Why Veterans Are Moving Abroad In Search Of Peace
- John H. Davis
- Oct 10
- 3 min read
There’s no simple way to return to “normal life” after the military. The uniform comes off but the Veteran identity doesn’t. The cost of living only goes up, political tribalism dominates the headlines and it’s easy to fall into isolation. That’s why a lot of Veterans are opting for a life on the beaches in the Dominican Republic, the jungles of Thailand or elsewhere abroad. An increasing number of Veterans are becoming expats, looking for peace, a higher quality of life and healing.
Reimagining Freedom
The biggest draw for Veterans is economic relief, a lot of us retire on a fixed income and going where your dollars stretch further makes sense. Rent is a fraction of the prices in the United States in places like the Philippines and simpler living reduces financial stress. When you aren’t worried about the bills, you can finally enjoy life. My bills in the Dominican Republic total less than $1,000 a month and that enables me to go out to eat more, pursue my passions and forget about the rat race. Veterans can afford to live well here.
The slower pace of life in other countries is a key benefit for Veterans. Your life isn’t ran by your never ending to-do list, you can have slow mornings and you can live at your pace. For Veterans battling PTSD, the slower rhythm of life becomes a new form of medicine and anxiety, stress and depression can fade.
