DAILY POSTCARD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2025

Dear International Living reader,

What if the life you've always wanted was simply waiting for you… just not in the US?

That's what Bel Woodhouse discovered when she finally took a chance and explored living abroad. Almost overnight, stress gave way to sunshine, daily expenses shrank, and simple pleasures—fresh food, friendly neighbors, warm mornings—became the foundation of her new routine.

She found a community that welcomed her instantly, a healthier lifestyle that happened naturally, and a cost of living that finally let me enjoy more and worry less.

And the best part? She didn't need a giant nest egg or a perfectly crafted plan—just the willingness to see what life looks like beyond America's borders.

Once you do, too, you might find what Bel found: a happier, freer, more affordable life that feels like it was made just for you.

P.S. This is it—your last chance. After midnight tonight, your chance to secure a FREE copy of Blueprint for Your Escape disappears. This free guide could change where—and how—you live your best years. Don't let it pass you by. Join IL here and secure your copy before the deadline.

I'm Thriving Outside the US–Here's Why

By Bel Woodhouse

I once joked with my dad: "I'd love to go to Mexico—margaritas and fajitas—but I'm scared that if I go, I'll never come back."

And I didn't. It's been eight years since I left the US, and I've never looked back. With a view like this, would you?

My beautiful island life on Cozumel.

Originally, I had planned to move to Spain. But after visiting Cozumel—and enjoying daily swims in the warm, clear ocean—I couldn't imagine living anywhere else. Then everything else fell into place. Mexico surpassed my expectations. The people were open, warm, and welcoming, making it easy to build a support network and settle into the dream life I'd been searching for. It ticked the "community" box on my Move Abroad list immediately.

The rich Maya history of the region fascinated me. I became a full-fledged culture lover, visiting Maya ruins in four countries—from northern Mexico to the giant pyramids of Copán, Honduras, in the southern reaches of the former Maya empire. Another "culture" box ticked.

And then there's the Mexican culture itself. Día de los Muertos is now my favorite time of year. I joked about the food, but truly—Mexicans can bake for the holidays. I love to cook, and the food here is phenomenal, affordable, and better than anything I imagined. Another "foodie" box ticked.

Mexico Has My Heart

For all these reasons and more, Mexico matched everything I wanted my dream life to be. It won my heart, and after eight years, I'm still as happy as a clam with no plans of moving on. Sorry, Spain—maybe one day.

Of course, there's a lot to consider when planning a life abroad—the "adult things." But the second I saw that glorious turquoise water, all those practical concerns faded. I knew I was home the moment my feet hit the sand.

And you know exactly what I mean by "adult things," right? Banking. Taxes. Immigration. Buying property versus renting. All the necessities of setting up your new life. Once they're sorted, you're set for the next 20 years of real living in the country of your choice. (And International Living can help you with that… click here to see how.)

Whether you see yourself cycling through the French countryside with a baguette in your basket or sinking your toes into warm tropical sand, living abroad is a dream within reach.

Stress Falls Away

Often, much of the stress falls away simply because daily life becomes easier. Property taxes, for example—in Mexico, they cost mere hundreds, not thousands. And the little things matter too.

Take groceries. We all need them. But what if grocery shopping wasn't a chore? What if it delighted your senses and saved you money? With the savings, you could bring back Friday date nights and try a new restaurant each week.

I adore going to the supermarket now. The abundance of fresh, inexpensive produce means my love of cooking thrives. Most days I wander the aisles picking whatever inspires me—like the glossy eggplants I found this morning, destined for a rich caponata. I can even afford the fancy Italian pasta now.

Or the farm-to-table spinach, piled high in fresh bunches—not wrapped in plastic and already turning slimy. At about 50 cents a bunch, I eat so much of it that I now have a dedicated "spinach line" across my window to let them hang dry after washing.

I need a spinach line, because fresh spinach is hard to beat!

The cost of living here is simply lower. I live in the Riviera Maya, and even though Cozumel is considered one of the more expensive places in Mexico, my apartment just two blocks from the waterfront is $500 a month.

I live comfortably on $1,000–$1,200 a month. Some months are more, others less, depending on travel or local adventures. And the ocean is free—my morning swims among swaying sea fans and brightly colored tropical fish are priceless.

This is why so many people choose life abroad: more value for your money, a higher quality of life, and rich experiences—even on a budget or a pension. I enjoy free concerts, activities, and up to 30% restaurant discounts for locals. Public transport is incredibly cheap. The local hop-on, hop-off minivan—the colectivo—takes me anywhere in town for 50 cents.

So you don't need a car. A walkable city and the healthier lifestyle that comes with it are options in so many countries.

I don't want a car. When I go to Sam's Club, a taxi home is just a couple of dollars—far cheaper than insurance, maintenance, or gas.

Plus, with warm, sunny weather year-round, walking is a pleasure. It may take longer because I'm always stopping to chat with someone, but that's part of the charm.

Friendships form easily here. Community builds naturally. My neighbors became such dear friends that they're like daughters to me. When they moved to Mexico City to work at an animal hospital (they're both veterinarians), I flew up to attend their beautiful wedding—honored to be seated at the family table.

Domestic flights are cheap—often under $100—so exploring the country is easy. And popping back to the US for holidays or birthdays is affordable. I have friends who visit family twice a year—they see them more now than when they lived there.

So if you're considering a life abroad, promise me you'll give it a try. And if you ever joke with your family that you might never come back… well, that's okay.

I didn't—and it was the best decision I ever made.

Editor's Note: There's plenty of places similar to Cozumel—sunny, welcoming, and surprisingly affordable—where your days stretch longer, your dollar goes further, and life finally feels like your own.

If you're wondering how to make a move like that, today's your chance: our guide, Blueprint for Your Escape shows you how and where to live better for less overseas.

It's free when you join International Living—but only until midnight tonight. Grab your copy now before this offer disappears.

Recommended Resource:

Had It Up to Here with What's Happening at Home

If—like lots of folks today—you're worried about the direction the US is taking and think putting an escape plan in place might just be prudent...we can help. We'll give you a Blueprint—FREE—with your discounted IL membership today.

Details Here—Offer Ends Today!

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