For many Americans, there’s no place like (a second) home. More and more people are buying dedicated vacation homes to stay in when they need a break from their day-to-day lives.
These properties really help people get to know the location they holiday in, while also doubling up as a potential long-term investment.
Although many choose to buy vacation homes in the US, plenty look for the opportunity to enjoy a slice of life overseas.
With that in mind, here are some of the best vacation home destinations for those looking beyond their borders when buying a second property this year.
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1. Dominica
Known as “The Nature Island of the Caribbean”, this tropical paradise is the perfect place to put down some roots. Among the natural highlights are its volcanos, rainforests, waterfalls, and hot springs, offering boundless outdoor adventures for visitors.
Dominica is far from one-dimensional, however. The island nation also offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in Creole culture through its traditional music and dance festivals and meet the indigenous Kalinago people. Dominica’s food is to die for too, while there are numerous spas on the island where you can take it slow and unwind.
When it comes to buying a Dominican property, you’re spoilt for choice as the country is brimming with beautiful vacation homes, and at much cheaper prices than in the US. The country’s citizenship-by-investment scheme makes it simple for non-nationals to buy Dominican real estate too, with investors gaining citizenship of the country in exchange for doing so. This gives them benefits like the right to live and work there if they choose, and increased international mobility.
2. Corfu, Greece
For somewhere a little further afield, the Greek island of Corfu is ideal. Like Dominica, this magical Mediterranean island is bursting with natural charms, from rugged mountains to beautiful beaches and caves.
Corfu is also known for rich and intriguing historical delights. You’ll find palaces, fortresses, and ancient churches alongside museums chronicling the island’s story, making it perfect for any history buffs out there. Contrast this with the island’s iconic nightlife scene plus its water parks and watersports opportunities, and it’s fair to say that Corfu has it all.
You’ve got plenty of choice in terms of holiday homes, from traditional cottages and villas by the beach, to town apartments and luxurious farmhouses. What’s more, you stand to pay dividends on your investment in the future, with one study finding that vacation homes in Greece have higher annual yields than equivalent properties in the likes of France and Spain.
3. Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Our final vacation home destination is a lot closer to home: the Cuban city of Santiago de Cuba. Not only is it the country’s second-largest city, but it’s famous for being the starting point of Fidel Castro’s Cuban Revolution. Santiago de Cuba is a cultural hotspot, particularly when you add into the mix its colonial architecture and numerous historical sites, including the Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca fortress and Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.
The city is renowned for its music scene too. This comes to the fore during July’s Carnival, a festival featuring drum-beating parades, colorful costumes, and son dancing, which is similar to salsa. This celebration is indicative of Santiago de Cuba’s fun-loving nature, and you’ll also find attractions like beaches, amusement parks, and nightspots in and around the city.
Like Dominica and Corfu, you have numerous options when it comes to buying a second home in Santiago de Cuba. Arguably the best locations are around the city center, on the outskirts by the sea, and further afield around the region’s impressive Sierra Maestra mountain range.
