspiration and solid practical information for decades.

They call it their “Election Escape Plan,” but it contains some good timeless advice.

“While travel may be restricted currently,” they write, “this is a smart time to begin laying the groundwork for a smooth transition to a better, less-expensive life overseas.”

And they offer this additional suggestion: “Consider making a move in smaller steps. Think about a three-month escape or a year-long getaway. Come at this idea with a ‘one-step-at-a-time’ attitude… Continue reading →

Family Living Abroad? Consider Relocating

Published February 21, 2018 | By Clark Norton

You might enjoy kicking a soccer ball with grandkids on a beach overseas.

When my wife, Catharine, and I moved to Tucson 2 1/2 years ago, we happily traded the snowy winters of upstate New York for the warmth of the desert. But — much more importantly for us — we also moved to within a short drive of our son, daughter-in-law, and our new grandson.

Now we’re able to see them multiple times a week (mostly at their invitation!) and Catharine, now retired from her career as a magazine editor, is doing yeoman duty as a babysitter and enjoying every moment of it, with the possible exception of an occasional tantrum. (But that’s OK, she can usually calm me down with a chocolate croissant or some clam dip.)

For baby boomers, many of whom are now retired or nearing retirement — usually with more flexibility in time and often… Continue reading →

Posted in Baby boomer travel, Family travel, Foreign travel | Tagged Canadian schools, living overseas, moving abroad, multigenerational travel, relocating in retirement, Singapore schools | 2 Comments

According to government and private surveys:

Leading-edge baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1955) and seniors account for four out of every five dollars spent on luxury travel today.
Roughly half the consumer spending money in the U.S.--more than $2 trillion--is in the hands of leading-edge baby boomers and seniors.
Baby boomers (born 1946-1964) travel more than any other age group.
When asked what they would most like to spend their money on, baby boomers answered “travel” more than any other category, including improving their health or finances.