Best Places to Retire in Spain
Written by Alex Bach
Destination retirements are the dream of many of us. A way to relax and go on permanent vacation. And while many have chosen destinations within their own country, say from New York to Florida, several have started to look further, into a more international retirement plan: and for that, Spain is one of the best places.
Retirement is all about kicking back after a life of hard work and letting it fall on younger shoulders. Schumacher Cargo is happy to help you with with relocating to Spain from your home in the U.S.. We’ll take care of the move, so you can just take care of the retirement!
Costa del Sol:
Costa del Sol in the Andalucian province is Spain’s most popular retirement destination. Probably because it’s home to some of the country’s best medical facilities, schools and real estate. Meaning you’ll find many other English speaking retirees and professionals to help you make the transition. The lack of sales tax and a low property tax make this an economically feasible move for many.
Costa del Alhazar:
The Costa del Alhazar, or the Orange Blossom Coast, is about an hour’s drive north of Valencia and one of the most gorgeous and as-yet untapped areas of the country you could hope to find yourself. Filled with orange blossoms (obviously), almond trees and white sand beaches. The population is only around 12,000, meaning you’ll get a quiet, small town feel that’s distinctly Spanish.
Spanish Countryside:
As the big cities of Barcelona and Madrid can be very expensive, a retirement in the countryside might be the way to go for many retirees not looking to break the bank. Cities like Salamanca, Granada or Santiago de Compostela, are great spots to get city amenities without paying city prices.
Beach-side:
While the first two locations on this list certainly have an abundant beach life to offer, there are other, cheaper and more off the path places you can retire that won’t upend your bank account. Look at places on the island of Gran Canaria–which will also give you an island retirement inside an international retirement–or the less populated beach town of Menorca.
Studying abroad is a great way to get an education and go on an adventure. Part of the education you receive will be that adventure as well as diving into a new geography, language and culture. As an international student entering a new country with a new, and likely unfamiliar language, you’ll have to pick a school that caters to the needs and abilities of US students. Here are the best colleges in Italy for US students.
Moving abroad can be tricky as well. Luckily, Schumacher Cargo can help make the move to Italy a little less worrisome. So all you will have to worry about is the which site and food you’ll experience first!
Italy’s 5 Best Schools for US Students

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John Cabot University:
What makes John Cabot University so great for US students in Italy is that it is a US school. The University is an American accredited institution that teaches in English and offers students 4 year Bachelor degrees and 2 year Associates degrees. You will be in classrooms of about 15, filled with many other international students studying in the heart of Rome. As a US student studying here you get the best of both worlds: the opportunity to study in Italy and the comfort of an American university. This chance to study abroad while still at a US school definitely makes JCU one of the best colleges in Italy for American students.
John Cabot
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University of Milan:
This gorgeous city renowned for its fashion and football is a dream destination for many US students. And thankfully the University of Milan is very accommodating to making that happen. The University offers several classes taught entirely in English as well an entry program that allows students to take their first 45-60 credits in English, allowing them to boost their Italian before digging into the harder classes.
University of Milan
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The University of Rome:
Another great school for US students in Rome is the University of Rome, or La Sapienza (the Knowledge). The school has a wide variety of clubs, sports, theater groups, and even career services for English speaking students. The fact that they even offer a Masters degree in English should speak volumes about how at home US students could feel here.
University of Rome
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The University of Bologna:
Though this school only has a handful of classes in English and might not be the best for people who have difficulty learning new languages, it is the first University ever. Which is reason enough. Founded in 1088, this university is almost 1000 years old. With its long history, there is no comparison to this schools staying power. US students studying at this university should jump at the experience for this historic legacy.
University of Bologna
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The University of Florence:
One of Italy’s most iconic and historic universities, the University of Florence is an international student’s dream! Learn in the same classrooms where legends of the Renaissance like Dante and Boccaccio used to teach! However, at this university only those who know Italian may apply. Because of this, the University of Florence is the most difficult in the list for US students. Though this university is worth the effort as it delivers the most authentic experience.
University of Florence
More Reading
Now that you know some of the best colleges in Italy for US students, check out some of our other college guides below. When you are ready to move to your new school overseas, Schumacher Cargo Logistics is ready to help.
For help moving to your new school in Italy, fill our Online Form or call in at (800) 599-0190
Written by Jason Lowder
Congratulations! You’ve decided to embark on one of the greatest adventures of your life: packing up and moving to a completely new city, country, and culture. Now that you’ve arrived in Shanghai, here are some of the places you absolutely must see!
7 Places You Must See After Moving to Shanghai:
1. The Bund:
The Bund is number one on many lists of the first thing you should see when you arrive in Shanghai. This waterfront is filled with amazing architecture of both old buildings and new skyscrapers. For added majesty, visit the Bund at night.
2. Zhujiajiao Water Town:
This water town, also known as Shanghai’s Venice is one of the city’s oldest and most iconic sights. This is what you think of when you think of old dynasty-era China. Take in the gorgeous canals and bridges then stop in at the local shops and restaurants.
3. The Mag Lev Train:
This will likely be your first iconic experience of Shanghai as this super train is one of the main conduits from the airport to the city. Riding on this magnetically elevated train is like riding a tram from the future. You’ll reach speeds up to 430 kph!
4. Yu Yuan Gardens:
The Yu Yuan Gardens are located in the middle of Shanghai’s Old City and offer some of the most beautiful and serene nature you could hope to find in any city. These gardens date back all the way to the Ming dynasty. This is a great place to visit if you’re feeling a little overcome in this new city.
5. The Shanghai Bazaar and City God Temple:
Once you’ve taken in the serenity of the Gardens, you’re only a short walk away from the bazaar. Sure, it’s one of the more touristy places out there but that doesn’t mean you should stay away from it. See the vendors and shops and buildings that make up this old world market.
6. Shanghai Museum:
One of the best ways to learn about your new culture is to visit the local museum. As China boasts some of the oldest cities and civilizations on the planet, you can expect the Shanghai Museum to be rife with over 5,000 years of culture.
7. Xintiandi:
This walking neighborhood is a great spot for expats to visit when they’re feeling both homesick and looking for a night out. This spot starts bustling in the evening hours and is perfect for expats looking for a clean and easy atmosphere loaded with good dining, shopping and nightlife.
Written by Alex Bach
For those who can, travel is one of the most rewarding ways to spend your time and money. Of course, the question is always “Where should we go?” And while there are plenty of great answers, these destinations are our favorites.
And if you’re looking to make the trip a more permanent excursion we can help you make the move. Schumacher Cargo has helped hundreds of families move internationally. Be it Australia or Spain, we can help unload your moving burdens.
Our 5 Favorite International Travel Spots
South Africa:
For both variety of sights, geographical excitement and modern conveniences there’s no better place to visit than South Africa. In one trip you can hit gorgeous sandy beaches, some of the best nightlife in the world, feed great white sharks, and see some of the world’s coolest animals in the world on a safari.
Spain:
Another great destination for a variety of locales, culture, and history. Some of the best cuisine in the world can be found in Spain, in such cities as Madrid and Barcelona. Experience the distinctly Spanish style of eating dinner at 11pm followed by a night of clubbing. Discover Barcelona’s incredible architecture from Gaudi and then hit the beaches of San Sebastian.
The Amazon:
The Amazon is still one of the most exotic and mysterious geographies in the world. With so many places still unexplored and so many species of plants, insects and creatures still being discovered on a yearly basis, a trip to the Amazon is an absolute must for any serious adventurer.
Turkey:
Turkey’s wild history makes it one of the most unique places in the world to visit. A crossroads between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, with as turbulent a history as you’d expect, Turkey offers culture and scenery the likes of which aren’t found anywhere else in the world. Take in the rich history, ancient sites, mind-blowing architecture and then experience some of the best modern cuisines, shopping and nightlife you could hope to find anywhere in the world.
Bora Bora:
As far as beach vacations go, it doesn’t get much better than Bora Bora. The whitest sands, the greenest waters, some of the most exotic tropical fish, and most serene geographies on the planet are in Bora Bora. The island chain features a calm lagoon perfect for scuba diving, kayaking or jet skiing–or simply lounging next on the beach–as well as top of the line lodging and dining. You can even book a room on stilts with a window to the water below you!
Written by Alex Bach
What better way to see the world than by packing up your stakes and moving to a whole new region? And what better destination than Hong Kong? We’ve got the reasons to do so below.
Schumacher Cargo can help you make the move. We’ve shipped hundreds of household goods and helped countless families relocate to Hong Kong.
Why You Should Move to Hong Kong:
The Food:
Of course everyone thinks of their favorite Chinese carry-out dishes when they think of Chinese food. The good news and bad news: that is not commonplace in Hong Kong. Food in Hong Kong is as exotic as anything you’d find on a travel channel, with a strong helping of western fare from all the various cultures that have packed up and relocated to Hong Kong. You can find Chinese cuisine infused with Italian dishes, french and American. Also, everyone shares Italian dinning style.
Economics:
Hong Kong is one of the wealthiest cities, not just of China, but of the entire world. A city rapidly growing and expanding, becoming the New York or London of the East, Hong Kong has a wealth of fantastic employment opportunities, especially for ex-pats.
A word of caution: the wealth of the city does make it an expensive city to live in: again, think New York or London living costs. And although the city is tremendously wealthy, there are still many impoverished people and communities out there so it’s important for you to be sensitive to that.
Architecture:
Due to the wealth and expansion, Hong Kong has become the most vertically oriented city in the world. You can expect to see some of the most astounding and iconic works of architecture erected anywhere on earth.
The Internet Speeds:
It was reported in a recent study by Ookla that Hong Kong’s ISPs provide the fastest download speeds on the planet. Coming up 31st and last on the list: the US.
Climate:
Hong Kong, with its tropical climate and surrounding mountains, feels a lot like a more exotic California. You won’t have to pack any snow pants or winter jackets, maybe just a light coat for the rainy season.
Travel:
Hong Kong’s position on the Southern edge of China puts the region in a central location for travel to other parts of the Eastern hemisphere. You’re only a couple hours away from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. And you’re only a short hop away from Macao
Western Sensibilities:
For many westerners, moving to Asia can be quite a culture shock. And while much of that culture shock is part of the moving experience, it’s nice to be able to fall back on western comforts every now and then.