The world's best places to retire in 2018

The world's best places to retire in 2018 - Are you thinking about retiring? The Annual Global Retirement Index has been published by International Living and lists the ten best places to retire in 2018, and the survey makes for some very enticing reading.

Browse the gallery and find out where the most desirable down-time destinations are located.

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10. Peru - Chosen for its low-cost living, vibrant character, and diverse culture, Peru draws the more adventurous expat to its territory.

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Peru - Traditionally the realm of tourists, places like Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, are now welcoming expats seeking long-term stays and retirement.

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Peru - Lima is home to the largest number of expats. Another popular destination is Arequipa. Both places are known for their top-notch restaurants and delicious cuisine.

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9. Spain - Chosen for its romantic vibe, colorful history, and charming villages. A perennial favorite with vacationers, the country is home away from home for many foreigners.

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Spain - Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona offer a wealth of cultural amenities.

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Spain - Besides its enviable collection of great beaches, the country lures expats to historic Moorish cities like Seville. Inland, charming villages introduce visitors to a lifestyle little changed for centuries.

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8. Nicaragua - Chosen as the best move-for-your-buck in Latin America. Dollar for dollar, this country is bargain basement central.

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Nicaragua - The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes is a tropical locale and enjoys a Pacific and Caribbean coastline.

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Nicaragua - Popular destinations include Granada and San Juan del Sur, places where many locals speak rudimentary English.

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7. Portugal - Chosen as Europe's best retirement haven, Portugal packs an awful lot into its small size.

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Portugal - Rated fourth most peaceful country in the world according to the 2018 Global Peace Index, Portugal is appreciated for its affordable lifestyle.

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Portugal - Lisbon is described as a "cultural cornucopia" for its wealth of museums, historic sights, and attractions, including some truly remarkable palaces.

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6. Colombia - Chosen for its sophisticated quality and affordable lifestyle, the city of Medellín benefits from year-round spring-like weather.

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Colombia - The country ranks high for healthy living. On the pristine hot and tropical Caribbean coast, destinations like Cartagena are attracting retirees seeking an active, outdoors lifestyle.

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Colombia - Colombia's colonial past is also part of its future, with many expats enamored by the 16th and 17th-century Spanish architecture that identifies many towns and villages.

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5. Malaysia - Chosen for its easy-going ambiance, English-speaking crowd, and First World attributes.

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Malaysia - A truly multifaceted nation boasting buzzing cities, idyllic beaches, paradise islands, and ancient rain forests.

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Malaysia - Exemplifying the country's more than 880 picturesque islands is Layang-Layang Island and Langkawi Island.

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4. Ecuador - Also chosen for its diverse cultural attractions, Ecuador also wins favor for its unhurried mood and laid-back atmosphere.

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Ecuador - Compact and easy to explore, the country woos with impressive mountain scenery and locations like Cotacachi, in the Andes. A Pacific coast lapped by warm, crystal-clear waters is equally alluring.

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Ecuador - The colonial city of Cuenca is a favorite expat haunt, with many retirees choosing to ensconce themselves in what is regarded as the most European city in Ecuador.

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3. Panama - A country chosen for its friendliness, welcoming hospitality, and attractive benefits. Panama City is a destination within a destination—colorful and cosmopolitan!

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Panama - The verdant mountain town of El Valle is home to many expats drawn to the peace and tranquility of the interior.

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Panama - Likewise, the country's Pedasí region offers clean and uncrowded beaches. Elsewhere, the resort hubs of Coronado and Bocas del Toro are paradise found.

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2. Mexico - Chosen for its convenience, exotic aura, and in many cases First-World appeal, Mexico's low-cost living and excellent healthcare are just two of its very appealing attributes.

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Mexico - The country's Colonial Highlands provide sanctuary to many retirees seeking a step back from the daily treadmill. But Mexico's balmy oceanfront locations are also much sought-after getaways.

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Mexico - Chic, vibrant Puerto Vallarta provides a sophisticated contrast to the sleepy villages dotted along the Yucatán Gulf coast.

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1. Costa Rica - This is it! Chosen as the world's best retirement haven, and the planet's most desirable down-time destination.

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Costa Rica - Combining lush lowland jungle, volcanic mountains, white-sand beaches, and blessed with stunning wildlife, this is where everyone wants to retire to.

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Costa Rica - Towns including Grecia and Atenas in Central Valley are popular expat haunts. But coastal hangouts like Cahuita and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca are equally desirable.

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