I have lived in other countries for extended periods at various times during my life, both in Europe and in Asia, so I know what it is to live in another culture and deal with another language. While those were wonderfully enriching experiences, I have always appreciated coming back to the US and what we have here. I have maintained my immigration status in Canada, and if I "had" to move, Vancouver would be my first option, probably followed by Montreal (I do speak French, but it is a bit rusty). But family and friends are here and even moving to Canada would make them less accessible. If I were much younger (I'm older than you), New Zealand would be my first choice, but I am not ready to move there and start over. I am lucky - I have reasonable retirement resources, but I understand your dilemma. Wherever you choose, keep healthcare in mind. It is definitely an increasing need as we get old, particularly as we try to keep up our adventuring, as you definitely can vouch for! In the meantime, keep up your messages to us all!!
Great to hear from you Randy and so wonderful to see your name. I've missed your stories! Thank you as always! You and I are committed both to exercise and adventure, but boy do those injuries catch up with you.....
I want to move one day for adventure and experience. But this is the time I refuse to leave. I have too much privilege and purpose here to help. Too many marginalized people are already suffering. Others may not have but I have learned that there’s greater value in doing the right thing and deferring my own dreams a bit longer for the sakes of those I love because if not for them, I wouldn’t be here, so for the sake of them and how I love them, I don’t run away from fire, I run toward it.
Similar to what another close friend said, Amy. She has a husband, they both have jobs, they are making lots and lots of money, live in a 700-square foot home and rent the house they own next door, have no mortgages, they have lots of family, live close to the train lines...
I have none of any of this. This is what's called privilege as well. I am better served to move, if I can, and continue to write in a place where I am not terrified that I can't pay for my groceries or keep my house. Those who are young enough to be able to work through this, I applaud that with my whole heart. I don't have the time left in my life. These decisions are uniquely individual and I don't hold judgment for those who choose to stay OR go. That said, if you realize at some point that you may not have much of a future because you are one of the people (old, female, disabled, veteran) who is being targeted, the way I see it, it's time to seriously consider what it will take to thrive, to take from your blog title. It's different for each of us.
Sometimes the "right thing" is making sure that your life is handled so that you can keep working. Each person's right thing is different. Thanks for your comment.
I was riveted by this post, Julia; thanks! I'm not too far behind you in the research. I, too, am seriously considering emigrating to South America. I speak Spanish, so my language learning curve will be reasonably low. Most importantly, the southern hemisphere is far enough from the fubar northern hemisphere that I look forward to a more peaceful existence there.
Thank you for all of the great information and comments! Has anyone considered based on the first month of this presidency that in four years time expats may not be welcomed in many countries and in fact maybe asked to leave or not treated very kindly?
Thanks Jamie. here’s what I wrote addressing that very thing:
Please look in our own back yard to see how immigrants are being treated in the USA. That currently includes legal immigrants who did everything right and are still being summarily kicked out.
If you move overseas, that could happen to us as well. One newly-elected leader could get the populace stirred up about those lousy American expats and get every one of us drummed out, losing our real estate investments and worse.
Thank you for this, Julia. So well put. My mom just passed away from cancer in Mexico — and she died of stage 2 cancer since she had to go to a government hospital for chemo and wasn't given the care she needed. Her health insurance lapsed years ago and she couldn't get a new one since she had too many pre-existing conditions. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have decent health insurance when you live abroad.
I lived in different countries, and I think the most important thing I learned is to ask myself at each crossroad: towards what am I going? More than what am I running away from? It’s this shift in perspective that helps me move forward and building an intentional new life abroad.
I am also considering a move to Europe. I have watched the YouTube videos, looked a rent and real estate prices..etc. it’s all magical sitting in the comfort of familiar surroundings. But there are, as you point out, day-to-day realities of living overseas that they don’t tell you. They may say healthcare is great, but they don’t tell you that health services are limited in many towns and you have to travel to a larger city for those services. Also, many foreign places have no end of life care facilities.
But, the one thing that gives me pause is the ever changing politics of the countries of interest to me. Far right factions are gaining popularity. What happens if I start a new life there and suddenly immigrants are no longer welcome and they seize your property and deport you? It may sound outrageous but all possibilities should be considered and a plan A, B and even C should be in place.
I appreciate reading this article so much, Julia! It's one of only a handful of articles that provide a clear-eyed perspective of what it means to move to another country as an American. I especially appreciate that you used the term "immigrants" to describe American "expats." Your approach of doing a lot of on-the-ground research is a sound one, so is your attitude of adaptation and respect for local cultures. Naturally, as a serial immigrant, I have a lot to say about this subject. I'm going to write an article soon.
Thanks so much Lily! People who have moved and lived overseas have a much better understanding of what I’m addressing here. Others may be offended by my characterization of American attitudes. Well, it’s a hard truth- and better we deal with that up front. LIfe isn’t easy. Heading overseas makes it much more challenging in ways most of us can’t anticipate.
It’s a heartbreaking choice. I can’t move if I can’t sell, so it may be a moot point. But I am getting ready to make this happen, but as with all things when the gods of chance are involved, I’m holding things very lightly.
This was such an interesting post as I moved from the UK to Spain 30 years ago. Yes there was a huge adjustment and a lot of bureaucracy but the lifestyle is so much better. Troubles are still abound but they would be anywhere I lived.
There are lots of Brit expats in Spain. I always wondered how Brexit would affect you. So many considerations and yes, plenty of bureaucracy, but the side benefits are so terrific.
Brexit hasn’t affected me as I became a resident of Spain many years ago. I know it is much harder now and have friends who have to leave here and aren’t allowed back for about 3 months. It has impacted trade though with the UK as we now have to pay customs on anything from there. I used to buy a lot from the UK but not now 🤷♀️
Julia, Kate Wand https://substack.com/profile/14775203-kate-wand is an ex-pat living in Mexico and now has a YouTube channel on her experience moving out of the U.S. and living in Mexico. Let me know if you want the link to her channel.
My cousin and I like to travel and go horseback riding. Either English or western. Would love to hear more about the subject of combining horseback riding and travel. Thank you.
So Lorie, that's easy. I'm ad advanced intermediate, but that definition varies greatly by country. If I go to a dressage school in Portugal I am a rank rank rookie. You put me on a green horse in Cambodia, I'm an expert. It all depends.There are a number of very good outfits which set up riding adventures all over the world. You can Google them online, the obvious key words. I have had excellent luck with Unicorn Trails out of England. Do your research first and be very clear about the kind of experience you want. Above all do NOT overstate your riding skills. While this also varies greatly, if a concession gets a lot of tourist traffic from the West, you can find English or Western tack. However the more remote you go, such as in South America, you will find local tack and horses that do not respond to the same signals we're used to. The worst I ever rode was during a homestay in Mongolia when the saddle was held together by chicken wire. In Africa I rode a German saddle which was a horror to sit. So it depends greatly. That said, if you communicate your preferences to the folks at Unicorn Trails and other good outfits chances are they will steer you in the right direction. https://www.unicorntrails.com/
Thank you so much! I appreciate that you took the time to provide me with so much detail and information. Definitely will be checking out Unicorn Trails!
There are plenty of other outfits like them. I've tried several, but my best experiences so far have been with Unicorn. If you're a VERY experienced rider, they have a really awesome ride in the mountains of Ecuador. NOT for the faint of heart. And if you do that I strongly recommend you bring your own tent.
LOL. I am not that experienced. My cousin is though. I always designate myself as a beginner, even though I’ve been writing for years. It is irregular because I do not have my own horse.
Of course leaving is on my mind -- how could it not be, when America keeps looking more and more like late 1930s Germany and I keep wondering what I would have done if I were there then but know what I do now. And yet. My adult children are here, my whole extended family is here, and we do have enough resources that I have some hope we'll survive the coming blows without winding up on the street. Also, I honestly don't think I have the stuff to pack up and move to -- and become part of -- an entirely different culture. I don't want to be a drain on another country's resources if I can't make a contribution. That does not apply to you, Julia. I know you'll proceed with wisdom and you know I wish you all the best with whatever move you make.
i would like to encourage americans looking into migrating to latin america to research about the political landscape in the countries they are contemplating moving to. in some of them the rising of the extreme right is a threat as well, specially now. also, see into how some natural landscapes are being thorn apart to accommodate the wealthy (from overseas or local). not every country has strong environmental regulations, and when it comes to making money, local laws can easily be put apart. and so we end up with the continuation of colonialism, gringos occupying the land as the local poor are exploited in bad paying jobs and often have to leave as they can no longer afford rent and such.
Agree completely. This is hardly limited to Latin America, Alessandra. This is worldwide. Plenty of expats have moved, as I intimated in my article, they take their attitudes with them. The less-traveled bring their ignorance and their arrogance with them as well, to your point, and assume that the world is theirs to conquer and use as they like. Sadly, in places like Thailand, the locals, desperate for money, will rip out forests to build mansions for rich Westerners, devastating critical habitat for elephants and tigers. So yes. I'm very aware of all of this, and appreciate your bringing it up. Also, people don't realize that what just happened in America- the rise of a far right dictator who thinks nothing of kicking out millions who are critical to the economy- could and does easily happen ANYWHERE. If American immigrants pour into a country, abuse the right to be there, cause too many issues for the locals, it only takes one election to get a populist into power and kick everyone out.
We are deeply foolish to believe we are welcome just because we are Americans. We aren't. Respect is earned, and easily lost.
Just riding into the countryside around Cuenca I see lots of forests being torn down for more and more and more houses for the extreme rich. Huge compounds and mansions far beyond the needs of even three generations of family, an ostentatious display out in the campo.
Greed is everywhere. For my part I like to blend in, add value and do what I can for the place where I live. That is still no guarantee of any kind of safety. All over the world greed has done such great harm as the rich get vastly richer and everyone else suffers.
I have lived in other countries for extended periods at various times during my life, both in Europe and in Asia, so I know what it is to live in another culture and deal with another language. While those were wonderfully enriching experiences, I have always appreciated coming back to the US and what we have here. I have maintained my immigration status in Canada, and if I "had" to move, Vancouver would be my first option, probably followed by Montreal (I do speak French, but it is a bit rusty). But family and friends are here and even moving to Canada would make them less accessible. If I were much younger (I'm older than you), New Zealand would be my first choice, but I am not ready to move there and start over. I am lucky - I have reasonable retirement resources, but I understand your dilemma. Wherever you choose, keep healthcare in mind. It is definitely an increasing need as we get old, particularly as we try to keep up our adventuring, as you definitely can vouch for! In the meantime, keep up your messages to us all!!
As always, great answer and thank you Randy!
Great to hear from you Randy and so wonderful to see your name. I've missed your stories! Thank you as always! You and I are committed both to exercise and adventure, but boy do those injuries catch up with you.....
I want to move one day for adventure and experience. But this is the time I refuse to leave. I have too much privilege and purpose here to help. Too many marginalized people are already suffering. Others may not have but I have learned that there’s greater value in doing the right thing and deferring my own dreams a bit longer for the sakes of those I love because if not for them, I wouldn’t be here, so for the sake of them and how I love them, I don’t run away from fire, I run toward it.
Similar to what another close friend said, Amy. She has a husband, they both have jobs, they are making lots and lots of money, live in a 700-square foot home and rent the house they own next door, have no mortgages, they have lots of family, live close to the train lines...
I have none of any of this. This is what's called privilege as well. I am better served to move, if I can, and continue to write in a place where I am not terrified that I can't pay for my groceries or keep my house. Those who are young enough to be able to work through this, I applaud that with my whole heart. I don't have the time left in my life. These decisions are uniquely individual and I don't hold judgment for those who choose to stay OR go. That said, if you realize at some point that you may not have much of a future because you are one of the people (old, female, disabled, veteran) who is being targeted, the way I see it, it's time to seriously consider what it will take to thrive, to take from your blog title. It's different for each of us.
Sometimes the "right thing" is making sure that your life is handled so that you can keep working. Each person's right thing is different. Thanks for your comment.
I was riveted by this post, Julia; thanks! I'm not too far behind you in the research. I, too, am seriously considering emigrating to South America. I speak Spanish, so my language learning curve will be reasonably low. Most importantly, the southern hemisphere is far enough from the fubar northern hemisphere that I look forward to a more peaceful existence there.
Thanks Stephen. More to follow, and I will with any luck have more concrete news to share .
Thank you for all of the great information and comments! Has anyone considered based on the first month of this presidency that in four years time expats may not be welcomed in many countries and in fact maybe asked to leave or not treated very kindly?
Thanks Jamie. here’s what I wrote addressing that very thing:
Please look in our own back yard to see how immigrants are being treated in the USA. That currently includes legal immigrants who did everything right and are still being summarily kicked out.
If you move overseas, that could happen to us as well. One newly-elected leader could get the populace stirred up about those lousy American expats and get every one of us drummed out, losing our real estate investments and worse.
Thank you for this, Julia. So well put. My mom just passed away from cancer in Mexico — and she died of stage 2 cancer since she had to go to a government hospital for chemo and wasn't given the care she needed. Her health insurance lapsed years ago and she couldn't get a new one since she had too many pre-existing conditions. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have decent health insurance when you live abroad.
That’s only a piece of it, too, Kaila. We really need to PLAN to die, as well as to live.
Absolutely ❤️
I lived in different countries, and I think the most important thing I learned is to ask myself at each crossroad: towards what am I going? More than what am I running away from? It’s this shift in perspective that helps me move forward and building an intentional new life abroad.
I am also considering a move to Europe. I have watched the YouTube videos, looked a rent and real estate prices..etc. it’s all magical sitting in the comfort of familiar surroundings. But there are, as you point out, day-to-day realities of living overseas that they don’t tell you. They may say healthcare is great, but they don’t tell you that health services are limited in many towns and you have to travel to a larger city for those services. Also, many foreign places have no end of life care facilities.
But, the one thing that gives me pause is the ever changing politics of the countries of interest to me. Far right factions are gaining popularity. What happens if I start a new life there and suddenly immigrants are no longer welcome and they seize your property and deport you? It may sound outrageous but all possibilities should be considered and a plan A, B and even C should be in place.
Thanks very much for your thoughtful article!
Brian, precisely what happened to so many in America who thought they were protected. There is no safe place.
I appreciate reading this article so much, Julia! It's one of only a handful of articles that provide a clear-eyed perspective of what it means to move to another country as an American. I especially appreciate that you used the term "immigrants" to describe American "expats." Your approach of doing a lot of on-the-ground research is a sound one, so is your attitude of adaptation and respect for local cultures. Naturally, as a serial immigrant, I have a lot to say about this subject. I'm going to write an article soon.
Thanks so much Lily! People who have moved and lived overseas have a much better understanding of what I’m addressing here. Others may be offended by my characterization of American attitudes. Well, it’s a hard truth- and better we deal with that up front. LIfe isn’t easy. Heading overseas makes it much more challenging in ways most of us can’t anticipate.
Thank you for sharing your research Julia. It's heartbreaking that you may abandon your country because it has already abandoned you.
It’s a heartbreaking choice. I can’t move if I can’t sell, so it may be a moot point. But I am getting ready to make this happen, but as with all things when the gods of chance are involved, I’m holding things very lightly.
This was such an interesting post as I moved from the UK to Spain 30 years ago. Yes there was a huge adjustment and a lot of bureaucracy but the lifestyle is so much better. Troubles are still abound but they would be anywhere I lived.
There are lots of Brit expats in Spain. I always wondered how Brexit would affect you. So many considerations and yes, plenty of bureaucracy, but the side benefits are so terrific.
Brexit hasn’t affected me as I became a resident of Spain many years ago. I know it is much harder now and have friends who have to leave here and aren’t allowed back for about 3 months. It has impacted trade though with the UK as we now have to pay customs on anything from there. I used to buy a lot from the UK but not now 🤷♀️
Julia, Kate Wand https://substack.com/profile/14775203-kate-wand is an ex-pat living in Mexico and now has a YouTube channel on her experience moving out of the U.S. and living in Mexico. Let me know if you want the link to her channel.
Send whenever! I’m clued in to a network of folks, and so far the information is super helpful. The more the merrier!
Here you go: https://youtu.be/4QC8gSvdVe4?si=T8tl7nQtoFpeXxm0
Oh! Oh! Oh! I want to go too...
My cousin and I like to travel and go horseback riding. Either English or western. Would love to hear more about the subject of combining horseback riding and travel. Thank you.
So Lorie, that's easy. I'm ad advanced intermediate, but that definition varies greatly by country. If I go to a dressage school in Portugal I am a rank rank rookie. You put me on a green horse in Cambodia, I'm an expert. It all depends.There are a number of very good outfits which set up riding adventures all over the world. You can Google them online, the obvious key words. I have had excellent luck with Unicorn Trails out of England. Do your research first and be very clear about the kind of experience you want. Above all do NOT overstate your riding skills. While this also varies greatly, if a concession gets a lot of tourist traffic from the West, you can find English or Western tack. However the more remote you go, such as in South America, you will find local tack and horses that do not respond to the same signals we're used to. The worst I ever rode was during a homestay in Mongolia when the saddle was held together by chicken wire. In Africa I rode a German saddle which was a horror to sit. So it depends greatly. That said, if you communicate your preferences to the folks at Unicorn Trails and other good outfits chances are they will steer you in the right direction. https://www.unicorntrails.com/
Thank you so much! I appreciate that you took the time to provide me with so much detail and information. Definitely will be checking out Unicorn Trails!
There are plenty of other outfits like them. I've tried several, but my best experiences so far have been with Unicorn. If you're a VERY experienced rider, they have a really awesome ride in the mountains of Ecuador. NOT for the faint of heart. And if you do that I strongly recommend you bring your own tent.
LOL. I am not that experienced. My cousin is though. I always designate myself as a beginner, even though I’ve been writing for years. It is irregular because I do not have my own horse.
Good to know where you are. No horse is bomb proof, as you well know. But most outfits have very calm boys (for this take a gelding) for beginners.
Of course leaving is on my mind -- how could it not be, when America keeps looking more and more like late 1930s Germany and I keep wondering what I would have done if I were there then but know what I do now. And yet. My adult children are here, my whole extended family is here, and we do have enough resources that I have some hope we'll survive the coming blows without winding up on the street. Also, I honestly don't think I have the stuff to pack up and move to -- and become part of -- an entirely different culture. I don't want to be a drain on another country's resources if I can't make a contribution. That does not apply to you, Julia. I know you'll proceed with wisdom and you know I wish you all the best with whatever move you make.
i would like to encourage americans looking into migrating to latin america to research about the political landscape in the countries they are contemplating moving to. in some of them the rising of the extreme right is a threat as well, specially now. also, see into how some natural landscapes are being thorn apart to accommodate the wealthy (from overseas or local). not every country has strong environmental regulations, and when it comes to making money, local laws can easily be put apart. and so we end up with the continuation of colonialism, gringos occupying the land as the local poor are exploited in bad paying jobs and often have to leave as they can no longer afford rent and such.
Agree completely. This is hardly limited to Latin America, Alessandra. This is worldwide. Plenty of expats have moved, as I intimated in my article, they take their attitudes with them. The less-traveled bring their ignorance and their arrogance with them as well, to your point, and assume that the world is theirs to conquer and use as they like. Sadly, in places like Thailand, the locals, desperate for money, will rip out forests to build mansions for rich Westerners, devastating critical habitat for elephants and tigers. So yes. I'm very aware of all of this, and appreciate your bringing it up. Also, people don't realize that what just happened in America- the rise of a far right dictator who thinks nothing of kicking out millions who are critical to the economy- could and does easily happen ANYWHERE. If American immigrants pour into a country, abuse the right to be there, cause too many issues for the locals, it only takes one election to get a populist into power and kick everyone out.
We are deeply foolish to believe we are welcome just because we are Americans. We aren't. Respect is earned, and easily lost.
Just riding into the countryside around Cuenca I see lots of forests being torn down for more and more and more houses for the extreme rich. Huge compounds and mansions far beyond the needs of even three generations of family, an ostentatious display out in the campo.
Greed is everywhere. For my part I like to blend in, add value and do what I can for the place where I live. That is still no guarantee of any kind of safety. All over the world greed has done such great harm as the rich get vastly richer and everyone else suffers.