It’s only mid-August yet in the UK, half of homes have reportedly got the heating switched on already. If you’re getting an early case of the post-Summer blues and are thinking yet again about buying a holiday home abroad, we’d like to give you a little nudge…
Of all those people who dream about extended holidays and what it would be like living somewhere new, few of us actually make it happen. Living abroad – or just owning a home abroad – can have immense benefits, so if you’ve been thinking of taking the next step, here are six reasons why you should make it happen this year.
Over 1,000 expats living abroad found that people living abroad were healthier, happier and wealthier than their counterparts who had not lived overseas.
1. You only live once
You hear it all the time, “you only live once”, but so many people who talk about moving abroad never get around to doing it. Which lifetime exactly do they intend to do it in? They find themselves falling into the same routine, never feeling like the time is quite right and wondering how other people make it happen. Does this sound like you? The decision to move abroad starts with a commitment to making it happen and then prioritizing. Make a plan and commit to it. You could start by downloading our Emigration Guide. It’s free, so just click here.
2. The world Is interconnected
Moving abroad is easier than it has ever been due to the interconnectivity of the world. High speed internet has made communicating with family and loved ones from around the world easier than ever. Low cost airlines and improved airline technology has made long-distance travel cheaper and more comfortable. Watching your favourite sports programmes, indulging in your favourite treats and enjoying your favourite hobbies can now be done anywhere in the world.
If you’re worried about how you’ll pay for it all, the simplest option is to rent your own house out and then get currency and payment specialist Smart Currency Exchange to transfer the money to you abroad. It’s really very simple and with rentals generally much cheaper abroad, the difference could mean you don’t even have to work!
The never-ending holiday!
3. It’s good for your health
Not only is living abroad full of exciting new adventure it is also good for your health. An online poll of over 1,000 expats living abroad found that people living abroad were healthier, happier and wealthier than their counterparts who had not lived overseas. Whether it’s the new experiences that keep you young, or the laid-back atmosphere of feeling like being on an eternal holiday, living abroad is good for your health.
4. You’ll regret it if you don’t
We’d hate you to regret it if you don’t experience living abroad at some point in your life. If it’s something you’ve been thinking about for a while, you’ll regret not scratching that itch! Moving abroad doesn’t mean selling off everything and buying a one-way ticket. You could just spend a few months living in a different country and see how it goes. Whatever sounds the most safe and appealing option to you, make it happen!
If you’re making the move, you should speak to a currency and payments specialist about how to get money sent to you wherever you are in the world. We recommend Smart, ranked highest on Trustpilot for money transfer and currency exchange.
5. Get out of your comfort zone
Those with the courage to step out of their comfort zone reap the biggest rewards in life. It’s easy and comfortable to live by the status quo, but if you want to be the best version of yourself you can be, stepping out of your comfort zone is a must. There’s nothing that puts a person out of their comfort zone more than moving their life to a completely different part of the world. New people, new settings and in some instances, new languages will expand your horizons in immensely powerful ways.
6. Expand your work network and experience
Have you ever asked your boss if he or she would like to open a branch abroad? We bet you haven’t. If you care about your career, relocating somewhere new can be instrumental in growing your network and picking up invaluable industry and cross-cultural experience. Those working for large companies will receive important insights and create vital connections. Entrepreneurs and business owners will be shown new opportunities and discover people, products and places that could potentially transform their business and launch new ideas.
Whether moving abroad solo, with family, for career or as a retiree, there are many great reasons to go for it. So many people play it safe and never take the first step to start a rewarding life overseas. Don’t be one of them.