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Portugal Claims Top Spot in Travel + Leisure's 2026 Retirement Rankings

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 2:31 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Travel + Leisure’s “Best Retirement Destinations 2026” – A Quick‑Read Summary

Travel + Leisure’s perennial quest for the most appealing places to retire is back again, this time powered by the Global Retirement Index (GRI). The article—published in late 2024 and updated for the 2026 edition—combines hard data with on‑the‑ground stories to give readers a practical snapshot of where the world’s retirees are headed next. Below is a full‑length, at‑least‑500‑word rundown of what you’ll find inside the feature, plus a few extra bits that the article links to for deeper dives.

1. Methodology: How the List Is Built

Travel + Leisure partners with the Global Retirement Index, a research tool that grades countries across five core dimensions:

The GRI aggregates data from the World Bank, the OECD, U.S. Census, and other reputable sources. Travel + Leisure editors then add their own qualitative assessment, interviewing retirees living abroad, checking visa restrictions, and testing local amenities.

The “Retirement Score” is a weighted composite of those five dimensions, and the article presents the final rankings in a sortable table. Readers can click on any country’s name to jump to a full‑length “Destination Guide” (which the article links to) that provides deeper dives into visa rules, property costs, and cultural nuances.

2. The Top 10 Destinations for 2026

Below is a quick‑reference guide that mirrors the Travel + Leisure layout. Each entry includes the country’s rank, a one‑sentence “why it stands out,” and a bulleted list of the most compelling factors.

(Readers are encouraged to click on any name for the full “Destination Guide,” which contains visa timelines, local cost breakdowns, and personal anecdotes from expatriates.)

3. A Few Extra Nuggets from the Article’s Links

Global Retirement Index – The article links directly to the GRI’s interactive dashboard, which allows you to filter by income bracket, preferred climate, or safety threshold. The dashboard is useful if you’re juggling multiple options.

International Living’s “Retirement in Mexico” – A side‑link directs readers to a deeper dive on the Mexico sub‑page. It covers the Pensionado program in detail, including paperwork, typical monthly costs, and the best local regions for retirees.

Retiree Interviews – Travel + Leisure included short video clips of retirees who have made the move. Each clip is linked to the full interview on the site’s “Retiree Voices” section, giving a firsthand feel for day‑to‑day life in the chosen country.

Visa Guidance – For each country, the “Destination Guide” provides a quick‑reference table summarizing required documents, fees, renewal intervals, and any special benefits for retirees. For example, Panama’s Pensionado program mandates proof of a minimum pension of $1,000 per month, whereas Mexico’s Pensionado requires $1,200 per month for a single retiree.

4. Takeaway for the Thoughtful Retiree

The Travel + Leisure piece is not just a list; it’s a decision‑tool. The GRI’s composite score provides an objective baseline, while the editorial narrative gives you the qualitative flavor you’ll need to decide whether a place “fits” your personal vision of retirement.

Some key points to remember:

• Safety and Health Are Paramount – The top three places (Portugal, Spain, Mexico) score highest on both safety and medical care.
• Cost of Living Matters – Mexico and Belize rank strongly because of the low price tags for housing, food, and utilities.
• Lifestyle Fit Over Numbers – Even if a country is a top‑ranked spot, it’s still essential to visit, test the local language, and mingle with the expat community before signing a lease.

5. Where to Go From Here

• Use the GRI Dashboard – Filter by your income level and preferred climate to see a customized list.
• Read the Destination Guides – The linked guides give you real‑world data on property prices, tax incentives, and healthcare options.
• Talk to Current Expats – The article links to forums and Facebook groups for each country; reading or posting questions can uncover hidden pros and cons.
• Plan a Short‑Term Visit – If you’re seriously considering a move, a 1‑2 month stay can be a game‑changer.

In sum, the article serves as a comprehensive primer for anyone ready to explore retirement abroad. It blends data with lived experience, offering a clear, evidence‑based map to the world’s most retirement‑friendly havens for 2026. Whether you’re leaning toward a sun‑kissed Spanish coast or a tropical Belizean paradise, Travel + Leisure’s “Best Retirement Destinations” article gives you the facts—and the feel—to make an informed decision.