Things to do in Mayfair, London: top attractions and experiences

Home swapping used to be a modest, do-it-yourself arrangement. In the 1950s and 1960s, groups of American teachers with long summer breaks and tight budgets traded homes with colleagues using hand-typed lists that eventually grew into printed catalogues. Digitization changed everything: the launch of dedicated exchange platforms in the early 1990s, followed decades later by a popular holiday romance film centered on a home swap, pushed the idea into the mainstream. Today's version looks nothing like a casual favor between friends. A luxury home exchange applies that same underlying idea, trading stays instead of paying for them, to a much higher tier of real estate. Owners of second homes worth millions of dollars are increasingly treating their properties as an asset that can unlock stays elsewhere, not just a place that sits empty most of the year. One widely cited industry estimate puts vacant second homes in the U.S. alone at around 15 million, a scale of underutilization that has made exchange programs increasingly attractive to owners who want more use out of a property they already own. Most luxury home exchange programs follow a similar structure, even if the details vary by platform: The mechanics behind how a home exchange works can differ in one important way: whether it's a direct swap or a reciprocal, points-based system. Some vacation home exchange programs require both parties to travel around the same time. Others let members earn credit by hosting and spend it later, which removes the scheduling constraint entirely and makes it easier to plan an international vacation home exchange without both households needing matching availability. Is home exchange safe is the first question most owners of expensive vacation homes ask, and it's a fair one. Inviting a stranger into a multimillion-dollar property, and staying in someone else's, involves a level of trust that a hotel booking never requires.  The risk is real: owners have reported listings with misleading photos, properties that didn't match what was advertised, and mismatched expectations between homes of very different standards. In many cases, owners also have valuables or personal belongings in the home which carries its own level of risk, as well as a layer of differentiation to the overarching experience.  The luxury home exchange programs that hold up best share a few traits: This is also the main argument for a private home exchange over an open marketplace. A curated, invite-only network shrinks the pool to owners who genuinely have comparable homes and comparable standards, which is a large part of what separates the best luxury home exchange site from a general-purpose swap platform. A few things set Pacaso Infinity apart from other luxury home exchange programs: This model is what drew the Financial Times, which recently profiled Infinity by Pacaso in a feature on home swapping among high-value property owners. Here's a closer look at The result is an exchange model for luxury properties that looks less like a rental marketplace and more like a members' club, where access is earned through ownership rather than purchased through a nightly rate. Infinity charges a one-time initiation fee of $100,000, which covers five years of access to the network. That structure is designed to keep membership intentionally limited and to signal that everyone in the exchange is a serious, invested owner rather than someone testing the waters.  In exchange, members can offer their home for a minimum of 14 days (two stays) per year and browse the full portfolio on a rolling 24-month calendar to plan swaps well in advance. It's worth comparing that structure to the cost of simply renting equivalent properties.  A seven-bedroom luxury villa in a destination like Tuscany can run tens of thousands of dollars a week during peak season. For an owner who already has a comparable home sitting vacant most of the year, trading access rather than paying market rental rates changes the math considerably, especially across multiple trips over a decade of membership. Infinity's collection spans some of the world's most sought-after second-home markets, including St. Barths, Tuscany, Mexico City, Ibiza, Paris, Verbier, Napa Valley, and New York City, with new homes added regularly. That mix makes it a genuine international vacation home exchange rather than a program concentrated in one region, and it's part of why a vacation home exchange in Europe appeals to U.S.-based owners just as much as European ones. Because the network prioritizes architecture, location, and character over sheer size, the destinations tend to skew toward places where a design-forward or historically significant property carries as much weight as square footage. That's a deliberate contrast to home exchange luxury programs that simply raise the price floor without changing the vetting standard. Membership is invitation-only and reserved for owners of a $5 million to $20 million vacation home in a desirable location. Beyond the price point, Pacaso looks for owners who understand the responsibility of managing a property at that level and who are willing to offer at least two weeks of access per year in exchange for the same from other members. Because slots are capped, not every qualifying home is accepted immediately. Applicants go through an individual review that includes property photography and details, similar in spirit to the diligence Pacaso applies across its A luxury home exchange makes the most sense for owners who already feel the tension of a property that costs a fortune to maintain but sits empty far more than it's used. Exchanging homes turns that underused asset into a way to experience more of the world, staying in a fully furnished home with local knowledge built in, rather than a hotel room.  As one Infinity member has put it, seeing another family's home up close felt less like a typical trip and more like being welcomed into someone else's life. “People are afraid to home swap because they think people will wreck their houses, but I've had the opposite experience," That's the psychological shift Pacaso is building toward. As Pacaso co-founder Austin Allison put it in the Financial Times, "Renters treat homes like renters. Owners treat homes like owners." A luxury home exchange is built for a specific kind of owner: someone who already holds full title to a $5 million or more vacation home and wants more out of it than the weeks they personally use.  Infinity owners who are accepted to the platform also gain access to Pacaso’s portfolio of co-owned homes, which is a differentiator when compared to other home swap platforms because Pacaso homes are unrentable: the only way to access and enjoy them is by being accepted into Infinity.    In return, they gain access to equally extraordinary homes around the world, the chance to live like a local somewhere entirely new, and a way to finally put an underused property to work instead of letting it sit empty most of the year. It's a shift in mindset as much as anything: treating a second home as something to be shared with intention, the way an owner would, rather than let go to waste. If that's you, the next step is simple.

Telluride sits at the end of a box canyon in Colorado's San Juan Mountains, known for two things above all: the skiing, and a downtown that still looks like the 1880s silver mining camp it started as. The town is just eight blocks wide, ringed by peaks that top 13,000 and 14,000 feet, and connected to the resort hub of Mountain Village by the only free public gondola transit system in the United States.  Beyond the slopes, Telluride has built a reputation as a festival town, drawing film, music and arts crowds throughout the summer and early fall, and as a low-key alternative to bigger-name Colorado resorts, with fewer lift lines and a smaller year-round population of around 2,600 residents. Beyond the lifts, winter activities in Telluride include: After the lifts close, apres-ski in Telluride ranges from lively bars near the gondola to quiet nights in front of a fireplace. Owning a home base here means your own post-ski ritual, season after season: boots off at your door, fire already going. Summer is when Telluride trades snow for alpine lakes, wildflowers and long daylight hours. Daytime highs typically run from the mid-60s to around 80 degrees, with wildflowers peaking from late June through mid-July. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August, so mornings tend to be the best window for lake time and high-alpine trails.  Top summer activities include: If you're weighing Telluride against another Rockies destination for a summer trip, see how it stacks up in the FAQ section below. Fall in Telluride runs roughly from mid-September through October, when the aspen groves across the San Juan Mountains turn gold and the summer crowds thin out considerably. It's one of the best times to visit for travelers who want the scenery without the peak-season pace: cooler air, quieter trails and some of the best light of the year for photography.  Horseback riding is a signature fall activity, with guided rides along aspen-lined trails and historic ranches outside town. Hiking and mountain biking remain in play through most of the season, though nights get cold quickly at Telluride's 8,750-foot elevation, so pack layers. Telluride festivals are one of the town's defining features, and its lively calendar is a major reason travelers plan trips around specific weekends rather than just a season. The best-known is the The festival roughly triples the town's population for the weekend, with a mix of public screenings, Q&A sessions with directors and actors, and invitation-only events. Telluride's broader festival lineup also includes music, arts and outdoor-film events spread across the summer, making late June through Labor Day the fullest stretch on the town’s calendar. Owning a home base in or near Mountain Village makes festival weekends far easier to navigate: you have a private, fully furnished place a short walk from the gondola; somewhere to host friends, unwind between screenings and start early the next morning. Telluride's compact downtown and mix of low-key, family-friendly activities make it an easy destination for a multigenerational trip.  Things to do in Telluride with kids include: Beyond the seasonal highlights, a few Telluride attractions are worth building a day around no matter when you visit: The best time to visit Telluride depends entirely on what you want out of the trip: For most first-time visitors weighing summer against winter, the honest answer is that Telluride rewards a repeat-visit approach more than a single "best" season, since the town genuinely transforms from one quarter to the next. Where to stay in Telluride generally comes down to two options: the historic downtown or Mountain Village. Downtown Telluride puts you within walking distance of Main Street's shops, restaurants and the Arts District, with an Old West architectural feel that dates back to the town's mining-camp origins.  Mountain Village, connected by the free gondola, sits closer to the ski lifts and offers a more resort-style layout with easy access to golf, dining and Mountain Village's own events calendar.  For visitors who plan to return often, whether for ski season, summer hiking or festival weekends, For a town this small, Telluride offers an outsized range of things to do across every season, which is exactly why so many visitors start thinking about returning year after year rather than planning one trip at a time.  Pacaso allows buyers to purchase a share (1/8 to 1/2) of a Owners also gain access to If you're picturing first tracks on opening weekend, a festival weekend basecamp or quiet fall mornings with the aspens turning gold, explore

Punta de Mita sits at the northern tip of Banderas Bay, about 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta and its international airport. The peninsula is known for warm, consistent weather, a long stretch of surf breaks, and a mix of low key fishing village charm alongside high end resorts like the St. Regis and Four Seasons Punta Mita. Average temperatures run from the mid 70s to mid 80s year round, which makes nearly any month a reasonable time for a Punta de Mita vacation. Unlike busier parts of the Riviera Nayarit, Punta de Mita has kept a smaller scale feel. Most of the things to do in Punta de Mita center on the water: surfing, boat trips, golf along the coastline, and easy beach days that do not require driving far from wherever you are staying. El Anclote is the most accessible beach in town, with calm water that suits beginner surfers and families, plus a row of casual seafood restaurants right on the sand. It is also the launch point for most boat trips heading out to the Marietas Islands. Visiting the Marietas Islands and hidden beach typically requires booking a licensed tour operator, since access is limited to protect the surrounding reef and bird colonies. Mornings tend to have calmer water and smaller crowds. For things to do in Punta de Mita for couples, start with a sunset dinner at one of the beach clubs along El Anclote, which overlooks the water from a dramatic rock formation. A half day boat trip to the Marietas Islands also makes for a memorable outing, combining snorkeling with the hidden beach. Between December and March, whale watching tours add another option: humpback whales migrate through Banderas Bay during these months, and several local operators run small group tours that pair well with a quiet lunch back on shore. Couples looking for a slower pace can also book a round at one of the peninsula's golf courses, many of which welcome non-members for a fee. El Anclote's calm, shallow water makes it the easiest beach in the area for younger kids, and several surf schools in town offer beginner lessons that work well for families. The protected swim area also means parents can relax while kids practice standing up on a board. For things to do in Punta de Mita with kids beyond the beach, look at: Several of the best free things to do in Punta de Mita simply involve time on the sand or in town. Walking El Anclote beach, watching the sunset from the point at the end of the beach, and browsing the open air shops and food stalls in the town plaza all cost nothing beyond what you choose to spend on food or souvenirs. Surfers can also paddle out at public access points without booking a lesson, and several of the area's beach clubs allow visitors to walk through public stretches of sand even if the lounge areas themselves are reserved for guests or members. Golf is one of the defining things to do in Punta de Mita, with two well known courses anchoring the peninsula. The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort sits nearby and offers easy access to both courses for guests and outside players, along with its own beach club and spa. Tee times during peak winter months book up quickly, so reserving a few weeks ahead is worth it if golf is the main reason for your trip. The town of Punta de Mita is small and walkable, centered around a plaza a few blocks from El Anclote beach. Shopping in Punta de Mita leans toward independent boutiques selling beachwear, jewelry and local crafts rather than large retail chains, and weekend evenings often bring a small market with handmade goods. Punta de Mita restaurants range from casual palapa style spots serving fresh ceviche and grilled fish along the beach to higher end options inside the resorts. A few worth building a day around: After a few visits, many travelers start comparing the cost of repeat hotel stays to Every Pacaso home comes fully furnished and If you are weighing whether to buy in Mexico altogether, our guide to Ready to picture mornings on El Anclote and evenings at the plaza as a regular part of your year? Explore Pacaso’s current

Home to centuries of culture and a wide range of distinct neighborhoods, London offers a way of living you won't find replicated anywhere else. Whether you're searching for a permanent base, a vacation home, or a co-ownership stake in one of the world's most celebrated cities, this guide covers the best places to live in London across every part of the capital — organized by area, with insider tips drawn from London locals. Chelsea is one of the most desirable One of the best ways to explore Chelsea is by foot. Grab a coffee and wander the streets lined with colorful buildings and preserved mews. Stop into For dining, Mayfair sits at the very heart of London's luxury scene. Its Georgian townhouses, tree-lined streets, and world-class dining make it one of the most prestigious addresses in the city. Shop the high-end boutiques on Start your morning at Later, unwind at the Tucked between Buckingham Palace and the River Thames, Belgravia is one of London's most refined and exclusive neighborhoods. Its Regency-style stucco facades, private garden squares, and whisper-quiet streets give it a more intimate feel than its flashier neighbors. It's an ideal base for those who want prestige and proximity to Hyde Park and Sloane Square without the bustle of Knightsbridge or the West End. Start your morning with a stroll through Belgrave Square Garden, a manicured private garden that offers a moment of calm from the city's energy. Visit For dining, Kensington is quintessentially London — royal history, world-class museums, and elegant Victorian architecture all within walking distance of each other. Marylebone occupies a sweet spot between Regent's Park and Oxford Street, with a village-like atmosphere that feels worlds away from the bustle just outside its borders. Georgian architecture lines the streets, and Marylebone High Street delivers some of London's best independent boutiques and restaurants. The world-renowned Notting Hill's pastel-colored townhouses, lively markets, and creative energy have made it one of the most beloved neighborhoods in West London. Begin your morning at Camden is one of the best places to live in north London for those drawn to music, markets, and an energetic street scene. Famous markets including Shoreditch is one of the best places to live in east London for those who thrive in a creative, fast-paced environment. Once a working-class district, it's now a global hub for tech, fashion, and street art. Colorful murals line the walls of Brick Lane, and venues like Hackney is one of east London's most vibrant boroughs, known for its multicultural community and thriving independent scene. It has evolved from its working-class origins into a destination for young professionals, families, and creatives. Enjoy live music at London Fields is an East London neighborhood with a relaxed, community-focused energy. Once a working-class area, it now draws a mix of young professionals, artists, and families who appreciate its independent cafes, the year-round heated Clapham is one of the best places to live in south west London for young professionals and families alike. Bermondsey is one of south London's most compelling neighborhoods, transformed from an industrial leather-tanning district into a food, arts, and culture destination. Greenwich is one of the best places to live in south east London, defined by its extraordinary maritime heritage and sweeping green spaces. The Wandsworth is a multicultural south west London neighborhood with deep historical roots dating to Anglo-Saxon times. It blends urban energy with green space, from riverside walks along the Thames to Battersea Park, and it consistently ranks as one of the lowest-council-taxed boroughs in London. Its proximity to both Clapham and Chelsea gives residents easy access to two of the city's best dining and nightlife scenes. Wimbledon is famous as the home of the world's oldest tennis tournament, but it's the everyday quality of life that makes it one of the best places to live in Greater London. The neighborhood has a village-like feel centered on Wimbledon Village, with independent shops, pubs, and cafes. London is one of the most sought-after second home destinations in the world for good reason. Its culture, global connectivity, and long-term property market resilience make it an exceptional base for international owners. Here's what to know before buying. There are no legal restrictions preventing non-residents or foreign nationals from buying property in London. The UK remains one of the more accessible international property markets. That said, overseas buyers should plan for two additional costs: a 2% Stamp Duty Land Tax surcharge for non-UK residents, on top of the standard second home surcharge. For a full breakdown of the buying process, read our guide to Second home buyers in the UK face a 5% SDLT surcharge on top of standard rates, and non-resident buyers face an additional 2% on top of that. On a £1 million London property, these surcharges can add tens of thousands to the total cost. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide to For a second home, Mayfair, Chelsea, and Belgravia are the most established prime London postcodes, offering long-term capital resilience and unmatched prestige. Notting Hill and Kensington are strong alternatives for buyers who want character alongside luxury. Shoreditch and Hackney attract buyers seeking capital growth in inner east London. For a full breakdown of the most exclusive areas, see our guide to the Pacaso's model is particularly well-suited to London because it handles the complexities that can make Pacaso currently offers co-ownership homes in London's most exclusive postcodes:

Santa Barbara earns its nickname, the "American Riviera," every single day. Backed by the rugged Santa Ynez Mountains and facing the Pacific Ocean, the city enjoys roughly 300 days of sunshine annually and a mild Mediterranean climate that makes outdoor activities possible year-round. Its iconic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture — white stucco walls, red clay tile roofs, arched doorways — gives downtown a cinematic quality you won't find anywhere else on the California coast. But what truly sets Santa Barbara apart is how much it packs into a relatively compact city. Within an afternoon, you can go from hiking a mountain trail to tasting award-winning wines in the Funk Zone to watching the sun sink over the Pacific from Butterfly Beach. Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, a family trip, or a solo escape, the activities, dining, and natural beauty here more than justify the visit, or the stay. Santa Barbara's outdoor scene is one of its greatest strengths. The mountains and the ocean bracket the city on both sides, giving visitors an unusual range of activities within easy reach of downtown. Santa Barbara's beaches stretch for miles along the waterfront, and each has its own character. One quirk worth knowing: because of the curve of the California coastline, most Santa Barbara beaches actually face south rather than west, which means sunsets over the water are best viewed from specific spots. Santa Barbara County is one of California's most acclaimed wine regions, and unlike Napa or Sonoma, much of the tasting experience is right in the heart of the city. Santa Barbara's dining scene punches well above its size. The city's access to fresh Pacific seafood, Central Coast produce, and local wines gives chefs an exceptional pantry to work with, and several restaurants have earned regional and national recognition for it. Santa Barbara has a rich cultural life that often surprises first-time visitors. Its arts institutions are world-class, its architecture is worth exploring in its own right, and its performing arts calendar runs year-round. Romance is almost built into Santa Barbara's DNA: the warm light, the wine, the dramatic sunsets, the unhurried pace. Here are the experiences that consistently stand out for couples. Santa Barbara is an excellent family destination. The compact, walkable downtown, the mild weather, and the range of engaging attractions make it easy to keep children of all ages happy. Santa Barbara has a handful of experiences you won't find anywhere else that are worth seeking out on any visit. Santa Barbara's location makes it an ideal base for exploring a wider stretch of the California coast. Several excellent day trips are within easy reach. Spending a weekend in Santa Barbara is one thing. Having your own home base here that you can return to whenever you’d like is another. That's where Santa Barbara has long attracted second home buyers for its beaches, wine country access, arts scene, and near-perfect weather. The challenge has always been the price of entry: quality homes in desirable neighborhoods like the Riviera, The Mesa, and Mission Canyon command significant prices, and full sole ownership means paying for a property you may only use a fraction of the year. Pacaso allows buyers to purchase a share (1/8 to 1/2) of a For a destination with as many things to do in Santa Barbara as this one, having your own home base changes the experience entirely. You're not rushing through a checklist; you're building a rhythm. Sunday mornings at the farmers market, afternoons on the Cabrillo Bike Path, evenings in the Funk Zone. Over time, Santa Barbara stops being a place you visit and starts being a place you belong. Browse

Maui packs an extraordinary range of landscapes into 48 miles of coastline: world-class beaches on the south and west shores, lush rainforest along the Hana Highway, ranchland and lavender farms in the upcountry, and a 10,000-foot dormant volcano at its center. First-time visitors leave with a wish list. Repeat visitors and second home owners in Hawaii get something better: a routine. Once you have been a few times, the things to do in Maui stop feeling like a checklist. They start to feel like rituals. Sunrise paddles when the currents are calm. Mango runs to the upcountry farmers market in late summer. Whale-watching from your lanai between January and March. Long, unhurried dinners at a neighborhood spot where the host remembers your last visit. That is what this guide is built for: a layered look at the island for people who plan to come back often, and for those exploring buying a second home in Hawaii so they can. Once you know Maui, Maui's coastline shifts with the seasons, so the best things to do in Maui on any given morning often depend on wind direction and swell. Repeat visitors learn to chase calm water on the leeward south and west shores, and save the dramatic north shore for watching from above. A short rotation of beaches keeps the island feeling new. Consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, Wailea offers golden sand, gentle waves and a paved coastal walkway connecting a string of resorts. It is ideal for stand-up paddling, easy swims and sunset strolls. Free parking, restrooms and food and drinks at nearby resorts make it a low-friction option for slow mornings. South Maui in general is regularly named one of the A protected crescent on Maui's northwest tip, Kapalua Bay is one of the easiest places on the island for snorkeling. Reef fish, sea turtles and clear visibility make it a year-round favorite. The bay is small, so arrive early; afterward, walk the cliffside coastal trail for ocean views and pocket coves. South of Wailea, Makena's wide stretch of golden sand and turquoise water feels untamed compared with the resort coast. Bodysurfing can be punishing here when shore break picks up, so this is more of a beach-walking and sunset-watching destination on big-swell days. Hike over the rocky headland to Little Beach for a quieter pocket. On Maui's eastern edge near the town of Hana, Hamoa Beach is a curve of fine gray sand backed by steep, jungle-draped cliffs. James Michener famously called it the most beautiful beach in the South Pacific. Visit on a return trip when you have time to overnight in Hana and the morning to yourself. Hookipa is not for casual swimming. It is one of the world's premier windsurfing and surfing breaks, and a regular afternoon stop for green sea turtles to rest on the sand. Pull off at the lookout to watch the action from the cliff above. For more options, including secluded coves and quiet escapes, see our guide to Some of the most memorable things to do in Maui Hawaii are at their best in shoulder seasons or specific weather windows. Owning your time on the island, rather than racing the calendar of a one-week trip, is the difference between a single attempt and the perfect day. Molokini, a crescent-shaped volcanic islet about three miles off the south coast, protects a marine conservation area with hundreds of species of fish, eight kinds of coral, and frequent green sea turtle sightings. Charter boats leave early from Maalaea Harbor; calmer water before the trade winds pick up makes morning trips noticeably better. Between January and March, you can often hear humpback whales singing while you snorkel. The Road to Hana covers 50 miles, more than 600 turns and 59 one-lane bridges. First-timers spend the day racing waterfalls, fruit stands and overlooks. Repeat visitors go slower, stay overnight in Hana, and use the second day to reach Pipiwai Trail, the bamboo forest, and Oheo Gulch in Kīpahulu. Going clockwise versus counterclockwise also changes the feel of the drive completely. Humpback whales migrate to Hawaii to breed and birth calves, with peak sightings between mid-January and March. Charters out of Lahaina Harbor and Maalaea Harbor get you close, but the south and west shores also offer excellent shore-based viewing. A lanai with a wide ocean view becomes the most relaxed whale-watching seat on the island. Golf on Maui blends ocean views with serious course design. Maui's food scene goes far past the famous-name restaurants. The best things to do in Maui for repeat visitors often involve learning the rhythm of farmers markets, food trucks, plate-lunch spots and chef-driven restaurants tucked into the upcountry. Still the island's most famous restaurant, Peter Merriman is a founder of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, and his oceanfront perch at Kapalua delivers some of the best sunset dining on the island. Locally sourced fish, ranch beef, and produce from upcountry farms anchor a menu that rewards repeat visits as the seasons change. Kula and Makawao's farms grow much of what fills Maui's best menus. Make time for Kula Bistro, Hali'imaile General Store and a stop at Surfing Goat Dairy on the way up. The Saturday morning Upcountry Farmers Market in Pukalani is the closest thing to a weekly anchor for residents. Geste Shrimp Truck near Kahului Harbor, Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop in Olowalu, Tin Roof in Kahului, and Aloha Mixed Plate near west Maui round out a good rotating list. Plate lunches and shaved ice are fixtures of island life, especially on long beach days. For a deeper dive on dining with a view, see our guide to The right base on Maui depends on your routine. For repeat travelers and second-home owners, three west and south coast hubs offer the easiest balance of beaches, dining, golf and outdoor access. Wailea's flat coastal walkway, gentle beaches and concentration of restaurants make it the easiest base for travelers who want to wake up and walk to the water. It is also the closest hub to Big Beach, snorkeling at Ahihi-Kinau, and morning Molokini charters. West Maui delivers championship golf, classic snorkel coves and some of the island's most reliable sunsets. Kapalua sits at the northern tip with cooler trades and quieter beaches; Kaanapali to the south is closer to dining and resort amenities. If your version of Maui leans toward farms, hikes and sweater-weather mornings, the upcountry offers a different pace. It is the longest drive to the beach but the closest base to Haleakalā sunrise and the upcountry food scene. If your things to do in Maui list keeps growing, the case for owning a home on the island grows with it. Pacaso allows buyers to purchase a share (1/8 to 1/2) of a fully managed luxury home through a property-specific LLC, giving them a true real estate asset for a fraction of the cost. You get the upside of true ownership without the operational weight of a full second home. To see how it stacks up against the alternatives, Each Pacaso home is professionally designed with luxury furnishings, a stocked kitchen and Pacaso Essentials in place when you arrive. A dedicated home management team handles maintenance, cleaning and repairs, while the Beyond Maui, Pacaso offers

For Americans approaching or entering retirement, Europe keeps rising to the top of the shortlist. The reasons are consistent: world-class healthcare systems, walkable cities built around slow living, cultural depth that takes years to absorb, and an overall pace of life that prioritizes time over productivity. Europe is also one of the few global regions where you can own a second home and use it as a genuine retirement base without giving up US citizenship or permanently relocating. Many retirees maintain a US home and spend three to six months a year in Europe, rotating between destinations or building a routine around one city they love. The challenge has historically been access. This guide focuses on destinations where Pacaso has homes and local expertise: Paris rewards long stays in ways that short visits don't reveal. The rhythm of the city, from morning markets and neighborhood cafés to afternoon walks along the Seine and evenings at a brasserie, is exactly the kind of daily life retirees describe when they imagine Europe at its best. The city has world-class opera, theater, and museums, but also the quieter pleasures of a deeply residential neighborhood like Saint-Germain-des-Prés or the 7th arrondissement. English is widely spoken in Paris, particularly in the international neighborhoods where most expat buyers purchase. The expat community is large and well-organized, with social clubs, English-language bookshops, American cultural associations, and healthcare providers experienced with international patients. Paris is also a travel hub. From Gare du Nord, London is two and a half hours by Eurostar. Amsterdam, Brussels, and the French Alps are all within a few hours by train. A home in Paris becomes a base for the entire continent. For a deeper look at Paris neighborhoods, including which arrondissements are best suited to a second home lifestyle, see our guide to the Paris has a temperate oceanic climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and pleasant, typically in the mid-70s°F, with long daylight hours. Spring and autumn are the most celebrated seasons with mild temperatures, beautiful light, and fewer tourists than the summer peak. Winters are cold and grey but rarely severe, with temperatures staying mostly above freezing. Retirees who prefer to avoid the coldest months often use Paris as a spring-through-autumn base and travel south or back to the US in winter. France's healthcare system is consistently ranked among the world's best. The public system (Assurance Maladie) covers the majority of medical costs for legal residents. Long-term expats who establish residency can access it directly; those on shorter stays typically supplement with international private health insurance. Paris has numerous hospitals with English-speaking staff and a well-established network of private clinics popular with international patients. The American Hospital of Paris in Neuilly-sur-Seine is a trusted resource for American retirees specifically. Paris is one of Europe's most expensive property markets. Central arrondissements like the 6th, 7th, and 8th regularly trade above €15,000 per square meter. A well-positioned two-bedroom apartment in a desirable neighborhood can easily reach €1.5M to €3M or more. Add notaire fees (typically 7–8% on resale properties) and ongoing costs including the taxe foncière and building charges, and whole ownership in Paris requires significant capital and long-term commitment. London is the easiest European city for English-speaking retirees to settle into. There is no language barrier, the legal system is familiar, the banking infrastructure is sophisticated, and the cultural calendar (i.e. theater, museums, galleries, live music, sport) is unmatched anywhere in the world. The city's neighborhoods each have a distinct character: Mayfair and Knightsbridge offer refined, walkable luxury; Chelsea has a polished village feel with riverside access; Notting Hill brings color and independent boutiques. The NHS provides healthcare to all legal UK residents, and London has some of the world's leading specialist hospitals. For retirees who want to be close to extended family in the US or Canada, London's transatlantic air connections are exceptional; Heathrow is one of the busiest international hubs on earth. Post-Brexit, Americans and non-EU nationals visit the UK on a standard visitor visa for up to six months at a time. For those wanting longer-term residency, the UK offers several pathways, including the Innovator Founder Visa and various investment-linked routes. A qualified immigration advisor can map the right option based on individual circumstances. London's climate is mild and famously damp. Winters are grey and cool but rarely cold enough for sustained frost. Summers are warm without being hot; July averages around 73°F. The long summer evenings are a genuine pleasure, with daylight stretching past 9pm in June. Retirees who find the grey winters challenging often use London as a spring-through-autumn base, which works well given the Schengen and US travel patterns most American retirees already have. The National Health Service covers GP visits, hospital care, and specialist treatment for legal residents at no direct cost. Private healthcare is also widely available and commonly used by international buyers who want faster appointments or specialist access. London has world-class private hospitals including the Portland Hospital, the London Clinic, and numerous Harley Street practices. International private health insurance is straightforward to obtain and provides flexibility across both the NHS and private systems. Tuscany delivers the version of Italian life that most retirees imagine when they think about Europe: rolling hills lined with cypress trees, medieval hilltowns with no traffic and no noise, markets selling produce picked that morning, and a food culture that treats every meal as an event worth slowing down for. Florence sits at the center of the region, one of the world's great art cities, compact enough to navigate on foot, with international flights from Florence Airport and a high-speed rail connection to Rome and Milan. The English-speaking expat community in Tuscany is large and well-established, particularly around Florence, Chianti, and the Siena hills. American and British retirees have been buying in the region for decades, which means there is a mature support infrastructure: English-speaking lawyers, accountants familiar with US tax obligations, local doctors with international patient experience, and community networks for new arrivals. Tuscany has a classic Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, occasionally wet winters. Summer temperatures in Florence regularly reach the low-to-mid 90s°F, which can be intense in the city. Many owners prefer the hilltown properties that catch the breeze. Spring and autumn are exceptional: comfortable temperatures, brilliant light, and the rhythm of harvest and planting that shapes the local calendar. Winter is mild by northern European standards, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing outside of the mountains. Italy's public healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) is accessible to legal residents and provides broad coverage. Florence has excellent hospitals, including the Careggi University Hospital, one of Italy's largest academic medical centers. Private healthcare is widely used by expats for shorter wait times and English-speaking practitioners. International private health insurance is strongly recommended for retirees who are not yet Italian residents, and is straightforward to obtain through major international providers. Tuscany offers meaningful value compared to Paris or London. A restored farmhouse or luxury apartment in the Florentine hills can range from €500K to well over €3M depending on location, size, and condition. Purchasing as a foreign buyer involves a notaio (notary) for the legal transfer, registration taxes, and ongoing costs including IMU (property tax) and condominium fees where applicable. Managing a Tuscan property remotely, from finding trusted vendors to handling maintenance and keeping the home staffed, is the real friction point for most international buyers. Pacaso's Tuscany portfolio removes that friction. Homes in Florence and the surrounding hills are fully managed, professionally designed, and equipped with a dedicated local team. Owners purchase a share and let Pacaso handle the rest. Browse The right European destination depends on how you want to spend your time, how much management complexity you're comfortable taking on, and what climate and lifestyle you're drawn to. Here is a quick comparison across the destinations covered in this guide: The gap between wanting to retire in Europe and actually doing it is usually one of two things: cost or complexity. Whole ownership of a luxury home in Paris, London, or Tuscany requires not just significant capital upfront, but the willingness to manage a property across time zones, languages, and legal systems. Most retirees want to use a European home for two to twelve weeks at a time, not maintain one as a full-time responsibility. Pacaso was built to solve both problems. Buyers purchase a share (1/8 to 1/2) of a luxury, fully managed home held through a dedicated LLC, securing a genuine real estate asset without the full price tag. Each home has a maximum of eight owners, so there is genuine personal access and For European homes specifically, Pacaso provides: For retirees considering Europe seriously, co-ownership removes the barriers that have historically kept international second home ownership out of reach. Read the full guide to The retirement you've been imagining doesn't require buying an entire Parisian apartment or a Tuscan farmhouse outright. It requires finding the right home, in the right destination, structured the right way.

Los Cabos sits at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula and includes Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and the scenic stretch between them known as The Corridor. Framed by the Sea of Cortez on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, the region packs an enormous range of experiences into a compact, easily navigable area. Often referred to simply as "Cabo," Cabo San Lucas is the heart of the action. This is where you'll find the lively marina, iconic landmarks like El Arco, and many of the most popular things to do in Cabo. Days here are spent sailing, lounging at beach clubs, or soaking up the sun on Medano Beach, while nights come alive with restaurants, bars, and sunset cocktails overlooking the water. It's the most energetic and activity-filled area of Los Cabos, making it a favorite for first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be close to it all. For a more relaxed, culture-forward experience, San José del Cabo offers a slower pace and a deeper connection to local history and art. The cobblestone streets and charming plazas of Old Town are ideal for leisurely strolls, and a thriving gallery scene adds depth to the town's laid-back atmosphere. Boutique shopping, farm-to-table dining, and weekly Art Walks give this area a distinctly refined, authentic feel that’s perfect for those who want to experience Mexico beyond the resort bubble. Stretching between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, The Corridor is known for its sense of privacy and exclusivity. Luxury resorts, championship golf courses, and some of the region's most pristine beaches line this stretch of coastline, offering a more secluded take on Cabo living. It's the ideal base for those who want space to unwind without sacrificing access to either town. No guide to the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas would be complete without covering its beaches. The coastline is Cabo’s defining feature, and each beach has its own character. For a deeper dive, see Some of the most fun things to do in Cabo San Lucas happen on the water. With the Sea of Cortez on one side and the Pacific on the other, the region is a playground for water sports and ocean adventures of every kind. Beyond the water, Los Cabos is an adventure playground of desert terrain, canyons, and mountain trails. These are some of the most fun and unique things to do in Cabo San Lucas for those who want to explore inland. Los Cabos is one of the most popular romantic destinations in Mexico, and for good reason. A few standout romantic things to do in Cabo San Lucas for couples include: Cabo is an excellent destination for families, with activities that keep kids and adults equally engaged. Some of the best family things to do in Cabo San Lucas include: Cabo's culinary scene has grown significantly over the past decade, moving well beyond resort buffets and spring break bar food. From farm-to-table restaurants in San José del Cabo to cliff-side fine dining in Cabo San Lucas, the region now offers some of the most compelling dining in Mexico. A few standout spots: For tequila lovers, the Cabo San Lucas has one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in Mexico, concentrated along the marina and downtown area. Most venues don't get going until 10 p.m., so pace yourself if you're planning a late night. A few standouts: Cabo has more cultural depth than its resort reputation suggests, with most of it concentrated in San José del Cabo, which rewards visitors who make the effort to explore beyond the marina. Los Cabos is as good a destination for rest and renewal as it is for adventure. The combination of year-round sunshine, natural landscapes, and world-class resort infrastructure makes it one of the better wellness destinations in Mexico. With so many unforgettable things to do in Cabo San Lucas, it's no surprise that many visitors start imagining what it would feel like to return not just once, but every year, or several times a year. From mornings on the water and afternoons on the golf course to evenings watching the sun set from a private terrace, Los Cabos offers a lifestyle that's genuinely easy to fall into. For those who want to make that lifestyle a reality, Pacaso allows buyers to purchase a share (1/8 to 1/2) of a For timing your visits, see Pacaso's guide to