From Vacationer To Resident: How A Memorable Trip Sparked A Life-Changing Decision

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From Vacationer To Resident: How A Memorable Trip Sparked A Life-Changing Decision

At some point in life, every traveler has looked around them and said those magic, if cliched words: “You know what? I could totally live here…” We’ve all experienced those magical vacations when we wished we could just stay a bit longer, or even never leave at all. But at the end of the week, cold, hard reality bites, and we return home to normal, everyday life.

But what if it wasn’t like that? What if we could be inspired by the places we visit to try something new, something lifechanging?

Vacations can be the catalyst for life-changing decisions – I should know, it was like that for me – and if we approach the world with an open mind the possibilities are endless.

Let me share a few personal anecdotes and examples of people who have taken their travel plans and ran with them. Maybe you’ll be inspired to move to that Caribbean island after your weekend cruise or extend your weekend break to a European city into something longer!

Finding the Spark in Florence

My life changed when I visited Florence, in Italy. I remember the moment everything fell into place. I had spent almost a week in this amazing Renaissance city, stuffing my face with food and my soul with art. But I was reconciled to heading home when one morning, a day or so before my flight home, I was standing in the piazza in front of the stunning Cathedral, when the sun caught the rust-red dome at a certain point, and I caught myself thinking: “I wonder what it would be like to actually live here?”

That thought stuck with me, and once I’d returned home I couldn’t get it out of my mind. It turned out to be the catalyst for a decision I took a few short months later, to move to Italy, learn the language, and immerse myself in the art and culture of that amazing country. And it was just that one moment, hitting me in a reflective mood, that made it all happen. It just goes to show that if you are open to new experiences, great things can happen!

An Escape to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the most amazing destinations around. It’s lush rainforests, pristine beaches, remarkable biodiversity, and warm, friendly people make it a truly stunning place to visit. But it has a magnetic pull beyond just being a spot for a tropical getaway. When I was backpacking around Latin America I met a woman named Sarah, an American who had been living in the small town of Monteverde for over 10 years! She had arrived in the country on a two-week vacation after quitting her 9-to-5, and found herself charmed by the laid-back charms of Costa Rica, summed up by its unofficial motto, pura vida.

Of course, Sarah was in just the right frame of mind. She’d just left a job she hated, and was looking for something new. But it took bravery and courage to take the leap, trading in a corporate office and a 401k for beachside cafe and a life as a digital nomad. Her short trip ended up defining her life, and brought her a sense of peace and fulfilment she’d never felt back home.

From Honeymoon to Homestead in Bali

It’s not just vacations that lead to huge life changes. John and Emily, a couple from the UK, first visited Bali for their honeymoon. They fell in love almost immediately, and revisited the island almost every year for the next 5 years, making friends and building a community. Finally, unable to get the lush rice terraces, sumptuous temples, and unique spirituality of Ubud out of their minds, they packed up and moved, finding a small piece of land where they built their dream home! A honeymoon turned into a lifelong adventure, an incredible demonstration of the power of a memorable trip.

Overcoming the Fear

Making the move abroad is a big decision, and one that comes with understandable fears and doubts. But it is also an amazing experience, and as the stories above illustrate, a great vacation can be the catalyst to a beautiful, life-changing decision!

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.