How to Plan an Extended Stay - Test-Drive Retirement Abroad
Planning an extended stay is one of the most effective ways to determine if a potential retirement destination is the right fit for you. Unlike a brief vacation, an extended stay allows you to live as a local and experience the daily rhythms of your chosen location. Here’s how to plan this crucial step in your retirement-abroad journey.
1. Decide the Duration of Your Stay
The length of your extended stay should give you enough time to fully experience local life. Ideally look at staying for a minimum of 4-6 weeks, though some retirees opt for several months to ensure a comprehensive trial.
Factors to Consider When Deciding Duration:
Seasons - If the country has distinct seasons, consider visiting during a time you’re unsure about (e.g., the rainy season or winter).
Budget - Longer stays can cost more, but they may save you from committing to a less-than-ideal location.
Visa Requirements - Check how long you’re allowed to stay in the country on a tourist visa. If required research options for an extension or a ‘visa run’. A visa run is a short trip across the border before returning, the intention is to reset the clock on the number of days you can stay in country.
2. Choose the Right Type of Accommodation
Your choice of accommodation can significantly influence your experience. Opt for housing that mimics how you’d live if you retired there, such as renting an apartment or house, rather than staying in hotels or resorts.
Types of Accommodation to Consider:
Short-term rentals - Platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com offer a range of furnished homes in various locations.
Local rentals - Contact local real estate agents or look for listings on country specific websites to find rentals often used by locals.
Retirement communities - Some countries offer short-term stays in retirement villages, giving you insight into their amenities and lifestyle.
Key Features to Look For:
Proximity to essential services like groceries, pharmacies, and healthcare.
A location that’s representative of where you’d want to live long-term (e.g., city, suburb, or rural area).
Reliable internet and utilities to ensure comfort and connectivity.
3. Budget for Your Stay
An extended stay is a fantastic opportunity to simulate your retirement budget. Plan your finances carefully to ensure you get a realistic picture of your potential expenses.
Budget Considerations:
Rent - Research typical rental costs for long-term leases, even if you’re on a short-term stay.
Utilities - Factor in electricity, water, internet, and heating/cooling expenses.
Daily needs - Track costs for groceries, dining, and transportation.
Leisure - Include costs for local entertainment, travel, or hobbies.
Tip: Use a financial tracking app to monitor your spending and compare it to your anticipated retirement budget.
4. Get to Know the Neighbourhood
To truly experience daily life, immerse yourself in the local community. Spend your days as you would if you lived there, exploring your surroundings and engaging with locals.
What to Look For:
Convenience - Are essential services within walking distance or a short drive?
Vibe - Does the area feel lively, quiet, safe, or welcoming?
Community - Are there opportunities to meet locals or expats?
Ways to Engage Locally:
Shop at local markets and stores.
Dine at neighbourhood cafes and restaurants.
Attend community events or festivals.
5. Plan Your Itinerary Around Real-Life Activities
Treat your stay as an opportunity to rehearse everyday life rather than just sightseeing. This will give you a more authentic perspective on what retirement in the area would feel like.
Suggested Activities:
Visit healthcare facilities to assess quality and access.
Open a local bank account to understand financial processes.
Practice using public transportation or driving locally.
Explore hobbies or activities you plan to pursue during retirement, such as joining a fitness class, taking up a craft, or volunteering.
6. Test the Logistics of Long-Term Living
One of the biggest challenges of retiring abroad is adjusting to the logistics of daily life. Use your extended stay to test how you’ll handle common tasks.
Key Tasks to Try:
Paying utility bills and understanding local systems.
Shopping for groceries and preparing meals.
Finding nearby pharmacies or clinics for minor health needs.
Managing communication tools like local SIM cards or internet plans (services such as Starlink and eSIMs such as Airalo may also be an option).
7. Prepare for Cultural Immersion
Living in a new country often means adapting to different cultural norms, languages, and social dynamics. During your extended stay, take the time to immerse yourself and learn about the local way of life.
How to Prepare for Cultural Immersion:
Take a few language lessons before or during your stay to communicate better.
Read about local customs, traditions, and etiquette.
Observe and respect cultural practices to build rapport with locals.
8. Plan for Health and Safety
Healthcare and safety are crucial considerations when retiring abroad. Use your extended stay to evaluate both.
What to Assess:
Healthcare: Visit local hospitals or clinics and learn how to access emergency care.
Safety: Spend time in different neighbourhoods during the day and evening to gauge safety.
Insurance: Ensure your travel insurance covers you during the stay and inquire about long-term options.
9. Use This Time to Reflect
An extended stay is not just about gathering information—it’s about feeling out whether you can genuinely see yourself living in this location. Pay attention to how you feel at the end of each day. Are you excited about the next one, or are there hesitations?
Questions to Ask Yourself:
Do I feel comfortable and at home here?
Can I envision building a satisfying daily routine?
Are there aspects of life here I don’t enjoy, and can I adapt to them?
Planning an extended stay is a crucial step in testing the waters for retirement abroad. By living like a local, budgeting carefully, and immersing yourself in the community, you’ll gain invaluable insights into whether your chosen destination is truly the right fit. With a little preparation and an open mind, you can confidently take the next steps toward making your dream of retiring abroad a reality.
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