Hi,

I want to move from Thailand, but don't want to make the same mistake twice. If I had tapped into a way to hear what expats said about Thailand I wouldn't have moved here. I'm asking for information on expat forums or ways to contact expats in some other countries. I've looked around quite a bit, but haven't found much info about several of the places I'm considering.

Also, I'm open to suggestions regarding places I may not have thought of. I would like to make a visit to the US, but, on the way there would like to visit a few countries that I'm considering - mostly in the South Pacific and Central America. Any information you have about how to contact expats in less frequented places, or any information you, yourself might have would be greatly appreciated.

After living in Thailand for the last 4 years, I've had about enough. I'm thinking about somewhere where I don't have to learn a really difficult language (Thai). I was thinking about checking out some islands, perhaps Vanuatu, or the Cook Islands. Then possibly checking out Central America - Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador or Belize. The place has to be inexpensive, close to the ocean, the official language either English or Spanish, and friendly policies regarding retirement, land & house ownership, and it wouldn't be bad if it had decent medical care. I've lived in places for too long that over-touristed and I'm trying to avoid that as well. I'm asking a lot, I know.

I have searched for expat forums for these countries, and found little. I would probably most like to check out N.Z., but, from what I hear it's close to impossible to emigrate there. I'm not interested in Asia or Africa. Europe is too cold, and the mid East... Well? I don't think so. Thanks - Buzzer