Expat Travel

expat network

In this section you will find many ideas with which to explore interesting areas and experiences within easy reach of your expat location – when you get some downtime. We haven’t assumed you will be flying out from the UK or the US, but rather setting off from your current overseas location. Enjoy your trip!

Whether you are based in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South America, or the USA there are some must-see experiences not to miss, some of them out-of-the-way. We have produced guides to each of these regions, but in the meantime here’s out Top Ten picks from all these attractions – and obviously these are personal picks!

Top Ten Expat Travel Locations

1. Siem Reap, Cambodia
When the morning light washes over the overgrown temples and ruins of Angkor Wat, a simple Siem Reap sunrise becomes a profound event.

2. Gramado, Brazil
The small Brazilian village of Gramado is a quaint and woodsy respite that boasts some delightful surprises.

3. Goreme, Turkey
A town literally carved into the volcanic rock, Goreme is the gateway to the Goreme National Park, a vast UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses spectacular 10th- and 11th-century cave churches.

4. Marrakech, Morocco
The Travellers’ Choice #1 Destination in the world, Marrakech is a magical place, brimming with markets, gardens, palaces, and mosques.

5. Seminak, Indonesia
Seminyak boasts some of the most glorious beaches in Bali. Be sure to catch the legendary sunsets and enjoy the tranquil beauty, and marvel at Balinese ceremonies on the beach,

6. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is known for great food (you won’t find better grits – ground-corn porridge – on the planet) and colourful history. But why do travellers return year after year?

7. La Oliva, Spain
Nestled in the northern part of the Canary Islands’ Fuerteventura, charming La Oliva features beautiful Spanish architecture, dramatic views, and eclectic nightlife.

8. San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
Nipping at the ankles of the Andes, San Carlos, the largest ski area in South America, also offers thrilling boating, trekking, paragliding and climbing.

9. Franschhoek, South Africa
The village of Franschhoek (French Corner), tucked into the Cape winelands of South Africa, is known as the country’s food and wine capital.

10. Eilat, Israel
Charming Eilat is one of Israel’s most popular resort cities. Nestled at the northern tip of the Red Sea, Eilat’s warm, clear waters are a huge draw for divers, while the reefs of Coral Beach Nature Reserve are perfect for snorkelers.

Explore the expat travel opportunities further in our guides listed by region:

Africa
Asia
Europe
Middle East
South America
USA

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.