As for me I've been living here in the Philippines since November 2014
From November 2014 until May 2016 we lived in wonderful Davao city
Since May 2016 we have been living in NCR. Cubao at first then here in Marikina once our house was fixed up enough to move into.
The cost of living in Mindanao is significantly lower than here in NCR but we have absolutely no regrets about our decision to move. The RoE was getting unkind and we had started to realise some of the limitations of Davao living.
I've been continually busy bringing our house up to a level we're happy with.
Still a fair way to go but there's really no rush.
I may be approaching the final lap for our dirty kitchen. (which isn't at all dirty by the way)
Being retired, and not having the time consuming effort and schedule of working, means that 'holiday feeling' never actually goes away. We're free to do pretty much what we want when we want (finances permitting)
I enjoy being busy with DIY around the house. So much better than hiring those builders who never reach the levels I want.
All schedules are of our own making.
Retirement can be daunting. For me it was. When I first made the decision to retire early in my 50's I soon realised it wasn't a good idea. I soon got bored and decided to return to the workplace. Found a nice job with HMRC and stayed until my 2nd retirement.
I was ready.
So the first step in retirement is to be sure it's what you want and what you can manage.
Moving to a completely different immediately at retirement may or may not be a good thing. Depends on the person and who the person is living with. Has your partner also retired.......it does help.
I'd think about relocating for a shortish period. Not so short that it actually is a holiday but long enough to decide if it's going to be a 'stay' decision or a 'move on' decision.
The stresses of retirement and a new life in a strange country can take it's toll.
As for me, I settled pretty quickly. I done a stay of a few months a couple of times and felt that really wanted to get back and stay.
I haven't really changed my views much since I wrote this post:-
http://filipinaroses.com/showthread....1-Life-is-Good
Our quality of life continues to be better than we had in UK
I really believe that if you can live a life here without drawing attention to yourselves, be always the polite and friendly foreigner but use some common sense and awareness, then all will be well and risks at a minimum.
That in itself will instill feelings of wanting to remain longer.
Of course you'll to have the means and wherewithall to live here without it being one of those forced decisions based on something unrealistic. It's meant to a dream strategy not a nightmare one.
You must be sure that you
WILL find contentment.
I've found freedom of choice, contentment and peace. What more could I ask.
I'm not suggesting you won't face stresses and frustrations, but if you have inner calm and a good partner all will be well.
Don't burn your bridges
Don't relocate for solely financial reasons
Don't force a partner to move if they don't share the same desire and commitment
Don't expect to transfer your UK life to the Philippines. Be happy to make changes.
Sorry it's a long ramble.
Hope it can provide some food for thought.
I'm so lucky to be spending my time here at this stage of my life.
It just suits me and much more importantly it suits my wife