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10. Spain
Spain is one of Europeans’ favorite “beach destinations.” It offers First-World, Western European living standards, so there’s no question of having to “give up” anything in living here. In fact, you’ll gain a lot. Outside the tourist zones, you’ll need to know Spanish to get by. But there are plenty of beach areas with large, English-speaking expat communities.
Cool northern provinces like Navarre, Cantabria, Astu- rias, Galicia, and the Basque country offer forests, moun- tains, friendly locals, and food to die for. My favorites include little Vitoria-Gasteiz, capital of the Basque coun- try, and Pamplona, in Navarre (although avoid the San Fermín festival, with its famous running of the bulls, in early July).
Because of the warm climate, many basic food items are inexpensive here—Spain produces a variety of fruits and vegetables both for domestic consumption and for export. In season—and Spain has a long growing season—many produce items cost around 60 cents a pound. In addition, many fruits and vegetables that are relatively gourmet items in North America—baby artichokes, cherimoya, and doughnut peaches, for example—are locally grown in Spain.
Following Spanish eating habits will also keep costs down. Lunch is the big meal of the day, and the lunch special, or menú del día, is a great bargain. For anywhe- re from $11 to $20, you’ll get two to three courses, plus a
beverage (which can often be beer or wine). Make that your big meal out (or prepare it in your rental) and follow it with a light dinner or tapas.
With one of the lowest costs of living in Western Europe for around $2,500 a month, a couple can live comforta- bly in many parts of the country.
Traveling by rail in Spain is fast and efficient to large and medium-sized cities. I travel about Spain, discovering new haunts, revisiting old ones, and catching up with friends around the country.
Spain also has a surprising range of climates, from hot and dry in the south to cool and mild in the north. There’s skiing, too—not just in the north, in the Pyre- nees, but down in the mountains of the south, as well.”
In terms of healthcare The World Health Organization ranks Spain as having one of the best healthcare systems in the world. The public system is widely used. But it also has great private healthcare, including 29 JCI-accredited facilities.
Spain is one of the most tolerant places I know of for those with alternative lifestyles. Civil unions, as well as marriage, are recognized by law. And same-sex marria- ges have been legal there since 2005. And as a single woman, I’ve always felt safe there. It’s a late-night cultu- re, so people are out and about at all hours.