Leisure - Expat Magazine

Cape Town, South Africa, through the eyes of an expat
South Africa
Cape Town, South Africa, through the eyes of an expat
After having spent many years living in London, Cambodia, and Singapore, Mei now calls Cape Town home. Coming from a mixed background herself, Mei has always had a deep interest in exploring other cultures, and loves to discover new places. She tells Expat.com about her life in the Mother City, her observations of South Africa, and the abundance of leisure activities at her doorstep.
The top 5 Greek villages for retirement
The top 5 Greek villages for retirement
European countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Malta are popular among pensioners, though many are unable to afford to retire there. Greece, however, offers a similar quality of life at a lower cost.
The best cities for expats in 2018
The best cities for expats in 2018
Career prospects, costs of living, quality of life, and leisure are only some of the various factors taken into account by those planning to move abroad. To help you choose the best destination, Expat.com gives you an insight into the world's best cities for expat careers and in terms of affordability, education, culture, and leisure, according to the latest HSBC Expat Explorer Survey report.
What defines wellness for expatriates?
What defines wellness for expatriates?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. What about wellness, especially when you're living thousands of miles away from your home, your family, and everything that used to be part of your everyday life? Expat.com had a look at how expatriates define wellness according to a study carried out by Aetna International insurance.
Top 5 destinations for history buffs
Top 5 destinations for history buffs
A successful move abroad generally involves having a better understanding of your new home from a historical point of view. For those who are passionate about history, going on an adventurous trip to discover historical sites and monuments will probably be a part of your plans. Before you get started, Expat.com gives you an insight into some of the countries with the richest histories.
Five misconceptions about island life
Five misconceptions about island life
Island life is what probably many of us have been dreaming of. So you've finally given the good news to your friends and family and some perhaps even envy you for having that relaxed lifestyle they have been craving for : beautiful beaches with the sun all year long. Usually people, especially those who have spent their whole lives in a big city, have a lot of misconceptions about living on an island. Expat.com breaks the most common myths about island life.
A trailing spouse from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
A trailing spouse from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur
Being a trailing spouse doesn't necessarily mean sitting at home, feeling bored. That's precisely what Paula, an Aussie expat, talks to Expat.com about. She has lived in Hong Kong for more than a decade, and now lives in Kuala Lumpur where she's enjoying a great life between her daily routine and weekend getaways.
Our top five expat blogs about culture
Our top five expat blogs about culture
Starting a new life abroad usually involves discovering new cultures, traditions, and way of life. For those who are keen to learn more about Western and Eastern cultural differences, here are our top five bloggers sharing their views about culture and their everyday life overseas.
What New Year looks like in different cultures
What New Year looks like in different cultures
New Year celebrations are already over and you're probably missing those parties with friends and family. However, it may not be over yet if you're living overseas. In fact, many countries and cultures around the world welcome the New Year at different times of the year. Expat.com has compiled a list of New Year celebrations around the world so that you won't miss out on anything and, at the same time, allows you to discover new customs and traditions!
Adventures of an American in Bogotá
Colombia
Adventures of an American in Bogotá
Sarah is originally from Maine but spent five years in New York City, where she met her Colombian husband. They decided to move together to Bogotá pending his green card approval. Fascinated by the Colombian culture, especially the music and dance as well as the hiking opportunities, Sarah talks to Expat.com about her everyday life enjoying a pleasant family-oriented lifestyle and unique cuisine.
How to start a thrilling new year abroad
How to start a thrilling new year abroad
Your dream has finally come true and you're starting a new year in a new country. Keeping in mind that moving abroad is a challenge, there are so many ways to keep yourself busy while getting the most of your new home. Expat.com gives you some tips to help you start an exciting new year abroad.
The best festive ideas for expats who are alone
The best festive ideas for expats who are alone
The world is getting ready for the New Year's Eve celebrations, and your social media newsfeeds are filled up with family reunions — but you are abroad, and you are alone. Don't let this ruin your mood; there are plenty of things you can do these days to celebrate with the rest of the world, as you deserve. Expat.com gives you five ideas for making this holiday the best of your life!
How is Christmas celebrated in the Northern vs. the Southern Hemisphere?
How is Christmas celebrated in the Northern vs. the Southern Hemisphere?
Scarves, wool socks, a warm and cozy fireplace, eggnog, hot chocolate, Christmas markets, and perhaps even snow — these are some of the things that immediately come to mind when we think of Christmas. In the Northern Hemisphere, this visual image is quite accurate, but in the Southern Hemisphere it's a different story. Expat.com relays some of the distinct ways of celebrating Christmas around the world.
Top 10 cities for expat families
Top 10 cities for expat families
Moving abroad with your family is a daring project that requires proper planning. Quality of life, education, safety, health, leisure, work-life balance, etc., are some of the criteria that have to be taken into account. To help you choose your next destination, Expat.com presents the top 10 cities for expat families according to Homeday's Family Index 2017.
Six good reasons to move abroad
Six good reasons to move abroad
Moving abroad is something that many have considered, but perhaps with a tad of hesitation as it is a big decision to make with plenty of repercussions. There are of course many sides to expatriation, with a lot of pros to consider. Below are six reasons to help you get started.
Escaping the cold: from Quebec to California
USA
Escaping the cold: from Quebec to California
Jenny spent most of her life in Quebec before she started feeling the need to explore other parts of the world. It was only after giving birth to her second child that her and her husband decided to move to California. Being a stay-at-home mom doesn't mean she's bored. With an online boutique, a blog, and lots of family activities, she is kept busy. Now that she has obtained her Green Card, she's reminiscing about her journey with Expat.com.
Celebrating Thanksgiving as an expat
Celebrating Thanksgiving as an expat
Thanksgiving is widely known to be a traditional celebration in the United States with big family gatherings and lots of food, having originated with the European colonists sharing a meal with a few Native Americans to express gratitude for the autumn harvests. Expat.com gives you a few ideas to celebrate Thanksgiving as an expat.
6 tips for finding your home abroad
6 tips for finding your home abroad
You wish to make a home away from home, but what you should consider when choosing your house abroad? Many criteria such as the city's or town's cost of living, quality of housing, rent prices, neighbourhoods, etc. have to be taken into account – whether you're moving alone or with your family. Here are some useful tips to help you make the right housing choice.