Some of us have an insatiable wanderlust that leads us to travel all around the world seeking purpose, entertainment, or just a mere change of scenery.
Many of us dream of staying instead of returning home. Often the place we have chosen for a holiday is such a wonderful place we just cannot face returning to our old lives and instead we want to create a new home wherever we’ve gone to. It could be for the difference in climate, culture, or just a fresh start in a new country, but some of us decide not to go back.
Think this might be you? Before you settle down for good, there’s of course a few things you need to have in mind:
Can you support yourself in this new location?
Despite the lofty ideals you might have when first imagining your life in this new place, you should make sure that it’s actually feasible for you to live there long term. Reality sets in once the bills come in and you realize you’ll have to pay for electricity, water, and of course grocery bills.
The best places to relocate are those where you won’t have to struggle just to get by. So take a look at your savings account and the job opportunities in the area, if it’s just a matter of attrition before you need to pack your bags and return to your homeland, then it probably isn’t the place for you.
Check the visa requirements
It would be nice if we could just get on a plane, buy property, and start a new life without any red tape, wouldn’t it? Unfortunately, all countries have varying visa laws and even more as to who they give them out to. If you want to live there full time throughout the year, you’ll want to make sure that there’s a visa available that will let you do so.
In fact, some countries don’t even let people purchase property and begin settling unless they have begun a proper immigration process. Depending on what country you’re relocating in and what country you’re from, this will provide a few challenges.
Luckily, with the internet at your disposal, you won’t have to go to embassies or government offices to try and figure out exactly what’s available to you. Google everything you can about the relocation process and see if you are eligible for a long term visa. If you are, congratulations! If not, it’s back to the drawing board.
Relocating yourself can be like taking a weight off your chest and allowing yourself to enjoy life anew. Some people just aren’t built for the place they were born in, and that’s alright. There will be some growing pains as you become accustomed to your new home, but this is part of the journey and in the end will be more rewarding than anything else. May your feet take you where you need to go, traveler.
