Blog

Today, you finally get to meet my husband, Marlon! We’re sharing the top 3 reasons we decided to pack up our lives in the U.S. and head to Panama — all in just 30 days. In this video, we talk about: 💬 Why Panama felt like the right fit for both of us 🌴 The lifestyle changes we’re craving 💰 How cost of living and financial freedom played a huge role ✨ What we’re most excited for in our new life abroad <figure id="figure-s0nzr1sv1gmeadu759" class="selected"><iframe id="s0nzr1sv1gmeadu759" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NXyHi2negZI" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/NXyHi2negZI" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NXyHi2negZI" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>We’re keeping it real about our hopes, our fears, and our big dreams for this next chapter. If you’ve been thinking about moving abroad, you might find your own “why” in our story.

Countdown: 21 days left countdown - Our Top 3 Reasons for Moving to Panama 🇵🇦❤️

Exotic background, pattern with tropical palm leaves Monstera on pink background. Flat lay, top view minimal concept

First Post - Panama Here We Come

Chairs with folded towels on a dock, long exposure shot.

Deciding Where to Move Abroad: Our Top 10 Country Considerations Leaving the United States to start a new life abroad is one of the biggest and most exciting decisions you can make. Whether you’re seeking a lower cost of living, a fresh cultural experience, or simply a slower pace of life, choosing the right destination is essential. But with so many options, how do you narrow it down?For us, the decision wasn’t about finding the most popular travel destination or chasing short-term excitement—it was about finding a place where we could thrive long-term. We wanted somewhere with financial stability, strong community values, good healthcare, and the possibility of putting down roots without cutting ties to our U.S. citizenship.Our list is the result of extensive research, conversations with expats, and a deep dive into each country's culture, infrastructure, and opportunities for newcomers. From the cobblestone streets of Portugal to the warm Caribbean breeze of Panama, each location offers something unique. Some are better for retirees looking for residency programs, while others shine for their cultural inclusivity and expat support networks.Below, we share the top 10 countries we considered most carefully, along with the reasons they caught our attention. We’ve broken down each option based on our specific relocation criteria so you can see how they compare and decide which might fit your own journey.Our Criteria<ul><li>Stable economy where the cost of living is affordable</li><li>Comfortable for African Americans with inclusive communities</li><li>Good healthcare access at a reasonable cost</li><li>(Possible – not mandatory) Dual citizenship options for Americans</li><li>(Possible – not mandatory) Incentives for moving or living there&nbsp;</li></ul>After comparing dozens of locations, these 10 countries rose to the top of our list. Here’s why they made the cut:1. Portugal 🇵🇹 Why We Like It: Portugal has a stable economy and a generally affordable cost of living—though Lisbon and Porto are pricier, smaller towns are budget-friendly. The culture is welcoming, with a growing Black expat community and minimal racial issues.<ul><li>Healthcare: High-quality, affordable, and accessible (public system available to residents)</li><li>Dual Citizenship: Allowed</li><li>Incentives: D7 Visa for retirees and those with passive income</li><li>Bonus: Strong public transport and infrastructure; English widely spoken in cities</li></ul>2. Ghana 🇬🇭Why We Like It: Ghana is incredibly welcoming to the African diaspora, offering cultural programs like the “Year of Return.” The cost of living is affordable, especially in Accra, and there’s a vibrant community of Black expats.<ul><li>Healthcare: Improving; private healthcare recommended for higher standards</li><li>Dual Citizenship: Allowed</li><li>Incentives: Government programs to encourage relocation</li><li>Bonus: English is the official language; rich Afrocentric culture and thriving expat networks</li></ul> 3. Mexico 🇲🇽 Why We Like It: Close to the U.S. with very affordable living costs in cities like Mérida and Mexico City. There’s a welcoming vibe in certain areas, plus a variety of climates to choose from.<ul><li>Healthcare: Excellent private options; affordable</li><li>Dual Citizenship: Allowed</li><li>Incentives: Retirement and long-term stay visas available</li><li>Bonus: Proximity to the U.S. and great weather year-round; learning Spanish adds value</li></ul>4. Costa Rica 🇨🇷 Why We Like It: Known for peace, friendliness, and a laid-back lifestyle. The Pensionado Program makes it easy for retirees to move here.<ul><li>Healthcare: Affordable, high-quality public and private options Dual Citizenship: Allowed</li><li>Incentives: Pensionado Program for retirees with guaranteed income</li><li>Bonus: Eco-friendly focus, stunning natural beauty, slower pace of life</li></ul> 5. Spain 🇪🇸 Why We Like It: Vibrant arts and culture scene with a range of affordable rural living options. Diverse expat hubs like Barcelona and Madrid welcome many cultures.<ul><li>Healthcare: High-quality public and private systems Dual Citizenship: Limited with the U.S.</li><li>Incentives: Regional programs for rural relocation</li><li>Bonus: Strong lifestyle focus and relaxed living; Spanish helps integration</li></ul> 6. Panama 🇵🇦 Why We Like It: Very affordable, especially outside Panama City, with a strong Afro-Caribbean influence and a welcoming expat scene.Healthcare: Quality private care at low cost Dual Citizenship: Allowed Incentives: Friendly Nations Visa and Pensionado Program Bonus: Year-round warm climate, easy residency process 7. Thailand 🇹🇭 Why We Like It: High quality of life at a very low cost, especially in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Diverse food and cultural scene.Healthcare: Affordable, excellent quality Dual Citizenship: Not allowed Incentives: “Elite Visa” for long-term stays Bonus: Great infrastructure, lively expat communities 8. Malaysia 🇲🇾 Why We Like It: Affordable with a high standard of living in expat-friendly cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang.Healthcare: Excellent, affordable private care Dual Citizenship: Not allowed Incentives: Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa program Bonus: Good infrastructure, English widely spoken, tropical climate 9. Italy 🇮🇹 Why We Like It: Known for lifestyle, food, and culture. Rural areas can be surprisingly affordable compared to urban centers.<ul><li>Healthcare: High-quality public and private options</li><li>Dual Citizenship: Limited with the U.S.</li><li>Incentives: Some rural towns offer incentives for new residents</li><li>Bonus: Rich cultural experiences; Italian language helps daily life</li></ul> 10. Uruguay 🇺🇾 Why We Like It: Safe, inclusive, and peaceful, with a friendly expat community. Affordable living, especially outside Montevideo.<ul><li>Healthcare: Reliable and accessible</li><li>Dual Citizenship: Allowed</li><li>Incentives: Favorable visa policies for Americans</li><li>Bonus: Progressive social policies and high quality of life </li></ul> Final Thoughts Choosing where to live abroad is deeply personal. While all these countries met our criteria to varying degrees, the decision comes down to lifestyle preferences, budget, and long-term goals. We’re excited about the journey ahead—and hope this list inspires your own relocation research.

Deciding Where to Move Abroad: Our Top 10 Country Considerations

Tropical seascape and exotic fruits on the sandy beach. Collage for travel advertising. Free space for text.

DAY 1 – We’re Really Doing This <figure id="figure-uc2ukg8iy5mdxgzy7h"><img id="uc2ukg8iy5mdxgzy7h" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2203957941/photo/vue-de-la-ville.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=BvqsfhzGugZhgK_7JG9HbSE3h5NqtlOjVbDc0uY5XpM=" alt="Vue de la ville" title="Vue de la ville" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2203957941/photo/vue-de-la-ville.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=BvqsfhzGugZhgK_7JG9HbSE3h5NqtlOjVbDc0uY5XpM=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure> About a year ago, we made a decision that most people would call bold — maybe even reckless: We were moving to Panama… sight unseen.No test run. No vacation. Just a deep-down knowing that it was time to go.Since then, everything has changed.We sold our home. All of our furniture. Donated bags of clothes. If we couldn’t sell it, we gave it away. We still have one of our cars — the rest is gone. Our kids kept what they needed to help them get on their feet. The rest? Let go.We hired a Panamanian immigration attorney and made the paperwork real.And to save money, we moved in with my parents. Two adults. Three grown kids launched. Back in the same bedroom I grew up in. Four months of humbling, stretching, and letting go of control.This move stripped us down to the essentials — not just physically, but emotionally.And now here we are: 30 days out.It’s been crazy. Beautiful. Uncomfortable. Empowering.Today, I just want to mark this moment: We’re really doing this.Not on vacation. Not pretending. We are relocating to Panama. Together.This is the start of something new — and I don’t want to forget a single step of the way.Follow along each day as we count down to September 2nd — sharing the real moments, the surprises, and the steps we take to start over in Panama.Next Stop Panama.

New Post 📅 30-Day Countdown to Panama

Next Stop Panama

Build a visually engaging personal blog-style website called “Next Stop Panama”

The homepage should feel warm, adventurous, and honest — like a mix of a travel journal and an emotional farewell.

I’m documenting the final 30 days before moving from the U.S. to Panama. I’ll be sharing voice notes, short blog entries, reflections, behind-the-scenes videos, and moving updates. Sometimes my husband will join me.

Include the following sections:

Hero Section: “30-Day Countdown to Panama” title with tagline: “From packing to paradise — this is our leap of faith.”
A photo placeholder or background that reflects travel or tropical vibes (palm trees, suitcase, boarding pass, etc.)

About Me Section: Short paragraph about who I am, why I’m moving, and what readers can expect from the countdown.

Daily Countdown Journal Section: Space for short entries, photos, or video links for each day.

My Panama Checklist: Simple visual list of what I’ve done vs. what’s left (passport, pet prep, packing, documents, etc.)

Follow the Journey CTA: Invite readers to subscribe, follow on social, or share their own relocation stories.

Use warm colors (terracotta, sandy beige, ocean blue). Keep it mobile-friendly, simple to update, and ready for storytelling.

Next Stop Panama

Blog

Countdown: 21 days left countdown - Our Top 3 Reasons for...

First Post - Panama Here We Come

Deciding Where to Move Abroad: Our Top 10 Country Conside...

New Post 📅 30-Day Countdown to Panama