Cheers Terry started this same thread on TripAdvisor many years ago. Of course right now, it's not a great idea because of the current circumstances. But if things improved significantly, or even just back to the way things used to be, would you consider it?

I am not so sure now but before I would have told you for sure. But I could be 35 years away from retiring!!!! Something I have definitely dreamed about!!

I just turned 68 back in February - still working too - I need the coin. But back before the pandemic, I had every intension of retiring from my work at age 65 and then running off to live in Cuba for 6 months of the year through the winter months. Yudith and I were going to live 6 months in Canada during the warmer spring, summer, and fall months, and 6 months in Cuba the rest of the year to stay warm. We had it all planned out and our casa in Camaguey all fitted-out with the best modern appliances that money could buy. But that idea was quickly dropped during the pandemic, and especially since then as Cuba has deteriorated further into the equivalent of what I call a war zone. That dream is now dead. Yudith and our Cuban daughter Delenys will be coming to live and work here in Canada next year once they receive their PR status. Once working with limited vacation days granted, we'll likely only be able to return each year together for our typical end of year celebrations and grand fiesta at our casa with our other family members still stuck there in Cuba. Terry

I've looked into and considered Puerto Vallarta in retirement, that's for years what I thought I'd do. But that was before I was actually retired (lost my job in the covid pandemic and fortunately was able to call it a day). Now that I am there it seems too complicated without enough benefit. Guess it turns out I'd rather be a "snowbird" keeping my home base in USA (Seattle) and vacations in Mexico and Hawaii and the Caribbean.

I'm with you, Suze. I've dreamed, and still dream, about buying a place in Mexico or in Spain. But I think that the problems would outweigh the benefits.....like you, I travel a few times a year and (in March) stay for a few weeks in one place. Maybe that's the best of both worlds. I don't think I'd have to take every vacation in the same place; as it is, I can change from year to year...

I'd worry about the house/condo/apt during the times I would not be there....and in certain locations I might worry about medical care, although I know it's good in Spain and in Mexico.

You two ladies should really get together and meet up somewhere when travelling abroad - other than Cuba at the moment of course. It seems as though you both have similar situations and similar tastes.

I just wanted to add that I had actually applied for the permanent residency status to live in Cuba full time with my wife Yudith there after I retired from my work, and to be afforded all of the perks that come with that PR status too, short of being able to vote. But like every Cuban, I'd be entitled to the Libreta too - the ration book - not that there's much left on that thing to be had now, nor would I need it. I'd also be able to buy casas in Cuba with my name on the deeds - one extra casa out at the beach as well would have been great for us!. And would have been able to buy myself a motorcycle - a Harley Davidson Panhead or Knucklehead - a hog to cruise back and forth out there to the beaches as well. But alas... I was denied the PR status! Even though Yudith and I have been legally married for 9 years now, the Cuban government denied me the PR status after jumping through all of the hoops needed with the application submitted to Cuban immigration in Camaguey city, and forwarded on to Havana. Of course they never gave me an explanation as to WHY I was denied. They never do! But screw 'em! Now my wife Yudith and my Cuban daughter too will have their Canadian permanent residency status granted to both of them to live here in Canada with me next year - and that WILL happen without a doubt too. To the Cuban government - you snooze, you lose! Terry

Maybe if I was married to a Cuban. My wife and I are born Canadians and all our family are here. Cuba is our favourite sunny destination but I have no need to live there. We have met tourists in Cuba who stay 4 months of the year. That might be ideal but even that is a bit too long. A couple of months each winter at most.

Retire full-time there? Heck no. Three months in the winter - max. There is a big world out there that needs more discovering. Let's see how different the situation is in Cuba when I actually do retire.