For the overseas-minded, now may be the perfect time to act on your dreams of reinventing your life in a new country. Where have you been waiting to go, and what do you want to do once you get there? How do you take the first steps towards setting up life in a new place?

This special report is designed to bring you the answers to these questions. It’s Part II of your 2021 Retire Overseas Index, the end-of-year bumper issue that selected, ranked, and sorted our top picks for retirement this year. Unlike Part I, which focused solely on the destinations and their rankings, Part II is all about the practical considerations of making any international move a success (as well as the less serious and fun considerations—the things that pertain to actually enjoying life in a new country).

The contents of this report are sorted into three main categories: “Know Before You Go,” featuring hard-won insights from Live and Invest Overseas’ top contributors; “But How Do I…,” bringing you answers to the top “how to” questions; and “The Best of the Rest,” where we present our shortlists for specific lifestyle choices that you may want to pursue.

Sit back in a comfortable chair, settle in, and let this report—Part II of your 2021 Retire Overseas Index—be your guide to finally making your dream of retiring overseas a reality…

Bogotá is one of those cities that isn’t going to click with everyone.

This is a place for people who want the hustle and bustle of a major city with amazing dining options, culture, and something always going on.

You can enjoy the comfortable climate of San Francisco combined with the city lifestyle of New York, but at a fraction of the cost.

Some streets are gritty with vibrant graffiti while others are tree-lined

and polished. Dramatic green mountains line the northern part of the city.

Neighborhoods, like Chapinero, have a Brooklyn vibe where creativity booms

and buildings hide secret hipster cafés, art galleries, and cocktail bars that

you wouldn’t know about unless a local filled you in.

While Bogotá is one of the most expensive cities in Colombia, its culture

and food scenes can’t be beat. This is a destination for people looking to

experience a booming gastronomic scene, live theater, art, fashion, and film

festivals.

The largest city in Colombia is definitely one of its best-kept secrets.

Budapest has had many names over the years: The Heart of Europe… The Pearl of the Danube… The Capital of Spas and Thermal Baths… Monikers aside, it holds a special place in the hearts of those that know it.

It’s a historical marvel, with iconic buildings and landmarks spanning several centuries scattered around the city. On either side of the Danube River that splits the city in two are Buda and Pest: Buda is aristocratic with its mansions and rolling hills; Pest is the working person’s side, where most of the day-to-day action takes place.

Both contribute to what is arguably one of the most eclectic, loveliest capitals on the Continent. The best part is that you can take it all its charm on foot in this supremely walkable city. Learn more about what’s on offer in Budapest in this Overseas Haven Report.

How are digital nomads able to pursue their lifestyle in today’s climate, and what have the lockdowns, border closures, and social distancing meant for them? Hear the stories of nomads around the world to find out how they’ve adapted to life in the era of COVID-19 in this Overseas Haven Report.

This open-air museum has something to discover on each corner, each rue harboring some new joy to behold in this historic city where modern seamlessly meets tradition. Some might even call it staid, as little changes here, and that’s generally the way Parisians like it… But Paris is changing, with modern conveniences chipping away at a lifestyle that even just 10 years ago was far more insulated. We’ll take you through these changes in the Paris Overseas Haven Report.

In Ubud, vestiges of Balinese culture are around every corner, from the centuries-old ancient temples to the colorful processions that take place daily to the ubiquitous scent of incense that is burned near-constantly for religious reasons. This is a place of culture—a center for art, craft, and dance that has been on trend since the late 19th century, when feudal lords made Ubud their base and bankrolled the village’s art scene.

Today, Ubud continues to be on trend, with signs of innovation present in its art, design, and culinary scenes. Modern, award-winning architecture is sidled alongside the ancient temples, with concepts like sustainability and mindfulness incorporated into the blueprints… Surrounded by rolling green hillside (it’s perched at an elevation of 600 meters (2,000 feet) above sea level), Ubud inspires deep thinking and R&R. It’s also center for mindfulness, meditation, yoga, spas, and relaxation-focused resorts.

There’s something about the gentle ocean breezes and green hills etched with rice paddies that lulls you into a state of peacefulness in Ubud. Discover this town in this Overseas Haven Report…