Are you dreaming of packing up and heading to foreign sands once you’re finally done with the 9 to 5 grind? Here is the perfect shopping list for you.

After crunching the numbers and scouring the globe, International Living has released their 2019 Retirement Index, offering up the ten best countries for retirees to live in right now.

Thailand is new to the list this year—perfect for retirees who want to add the occasional jungle trek to their life.

And if you weren’t considering leaving the States for retirement, you might change your mind after checking out the countries that made the cut. Not surprisingly, most of these nations boast sunny climes, a proximity to beaches, and an affordable, well-balanced quality of life.

Topping the list is Panama, which boasts its famous canal and — get this—no taxes, followed by Costa Rica, a hiking and diving paradise for the more adventurous types.

Mexico and Costa Rica have held steady positions for years, thanks to their strong expat communities and immigrant-friendly policies, along with great weather and affordability. And have we mentioned the food?

A little further down the list, Malaysia tempts prospective expats with hundreds of small islands featuring pristine beaches, an excellent public healthcare system, and easy access to the rest of Asia.

Thailand is new to the list this year—perfect for retirees who want to add the occasional jungle trek or visit to an elephant sanctuary to their retired life.

If purple mountain majesties and amber waves of grain aren’t what you have in mind for retirement, make sure to keep these countries on your radar:

  1. Panama
  2. Costa Rica
  3. Mexico
  4. Ecuador
  5. Malaysia
  6. Colombia
  7. Portugal
  8. Peru
  9. Thailand
  10. Spain

For more information about each country’s specific draws and living requirements, check out this write-up by The World Economic Forum. And wherever you end up, make sure you bring your bathing suit and an appetite.

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Keep in mind that many of these countries speak great English in metropolitan areas, but some knowledge of the native language is needed in smaller towns. Unless retirees have a basic grasp on Portuguese they might want to start in Lisbon and venture out toward the coasts after they’ve practiced ordering seafood and vinho verde in the native tongue.

•January 11, 2019