Welcome to Live Better Abroad
Real stories, real costs, real life… from the people already living your dream.
Ever wondered what it feels like to wake up every morning in a place most people only dream about? You’re about to hear real stories, from real people, who’ve moved overseas—and made their dream a reality.
For more than 40 years, International Living has helped thousands of readers ask and answer a life-changing question:
Could I live better, spend less, and enjoy more freedom somewhere else?
This Substack, Live Better Abroad, is our new way to share the small moments, lessons, and surprises that come straight from our trusted network of global experts on the ground.
What You’ll Find Here
Every week, you’ll hear directly from our correspondents and editors… people living and working across Portugal, Mexico, Italy, Thailand, France, or dozens of other places. They’ll show you what life really looks like overseas:
✅ What it costs — and what you actually get for your money
✅ How to find community, navigate culture shock, and thrive
✅ What they wish they’d known before they moved
✅ What’s new and next in the world’s best places to live
Who You’ll Hear From
Jess Ramesch, Panama Editor — your insider guide to life in Panama’s capital, beach towns, and countryside.
Keith Hockton, Southeast Asia Correspondent — your go-to for life in Malaysia and the wider region.
Chip Stites, Italy Correspondent — showing you how to live la dolce vita in Italy.
Cepee Tabibian, Spain Correspondent — helping people thrive abroad and navigate Spain’s visa and expat scene.
Tuula Rampont, France Correspondent — bringing you stories from France’s Riviera and charming towns.
Bel Woodhouse, Mexico Correspondent — covering life in Mexico’s diverse coastal and inland regions.
Bekah Bottone, Costa Rica Correspondent — sharing the Pura Vida lifestyle, cost breakdowns, and community tips.
David Hammond, Uruguay Correspondent — your boots-on-the-ground voice in one of South America’s hidden gems.
Bart Walters, Thailand Correspondent — offering real talk about life in Thailand from Bangkok to the beaches.
Jane Thompson Hasenmueller, Belize Correspondent — bringing you insights on life, community, and healthy living along Belize’s laid-back coast.
Jim Santos, Roving Correspondent — sharing lessons from his years in Ecuador and new roving retirement experiences.
Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor — helping steer the big picture and sharing timeless insights from 25+ years with International Living.
Ted Baumann, Global Diversification Expert — showing you how to secure your assets, grow your wealth, and protect your freedom overseas.
Jeff D. Opdyke, Editor, Global Intelligence Letter — bringing you global investing ideas and insights from decades covering personal finance.
Ronan McMahon, Executive Director, Pangea & Editor, Real Estate Trend Alert — hunts down the world’s best real estate deals, showing you how to buy in fast-growing places for less and profit ahead of the crowd.
Dan Prescher, Senior Editor — a veteran expat sharing smart, practical advice for living well abroad.
Suzan Haskins, Go Overseas Editor — guiding you through the practicalities of how to make the move.
Wherever you dream of living—Mexico, Spain, Thailand, Italy, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Panama, France, Malaysia, and beyond—someone from our network is already there, ready to show you what life is really like... and give you tips to make it happen for yourself.
Why Now?
Your dream of moving overseas doesn’t live in a guidebook alone. It lives in real people’s experiences, and the right connections.
That’s why we’re sharing these first-person dispatches here; alongside the expert insights you’ll find in our core offerings:
Our Magazine: Your in-depth monthly roadmap to living better for less overseas.
Our Free Daily Postcard: Daily tips, stories, and resources delivered to your inbox—100% free.
Our Live Events: In-person opportunities to connect with our editors, correspondents, and trusted experts face-to-face.
Start Here
Subscribe free to Live Better Abroad and join a global community of readers exploring how life can be richer, freer, and more fulfilling abroad… one real story at a time.
Welcome aboard. We’re glad you’re here.
— The International Living Team