If you’re living in the U.S. right now, you might be thinking get me out of here! Traveling the world is an enriching past time, but some of us might think it’s time to pick up our roots and plant them elsewhere. Luckily, travel and relocation experts get it, and they’ve got great advice on how to move to another country.
Even before Trump’s second term, Americans were itching to move abroad. A 2024 survey from Monmouth University found that one in three Americans would leave the U.S. if they could.
Cepee Tabiban, founder of She Hit Refresh, spoke to CNBC about her full-time job helping women over 30 move abroad. Through her work, Tabiban has created a network of more than 15,000 women on Facebook, launched masterclasses, collected resources, and provides ongoing support to clients around the world. According to Tabiban, “there’s never been a better time to make the leap, particularly with the rise of remote work and digital nomad visas.” When picking a place to move to, Tabiban advises you to consider your budget and available visas, but also your relationship to the place. Will you feel at home? Can you picture your life there?
Online companies like Expatsi, founded by Jen Barnett and Brett Andrews, can connect you with expats around the world who provide advice on how to move abroad. “In 2016, we became interested in moving abroad because of the stressful political climate along with the positive aspects,” Barnett told Forbes.
The couple quickly realized they needed to learn a lot more about immigration before they could make the jump. Now, Expatsi helps Americans move abroad with the Expatsi Test, a quiz which helps you determine what countries around the world are best for your needs. The site offers guided relocation tours to help expat-hopefuls better picture daily life abroad.
Experts in moving abroad all point to visualization as a major part of making the move. Picturing the life that you want can be powerful and inspiring. “It’s time to get clear on your vision for the future,” Tabiban writes. “This is your opportunity to craft a life that feels entirely your own. Start by imagining your ideal day. Are you savoring slow mornings in a Parisian café, sipping an espresso as you watch the city wake up?”
Consider which countries offer “digital nomad,” “non-lucrative,” or “highly qualified” visas. Some may be easy to obtain while others have more requirements for acceptance. Consult Tabiban’s visa guide for Europe to learn more about that continent’s expat possibilities.
