Choosing the perfect place to live out their golden years might be a source of stress for many people of a certain age. Some choose to move to the country, others to the beach, and some might settle down a couple of miles away from their original home, hoping for less noise or less traffic or just to be closer to nature.

However, more and more people each year decide to retire abroad. Think about it. Now that you don't have to work anymore, you have much more time and energy to enjoy the finer things in life, change your surroundings or do the things you've always wanted to do but didn't because of work or the kids. RT recently reported about this growing trend of Americans retiring in places like Mexico or Japan.



Speaking of Mexico, maybe you would like to retire to a country known by many for its warmth, which can describe its weather but also its people. Or maybe you have another Latin-American country in mind. We definitely understand that it's a difficult decision, so we hope this post will help you make the right choice. Whichever city you choose, it's a great idea to learn conversational Spanish before moving, a useful tool that will help you assimilate fully into your new hometown.




puebla mexico
(Photo credit: Pixabay)
Are you a history buff? Do you love to gawk at stunning architecture and walk along cobblestone streets? Are you a religious person or would like to learn more about Catholicism? Maybe Puebla, Mexico, is the right choice for you. This beautiful city located just two hours away from the nation's capital is informally known as "the city of churches". You could visit a different one every day of the year and you still wouldn't have been to all of them. Artists will also love this colorful town. According to Melissa Biggs Bradley from Indagare, it's "the only city in Mexico that was founded specifically for the Spanish colonialists, in 1531". That's why, despite its Mexican identity, you'll get a decidedly European vibe from Puebla. Just like Paris or other charming cities the other side of the pond, this town has a lot of little cafés, but the food is as Mexican as it gets. This is where mole originated, after all: a spicy and sweet sauce made with chocolate, chili and a blend of seeds served atop chicken or pork.






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Explore Arequipa Peru


(Photo credit: Russ Bowling/Flickr)
If you like adventure and being close to nature, or would be interested in eating the most amazing food for the rest of your life, Arequipa might be the place for you. This picturesque Peruvian city sits just in front of the striking El Misti volcano and other mountains. Architecture buffs might enjoy its cathedrals, monasteries and public squares, but this relatively small town has been gaining a reputation for its delicious, world-class cuisine. According to Tom Marchant, cofounder and owner of Black Tomato, "Arequipa is a gem of a city that's played a fundamental role in Peru's gastronomic renaissance". You'll be able to visit its many picanter��?���­as, traditional lunchtime restaurants that serve spicy (that's what "picante" means) food, but also a variety of seafood, cheesy dishes and sweet treats. Retirement never tasted so good!




medellin colombia
(Photo credit: Pixabay)
Do you stay up to date with the latest technological developments? Or maybe arts and culture are more your cup of tea? Then you should head to Medell��?���­n, Colombia. This bustling city has moved on from being the headquarters of the drug trade and now boasts an impressive array of cultural and athletic activities, including the famous Museum of Modern Art. Millennials have embraced Medell��?���­n's rise as the tech capital of South America and happily fill its many co-working spaces but, for those who don't have to work for a living anymore, Medell��?���­n can be the perfect place to take care of the body and mind. Some consider this city to be the "cycling heart" of Colombia, and it's also fairly close to towns like Guatape or Santa Elena, where locals and tourists alike can partake in hiking and climbing, as well as enjoying the stunning views.


It's important to note that all of these Spanish-speaking cities are also part of Forbes magazine's "10 Coolest Cities Around the World to Visit in 2018", which also includes destinations in Ethiopia, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, Congo and Nicaragua.