- New Wave Retirement Newsletter
- Posts
- Retiring Abroad – Paradise or Pipe Dream?
Retiring Abroad – Paradise or Pipe Dream?
Edition #9 - November 2024
Liana
November 21, 2024
Picture this: the sun dipping into clear, aquamarine waters, a light breeze rustling through palm trees, and the faint aroma of sizzling Pad Thai wafting by. That was me last week, fresh off a flight to Koh Samui, Thailand, sipping a coconut and wondering, Why am I not living here? Between the dreamy beaches, friendly locals, and a lifestyle as relaxed as a hammock in the shade, I couldn’t help but think of the growing number of Aussies ditching the backyard barbie for a beachfront bungalow.
View from our resort in Bo Phut, Koh Samui
Take my family friend Peter, for example. He packed up his North Shore life and retired to a charming Spanish village this year. Now, he spends his mornings sipping café con leche at a sun-dappled plaza and his afternoons enjoying tapas. But it wasn’t just about the picturesque views—retiring abroad offered Peter an affordable way to make his savings stretch further and experience a new adventure in his golden years.
And he’s not alone. A growing number of Australians are embracing retirement as a second passport stamp. Data shows an increasing trend of retirees settling in destinations such as South East Asia, Spain and Mexico. Why? For one, the cost of living can be dramatically lower, meaning those hard-earned dollars go further. Combine that with stunning scenery, a vibrant expat community, and the thrill of starting anew, and it’s easy to see the appeal.
But before you start Googling flights it’s worth asking yourself: Would you thrive in a new environment, or would you miss the comfort of home? How would you feel being far from family, or adjusting to health care systems that may differ from Australia’s? Would building a new social circle be a fun challenge—or a daunting one? These aren’t dealbreakers, but they’re questions worth considering before diving in.
If this idea excites you, there’s a fantastic resource you should check out: a Facebook group called Australians Retiring Overseas, created by a fellow Aussie who moved abroad and wanted to share their insights.
So, what about you? Could you see yourself trading Vegemite for Vermicelli, or giving up a backyard gum tree for a tropical island? Would you take the plunge into a new life abroad, or is the idea of moving making you say mama mia! And if you did make the leap, where would you go? Bali? Tuscany? Somewhere with a strong Wi-Fi signal and a decent espresso?
As for me, I’m still dreaming of Koh Samui… but for now, Sydney’s beaches will have to do. 🌊
Reader Spotlight: Ooh là là, French Markets!
A très big shout-out to our magnifique reader, Lisa, who embraced her inner Parisian and waltzed over to the French Markets at Killarney last week. Her verdict? C'est fantastique!
Lisa shared a snap so delightful it practically smells of fresh baguettes and coffee. Merci, Lisa, for letting us live vicariously through your très jolie adventure.
Got a photo that screams joie de vivre? Send it our way—bonus points if there’s cheese involved! 🧀
“The place was packed and buzzing” - Lisa
What’s On?
Events & Activities
This Week:
Event | Description | Date/Time/Place |
|---|---|---|
World Food Market Manly Vale🍲 | Enjoy global cuisine from food trucks and live entertainment at Millers Reserve. | Dates: Fri 22 Nov, 5 - 9pm Location: Millers Reserve, Manly Vale Cost: Free! Learn More |
Voices Of The Past - Manly Cemetery🪦 | Explore local history through guided tours of one of Sydney's oldest cemeteries. | Dates: Thur 21 Nov, 10 - 11:30am Location: Manly Cemetery Cost: Free! Learn More |
Dalwood Jumble Sale🎁 | Find everything from toys and books to antiques and Christmas decorations, plus Devonshire teas and a BBQ. | Dates: Sat 23 Nov, 8:30am - 12:30pm Location: Dalwood Spilstead Centre, Seaforth Cost: Free! Learn More |
The Forest High School Spring Fair🎠 | Thrilling rides, market and food stalls, and more fun for the family. | Dates: Sat 23 Nov, 10am - 4pm Location: The Forest High School Cost: Free entry, paid rides Learn More |
Next Week & Upcoming:
Event | Description | Date/Time/Place |
|---|---|---|
Wine Island Festival 🍷 | Enjoy wines from around the globe set against swaying palms and sweeping views of Sydney Harbor, while you try your hand at pottery or yoga! | Dates: Fri 29 Nov - Sun 1 Dec Location: Gap Bluff, Watsons Bay Cost: $49+ Learn More |
Ocean Festival🐠 | Celebrating our marine protected areas. Enjoy Underwater photography, rock platform rambles, dives, beach cleanups, snorkel tours, SUP, and science talks! | Dates: Sun 1 Dec - 8 Dec Location: Manly Beach |
Narrabeen Christmas Markets🎄 | Celebrate small businesses this Chrissy with art, craft, jewelry and more! | Dates: Sun 1 Dec, 8am - 2pm Location: Lakeside Park, Narrabeen Cost: Free Learn More |
Christmas Carol Concert🧑🏻🎄 | Join us for your favourite Christmas carols performed by the Northern Beaches Orchestra, our Community Christmas Choir and local artists who will have you singing together all night long. | Dates: Tues 5 Dec, 5pm Location: Manly Oval Cost: Free! Learn More |
Art Exhibit - I want to lie in the clouds with you🎨 | New paintings by Archibald Prize finalist Katherine Edney, exploring themes of love and loss. | Dates: Wed - Sun, 10am - 4pm, Opening 30 Nov Location: Curl Curl Creative Space Cost: Free, Learn More |
Avalon Film Festival🎬 | Experience this unique local festival celebrating Avalon’s film scene, with screenings across town. | Dates: 29 Nov - 1 Dec Locations: Avalon Cinema, Surf Club & Golf Club Cost: From $10, Learn More |
Groups
Description | Details |
|---|---|
North Shore Group🌱 | A group of people with various interests in Australian Native Plants, including identification, photography, bush care, ecology etc. |
Australian’s Over 50 Group💬 | Here you can share and get thoughts and tips about everything of interest to Over 50s, Retirees & Seniors such as health, finance, travel, relationships, upcoming events, lifestyle transitioning experiences & support to help each other rediscover our purpose. |
Probus👋 | Probus provides retirees with the opportunity to connect socially, which is so important in today’s world. |
Do Something Near You🏃 | This simple site let’s you type in your postcode and it will show you things you can do near you! |
Volunteering
Opportunity | Description | Commitment |
|---|---|---|
Volunteers needed for Event! (For the Love of Dogs Academy)🐶 Wanted: | This charity focuses on connecting people with disabilities with dogs to improve lives. They need various volunteers for an upcoming event! | 1 Day event. |
Shopping Assistant Narrabeen🛍️ | Assist the elderly by Accompanying them to the shops. | Max 2 hrs. |
Handyman - May Gibbs Nutcote🛠️ | Help required with small repairs like hinges, table varnishing, small paint jobs etc. | A few hours per week. |
Walking Group Volunteer🚶♀️➡️ | Enrich the lives of aged care residents by assisting them outside for a walk. | 1hr+ per week/ fortnight. |
Christmas Party Volunteer - Brainwave🎉 | Supporting Children with brain injuries, support needed for Christmas Party at Luna Park. | Sat 30 Nov, 10am - 3pm. |
As always, I’d love to hear if you tried any of the things I’ve mentioned above, or if you’ve participated in other great activities that the community should know about!
Until next week!
-Liana xx
Reply