26 Days to Lightning Raid on World's Top Retirement Haven

Dear International Living Reader,

We can't keep up. Even with the doubling of our Panama office staff, we're struggling to keep pace with your interest. I point this out, first, to explain and apologize if you've sent an e-mail or left a phone message and not yet heard back from one of our Panama Country Consultants. I promise you: They'll be in touch.

Meantime, if you've got an interest in Panama, here's what I propose you d Come see it. With us. As part of a small group of like-minded readers who also want to get to know this country up-close.

You understand the appeal. Panama City...it is without peer in this part of the world, with its modern infrastructure, first-rate amenities and services, lively nightlife, shopping, and affordable cost of living. Plus, Panama, as you know, boasts the world's best pensionado program for foreign retirees. Then there are those blue, sun-filled skies, long beaches within easy access from the city, and welcoming locals.

Sounds great on paper. But you know as well as I do that, to determine if a place is right for you, you've got to see it. Often, you know within minutes of leaving the airport if a place feels right...or not.

Buy what you see and don't buy before you've seen for yourself. These are our two golden rules. Therefore, we're making it as easy as possible for you to get up close and personal with the country we've named The World's Top Retirement Haven for the past five years running in our annual Global Retirement Index. We're offering, next month, for the first time, a get-in, get-out, see-what-you-need-to-see, then-move-on special event tailored for readers serious about taking a next step in this country. See the country...explore the capital city...meet our top contacts...walk the beaches...inspect the condos...speak with the key developers...review plans...ask the tough questions one-on-one...and, in a matter of a few days, find out if Panama might just be the offshore destination you've been seeking. If you want to know more about real estate in Panama...this event is for you.

Bring your walking shoes and a notebook.

This first-ever Panama Real Estate Tour is taking place May 4 - 7 and numbers are strictly limited. We're keeping the group small so we can move around quickly and see everything we need to see in short order.

I caution you: This is a focused trip for the serious individual. Not that there won't be time for dinner, a show, and some cocktails...the group is staying in a top resort where there are regular mid-week shows, miles of beach, a couple of pools, restaurants, bars, and a marina. We'll be comfortable. But we'll be working.

After a half-day of private talks with our key in-country experts, we will set off for viewings of many of the best developments and current real estate opportunities in Panama...in the capital city and along the nearby beaches.

With you every step of the way to help guide you through your thinking will be our man Dan Prescher, Latin America Property Scout. Dan has visited the development projects on the itinerary...he knows this country...and he has an added incentive to pay attention on this visit. He and his wife Suzan Haskins--our Latin America Editorial Director--are moving to Panama themselves this year and are looking to buy a place to live. Dan is working from a checklist he and Suzan have developed over years of experience buying in Latin American markets...and he says he'll be happy to share it with you during the trip.

Plus: Every member of the group will be given free membership in Club Panama. Launched in February, Club Panama is your pass for savings, discounts, and special perks throughout this country on everything from hotel stays to car rentals...from retail shopping to spa treatments...from restaurant dining to...get this: the purchase of real estate. That's right. As a Club Panama member, you'll save 1.5% off the purchase of any piece of real estate purchase from a participating developer. No restrictions, no fine print, no limit.

That means that if you buy a $100,000 property, you will save $1,500...a saving likely to be more than the entire cost for your trip.

Spend $500,000 on a new condo in Paradise...and save $7,500...

This will be one of the most focused, information-packed events we've sponsored to date...and it could be your chance to find out more about real estate in Panama--and to get a foothold in this enticing market at a significant savings, thanks to your complimentary Club Panama membership.

This program will fill quickly. To reserve your place, contact Patricia Goltry, Conference Customer Service Representative, today at tel. +1 866-381-8446 (USA and Canada toll-free) or +1-410-230-1243 or e-mail: conferences@internationalliving.com.

Lief Simon
Real Estate Editor, International Living