IL Postcard

A New Life On a Tight Budget

Date: 11/05/2006

International Living Postcards-- your daily escape

Monday, Nov. 6, 2006
Paris, France

Dear International Living Reader,

Dreaming of a new life…a second chance…a second home…or, indeed, full-time retirement…overseas? Dreaming…but not doing?

This month we tease and tempt you with three real-life success stories we hope will inspire you, finally, to take the leap yourself.

Starting on page 1, Kirsten DeLara tells you why she and her husband were drawn to the Mediterranean coast of France (it was the simple joie de vivre, she admits, that lured them to this part of the world). Working on a tight budget and with no previous overseas living experience, Kirsten and Jim had fantasized about their new life in France for years but told themselves again and again that owning property on the Med "was for other people with means and money." If you share those concerns, click through right now to the cover of this month's issue to savor the motivational words you've been waiting for ("Why we stopped waiting for "someday" and took the leap to make our Mediterranean dreams come true"). In truth, Kirsten assures you, you need neither a big bank roll nor prior foreign life experience to successfully realize your dreams…even in this corner of the world generally believed to be a stomping ground for the world's jet-set.

Intrigued not by life on the French Riviera…but by mountain living? How about the Andes? Amy Robertson tells you how she, her husband, and their growing family (including a 2-year-old son and a baby on the way) are finding life in Quito, Ecuador (the short answer is: not nearly as challenging or as arduous as you might imagine).

Finally, writing from the other side of the planet, Bob Preston details a third choice: city life in Wellington, New Zealand. Maybe more than sea or mountain views, you crave culture and diversion. Wellington boasts 400 bars and restaurants, museums, two symphony orchestras, an opera, a ballet company, designer boutiques…plus it's situated between a stunning harbor and rolling green hills. You can boat, bike, hike, hang-glide…even explore in a hot-air balloon. You'd be far from contemporary world worries…enjoying the good life among friendly people…all remarkably affordable. See page 16.

See the November print issue of International Living for Kirsten, Amy, and Bob's real-life success stories. (If you're a subscriber, you can get immediate access here.)

If you are not currently a subscriber, you can become one now and get instant access to the November issue.

But that's just the beginning. During November, you can get the next three monthly issues of IL for $12.25. Plus, you get a free copy of How to Retire on $19 a Day, with my compliments. This invaluable book shows you how to get a lot more…while paying a lot less. If you're in search of a new life…in a new place…in Paradise…this book is your new best friend, with tips on how to broaden your horizons, reinvent yourself…reinvent your retirement…and save money overseas.

Plus, you get a free copy of How to Get the Best Deal Every Time You Travel. With this book, you'll discover the secrets seasoned travelers use to find the best airfare.

You can get full details of the November freebies, and instant access to the November issue, here.

Kathleen Peddicord
Publisher, International Living