The Best Countries to Live in as an Expat
While we don’t have a choice over the country we’re born in, these days we often do have control over whether or not we choose to stay.
There are 195 countries in the world today, which presents almost endless possibilities for those wishing to live overseas. And when it comes to setting up your life in a new country, most nations are very welcoming!
People move abroad for many different reasons; for business, study, wanderlust, or simply to seek better life opportunities. Either way, to experience life as part of a new culture and have the chance to discover an exotic new land is a romantic adventure quite a lot of people entertain.
If you’re considering moving abroad but haven’t yet figured out where you want to go, the following are the best countries to live in as an expat, as well as important things you need to know!
read moreActivities in New Zealand You Don’t Want to Miss
New Zealand is a land of enchanted landscapes. Dozens of breathtaking beaches, incredible glaciers and the most beautiful fiordlands in the world grace her islands, making this a land where everything seems possible.
For the nature enthusiast and outdoor adventurer this is a paradise destination, though there are many things to do for a variety of different travel styles. Those traveling for food can taste typical kiwi dishes, such as lamb or mutton bird, or you can take part in a typical beer and wine taste.
Cultural buffs can immerse themselves in the rich history and unique culture of the Māori community. Sports fans can watch the All Blacks smash Australia in rugby; there’s a lot to choose from in New Zealand depending on what you feel like doing. Though the following 6 are activities that no-one should miss!
read more4 Reasons to Add New Zealand to Your Travel Bucket List
Everyone has a list of places they want to visit and explore before they kick the bucket.
From small things like quirky restaurants in hidden corners of faraway towns to giant metropolitan cities or sweeping countrysides, the world is full of sites to see and we only have so much time to see it all.
There are some places, though, that are breathtakingly beautiful and full of rich history that are often overlooked by many world travelers. A common country that falls in this category is New Zealand.
Often overshadowed by its larger, sunnier Australian neighbor, New Zealand is a small island country with an abundance of wildlife, astonishing views, and inspiring culture. Other-worldly in its natural beauty, this unique destination is also incredibly accessible due to the recent uptick in tourism.
There are hundreds of reasons to add New Zealand to your travel bucket list. Still need convincing? Here are a few highlights.
read moreThings to do in Auckland
Auckland is one of the world’s most unique cities; a bustling cosmopolitan set on a sparkling harbor, surrounded by landscapes that vary from rainforests, thermal springs, sprawling parks and volcanic cones.
This is one of the only places in the world where you can go from skyscrapers to white sand beaches, or combine galleries and museums with hiking through lava fields: Auckland seamlessly blends majestic scenery with the hustle and bustle of city living.
Culturally, Tamaki Makaurau (as it is also called) is the largest Polynesian city in the world, and has become hugely multicultural, which is reflected in the dynamic dining scene and museums that pay homage to a rich Māori heritage.
While many visit Auckland as a gateway to a land of fine wine and Lord of the Rings scenery, this sub-tropical destination has many exciting things to do in it’s own right. So if you’re traveling to New Zealand make sure you plan at least a day or two.
read more7 Kayaking Spots Around the World for Beginners
So you love being on the water, and always admired others who enjoy getting out on their own and kayaking away. But perhaps you’re worried that you’ll find yourself paddling around in circles for most of your day.
Even if you have never kayaked, there is no need to fret: there are plenty of fabulous spots for kayaking beginners all over the world. And the great news is that kayaking is a great sport for any beginner to learn.
It’s relatively simple to pick up kayaking, and this is a great way to get close to nature, and access remote sightseeing that you wouldn’t usually be able to enjoy on land.
The following are the best kayaking spots around the world for beginners. If you find yourself in one of these destinations, consider renting a kayak!
read moreThings to do in New Zealand
It’s known as the Adventure Capital of the World for good reason. New Zealand, with its breathtaking scenery, offers visitors a voyage of discovery on so many levels. Whether you wish to seek out rare endemic plants and animals, engage in extreme sports, or simply introduce your tastebuds to cuisine unlike any other, New Zealand offers something for everyone.
While it would be impossible to place everything New Zealand has to offer into one “Best Of” list, the following attractions are my personal favourites and recommendations that will suit every type traveller.
This is a bucket list destination sure to provide you with an unforgettable holiday, so much so that you will leave the country with a determined mindset to return. So without further ado, let’s dive into what makes New Zealand so special.
read moreDear LGBTQI Travelers: These Countries Will Recognize Your Same Sex Marriage #LoveAlwaysWins
Ever since same-sex marriage was legalized in the Netherlands in 2001 (props to the Netherlands for always being at the front of progressive change), the legalization of same-sex marriage has snowballed throughout the world.
28 countries (26 with another two pending) now legally recognize the right for same sex couples to marry, so if you’re part of the LGBTQI community, and want to travel, live overseas, or plan a destination wedding, these countries will recognize your right.
More than 760 million people now live in countries where same-sex marriage is legal, and I encourage all travelers to support those countries at the forefront of equality and recognition of human rights. I also have one thing to say to my own country, in a slogan they coined: Australia, where the bloody hell are you?
read more7 Destinations For Thrill Seekers
Adrenaline junkies have always been faced with a problem; the next activity has to be slightly more exciting than the last, or what’s the point?
A decade or so ago, even a humble trip to Las Vegas to blow a month’s wages on the tables would have been the trip of a lifetime. Hardcore thrill-seekers now have to resort to chucking themselves off skyscrapers to scratch the adrenaline itch. Happily, for those of us who aren’t yet completely addicted to this kind of craziness, the world is full of exciting stuff that you don’t need to be clinically mad to want to try!
Here are the top 7 destinations in the world for thrill seekers!
read moreProposal Destinations for Adventurous Couples
What comes to mind when you think of the perfect wedding proposal? For many couples a romantic wedding proposal includes dinner with a view, a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne and a classic engagement ring from Vashi. But that’s not for everyone!
Some couples prefer to live on the edge, so if you and your significant other are adrenaline seekers, here are 5 alternative adventurous proposal destinations.
read moreBest Places to Skydive Around the World
It’s the ultimate rush of adrenaline – strapping yourself to a beautiful stranger and skydiving from a perfectly good plane 12,000 ft in the air; an ultimate bucket list item you’re sure to never forget.
There are only a few seconds of initial terror – the moment you realize your body is plummeting towards the ground at around 200 kph. Though everything after that is pure pleasure, and the feeling of weightlessness as you soar above some of the most spectacular scenery in the world is better than any high which exists in substance form on earth.
The following are the best places to skydive around the world, including my personal favorite, Interlaken, Switzerland.
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