They say it's a small world, but from our experience it's plenty big, especially if you're trying to decide where to retire.
When we moved overseas in 2001 we thought we knew how big it was. Today, after living in seven different communities in four different countries, we're still amazed at what can be found around the next headland or over the next mountain range.
San Jose, Costa Rica
It could be a seemingly endless stretch of white-sand beach...or a sparkling, gem-like mountain village...or an urban center overflowing with street music, theater, and the arts. They're all out there, and there are more of them than you might imagine.
If you're considering retiring overseas, trying to decide which of the world's many extraordinary destinations is right for you can be daunting. You may even think you already know where you'd like to go. It might be a place you've been going on vacation for years. "One of these days," you think, "I'm going to go there on vacation and never come back."
Which is a great plan, and we know many people who have done just that. But ... we know just as many who discovered that the place they loved to vacation in for a few weeks out of the year is a very different place to live full time.
Zeroing in on the community that's right for you to live ... not just vacation ... is fairly easy to do if you know how. There is a process that allows you to confidently cross lots of destinations off your list and pare it down until you have a short list of likely prospects.
Just an example...close your eyes and imagine your perfect retirement destination. 
The Black Sands of Coronado Beach, Coronado, Panama
What do you see?
Beach or mountain? Desert or jungle? Balmy, cool, or winter wonderland? Empty countryside, tiny village, mid-sized town, or bustling city? Perfectly maintained roads and streets, or a little scruffy and laidback? Easy access to modern shopping, entertainment, and dining, or rustic and rural and straight from the farm? Modern medical facilities close by or just a basic stitch-your-cut and butter-your-burn clinic?
You need to really focus on what your "perfect place" looks like. As we all know, beauty is in the eye of the beholder ... but sometimes it's only skin deep. What we're getting at is that, eventually, even the prettiest picture starts to fade. You'll want to be sure your perfect place can stand the test of time.
Using these eight crucial factors, profile yourself honestly when assessing a possible overseas retirement destination:
The Lunigiana Landscape, Northern Tuscany, Italy
1.Affordability: How does the cost of living stack up with your income and budget? Err on the side of caution here, and understand that there will always be unforeseen factors that can confound your budget planning. Give yourself -- and your budget -- a cushion.
2.Healthcare: Will you be comfortable with the healthcare options, are good health insurance or hospital plans available to you, and will costs be in line with what you can afford? Make sure you factor in any unusual or extraordinary health needs you may have that go beyond regular care.
3.Ease of transition: Are you comfortable with language and currency issues? Are there some familiar items in the grocery stores and pharmacies? (If not, can you live without them?) How easy is it to get a resident visa and to import your household items?
4.Accessibility: How close will you be to your friends and family back home? Is there an international airport? Are other amenities you'll need, such as good hospitals, nearby?
5.Community: Is there an expat group? Are you comfortable with the locals and their culture?
6.Housing prospects: Are homes for rent or sale at a reasonable price? If you buy a property and later change your mind, will you be able to sell it easily enough?
7.Climate: Are you hoping for four seasons or year-round warm weather? It's best to plan your exploratory visit during the worst weather season so you'll know exactly what to expect.
8.Things to do: What are your hobbies and will you be able to continue to enjoy those? If you like good restaurants or artistic events, will there be enough of these to keep you busy?
View of Vilcabamba, Ecuador
Being ruthlessly honest with yourself as you make your assessment is important. Making a well-informed decision about the best environment for you is essential to your success before you start planning any long-term move. But remember, we have lived in seven different communities in four different countries. And we've considered each one successful.
Why? Because the world really is a big place, and we're spoiled for choice. So many beautiful destinations, so many interesting cultures, so many magnificent vistas.
If you find the one that is just right for you, right off the bat, you've done your research well. If you don't ... well, you won't run out of places to try next. The good news is that in so many places in the world, the cost of living can be so affordable that you can make another move ... and another ... and another...
It might get in your blood. It seems to have gotten in ours.
So when they tell you it's a small world, don't believe it. It's big, it's beautiful, and it's waiting for you.
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In Photos: Coronado, Panama
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