Owning a vacation home can be a great way to afford vacations while putting off more than half the cost of taking one. Owning a vacation home in another country, however, can change your life for the better. Not only is it a constant escape from one country to another (the obvious reason) but it opens up a whole new world of investment opportunities if that's something a potential homeowner is interested in.

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But we're not a real estate site - so statistics aside, let's get down to what we're really after: where can a person find a vacation home that's affordable, vacation-worthy, and beneficial in the future? Surprisingly, there are plenty of locations that an international homeowner could consider, but not all of them are as equally as easy to get loans in or to dabble in real estate. If it's something you're considering, though, these are the best places to start looking, according to data by Real Estate Agent and Investopedia.

Aruba

One of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean is Aruba, and, yes, it is one of the best places to search for a vacation home as of 2021. This is great news considering how versatile a person's Aruba itinerary can be, whether they choose to spend the entire day soaking up rays on the beach or opt for a more adventurous, active routine that involves water sports or sandy recreation.

There aren't many limits to the number of island-worthy activities that can be done here and each day brings with it new and exciting things to explore and experience. From the food to the culture, there's not much to dislike about Aruba - including its low real estate prices. Houses can be found relatively easy and flexible to most budgets, ranging in price from a starting number of $60,000 to $250,000, according to Real Estate Agent. Since Aruba is a consistent Caribbean getaway for most people, there's a very slim chance that any investment will lose its value.

Italy

Specifically, the city of Palermo. Anyone who has been to Sicily knows that the allure behind it is completely authentic, with its perfectly carved cliffsides and charming culture, with a history that predates many others in the region. Palermo is enchanting in every way from its seasonally warm temperatures all year-round to its coastal vibes, with beaches that are perfect any time of the year.

Palermo's countryside is known for its vineyards and there's plenty to do in its cities, as well, meaning there will never be a boring day for those vacationing there. Having a home on this island will allow travelers to experience Italy in a new way entirely, as they'll be part of a wonderful community with access to everything there is to love about this Italian island. Palermo is a hefty investment, though - it's not nearly as affordable as other islands and while the cost of living there is high, it's an investment that will probably pay for itself over time.

Norway

Not everyone is looking for a tropical getaway or an exotic island in the sun. However, that's not to say that Norway doesn't see the sun! Some travelers are enchanted by ancient fjords and majestic mountain views and if that's the case, then Norway, specifically Bergen, is the place to look. As one of the most scenic destinations in Norway, there's no beating these brightly-colored houses that border the edges of each glacial waterway.

Having that 'small town' feel takes on a new meaning in Norway - not only are its towns small enough for everyone to know their neighbors, but this country truly knows the meaning of community. There's plenty to do for the active lifestyle, as well, as Norway is a beautiful place to explore. Real estate isn't what many people expect there, though, and the median price for a house is roughly $280,000, according to Real Estate Agent, which is not much different than finding a house in many states across the U.S.

Croatia

Croatia is known for its old-world charm and stunning seaside architecture, much of which is carved into various towns along its cliffsides. Everything about this country, from its food to its culture, is loved by all who visit. The crystal-clear aquamarine waters that surround the country don't hurt its reputation, either, and it's the perfect place for those who can't bear to be away from the seaside.

There are many cities in this breathtaking country to consider buying real estate in but interested homebuyers should know that prices vary drastically. The minimum price for a house in Croatia is around $150,000, which might fit into some budgets well, but prices can go well into the range of one and two million, depending on the location and home features.

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