Isn't more comfortable to travel just a few times a year on a holiday? You don't need to change anything in your life, you are not forced to think outside the box and it's much easier. Is it really what you are looking for? Do you want to visit the most famous sights or really explore the culture?
The decision Holiday vs Live abroad
8 years ago I had the same decision to make right in front of me and everything could have been much different if I would be afraid to step out of the crowd. I would most likely have a stable job, house with mortgage, a car and a family. The regular life you can see all around you. I would go a few times a year on a holiday and it would have been all my adventure. I would see the most well known sights but would I realy have a chance to explore the culture and live my dreams? As you would guess I couldn't choose an ordinary path. I was looking for an adventure and turning my dreams into the reality.
Living abroad
This was the best decision I have ever made - to move abroad. I pushed the idea even further than most of people I know. Many of them go just for a year or a few seasons and stay on one spot. They stay there because it's comfortable, they have a job, they know people and the culture but does it really has to end there? The truth is it's more challenging to start always almost from scratch. I had to find a job, secure accommodation, explore surroundings and get used to new habits every single time but I would never change my experience.
Don't stop there
If you already moved abroad to one place, don't stay there forever. Keep moving, exploring, meeting new people, hearing stories, finding out history and local myths, getting to know traditions and habits, visiting sights and enjoying various landscapes and nature. You might not see the point right away but to get know the country is not to go there on a 2-weeks holiday but to live there, speak with locals and find out true culture not to just memorize guide books. For example to live in Iceland gave me knowledge which only a few tourist knew. Most of them have on their bucket list famous Blue Lagoon but to experience true Iceland is to visit smaller geothermal spots and small outdoor pools. If you live there, speak with locals and stay open minded you found out things which are usually hidden. The optimum time to spend in one location is 4-8 months.
Where did I live?
I lived abroad 8 years and spent in each location 4-14 months. I lived in England, Scotland, North Wales, South Iceland, North Iceland, Vancouver, Alberta and more is coming :)
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