Exploring How To Move Abroad: 6 Options

So you’re not sure how to move abroad as there’s so many ways to do it.  Should I pick one country to live in?  Could I live 6 months in London and 6 months abroad?  Should I test out 10 different countries first before deciding where to call home?  It can be overwhelming to think about all the choices.  We thought about all the above and more before settling on our final decision to be a Digital Nomad family living in 14 countries for 3.5 years before officially calling Mexico home. So let’s delve into some of the most popular ways of living abroad.  

1. Retiring Abroad

I think when most people think of moving abroad they tend to wait until retirement.  It can be a golden opportunity to embrace a new adventure when you have your new found freedom no longer needing to clock into the office and be on someone else’s time.  Many retirees choose to relocate to countries with lower costs of living, favourable climates, and vibrant expat communities.

Pros:

• No need to create an income to live abroad
• Lower cost of living
• Improved quality of life
• Access to affordable healthcare

Cons:

• You have to wait until retirement age or have enough funds to live off money saved
• Potential challenges with healthcare systems
• Assumes that you will live long enough/be healthy enough to enjoy a life abroad

The Ideal Retiree Abroad

Who: New retirees seeking a lower cost of living, better weather, or a higher quality of life.  Also younger people who may have created a consistent income large enough to live off the rest of their lives.

Why: This option is suitable for those who are financially secure, have the time and energy to travel, and are open to new experiences. It’s ideal for people who want to enjoy their retirement years to the fullest.

2. The Digital Nomad

The rise of remote work has opened up exciting opportunities for those seeking a location-independent lifestyle. As a digital nomad, you can work from anywhere in the world with a reliable internet connection. This freedom allows you to travel extensively, experience different cultures, and work on your own terms. 

We loved our 3.5 years as digital nomads.  We got to experience so many different cultures and ways of living that we now incorporate into our current lifestyle.  It was he perfect way to test out different countries to see what we like and get real on what we don’t like.  From the 14 countries we lived, it was then easy to pick Mexico as our home base.  

Pros:

• Opportunity to test out living in different countries
• Great way to learn what you do and don’t like about living abroad.
• Ultimate flexibility and freedom
• Potential to earn a high income
• The chance to explore multiple destinations
• Increased cultural exposure

Cons:

• Requires a strong work ethic and self-discipline
• Potential for isolation and loneliness
• Constant travel can be tiring and expensive
• Challenges with maintaining a stable social circle unless intentional in creating community

The Ideal Digital Nomad

Who: Young professionals, tech-savvy individuals, entrepreneurs, or anyone seeking flexibility and freedom.

Why: This lifestyle is perfect for those who can work remotely, value independence, and enjoy travel. It’s suitable for people with a strong work ethic, self-discipline, and a desire for constant change.

3. The Expat/Immigrant

If you’re looking for a more traditional approach to living abroad, becoming an expat (immigrant) might be the right path for you.  I know the terms expat and immigrant can be taboo and bring up a lot of feels, we’ll save that for another post but it’s for you to do your research and determine the term that fits for you. Expatriation/Immigration involves relocating to a specific country for a significant period, often due to financial or family reasons.

Pros:

• Stability and routine
• Opportunities to secure an in-person job
• The chance to build a community and make long-lasting friendships
• Potential for career advancement
• Deep immersion in a new culture

Cons:

• Can be a lengthy and complex process
• Requires adapting to a new culture and way of life
• Potential for homesickness
• Unless working remotely, you likely need to secure a job in advance

The Ideal Expat/Immigrant:

Who: Professionals seeking career advancement, families relocating for work or education, or individuals looking for a stable, long-term experience abroad.

Why: This option is suitable for those who prefer a more traditional lifestyle with a sense of community and routine. It’s ideal for people who are comfortable with cultural adjustments and are willing to immerse themselves in a new culture.

4. The Snowbird

For those seeking a seasonal escape from colder climates, becoming a snowbird offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the sun and warmth during the winter months. Snowbirds typically spend their winters in warmer destinations and return to their home country for the summer.

Pros:

• Enjoyable way to escape harsh winters
• Potential to save money on heating costs
• Opportunity to explore new places and meet new people
• Can be a great way to relax and recharge

Cons:

• Requires flexible working arrangements
• Can be disruptive to your regular routine
• Requires careful planning and coordination
• Potential for homesickness
• Potentially expensive travel and accommodation costs

The Ideal Snowbird

Who: Retirees, semi-retired individuals, or anyone seeking a seasonal escape from harsh winters.

Why: This lifestyle is perfect for those who enjoy warm weather, leisure activities, and a slower pace of life. It’s ideal for people who have the financial means to travel and maintain two residences.

5. The Gap Year or Sabbatical

Taking a gap year or sabbatical is a great way to take a break from your regular life and explore the world. This option is ideal for those who want to travel extensively, volunteer, or simply take some time to reflect and recharge.

Pros:

• Break from the daily grind
• Opportunity to travel and explore new cultures
• Personal growth and development
• You’ll have a job to come back to after your year abroad

Cons:

• Can be challenging to maintain a regular income
• May require careful financial planning
• Can be difficult to reintegrate into your previous life

The Ideal Gap Year or Sabbatical Person

Who: Recent graduates, professionals who have worked long enough to take a sabbatical according to their work contract, or anyone seeking a break from their routine to travel, volunteer, or learn new skills.

Why: This option is suitable for those who are open to new experiences, have a flexible schedule, and are willing to embrace uncertainty. It’s ideal for people who want to gain a new perspective on life and personal growth.  You’ve worked long enough for your company to be able to take time off to recharge.

6. Volunteering Abroad

Give back to the world while immersing yourself in a new culture. Volunteering abroad allows you to contribute to meaningful projects, make a positive impact, and gain invaluable experiences.  

Pros:

• Fulfilling and rewarding experience
• Opportunity to make a difference
• No/little living expenses, accommodation and food are typically included

Cons:

• May involve physical and emotional challenges
• Can be demanding and time-consuming
• Potential for cultural misunderstandings
• May require specific skills or certifications

The Ideal Volunteer Abroad

Who: Individuals with a passion for helping others, recent graduates, or anyone seeking a meaningful experience on a tight budget.  

Why: This lifestyle is perfect for those who want to make a positive impact on the world, learn new skills, and immerse themselves in a different culture. It’s ideal for people who are compassionate, adaptable, and willing to live modestly.

Which Living Abroad Option is Right for You?

The best way to decide which option is right for you is to consider your personal circumstances, goals, and lifestyle preferences. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How long do you want to live abroad?
• Do you want to work remotely or find a traditional job?
• Do you prefer a nomadic lifestyle or a more settled experience?
• What is your budget?
• What are your priorities and values?

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the option that best aligns with your dreams and aspirations.  You may even decide to combine a few of the above options if it suits you better.  The beautiful thing about life is that this is your show, you’re author and the main character.  You get to write the script and then live it.  There’s no right or wrong way to live this life so choose what ever feels right for you.

Embrace the adventure, be open to new experiences, and enjoy the journey!