With 2026 just around the corner, retirees and digital nomads will be planning ahead to choose the best location to settle for the long term. Learning from these options enables travellers to adopt the same tactics but for a shorter timeframe.
Retirees
While retiring overseas is a long-ball game for many, they often choose as a traveller would look at their next break: value for money, culturally enriching locations, safe and secure places, and the ease of doing things they have come to expect in their own countries.
The 2026 Annual Global Retirement Index from International Living is as good as any indicator where retirees are considering. With the world changing fast, with the cost of living, visa rules, healthcare access, and even climate patterns ever evolving, the team has brought a complex picture of data and insights to hone in on the choices.
Their Index indicates that Greece is the top choice for those seeking a new lifestyle abroad. It has jumped from number seven to number one. The nation was followed by Panama, Costa Rica, Portugal, Mexico, Italy, France, Spain, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor of International Living, commented: “Greece’s rise to number one marks a shift in Europe’s retirement landscape. For years, Portugal and Spain led the way, but rising costs and visa changes have retirees looking elsewhere. Greece now offers a beautiful, welcoming, and affordable European base with accessible residency options and a lifestyle that feels rich in every sense.”
Greece boasts more than 300 days of sunshine per year, over 6,000 islands with 227 inhabited, and a cost of living that remains attractive compared to many other European nations.
Typical expenses highlight the affordability: a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around €50, and a coffee averages €3.43. Rent is affordable compared to some first countries, while those seeking adventure can spin off to various islands, such as Corfu, Santorini, Samos, and Kos, for historical sites, beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle. Something that will not have been missed by travellers looking for a few week’s break.
If it’s further afield, Panama is a major consideration. The Central American country fell one spot from its top position last year, but it’s still officially the best place to retire in Latin America.
Panama has broad appeal, with a low cost of living, the use of the U.S. dollar, and home to one of the world’s most stable international banking centres. The guide’s writer suggests: “springlike climate of Highland towns like Boquete or Volcán… the bohemian surfer haven of Venao or Caribbean Bocas del Toro… or abundant farmlands, rural outposts, rainforests, or cloud forests. A tiny, complete universe awaits” to extract the max out of the country.
When it came to Portugal as an option, International Living said: “Portugal consistently ranks as one of the top places to retire, and the reasons why are clear. Its stunning environmental diversity is one of its greatest assets, offering the geographic variety of a country five times its size. Combine this with fresh, affordable food, universal healthcare, a compact footprint, and kind neighbours. Add a climate that ranges from sun-drenched coasts to rolling green hills, and you have a recipe for an exceptional quality of life.”
Digital Nomads
Travellers may well be considering new horizons that straddle the world of the digital nomad, those who seek to work remotely but from another country.
The latest intelligence suggests that digital nomads are researching Colombia based on Google data. If you are thinking of a holiday, the South American country is a pretty good choice for a few weeks, as it has a low cost of living and plenty of amazing sights.
In Colombia, while visa conditions for nomads are easy, travellers can find relatively affordable rental opportunities across Medellin, the capital Bogotá, and Cali. You can also take advantage of exploring the country’s coffee regions, culinary scene and islands.
According to Google data, other digital nomad destinations of interest included New Zealand, Costa Rica, Latvia, Bulgaria, Poland, Slovenia, Indonesia, Finland, and Vietnam.
A host of other countries with similar low cost of living, great climate, fantastic culture and sights to wander include Turkey, Goa in India, the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand.
If you want to get ahead, think like a digital nomad or a retiree, and get the maximum benefits, but over a shorter period – and on holiday!
Andy Probert is a freelance journalist whose work about global travel news, aviation, business and human-interest features has appeared internationally in print and digital formats.
