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Expats rank the best places to live in 2024

Snorkeling near Isla de Perro in the San Blas archipelagos in Panama. the top place to live in 2024, 

What are the best places to live in the world? Ask the expats—they offer a unique perspective on living in foreign countries, making their feedback invaluable.

Expat Insider Report by InterNations is one of the most comprehensive studies on expat life, gathering responses from over 12,500 expats representing 175 nationalities in 174 countries or territories. The report ranks the best countries to live by analyzing factors such as Quality of Life, Ease of Settling In, Working Abroad, Personal Finance and the Expat Essentials Index (which covers housing, administration, language and digital life).

Expats have named Panama the best place to live in 2024.

A remarkable 82% of expats in Panama report being happy with their life there, well above the global average of 68%.

So what makes Panama so appealing? “Panama saw a big improvement in the Working Abroad Index, from 30th place in 2023 to 12th place in 2024,” Malte Zeeck, founder of InterNations, told me in an interview. “Another index where Panama gained significantly is Quality of Life, with improvements in the following subcategories: Travel & Transit (notably for affordability of public transportation), Leisure Options and Healthcare (notably for affordability, availability and quality of medical care).”

Financial satisfaction is a standout factor in Panama, with 74% of expats content with their financial situation, compared to the global average of 54%. The country ranks first for this aspect and fourth overall in the Personal Finance Index. Additionally, 88% of respondents feel their disposable income is sufficient for a comfortable life, and 62% praise the affordability of housing—well above the global average of 34%.

Panama also excels in the Expat Essentials Index, particularly in ease of finding a place to live and obtaining visas. With a significant portion of its expat community already retired, Panama also ranks well for work-life balance and general working hours, making it an attractive destination for both retirees and working expats.

Mexico continues to be a top choice for expats, securing the second position in 2024.

Nearly nine in ten expats (89%) express happiness with their life in Mexico, which is significantly higher than the global average.

“Mexico is a beautiful and very varied country, with nice, warm people. I like the history and culture, it’s a balance of traditions and modernism,” one French expat said in the Expat Insider report.

The friendliness of the Mexican people and the ease of settling in are key factors that make Mexico attractive. An impressive 86% of expats rate the general friendliness of the population positively, and 85% feel welcome.

So why did Mexico dip after two years on the top? “The biggest drop—although far from dramatic—can be seen in the Personal Finance Index, where Mexico went from a second place in 2023 to a seventh place in 2024,” says Zeeck.

Safety also remains a concern, with only 66% of expats feeling safe compared to the global average of 80%. This, combined with average ratings for healthcare and transportation, places Mexico at 25th for Quality of Life.

“To sum up: It’s not that expat life in Mexico is a lot worse now than it was last year; it’s just that Panama made some bigger jumps ahead in the ranking and also saw small improvements across more single factors than Mexico,” says Zeeck.

Rising Stars

A few countries making notable leaps include Indonesia, South Korea and Belgium. This year, Indonesia went from 13th to to third place. Expats appreciate the low cost of living, friendly locals and excellent work-life balance, with 84% expressing overall happiness.

Expats in Indonesia also benefit from shorter working hours and a positive work-life balance, contributing to the country’s high ranking in the Working Abroad Index. The affordability of housing and overall financial satisfaction are other strong points, with many expats finding their income sufficient for a comfortable life. “It definitely takes less money to live comfortably here,” says a U.S. expat.

South Korea managed an impressive recovery from its place in the bottom 10 in 2023, coming in 50th out of 53 countries. This year, South Korea shot up the list to rank 23rd in 2024.

See where the US ranks, and who lands at the bottom for the 7th straight year, in the full story on Forbes:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2024/07/08/expats-rank-the-best-places-to-live-in-the-world/

A Guide to Exploring European Christmas Markets

Plan the perfect festive excursion with these tips

European Christmas markets have enchanted visitors for centuries. During the festive season, European cities turn into what feels like a living Christmas card. In Prague, which was my unforgettable introduction to the Christmas markets, Gothic spires towered above rows of wooden booths draped in evergreens and glowing with warm lights. Rich aromas of roasted chestnuts and grilled meats mingled with sweet scents of chocolate and mulled wine, while Santa’s ho-ho-ho drifted through the market and children’s laughter mixed with conversations in a dozen languages.

I was part of a crowd seeking the ultimate holiday experience, and that crowd is growing. United Airlines reported a 30 percent surge in bookings to European cities with Christmas markets between November and December 2024. With boomers comprising the wealthiest retiring generation in history, according to the 2025 State of the Cruise Industry Report, it’s predicted that older adults will continue to pursue travel experiences such as river cruises, bringing more visitors to European Christmas markets. That’s because each market is a living, breathing commitment to centuries-old traditions, and travelers have realized there’s nothing like being a part of them.

I discovered that the Czech Republic is a great place to dip your toe into Christmas market travel, as you can visit three Christmas markets in the space of half a mile. But Germany, France, Austria and Poland also draw big crowds, each offering a window into local traditions, foods and experiences.

How to choose the best Christmas market for you

Of the thousands of Christmas markets around Europe, you’ll want to choose one or more that fit your interests, abilities and preferences.

Tina Vodar, franchise owner and travel adviser for Cruise Planners, says your first considerations should be budget and preferred travel style. “Next, consider mobility and activity level, since some tours involve more walking or stairs than others,” she says. “Finally, what specific countries or cities have you always dreamed of visiting? By considering these details, you can pinpoint the ideal Christmas market experience, whether that’s visiting a bustling city market or enjoying the charm of a storybook village.”

Are you a history lover? If so, target cities you would visit even if there were no markets — towns where you can get lost in grand cathedrals, wander museums for hours or visit sites you’ve only read about or seen in movies. Consider Nuremberg, Germany, a city rich with history that also hosts one of the largest, oldest and most popular Christkindlesmärkte in the country.

Is accessibility an issue? Stacey Ray, founder of solo women’s travel group Sisterhood Travels for women 45 and older, says many of the most charming markets are located in historic town centers with uneven streets and a lot of walking. Instead, seek out markets like the one in Amsterdam’s city center at Museumplein — it’s flat and maneuverable, and arrivals and departures are easy via accessible trams and buses. Ray also recommends Munich, Zurich and Vienna.

Do you want to avoid the crowds? Target Christmas markets in smaller cities. One of my favorite markets, Miltenberg, in Germany, was also the smallest. It felt local and authentic, like I was among neighbors, sharing spectacular castle views and the traditional mulled wine, glühwein.

Christmas markets by sea

With small passenger-to-crew ratios, customizable excursions and fully planned itineraries, river cruises make it easy to experience a variety of markets in a week’s time. After a day of touring or shopping, you’ll return to your festive, floating home and feast on local foods and drinks. Established lines like Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises sail the Danube, Rhine and Main rivers to cities where Christmas market traditions originated.

Ray says that group travel by sea affords opportunities you might not get otherwise. Last year, Ray booked an entire Avalon ship for a group of Christmas market travelers and arranged the same drivers and guides to help guests transition from their pre-cruise hotel and Prague tours to their ship excursions.

Vodar sees a lot of customers 50-plus booking Viking’s river cruises. She says the adult-only atmosphere, combined with an emphasis on comfort, culture and service, keeps customers coming back. 

The same applies to lines such as Scenic, known for its exclusive events like castle-based private classical music concerts. Its Freechoice small-group excursions to the markets and beyond are included in the cost of the cruise, and food and beverages are representative of each port of call.

Christmas markets by land

If you prefer to stay on terra firma, there are benefits to taking a land tour. Vodar says small group bus tours are “generally more budget-friendly, cover a concentrated area and often include some meals.”

For fit travelers, Vodar recommends Collette, which offers well-crafted group itineraries that have a moderate-to-active level of activity. Grand European Travel has Christmas market tour packages across Europe, with an average group size of 33. And Insight Vacations offers group packages such as “Alpine Christmas Markets” that visit France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria for a variety of traditions over nine  day s.

For clients who prefer an independent, customized itinerary, travel advisers like Vodar work with local partners to create one-of-a-kind experiences. “This approach gives you complete flexibility to choose your travel dates, length of stay and the style of experience that best suits your interests,” she says.

Tips for travel to European Christmas markets

Ray and Vodar stress that planning a year in advance will give you the best selection of itineraries and hotels. Vodar adds that crowds tend to be smaller in late November versus December but that the markets are just as festive.

Ray emphasizes the importance of dressing for the weather. In addition to the obvious—layers, waterproof boots, warm outerwear—she recommends touchscreen gloves so you can keep snapping photos.

Be sure to check event calendars at your destinations. You may find concerts, special parades and tree lightings, all enhancements to the traditional Christmas market experience.

Ahead of your trip, order the appropriate currency from your local bank so you won’t have to worry about various exchange rates in the cities you visit. You will need euros, for example, to use public restrooms and to buy from stall vendors at the markets, as not all of them accept credit cards.

And since safety is always key, Vodar tells her clients about the U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. It “updates you about weather, health … and also helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you if there’s an emergency like a natural disaster, civil unrest or a family emergency.”

Rebecca Deurlein is an award-winning travel writer who has covered destinations, properties, dining, and interesting personalities for Travel + Leisure, Forbes, Fodor’s, Wine Enthusiast, Eater and more.

https://www.aarp.org/travel/vacation-ideas/european-christmas-markets/

How to Negotiate Car Price: Expert Strategies for Getting the Best Deal

From BottomLine Inc.

Cars are costly these days, but consumers do have some say over how much they pay—if they negotiate. Plenty of people hate to haggle, but doing so can deliver thousands of dollars in savings. “Buyers almost assuredly have more negotiating power than they realize,” says Karl Brauer, executive analyst at automotive research firm iSeeCars. We asked Brauer to share his car-price negotiation tips…

Do Your Homework Before You Shop

Before visiting any dealerships, identify several vehicles that seem likely to suit your needs. If you’re shopping for a new car, tab at least two to three makes and models. If you’re buying used, target at least three to five used vehicles currently listed for sale online, spread among multiple dealer lots.

Focusing too much on any one car or dealership is a potentially costly mistake. “You need to be looking at multiple cars, not thinking I need this one,” says Brauer. “Never fall in love with a single car—dealers can spot the I have to have it in buyers, and they know how to take advantage.”

Research the real value of each of the vehicles you’re considering. Many auto websites, including Brauer’s iSeeCars.com, include a valuation tool that can estimate a fair price for a particular vehicle. The best of these valuation tools generate estimates using real-world sales data, says Brauer. “It’s based on an aggregate of hundreds of recent sales in that area.”   This fair price figure might be significantly below the dealership’s asking price, though this varies.

If you plan to trade in your current vehicle, use these online tools to research its value, too, and/or get an offer from a company that buys used cars, such as Carvana (Carvana.com).

If you intend to finance the purchase, get preapproved for a car loan through a bank or credit union. That way you won’t be stuck with the dealership’s loan terms.

Contact your insurance provider to learn what the various vehicles you’re considering would cost to insure.

Set Your Budget and Stick to It

Salespeople often try to upsell car buyers into higher-end models and trims. You’re less likely to fall for these dealership negotiation tactics if you set yourself a budget and refuse to go above it.

Calculate your budget based both on the total amount you consider reasonable to spend on a car…and, if financing, on the size of the car payment that you can comfortably fit into your monthly budget.

Warning: A dealership might try to convince you that you can squeeze an expensive car into your monthly budget by taking out a longer-than-normal car loan. Never agree to a car loan that’s longer than five years—the longer the loan, the more the vehicle is likely to end up costing you.  “Buyers who take out six- or seven-year loans often end up upside down,” says Brauer. “They owe more on the car than it’s worth.”

Shop Around and Compare Offers

When you visit dealerships, your goal should be to convince salespeople that you’re going to buy a car soon…and then leave the lot without buying. Salespeople assume they’re in control when a shopper is on their lot, but the balance of power shifts if that shopper walks away without handing over his/her money. “If it’s clear that you’re a serious car buyer on the verge of giving tens of thousands of dollars to a dealership,” says Brauer, “it will drive the dealership nuts if it is not the dealership that gets that money.”

After looking over the car that interests you on a dealer’s lot, tell the salesperson “I am definitely buying a car within the next two days, but I’m going to look at several other cars before I make my final choice,” advises Brauer. Then get the salesperson’s card, provide your contact information…and leave. If you decide this really is the car you, it’s best to haggle over the final price later via phone or e-mail.

Caution: The salesperson will probably try to stop you from walking away, perhaps by claiming that other buyers are coming to look at the car soon and you’ll miss out if you don’t buy immediately…or that he can offer you a lower price now than he’ll be able to later. Such claims are rarely true, says Brauer. “Reply, ‘Well, if that happens, I guess I’ll have to buy elsewhere.’”

Alternative: Some car shoppers refuse to set foot on a dealership lot until after they’ve negotiated a price they like—they make initial contact with dealerships and negotiate prices entirely online or over the phone. That is a viable strategy, but Brauer believes visiting lots in person and walking away is better. “It makes it more likely the dealership will see you as a buyer,” he says. “When they invest time in you and watch you walk away, they’re more motivated to make the sale.”

Choose the Right Time to Buy

Visit dealerships on weekdays, not weekends. Dealerships are less crowded on weekdays, so salespeople can invest more time in the shoppers who do appear and have extra motivation to sell to them. On a weekday, you might be the best chance that salesperson has to make a sale all day.

Weekdays near the end of a month—or, better yet, near the end of a quarter or year—are an especially good choice because salespeople and dealerships might be anxious to sell cars to meet sales targets. Winter is another candidate for the title of “best time to buy a car,” says Brauer. Cold weather and holiday-season-stretched budgets tend to keep car shoppers off lots this time of year.

Make the First Offer…and Make It Count

That old negotiation tactic of never making the first offer is not how to get the best deal on a car. Instead, make the first offer, and make sure that offer makes you look like a serious, well-informed buyer.

To accomplish this: Use the online vehicle-valuation tools described above to select a dollar amount at or very near the low end of the value estimates you uncovered but no lower. Resist the urge to make a low-ball offer well below what valuation tools say is reasonable. A lowball offer won’t convince a dealership to lower its price…it will just convince it that you’re not a serious buyer and not worth its time.  

Focus on the Total Price, Not Just Monthly Payments

When you discuss prices with dealerships, negotiate based on your “out-the-door price.” Car dealers might try to shift the discussion to instead focus on monthly payment amount. Don’t fall for this trick—dealerships want to talk in terms of monthly payments because that makes it easier for them to hide the total amount you will pay for the vehicle.

Remind the dealership that this “out-the-door” price should include literally every dollar that you’ll have to pay to drive away in the vehicle. It should include not only the purchase price but also fees, taxes and registration costs. For a new car, the destination fee should be included as well. Reminder: Vehicle-valuation estimates produced by automotive websites generally do not include state taxes and registration fees.

When you reach an agreement, politely inform the dealership that you have no intention of paying even a single dollar more than this agreed-upon “out the door” price. “Be blunt,” advises Brauer. “Say ‘That’s everything, I don’t want to hear about any other charges.’”

Discuss auto-loan terms and the value of your trade-in only after you’ve come to an agreement on the out-the-door price. If you don’t like the loan terms you’re offered, mention that you’re pre-approved for financing through another lender. Sometimes saying this inspires a dealership to offer better terms after all.

If you don’t think you’re being offered enough for your trade-in, don’t trade it in. “You can always sell your used car yourself,” says Brauer. “But if the trade-in offer is only a few hundred dollars below what you want, you might decide doing that isn’t worth your time and effort.”

Use Inspection and Vehicle History as Leverage

Used-car negotiation strategies are slightly different than new-car strategies. When buying used, always get the CARFAX (Carfax.com) or AutoCheck (AutoCheck.com) report for any used car you’re strongly considering. Cross cars off your list if these reports reveal major accidents or other serious problems in their past.

Once you’ve settled on a particular vehicle and before finalizing the deal, take it to your mechanic for a “pre-purchase inspection.” This inspection might cost a few hundred dollars, but that’s money well-spent. If your mechanic finds minor issues, you might be able to use those issues to negotiate a lower price. If he/she finds major issues, you can walk away from the deal and avoid buying a lemon. “Getting an inspection might seem like a hassle,” says Brauer, “but it’s a lot less of a hassle than buying a used car that has hidden damage.”

Stay Calm, Polite and Ready to Walk Away

Some dealerships try to tack on charges at the last minute or throw other hurdles or hassles in a buyers’ path. Their goal is to wear buyers down until they’re willing to pay more than they should just to be done with the car-buying process. Remain calm and polite in the face of these tactics. If you are near your breaking point, tell the dealership that you’re walking away if it doesn’t stop playing games—and follow through if necessary.  

Finalize the Deal and Review All Terms

Before signing the contract or handing over a check, review the contract closely to confirm that every detail is as agreed. Pay particular attention to the total price, which should match the out-the-door price you negotiated earlier. “Make sure they haven’t added charges onto the deal,” warns Brauer. “They sometimes tack on things like scotch guarding, paint protection or nitrogen in the tires. Just say no.”

BottomLine Inc.

https://www.bottomlineinc.com/life/automotive/how-to-negotiate-car-price-expert-strategies-for-getting-the-best-deal/