58 episodes

Not the world you see on the evening news: The International Living Podcast explores safe, welcoming, beautiful—and often little-unknown—spots on the planet. Places where you could live richer, travel more, invest for profit, and enjoy a jet-set life...for less than it costs to stay home. Host Jim Santos talks with IL’s magazine writers and with a cast of thoughtful characters living interesting lives abroad—from Penang to Porto, Cuenca to Madrid. Smart ideas for richer living in a bigger, better world. 

The International Living Podcast International Living

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.5 • 13 Ratings

Not the world you see on the evening news: The International Living Podcast explores safe, welcoming, beautiful—and often little-unknown—spots on the planet. Places where you could live richer, travel more, invest for profit, and enjoy a jet-set life...for less than it costs to stay home. Host Jim Santos talks with IL’s magazine writers and with a cast of thoughtful characters living interesting lives abroad—from Penang to Porto, Cuenca to Madrid. Smart ideas for richer living in a bigger, better world. 

    Episode 57: The World's Best Places to Retire in 2024

    Episode 57: The World's Best Places to Retire in 2024

    When it comes to your overseas retirement, you don’t want to go in blind. That’s why, every January, International Living publishes the world’s most in-depth, detailed resource on the subject. Put simply, it ranks the top destinations on the planet to retire to, based on the factors that matter most.

    How much does it cost to rent a two-bedroom home in a pleasant expat area? What does a bottle of local beer cost? Will you be able to meet other expats?, is the weather good?, will you be able to get quality medical care at a price you can afford?

    These are just a few of the questions that International Living puts to its team of overseas contributors every year. And that team consists of expats who live overseas, who experience that lifestyle, and who know first-hand exactly what it is that makes the difference between a successful overseas retirement and an unprepared disaster.

    Make no mistake, International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index is not some throwaway listicle compiled by some bored intern scraping Google results; it’s a solid piece of invaluable research compiling countless hours of experience and judgement.

    If you’re enjoying the podcast, we would really appreciate it if you could leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform: https://lovethepodcast.com/internationalliving.

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    • 36 min
    Episode 56: On the Ground in Costa Rica’s Top Expat Destinations

    Episode 56: On the Ground in Costa Rica’s Top Expat Destinations

    In our last podcast of the year, Jim speaks to Lifestyle Editor Seán Keenan about his recent exploratory trip to Costa Rica. He visited some of the most popular areas in the country— and talked to expats in each of them—to share what makes it one of the best places in the world to retire.

    If you’re enjoying the podcast, we would really appreciate it if you could leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform: https://lovethepodcast.com/internationalliving.

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    • 39 min
    Episode 55: The Many Faces of Sophisticated Argentina

    Episode 55: The Many Faces of Sophisticated Argentina

    While the rest of us shiver in the gloom of our northern winter, expats around the world languish in the sunshine of beach resorts, highland retreats, and buzzing cities. International Living Panama Editor, Jessica Ramesch is one of them. Most of the year, she lives by the beach in the year-round sunshine of Coronado, Panama. Every day in Coronado is summer, so where does Jessica choose to go when August comes around

    The answer may be counterintuitive, but it has its own undeniable logic. South, to Argentina, and the snowfields of wintertime Bariloche. "The thing that Argentina has to offer me that I don't get here in Panama is that cold weather and skiing,” Jessica says.

    Spending three weeks in the snow, then heading to Argentina’s capital city—Buenos Aires—gave Jessica more than enough time to get under the skin of this fascinating South American country, its people, its politics, its economy, and its remarkable beauty.

    Host, Jim Santos, talks to Jessica Ramesch in this episode of the International Living podcast.

    If you’re enjoying the podcast, we would really appreciate it if you could leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform: https://lovethepodcast.com/internationalliving.

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    • 34 min
    Episode 54: The Best Places in the World to Buy Real Estate in 2024

    Episode 54: The Best Places in the World to Buy Real Estate in 2024

    “The world keeps turning and it keeps creating opportunity,” says International Real Estate investor, Ronan McMahon. Since 2008, Ronan and his team have been scouring the globe for the best real estate deals on the planet. When they find them, they share them in Real Estate Trend Alert—Ronan’s investment advisory service. To be included, the terms are simple: this needs to be an investment that will at least double in value within five years.

    That’s no small task, and Ronan’s team of hand-picked experts travel and research extensively to find opportunities that they’re willing to put their name to. But there’s more to buying an international property than the financial returns. What about weather, beach access, sports facilities, culture? Every buyer has a different list of what they want in their dream home overseas.

    That’s why Ronan and his team have compiled the International Real Estate Index, ranking the best places in the world to buy property, via ten categories from Availability of Bank Finance, to Holding Costs, to Climate.

    If you’re enjoying the podcast, we would really appreciate it if you could leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform: https://lovethepodcast.com/internationalliving.

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    • 41 min
    Episode 53: Is Nicaragua Still a Viable Retirement Destination?

    Episode 53: Is Nicaragua Still a Viable Retirement Destination?

    Lifestyle Editor Seán Keenan joins the podcast from Central America, on location as he researches his next feature story for International Living magazine.

    His first stop is Nicaragua, once a high-profile expat destination, now slightly under the radar. Times change, fashions change, but Seán’s travels in this fascinating country bring him from the delightful Spanish Colonial streets and plazas of lakeside Granada to the upscale opulence of the region’s premier gated community—Rancho Santana.

    It’s a journey of discovery and contrast as podcast host, Jim Santos, speaks to roving editor, Seán Keenan in this week’s episode.

    If you’re enjoying the podcast, we would really appreciate it if you could leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform: https://lovethepodcast.com/internationalliving.

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    • 39 min
    Episode 52: Dance Yourself Healthy in San Miguel De Allende, Mexico

    Episode 52: Dance Yourself Healthy in San Miguel De Allende, Mexico

    A study found that there’s one physical exercise that protects from both dementia and Alzheimer’s… and it’ll give your social life a boost, too.

    The New England Journal of Medicine published the results of a 21-year study of senior citizens, aged 75 to 85. The researchers discovered that the only physical exercise that provided protection from both dementia and Alzheimer’s was… dancing. Whether partnered or solo, frequent dancing provided a 76% risk reduction!

    IL contributor Ann Kuffner tells Jim about San Miguel de Allende and the dance venues where you can practice your moves.

    If you’re enjoying the podcast, we would really appreciate it if you could leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform: https://lovethepodcast.com/internationalliving.

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    • 38 min

Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5
13 Ratings

13 Ratings

Jake x2 ,

Istanbul Turkey

As always, you do a nice job with these programs. You may have missed your calling in telecommunications or radio as they used to say. All IL podcasts I have heard are informative and resulted in either placing the location on my bucket list or dropping it from any future consideration. Keep it up, Jim.

Jake

Jeffrey Purtee ,

New Name - Still Great

Recently renamed and still excellent. Good for both the touristy types AND those people looking to relocate. Learned about it because I subscribe to International Living magazine. Suggest you give it a try. Update Apr 2023: still good. Fascinating interviews from a wide variety of interesting ex-pats. Each show has useful tips from the wide variety of experiences. Good show!

AK Musician ,

A great start

I met Jim and Rita in Denver (ok…I drove Jim and Rita crazy in Denver). They are wonderful people. Personally I would like more interviews with expats and less with “digital nomads” (aka young people) but I know Jim tries to make sure there is content for everyone. I find myself waiting for episodes. And Jim, you have a GREAT radio/podcast voice. Thanks for getting practical advice out of the people you interview. 5 stars for you and 10 for your wife!!! 😀

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