“As a young adult, I dreamed of a tropical paradise where the sun almost always shined, it never got cold, and I could swim in the ocean whenever I liked. I dreamed of breakfasting on fresh papaya and mango, or sipping mango lassies while feasting on curry at a beach-side restaurant. Now those dreams, and more, have come true… I live on Olango Island in the Philippines.” So begins the story of Philippines’ Correspondent Victoria Clair, an American expat who has lived on Cebu for three years and just recently moved to Olango Island, a 20-minute boat ride from Mactan and the bridge to Cebu.
Olango Island, Philippines | Overseas Havens Report
Our Overseas Haven Report details daily life on the island from finding a rental to shopping, the importance of good food, and the joys of living a back-to-basics lifestyle about moving to and living on a Philippine island.
$ 9.95
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Since being handed control of the canal from the United States, Panama has blazed a trail of economic advancement and prosperity, a course it’s still on today. The results are plain to see: a recently expanded canal, skyscrapers left and right (and new ones being built), and additional lines for the city metro system getting established…
Panama is synonymous with growth and is well on the way to achieving its goal of becoming the logistics and transportation hub par excellence for the region.
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Best of Panama’s Caribbean
Our Best of Panama’s Caribbean Coast Special Report is your beginners guide to finding the best opportunities on this side of the isthmus.
The Caribbean Coast of Panama is notoriously underdeveloped—a pro or a con depending on what kind of lifestyle you’re looking for. This side of the country’s infrastructure is basic at best, and, as a result, fewer foreigners have settled on Panama’s northern side. English is less generally spoken than on the Pacific side, though the touristy Bocas del Toro is an exception—here the high volume of visitors means most working in the service industry speak English, and many businesses are American or Canadian owned.
From the rugged but expat-popular Bocas del Toro islands in the far west to the colonial cities of Colón and Portobelo, the Caribbean options are few but varied. This report details Panama’s best options on the Caribbean…
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Get Started, Mexico, Overseas Haven Reports, Retirement & Lifestyle
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In this Overseas Haven Report, we feature San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
San Miguel de Allende has the small-town friendliness and hominess that most expats crave, set in a remarkably beautiful and sociable colonial town. Centrally located in Mexico, San Miguel is a good base for exploration of the country in all four directions.
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Brazil, Get Started, Overseas Haven Reports, Retirement & Lifestyle
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Less than one hour north of Rio de Janeiro by air lies the small coastal city of Vila Velha. Life here centers around the beaches; with lovely weather throughout the year, locals take advantage of the warm ocean waters no matter the month.
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Bocas has been regarded before as little more than a slum. To be fair, some corners of the town could leave you with that impression, but things are changing here. The government is beginning to take note of the tourism potential and is investing in infrastructure accordingly. As recently as a decade ago, paved roads, sewage treatment, and even slightly reliable electricity had yet to arrive to town. Today, Bocas is more attractive than ever before and continues to improve thanks to the locals, tourists, and foreign residents alike.
Improvements in infrastructure are ongoing and at a steady pace.
Small-scale, start-up tourism businesses have begun to take hold here, becoming the best option for a Caribbean escape in Panama. From cheap backpacker hostels and bars, to extensive forest, yoga, or adventure retreats, a trip to Bocas can be a “roughing it” experience or a luxury relaxation. Improvements in infrastructure are ongoing and at a steady pace. Even recycling has now been recognized as a necessity if they are to save their pristine sand and surf.
Come nightfall, Bocas buzzes with activity. Hostels, bars, and hostel-bars are full of visitors from around the world, eating, drinking, socializing, and enjoying live music.
You could even do business in Bocas if you know what you’re doing and can find the right market niche or demand, and do well for yourself. As for real estate, you can find properties at prices from both sides of the spectrum; old buildings from failed businesses, renovated houses, or luxurious forest mansions designed by acclaimed architects.
Bocas has beauty, charm, and progress. Bocas is never boring.
This carefree, stunning destination has a character and a magnetism all its own.
SKU: OHR-BOCAS-DEL-TORO