Sometimes we all need an escape. An escape from the bills, the politics, the ELECTION, the nine-to-five grind. If a week's vacation isn't enough for you, take heart: your real-world disappearing act is a lot more doable than you probably realize. In fact, hundreds of thousands of Americans have already gotten away from it all by moving to better-value, better-weather destinations overseas.
At International Living, we show potential expats where to go -- and how to get there. From climate, to cost of living, to quality of life, we pinpoint opportunity in destinations throughout the world -- from Latin America to Southeast Asia to Europe.
Here are International Living's top five picks for close-to-home escapes where you can create a better life for yourself ... and spend less than it costs you to stay at home ...
Mexico
View from the rooftops of Guanajuato, Mexico
Mexico today is like the U.S. was 50 years ago...before big government and big business. It is full of overlooked havens where you can live in luxury, and still only spend $2,190 a month. As well as a low cost of living, Mexico also offers first-class hospitals, excellent infrastructure, and relaxed pace of life. Financially, it's a great time to be anywhere in Mexico--the exchange rate today is 20.07 pesos to $1.
Panama
The highrise skyline of Panama City, Panama
For expats from the U.S., Panama is convenient because the currency is the U.S. dollar. They also enjoy high-speed internet, remarkable cell coverage, and well-trained medical professionals. Cosmopolitan Panama City is the most popular expat destination, but this country is so much more than just the city. The highland towns offer spring-like weather, nature trails, waterfalls, cloud forests and more. Take your pick of locations on the water...from the white sands of the Caribbean islands to the deep blues of the Pacific. And all of this comes at a budget of $2,500.
Costa Rica
The palm fringed shoreline of Manzanillo beach, Costa Rica
Known as one of the friendliest countries in the world, Costa Rica embraces a laidback, or "pura vida" lifestyle. It is a country of long stretches of deserted and undeveloped beaches...dense jungles teeming with exotic wildlife...towering volcanoes, lush green valleys, and hundreds of crystal-clear lakes and rivers, all of which can be enjoyed for a monthly budget of $2,000. Many U.S. citizens have already made the move to Costa Rica, meaning that there are already established expat communities throughout the country.
Belize
Locals relax and enjoy the sun in Placencia, Belize
With over 200 pristine islands are scattered along its coastline--each surrounded by crystal clear, turquoise seawater that teems with brilliant fish, coral, and sponges--English-speaking Belize is the quintessential Caribbean paradise. Its desirability is also heightened by the fact that a couple can afford to live here on $1,200 a month. This is the perfect place to relax in a hammock, watching the frothy white waves wash against the Mesoamerican barrier reef.
Peru
People stroll through Plaza de Armas in Cusco, Peru
Along with being the home of the mountaintop Inca citadel, Machu Picchu, Peru is also known for its low cost of living, welcoming hospitality, and world-renowned cuisine. It mixes the old and the new, with modern infrastructure and conveniences intermingling with historic structures and reminders of the country's colonial past. Peru's varied landscape also offers a wide range of destinations -- all offering an extremely low cost of living. Many expats report spending about $1,500 a month, all in.
This article comes to us courtesy of InternationalLiving.com, the world's leading authority on how to live, work, invest, travel, and retire better overseas.
Ireland
Giuseppe Milo/500px
"My Grandparents were both born there and I've dreamed about going since I was a kid," said reader Dana Beckman.
Chicago
Getty Images
Wrigley Field is a must-see, according to reader Linda Stark.
Bora Bora
M Swiet Productions
Reader Mona G. Low would love to stay in "one of those thatched huts over the turquoise ocean."
Scotland
Buena Vista Images
Several readers said they would love to visit this northern gem because of their ancestry.
Paris
José Ramirez/500px
The Louvre Museum would be reader Susan Ayers--Taylor's first stop in the city of lights. "I have wanted to go there since I was 12, which was 44 years ago!"
Russia
Alejandro Cupi/500px
Reader Kimberly Minton-Freeman would love to visit Russia because it's her daughter's birthplace.
Hawaii
Alamy
Several of our readers have been to the 50th state and dream of going back again to take in the natural beauty.
Moab, Utah
Shutterstock / Manamana
The Arches National Park is a must-see according to several readers.
Syria
jasminam
Reader Syeda Jafri would love to visit Syria and see its many sacred sites.
Switzerland
Shutterstock / ariadna de raadt
"I would love to go to Switzerland so I can finish my family tree on my father's side. I found my ancestors on my mom's side were royalty in Ireland and lived in Cudzow Castle, but I haven't been able to find anything on dad's side before my great grandfather came through Ellis Island from Switzerland," said reader Linda Wepf Johnstone.
Turkey
Bertl123
The country that's known as the bridge between the east and west is on Syeda Jafri's bucket list because of its beauty.
England
José Ramirez/500px
"The fact I fell in love with the Beatles when I was eight" makes England a top choice for reader Audra Dee.
Las Vegas
Shutterstock / Jorg Hackemann
Reader Tammy Lumsden wants to go back to Sin City because there's always something new to see and never enough time to see it all.
Egypt
Getty Images/Flickr RF
Egypt's rich history and breathtaking monuments make it a top spot on any bucket list.
Alaska
Getty Images/Flickr RF
A few readers mentioned wanting to go to the northernmost state because it was the only one they haven't yet visited.
The Sahara Desert
Guido Todarello/500px
Reader Brenda English would love to take a photography safari in the beautiful desert.
Costa Rica
Franklin Garcia/500px
Reader Franci Zalon wants to visit this Central American country known for its rich wildlife.
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