The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: January fifth, previewing retiring destinations.

Statistics show one American in ten re- locates after retirement, many overseas. As millions of baby boomers enter the age of AARP, smart travelers use their vacations to preview retirement prospects.

This generation may be the best-traveled ever. They find sandy beaches, mountain peaks and great golf courses to be very tempting. But before deciding on a place to focus retirement dreams, understand the differences between occasional visits and living there year round.

One way to start looking is with a list of factors that will be important to you, both in the place you retire and the life you lead there. Apart from climate and recreational opportunities, consider practical factors, from the cost of living to the availability of health care. Many folks value having good neighbors, friends and relatives nearby, as well as a major city and airport.

With your list in hand, identify some realistic possibilities. It may be a favorite vacation spot or a place near friends or family. Libraries of books and magazines offer retirement advice, as well as on-line resources. One book "The World's Top Retirement Havens" from John Muir Publications provides a good overview to 15 popular counties. Local chambers of commerce are always happy to send brochures.

In any case, plan to visit a place at least four times before making any decision. But see it in all seasons, not just when most folks are there. A final tip: consider renting before you buy. It's always hard to know what situation or neighborhood will be right for you in the long term until you've had a chance to live there a while.

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