Retire to the Sun

Retiring abroad finally gives you the time to pursue your leisure interests in the sun.

Leisure Activities
From days on the golf course to relaxation in your new surroundings, check the available facilities in the area you are moving to.

Find out how much it will cost you annually to pursue your interests and make allowance for it in your budget when you are planning. After all, it would be extremely frustrating to be right next to a fantastic health club if you could not afford the fees.

Facilities vary, but joining local sporting clubs as an active member or a spectator is normally just a case of finding them at venues where the sport is played, in the local press, or online. Other leisure pursuits can be found by looking in similar places, and by asking people in the area.

Your home country's consulate in the area you move to should be able to inform you about local organisations and clubs for expatriates.

Television, radio and DVD Compatibility
A source of news and entertainment in English on your television can be a good way to stay in touch with what is going on in your former country.

It is also useful if you cannot speak the local language, or just want a respite from it every now and then. Even if you move to an English-speaking country, watching familiar programmes from home can be entertaining and comforting.

Satellite TV is now available through much of the world and can normally pick up at least CNN, BBC or Sky news channels in English.

Of course, some countries have much better availability than that, with a wider range of programmes, much as you might receive at home. Satellite TV often incorporates English language radio stations too.

Cable and digital television is also available in many places. They offer a similar choice to the local satellite channels and are simply different ways of getting the pictures into your home.

In each case, you will need to buy and install special equipment (or have it installed for you), such as a satellite dish somewhere outside your house, or a set-top box capable of receiving the pictures.

In your new country, providers may offer the equipment free with some subscription packages, so shop around companies in the area for the best deal.

Note that Sky TV programmes are available by subscription in the British Isles only. Taking a Sky product for use abroad could be a breach of contract. That's not to say it isn't a common occurrence, however.

Freeview digital TV is available in some countries, which allows you to watch a greater number of channels without paying, through one of the methods mentioned above.

You will need to purchase the equipment to do this, though. While all but the most remote countries have TV availability, the systems used in different places affect the television set that can be used.

Most of Europe uses the PAL system, although the UK uses a different type of PAL from everyone else. France uses its own SECAM system, while in the USA, the NTSC system is favoured.

What all this means is that your home TV may not be compatible with your new country's broadcasting system, so check before you pack the set.

If this is the case, you can either buy a converter, or simply purchase a new TV once you have moved.

DVD compatibility is split into worldwide regions. Region 1 is the USA and Canada, while Europe and some other countries are Region 2. Region 3 covers East Asia, Region 4 is Australia, New Zealand, South and Central America, and Region 5 covers Russia and the Middle East.

Golf
For many, the availability of high quality golf courses, and sunny weather in which to play, is a major reason for retirement abroad.

Developments have sprung up around existing and purpose-built courses worldwide, from the deserts of Dubai to the Spanish Costas.

For a better idea of the range of courses available in your destination country, click on the country page within this site and select 'Leisure' from the expanded menu.

If you are planning to play a lot of golf, aim for an area where there are several courses, as you will probably get bored of playing on the same one each day.

Find out about membership costs and green fees, which could be prohibitively expensive. Many clubs have an active social scene, where you can quickly meet a wide circle of people, whether as an individual or as a couple.

Walking
When you have moved to a new country, walking is the perfect way of discovering the new terrain. Not only does it keep you fit, but it shows you parts of the country you may otherwise never see, and can offer some spectacular scenery.

Even if you are an experienced walker, contemplate using a guide when you first arrive, as you can easily get lost in unfamiliar territory.

Joining a walking or ornithological club in the area is a great way to get to know new people with a similar interest. Look in local newspapers and online for more information.

Maps are usually available in most areas where walking is popular, and for more remote areas of some countries.

Always take safety precautions; carry the right equipment, including plenty of water in hot places, and remember that weather can change quickly at high altitudes.

Knowing enough of the local language in case of emergency is also a good idea. If you are not sure, go with a guide.

When walking with pets, especially dogs, keep them under control and observe local laws and footpaths. Hunters may use poisoned food in the country, or could accidentally shoot a dog, so keep them on a lead in known hunting areas.

Gardening
The perfect pastime for many, gardening can be very rewarding. However, do not expect to be able to recreate your current garden, as the climate will change the plants that you can use.

If you are planning to take plants abroad, see our individual country pages. The Royal Horticultural Society issues information about the restrictions on taking plants from and to the UK (pdf viewer required).

Look for a garden that has good access to water for the summer months - an outside tap or a well are invaluable.

Check whether there are restrictions on the amount of water you can use during the driest times of the year, and if so, plant hardy shrubs that will be able to survive the weather. Take your cues from other gardens nearby.

Beware of the climate changes in winter, too; is it wet and mild, or could there be a frost to threaten your plants? Read books and websites on gardening in the area and look out for local and expatriate gardening clubs, where you can meet other keen horticulturalists.

Cinema
Many big cities abroad, especially in expatriate areas, show films in English. They may be the original English version, with local language subtitles, or the other way around. Films in English are usually only the major releases, shown in larger cinemas.

Away from big cities, cinemas tend to be smaller and focus more on films in the local language. However, watching a film in the local language can be a great way of expanding your vocabulary.

Prices vary from country to country and even between towns. Expect to pay more in the capital city than in a provincial cinema.

Sports
Retiring to the sun does not mean you have to miss out on winter sports! Many regions around the world that have long, hot summers are within a short distance of the slopes in winter.

To assess the quality of the pistes and the weather during winter, it is an excellent idea to rent a property in the area before committing yourself to buying.

Find out how many runs are on offer and what level of slope is accessible - you are unlikely to want to do the same few routes over and over again.

Check the price of a ski pass, as there are usually season-long discounts for residents. Be prepared, too, for large numbers of people on the roads during the peak season.

If you like walking or cycling, assess the terrain that is available in the summer months, and whether cable cars and other transport are open when it is warmer.

Wine
For many people, a glass of local wine whilst watching the sun go down epitomises what retiring to the sun is all about.

Regions with a lot of sunshine, plenty of water and the right kind of soil make great places for growing vines, and wine making extends across Europe, Australasia, Southern Africa and parts of North and South America

As a result, wine can often be bought locally and cheaply. You might be considering setting up a cellar in your home, and learning more about tasting or making your own wine.

Experimenting with the different varieties can be a very pleasurable task, and some areas have wine clubs set up for people with a similar interest. See the page of the country you are interested in on this site for more regional information.

Sailing and Boating
Sailing and boating clubs are often established in expatriate communities, as many tend to be by the sea. Taking advantage of sunny days, warm water and favourable winds can lead to many pleasant days in your boat.

Assess the taxation on importing a boat, as it can be expensive. Mooring a boat near to your home will depend on the area and availability of moorings.

Find out the associated costs and what facilities are available, such as a fresh water supply or electricity. If you are new to boating, look for local sailing clubs offering lessons.

Water sports are extremely popular in many coastal and river resorts. Make sure you know the local laws on the water and avoid areas of heavy shipping.

Angling
Angling is a popular pastime in many parts of the world. Sunny days spent by the river or out to sea are the dream of plenty of retired expatriates.

The attitude towards fishing differs from place to place, even within the same country. Find out, before you move to an area specifically for fishing, where you can fish, and what permits and licences you will need.

The process of obtaining licences can be tricky - ask other anglers or in local tackle shops for more information. Fines can be high if you do not have a valid licence.

Consider the weather in the area, too - it can be too hot for fishing as well as too cold.

Hunting/Shooting
Public opinion on hunting and its place in a country's lifestyle varies dramatically around the world. In southern Europe, for example, hunting is a way of life for many, with regular shoots during the season.

In other places, hunting is highly regulated and breaking the laws can lead to fines or even imprisonment. Hunting must be sustainable and comply with conservation programmes. In some areas it is vital to the local economy.

If you intend to go hunting yourself, ensure you conform to all local laws and administration. Treat the area with respect and follow safe practice when participating.

Join a local hunting club for advice on the permits required and the best places to hunt. Details will be available in local hunt provision shops, and on the internet.

Whether you are a hunter or not, in rural areas it is important to check whether a hunt (or anyone else) has right of way over your land when looking at property.

Bullfighting
Few countries around the world practice bull-fighting, but the most obvious is Spain, the destination of choice for thousands of retirees.

Whatever your feelings on the subject, bull-fighting is a major part of local culture in Spain and is tied in with fiestas throughout the country. There are anti-bull-fighting
movements in the country, but so far only Barcelona has banned fights altogether.

Most fights take place in the summer months, with tickets similar in price to a football match. Meat from the bull is often available in the local supermarket shortly after the fight.

Caravanning
Sites for caravanning are common throughout many different countries. Plan your trip before you go and check likely sites for availability and costs before you leave, if possible, especially if you intend to take pets.

Ensure you have a car capable of pulling your caravan - the weight of your caravan when it is fully laden should ideally be no more than 85 per cent of the weight of your car. Keep weight over the caravan's axle when loading, and keep it low down, to avoid too much sway.

Always carry warning triangles (two is a legal requirement in Spain, Turkey, Slovenia  and Croatia), spare bulbs and a first aid kits.

The right tyre pressures are vital, as is suitable insurance for every country you will be visiting. Have your headlights adjusted if you will be travelling on the other side of the road, to avoid dazzling oncoming vehicles; you might be legally required to use dipped headlights at all times.

On the roads, stick to speed limits for your vehicle in that country, especially if towing. Toll charges often apply on faster roads, but these can save a lot of time if you want to cover long distances quickly.

Check the availability of compatible gas cylinders in the country you are travelling around, or take your own from home. For example, the UK uses Calor gas, while Europe has Campingaz, requiring a different adaptor.

Consider joining a caravan club, for hints, tips and advice on your travels. You might also receive discounted rates on some sites as a member.