Starting a new life abroad is undoubtedly one of the most exciting chapters in a person’s life. During this time, you’ll get to immerse yourself in a new environment, make lifelong friends, and potentially learn a new language. You may feel slightly homesick at times, and it may take a while for you to settle in, but all in all, it’s an experience that you should revel in.
However, if you really want to make the most of this fresh start, it’s very important that you pick a place you know you will love. Before you invest all your time and efforts into moving across the world, it’s always a good idea to spend a few weeks visiting the place to see if it’s a good fit for your lifestyle.
If you’re still undecided about the location, this is the article for you. In this blog, we will explore five of the best countries to start a new life abroad. Hopefully, this guide will inspire you to find the perfect match. Keep reading to find out what they are.
New Zealand
New Zeleand has some of the most stunning scenery in the entire world. Lush lakes, dramatic mountain ranges, and copious amounts of nature activities make this country a perfect place for people that love the outdoors. In fact, national reserves take up a whopping 30% of the country.
As a community, the people of New Zealand are very friendly and warm, so you won’t take too long to fit in. Plus, crime rates in the country are very low, which makes it a great place to raise a family.
Popular cities in New Zealand: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.
Spain
One of the most popular destinations in Europe for people wanting to move abroad is Spain. This country has a fantastic culinary scene and plenty of cultural events that you can get involved in.
In some areas of the country, there are more than 300 days of sunshine a year, so you’ll always be able to go outside for a pleasant stroll. Plus, if you enjoy meeting others from different parts of the world, you’ll be able to interact with many other expats.
Popular cities in Spain: Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, and Seville.
Mexico
Mexico is a warm and inviting country full of diverse landscapes and customs. Bear in mind that there are 32 different states in the country; each and every one is vastly different and therefore, you’ll never get bored exploring every inch of the country.
If you love Mexican cuisine, you’ll be delighted to try all the different restaurants and street food vendors this country has to offer. There are also lots of historical sites and museums you can visit. However, we do recommend you invest in health insurance abroad as it can be tricky to navigate the public health system.
Popular cities in Mexico: Mexico City, Oaxaca Juarez, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta.
Costa Rica
Another popular destination for beach lovers and adventure seekers is Costa Rica. This country is home to over 500,000 species of wildlife, so be prepared to see some incredible fauna. They also have around 200 volcanic formations, long sandy beaches, and beautiful rainforests.
Aside from the vast biodiversity and astonishing national parks, Costa Rica is a very peaceful nation. It’s one of the most politically stable countries in the region making it a fantastic place to move to.
Popular cities in Costa Rica: San Jose, Tamarindo, Atenas, and Cartago.
The Netherlands
If you’re looking for a progressive European country that’s small enough to get around but busy enough that you’ll never get bored, look no further than The Netherlands. Although it’s one of the most densely populated countries in Europe, you would never guess by how smoothly everything functions.
It’s a fantastic place for people looking to enter the job market and take advantage of new opportunities. Plus, if you love to cycle, you will have picked the right place. Since the country is very flat, almost everyone cycles. In total, the 17 million residents own around 22.5 million bikes – that’s around 1.3 bikes per citizen!
Popular cities in The Netherlands: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utetch, Den Haguge.
If you have always dreamed of living abroad, bear in mind that it’s never too late or too early to make the move. There is much more to see and experience than your hometown, and you can always return in a few years if you feel like you miss the place you grew up in.
Before you decide to pack up and go, remember to do as much research and planning as possible, as this will make the transition to a new lifestyle all the easier. Last but not least, remember to have fun every step of the way.