Five Exotic Retirement Destinations

Over the past few years it's become increasingly common for British citizens reaching retirement age to move abroad and live out their later years abroad. Whether it’s the warmer climate, the sense of adventure that moving abroad brings with it or simply the ability to actually go ahead and do it, more and more people are making the switch.

If you’re considering making the move abroad once you’re of retirement age but don’t know where to go, here are five exotic destinations you could think about and a few reasons why they’re a great choice:

France

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France has always been a popular location for people moving abroad. It’s close to and accessible from the UK, while you can still experience the different lifestyle and culture of another country.

While being not quite as exotic as some of the other destinations on this list, it’s still a firm favourite.

There are many different areas of France that retirees settle in, such as Normandy or Brittany. However, if you’re looking to get away from others there are still many places in the country open to you.

With it being close to the UK, the weather can be quite similar. Expect the occasional few showers just like you would back home.

British Virgin Islands 

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Benefiting from sun all year round, the British Virgin Islands have a large population of older people and are a great place to retire to. The main island, Tortola, is under 14 miles long and only 3 miles wide, while boasting a comfortably sized population. Being so small, you’ll almost always be able to see the sea. Imagine sitting in your bath while looking out across the ocean! The British Virgin Islands are an ideal location if you’re looking for a little bit of the UK in the sun.

South Africa 

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South Africa is another popular spot. A lot of people will live there through the South African summer, while the UK deals with winter, before moving back as the seasons switch over. You should remain aware that crime in some parts of South Africa is rife, but just like in the UK, the vast majority of the country is relatively safe; on the whole it’s a great choice for a retirement location.

Egypt

A good spot for retirees, Egypt has regular flights back to the UK for those that don’t want to feel too distant. It’s warm, boasts awe-inspiring sights, and an abundance of activities for all ages and energy levels. Prices in Egypt also tend to be quite low compared some of these other options, which makes the land of pharaohs all the more appealing.

Australia 

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An attractive choice due to the great weather and laid-back lifestyle, Australia is a hot spot for retirees. In Australia, they speak English and even drive on the left side of the road, which is great for those who like to stick with their ways. A lot of Australia is on the quiet side as the population is vastly spread out around the coast. That being said, the big cities are as lively and attraction-filled as any other.

Article by guest author Amy Fowler.