Best Places In The World To Retire

Though international pet travel can seem mysterious (and frankly a little scary) at first, this part of your move can be completed safely and smoothly by taking advantage of the resources available online and by following the advice of pet travel experts.
 
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
 
Research Import Rules -- When preparing to move internationally with a pet, start by researching the pet import requirements for the country to which you’re moving....

Though international pet travel can seem mysterious (and frankly a little scary) at first, this part of your move can be completed safely and smoothly by taking advantage of the resources available online and by following the advice of pet travel experts.
 
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
 
Research Import Rules -- When preparing to move internationally with a pet, start by researching the pet import requirements for the country to which you’re moving. Every country is a little different, but most likely your pet will need an up to date rabies vaccine, a microchip and a health certificate at the very least. Once you’ve found the official rules (the USDA, Ministry of Agriculture, or a pet travel professional are good sources to check with), you’ll be able to build a timeline for your pet’s move and align their needs with your own travel logistics.
 
Crate Train Your Pet -- Second, it’s very important to start crate training your pet if they’re not already used to spending time in a kennel. Pets who see the crate as a safe and normal place to be will experience much less anxiety during their flight, and devoting time to training in the weeks before the move is one of the kindest and smartest things you can do as a world traveling pet owner.
 
Choose a Pet Safe Airline -- Another important detail is your pet’s flight. Some airlines are more pet friendly than others, so it’s worth it to do a little research and choose a carrier with established pet policies in place. International pet travel will most likely mean that your pet will fly via cargo (and not necessarily on the same flight as you), but when handled by a pet safe airline this is a safe process. The cargo area is pressure and temperature controlled and pets are overseen by trained staff (not just baggage handlers).
 
Above all, don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed. Advice from your fellow expats and guidance from pet travel professionals can make all the difference when it comes to arranging a safe move for your most precious cargo.
 
Good luck, pet travelers!

 

(Example of a fanciful  pet crate made from a barrel, not airline approved, pictured.)

For us personally, moving to Panama was part of a long transition, with us alternating our time between Panama and Canada.  Also, when we moved to Boquete, we already had friends from Panama who lived there, who then introduced us to many of the friends that they had made over the previous several months.
 
I don’t think, however, that making friends in Panama would be difficult even if we didn’t have existing friends there.  The expat community, especially...

For us personally, moving to Panama was part of a long transition, with us alternating our time between Panama and Canada.  Also, when we moved to Boquete, we already had friends from Panama who lived there, who then introduced us to many of the friends that they had made over the previous several months.
 
I don’t think, however, that making friends in Panama would be difficult even if we didn’t have existing friends there.  The expat community, especially in Boquete, was very welcoming, which made it very easy to adjust.  They’ve got bridge clubs, theater groups, hiking groups, arts and crafts, a library to get involved with, etc.  You can be as busy as you would like to be.
 
The most difficult thing for me in the transition to here in Arraijan, Panama (just over the bridge from Panama City, over the Canal) was going in and out of the air conditioning and dealing with the more congested Panamanian traffic in the city (which is like New York City).   This would be the same transition I would have to make if I moved to a warmer, denser city in the US.
 
Another challenge has been the lack of street signs in Panama City.  My wife jokes that I’ve been lost so many times in Panama City that I know my way around now.

Nicaragua's artisans are known for their leather items, such as wallets and purses. You can get a lizard skin wallet, completely handmade for maybe $10 or less. Nicaraguan hammocks are also excellently made. They are more thickly woven than the ones I found in Mexico, and it is very easy to get one custom made for you if you're going to be in the country for a little while. Woodworking is also a very popular craft, and you are likely to see many handmade wooden dishes and...

Nicaragua's artisans are known for their leather items, such as wallets and purses. You can get a lizard skin wallet, completely handmade for maybe $10 or less. Nicaraguan hammocks are also excellently made. They are more thickly woven than the ones I found in Mexico, and it is very easy to get one custom made for you if you're going to be in the country for a little while. Woodworking is also a very popular craft, and you are likely to see many handmade wooden dishes and containers. These come very cheap for their quality, and make great gifts or practical home items.

 

I am also very partial to Nicaragua's famous beef. While you won't be taking any home for souvenirs, the quality of the steaks here is truly excellent, and you can get filet mignon for about $4 a pound in the grocery store.

 

(Hammock bought from Nicaragua, pictured.)