Escapists

Muisne Beach, Ecuador

Escapist expats are characterized more by what they are getting away from than by what they are moving toward. The first group is the ever-growing number of Geographic Escapists. These folks want to escape from cold weather to the sunny tropics, from the mountains to the ocean, or from the farms to the cities.

When my husband and I make our move, it will be partly for geographic escapist reasons.


After moving from the Northeast US to Central Florida, where we’ve been for over 20 years now, we want to be someplace where the temperatures are even less extreme – not quite as hot in the summer, and definitely not as cold in the winter. Being on or near a beach would be nice, but so would being near the mountains.

Among our possible choices are Panama and Ecuador for those reasons. Mexico is also a possibility.

Other people, like my oldest son who abhors the heat and loves the cold, might find themselves drawn to the French Alps. Someone who has lived a rural life might head for the glitz and glamor of a vibrant city. A city dweller might yearn for the peace and quiet of the countryside.