Guides & Articles to Help You Live Abroad
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Kristen Shares Her Story About Living In Ecuador as a Single Woman from the United States
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by Kristen CrawfordWe’re often asked if there are single women living in Ecuador, so we’re excited to share Kristen’s story because she is a single retired woman living in Cuenca.
We met Kristen through Amelia’s belly dancing studio when we lived in Cuenca. She is one of those people who lights up a room when she enters it. She never meets a stranger and makes everyone feel welcome.
If you’re a single woman considering a move to Ecuador, you’re certain to appreciate Kristen’s perspective. Here’s her story…
Medellín Colombia Real Estate Tour: 4 Amazing Properties
/in Blog, Colombia, Real Estate Tours/by JP StonestreetIf you’re a real estate enthusiast like us, you’ll definitely enjoy this post about our recent real estate tour in Medellín, Colombia.
We had a blast exploring four amazing properties with a range of prices to fit almost any budget.
As an added bonus, we’ll also compare these Medellín homes to similar properties in Denver, Colorado, where we used to live.
Spoiler alert: Medellín offers some incredible value!
Best Expat Countries (According to Expats)
/in Blog, Comparisons, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetEvery year, InterNations.org conducts a survey to see what current expats think about their home away from home. The results are tabulated and ranked to determine the Best Countries for Expats.
Most of the countries that made the top 10 expat country list for 2022 shouldn’t be surprising, especially the number 1 country for expats, but a few might be considered controversial.
No countries from Central or South America made the list this year, which is very surprising!
Redefining Retirement: Pursue Your Passion and Live a Life with Purpose
/in Blog, Comparisons, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetRetirement – a word that brings to mind golden years, relaxation, and financial freedom. But what if I told you that the conventional idea of retirement is a scam?
We spend our entire lives working hard, making someone else rich, only to find that when we finally cross the finish line, we’re bored and aimless.
Sadly, this is the reality for many who retire, leading to deteriorating health, depression, and early death.
In this article, I’ll explore why the traditional concept of retirement is outdated and how you can redefine your retirement to make it more fulfilling and purposeful.
The NEW American Dream: Leaving
/in Blog, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetThe old American Dream was about freedom, prosperity, and opportunity, like home ownership or providing a better life for your kids.
However, for many Americans, that dream now seems unattainable so a NEW American dream is taking its place: Leaving.
The US State Department estimates that 9 million Americans live abroad, and this number has been on the rise for the past several years.
So, let’s dive into the top seven reasons why people are leaving the United States and pursuing the new American dream abroad.
Why Kris and Mike Moved to Ecuador from Canada
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by Kris and Mike NelsonKris And Mike left Canada and moved to a small rural beach town in Ecuador. Here is their inspiring story about Living the Life You Love!
We owned a beautiful home on a lake in northern Ontario Canada. It was our dream home.
I was retired and Kris owned and worked at her small-town decor store. We loved to travel but other than that we never even talked about moving anywhere else, even within Canada.
Why would we? We had everything and were happy.
Top 10 Reasons Why We Chose Ecuador
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetWhen it comes to choosing a new home country, there are a lot of factors to consider. After careful research and much deliberation, we decided to take the plunge and move to Ecuador.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 reasons why we chose this South American gem as our expat destination. Hopefully, our insights will help during your decision making process.
Why Locals Hate Expats!
/in Blog, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetLocals in many countries are FURIOUS with us immigrants!
Well, not really, but it got your attention, didn’t it? 😁
Although most people welcome foreigners with open arms, we often receive comments and complaints about expats.
In this blog post, we’ll reveal the top 10 reasons why some locals think expats are ruining life for everyone else. And make sure you stick around until the end, as we hear #1 on a daily basis!
How I Convinced My Skeptical Spouse to Move Abroad
/in Blog, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetLeaving the United States and moving to Ecuador was a decision that took some time, but once I started researching it, I quickly became convinced that it was the right decision for us.
After reading a lot of blog posts and watching a bunch of videos, I was ready to sell everything and move to Ecuador with our two dogs. Sight-unseen!
Amelia, on the other hand, was a bit more skeptical. Although she liked the idea of living abroad, she was reluctant to leave our comfort zone and move to a small country in South America.
The HARSH Realities of Expat Life!
/in Blog, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetEven after five and a half years of living in Ecuador and lots of personal and national changes, we’re still thankful we moved here. It was (and still is) the best decision we could have made.
However, moving abroad also comes with a set of harsh realities that are often overlooked or underestimated.
Looking back, here are some of the most challenging aspects of expat life that we experienced and that you need to be prepared for…
Why Does The United States Cost so Freaking Much?!
/in Blog, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetThe cost of living in the United States is OUT OF CONTROL! Many of the things we need to live have become unaffordable for the vast majority of people. Things like food, healthcare, transportation and elder care are being charged on credit cards and driving people further into debt. It’s INSANITY!
You might not realize that the cost of living is NOT sky-high everywhere. In many countries, you can still afford to buy the things you need without breaking the bank.
We Believed The Propaganda About Latin America!
/in Blog, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetIf you’re considering a move to Latin America, it’s normal to have fears and concerns about making such a dramatic change.
When we first considered moving abroad, we had a lot of fears about the safety, healthcare, infrastructure, language barriers, and other challenges that come with living in a new country.
However, after doing a lot of research, and after living in Ecuador for more than five years, we realized that our fears were largely unfounded or exaggerated.
How To Avoid a Common Rental Car Scam
/in Blog, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetWe’re not brave enough to drive in foreign countries, which has helped us avoid a common rental car scam that our viewers often complain about in the comments.
These rental car scams occur throughout Latin America, including Ecuador and Mexico. If you’re not careful, you could end up paying hundreds or thousands of dollars in extra fees, but scams aren’t the only issues you might face by driving in a foreign country.
Cotacachi Ecuador Real Estate Tour
/in Blog, Ecuador, Real Estate Tours/by JP StonestreetCotacachi is a charming town located in the Andean region of Ecuador that has been drawing the attention of expats and real estate investors from all over the world.
Its strategic location, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture make it an ideal place for those looking for a second home, a retirement destination, or an investment opportunity.
One of the most appealing aspects of Cotacachi is its affordability. Real estate prices in Cotacachi are significantly lower than in other popular destinations in Ecuador, such as Quito or Cuenca.
How To Find a Job Abroad
/in Blog, Live Abroad, Work Online/by JP StonestreetThe prospect of finding a job abroad can be both exciting and daunting. The opportunity to live and work in a different country can open up new doors for personal and professional growth, but the process of finding a job can be challenging.
How to Adapt to a New Country
/in Blog, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetMoving to a new country can be an exciting, but also an overwhelming experience. One of the biggest challenges to foreigners is understanding the local culture and customs.
In this article, we will explore various ways to gain a better understanding of the local culture in different countries so you’re better prepared for the cultural differences and better able to adapt to your new country.
How to Prepare Your Children for a Life Abroad
/in Blog, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetEnrolling in school abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience for both children and parents. Not only does it provide a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures and ways of life, but it can also open up new academic and career opportunities.
Jaw-Dropping Homes For Sale in Valle de los Chillos Ecuador
/in Blog, Ecuador, Real Estate Tours/by JP StonestreetValle de los Chillos is located in the southeast corner of the Quito Ecuador Metro Area and offers a diverse range of properties that are perfect for any budget.
This area is just a 30-minute drive from downtown Quito and 45 minutes from the Quito International Airport, making it an ideal location for those looking to be close to both city and airport amenities.
Medical Tourism: Escape The USA Healthcare Scam!
/in Blog, Comparisons, Health & Medical/by JP StonestreetHealthcare and Health Insurance in the United States is a huge headache that can rightfully cause you a lot of distress. We know people who work jobs they hate or even delay retirement simply because they need health insurance. It doesn’t have to be that way!
How to Build a Strong Social Network Abroad
/in Blog, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetMoving to a new country can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it can also be overwhelming and isolating at times.
One of the key ways to make the most of your time abroad and feel at home in your new community is to build a social network.