Lifestyle - Expat News

Lifestyle - Expat Magazine

Does being an expat really make you cooler?

You vividly recall the day you announced your big news: you were moving abroad for an incredible adventure. You can still see the astonishment, the envious glances, and mixed heartfelt and obligatory congratulations. "You're so lucky!" your friends and family often exclaim, almost excessively, making you feel as if you truly possess something special. You're an expatriate. But what do people think when they elevate an expat to such heights? Between dreams, misconceptions, and realities, does being an expat make you cooler?

New year, new you: Essential wellness tips for expats in 2025

Instead of setting lofty resolutions that often fall by the wayside, begin the year with a focus on self-care. What's the best way to navigate expatriation or improve your expat life in 2025? Consider these health and wellness tips to start off on the right foot.

Year-end rituals for expats: Reflections and forward planning

The holiday season offers more than just the chance to unwrap gifts and enjoy festive treats—it's a crucial time for expatriates to pause and reflect on their journey far from home. Amid the celebrations, this period can be transformed into a meaningful personal development ritual. Let's explore how to make the most of this festive season for growth and reflection.

Expatriates reflect on 2024 and anticipate 2025

As 2024 draws to a close, it has been a year filled with new discoveries, challenges, and unique adventures for expatriates globally. Adapting to different cultures, establishing new routines, and experiencing both doubts and joys, each journey of expatriation stands alone. We have captured the voices of those who opted to live abroad.

How to overcome seasonal affective disorders as an expat

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is often called "seasonal depression" – and sometimes more lightheartedly – "winter blues". Whichever the name we go with though, SAD can be a real problem. It can make you feel like you are upset for no particular reason, have no energy for anything, and cause a variety of other disruptions in your life. For expats, SAD gets even more complicated – as you are probably already dealing with a rollercoaster of emotions that comes with living abroad. So, how do we deal with it?

Expatriates as content creators: How living abroad fuels creativity

Over the past 15 years, social media's expansion has birthed numerous new professions, notably content creators. These creators are a fixture across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Many have professionalized their content creation, becoming influencers for top brands or sharing their expertise. Others engage in content creation as a hobby, driven by passion and inspired by daily experiences.

Why expats struggle to feel at home in their host countries

Have you ever felt that no matter how hard you try, you just can't integrate into the new culture? And even after living in the country for a long time, learning the culture, and speaking the language, do you still feel like an outsider? Unfortunately, this feeling is not uncommon among expats. But where does it come from? And why?

Global eating habits that surprise expatriates

Food habits in a new country can be fascinating and sometimes challenging for expatriates. It's often the aspect of home that people miss the most when they move abroad. What are the surprises awaiting expatriates in terms of "exotic" dishes and local dining etiquette?

From hustle to calm: Adapting to a slower pace of life abroad

In today's interconnected world, understanding the varying rhythms of life across countries is crucial, especially if you're considering moving abroad. Some nations are celebrated for their laid-back lifestyles, while others are famous for their fast-paced environments.

What you risk by consuming drugs and alcohol overseas

As the crackdown on drug trafficking ramps up, what steps are states taking to control drugs and alcohol? Since these substances are regulated differently, let's dive into how different places are handling them.

Avoid these common faux pas to make friends successfully abroad

Montaigne viewed friendship as a profound union where "souls unite and merge so fully that the seam that once joined them vanishes." Although expats might not seek such intense bonds, forming lasting friendships, especially with locals, can deeply enhance the experience of living abroad. Yet, forging these connections can be challenging. Unseen cultural norms can complicate matters, although making friends doesn't typically demand strict etiquette. Still, what are the faux pas that should be avoided?

How to stay safe when retiring overseas

An increasing number of individuals are opting to retire abroad, drawn by lower living costs, favorable weather, and a change of pace. However, as they age and become more vulnerable, this dream retirement can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges. A recent testimony highlights the risks involved and underscores the need for careful planning.

Petsitting and homesitting for expats: Here's how it works

Housesitting and petsitting have become popular solutions for expats looking to address three common travel challenges: saving money, securing their homes, and caring for their pets. But how do you find the best deals during holiday seasons, and how can you ensure that the person you're entrusting your home and pets to is reliable? Here are some useful tips to guide you.

How to handle menopause while living overseas

Menopause is a natural part of a woman's life, but it is often met with silence and discomfort in many cultures. For expat women, the challenge of navigating menopause can be compounded by the absence of familiar resources and support systems. This can make dealing with the physical and emotional changes even more difficult. What are effective ways to approach this issue?

Where are expats moving to in 2025?

We're already seeing distinct trends in where expats choose to relocate in 2025. To better understand the driving forces behind these choices, we'll look at how elements such as hospitality, culture, economic stability, and legal environments are influencing decisions for both current and potential expats. What key developments in these countries are impacting expatriate preferences? Join us as we explore the dynamics shaping the global mobility landscape.

Holiday season for expats: How to feel closer to home while overseas

The holiday season is widely celebrated as a magical time for sharing and togetherness. Yet, for expatriates, this period stirs a mix of emotions: joy, nostalgia, and a longing for distant loved ones. When you're far from home, the pull of familiar traditions and faces feels especially strong. Here are some strategies to help you embrace the festive spirit, no matter how many miles away you might be.

Barbara Boyle: A journey from advertising in the US to the Italian countryside

Meet Barbara Boyle, a former Creative Director and writer who has worked with global brands and lived in major cities worldwide. Now retired in a 300-year-old farmhouse in Piemonte, Italy, Barbara shares her journey from the fast-paced world of advertising to a serene life amidst vineyards and orchards, and discusses her latest writings on her life in Italy.

How to become a digital nomad with children in tow

The rise of digital nomadism is accelerating as remote work becomes more prevalent. A recent survey revealed that nearly 10% of workers in the United States now identify as digital nomads. While the typical image of a digital nomad is a young, single person in their thirties traveling from one country to another, it's also a viable option for families. However, adopting this lifestyle as a family presents unique challenges. Let's explore these in detail.