In this episode of Moving Abroad: Create a New Life in a New Country, we take a closer look at a wave of protests and social unrest across parts of Europe and what these events can teach us about the realities of choosing a new country to call home.

Based on reporting from the Associated Press, demonstrations in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Albania have been driven by a range of concerns, including rising living costs, housing affordability, education, public services, wages, and political frustration. While some protests have remained peaceful, others have escalated into clashes, arrests, property damage, and violence. AP News

But this episode is also about perspective. Moving abroad does not mean finding a country where nothing ever goes wrong. Every nation has political disagreements, economic pressures, housing challenges, protests, and periods of uncertainty. At the same time, dramatic news coverage does not necessarily represent everyday life across an entire country.

We discuss why it is so important to visit before relocating, spend time understanding a country beyond the tourist experience, research its political and economic direction, and talk to people who actually live there. The goal of moving abroad should not necessarily be to find a perfect place, because one probably does not exist. It is about finding somewhere whose lifestyle, values, opportunities, challenges, and sense of community feel like the right fit for you.

Whether you are considering Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, or somewhere completely different, this episode is a reminder to approach moving abroad with optimism, curiosity, and your eyes open.

🔎 Podcast Episode Credit

Associated Press — “From France to Albania, social unrest is setting Europe’s streets ablaze” by Teresa Medrano and Suman Naishadham

MY TEAM'S BOOKS ABOUT MOVING ABROAD:

Are you specifically interested in moving to Ireland? Here's the book for you: "Ireland on the Horizon: How to Relocate, Settle, and Thrive on the Emerald Isle" - Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to order NOW!

NEWEST Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Mainland Exit: How to Relocate, Settle, and Thrive in America’s Island Territories⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ by Paper Planes Publishing

You can learn about additional countries to move to in our team's book, "Freedom Abroad: Ten Countries for Americans Ready to Relocate" and you can purchase a copy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

In this episode of Moving Abroad: Create a New Life in a New Country, we explore 12 European countries that stand out for Americans considering retirement overseas. From sunny Mediterranean destinations to Northern European countries known for strong infrastructure and public services, the list shows just how different retirement in Europe can look depending on your priorities.

We look at Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden, comparing factors such as healthcare, affordability, residency options, safety, English proficiency, transportation, taxes, and quality of life. Southern European favorites like Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Italy may appeal to retirees looking for warmer weather and lower costs, while countries such as Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden offer strong public services and infrastructure, often at a higher price.

Whether you’re dreaming about Mediterranean living, considering Ireland for its language and cultural connections, or prioritizing healthcare and stability above everything else, this episode offers a practical look at some of Europe’s strongest retirement options and the trade-offs that come with each one.

🔎 Podcast Episode Credit

Investopedia — “12 Best European Countries for American Retirees Seeking Great Lifestyle and Healthcare” by Ali Hussain

MY TEAM'S BOOKS ABOUT MOVING ABROAD:

Are you specifically interested in moving to Ireland? Here's the book for you: "Ireland on the Horizon: How to Relocate, Settle, and Thrive on the Emerald Isle" - Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to order NOW!

NEWEST Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Mainland Exit: How to Relocate, Settle, and Thrive in America’s Island Territories⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ by Paper Planes Publishing

You can learn about additional countries to move to in our team's book, "Freedom Abroad: Ten Countries for Americans Ready to Relocate" and you can purchase a copy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

In this episode of Moving Abroad: Create a New Life in a New Country, we explore the top countries for retiring overseas in 2026, based on the latest Global Retirement Index. The ranking looks beyond sunshine and beaches, comparing destinations based on quality of life, mobility and citizenship, tax considerations, application procedures, and overall costs.

We count down the top 10 destinations, including Greece, Italy, Andorra, Latvia, Paraguay, Portugal, Costa Rica, Spain, Mauritius, and Uruguay. From Europe’s popular retirement visas to lower-cost options in Latin America and the tax advantages offered by Mauritius, each country brings a very different mix of lifestyle and practical benefits.

Taking the top spot is Uruguay, which performed strongly across every major category and offers applicants the possibility of applying directly for permanent residency. We also look at why Spain and Portugal remain favorites, why Costa Rica continues to appeal to retirees seeking tropical living, and how lesser-discussed options such as Latvia, Paraguay, and Mauritius earned places near the top.

Whether you’re actively planning retirement abroad or simply comparing where your savings, lifestyle, and long-term goals might fit best, this episode offers a useful look at some of the strongest retirement destinations for 2026.

🔎 Podcast Episode Credit

Condé Nast Traveler — “The Top 10 Countries for Retiring Abroad, According to the 2026 Global Retirement Index” by Alessia Armenise

MY TEAM'S BOOKS ABOUT MOVING ABROAD:

Are you specifically interested in moving to Ireland? Here's the book for you: "Ireland on the Horizon: How to Relocate, Settle, and Thrive on the Emerald Isle" - Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to order NOW!

NEWEST Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Mainland Exit: How to Relocate, Settle, and Thrive in America’s Island Territories⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ by Paper Planes Publishing

You can learn about additional countries to move to in our team's book, "Freedom Abroad: Ten Countries for Americans Ready to Relocate" and you can purchase a copy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!