Leisure - Expat Magazine

How the world celebrates the Day of the Dead
How the world celebrates the Day of the Dead
Contrary to popular belief, the Day of the Dead is not a sad day. Nations around the world celebrate the Day of the Dead in a unique way. All Saints' Day, celebrated on November 1st, is a public holiday in many countries. So if you happen to be in one of these countries or you're planning to move there, here's what you can expect on All Saints' Day and the Day of the Dead.
Six reasons why you should move to Vietnam
Vietnam
Six reasons why you should move to Vietnam
Stretching over 330,967 km² east of the Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam is one of the world's most attractive expat destinations, as much for retirees as for foreign professionals and students. A land of contrasts, what Vietnam has to offer goes beyond its natural landscapes interspersed with mountains, valleys, rice fields, its beautiful beaches, and peaceful sanctuaries. If you're looking for a change and for new opportunities, here are the reasons why you should move to Vietnam.
The world's most expensive cities in 2018
The world's most expensive cities in 2018
Analysing the cost of living is an excellent way of assessing the pros and cons of moving to your chosen destination. It's important to ensure that your salary will allow you to enjoy better living standards including shopping, getting around, and eating out after paying your rent. Expat.com gives you an insight into eight of the world's most expensive cities according to a survey by EuroCost International.
Digital nomads on a Working Holiday in Quebec
Canada
Digital nomads on a Working Holiday in Quebec
Elodie and Thomas are digital nomads who come from Lille. Their passion for travelling led them to a world tour in October 2016 which included Asia, Australia, and South America. Today, they live in Quebec, Canada on a Working Holiday Visa. They spoke to Expat.com about their adventures, their everyday life in Montreal, and their long-term plans.
Six cities to consider if you're moving to India
India
Six cities to consider if you're moving to India
India is one of a kind with its great heritage, blending history, culture, and traditions along with an exceptional cuisine. Over the years, it has become an attractive destination for expats for various reasons including its prosperous economy, opportunities available, quality education, a booming technology sector, and vibrant social life. The Indian government established the Ease of Living Index 2018 to rank cities according to their performance in these fields. If you're planning your next move to India, here are six cities to consider for quality of life.
The best wildlife destinations around the world
The best wildlife destinations around the world
If you're passionate about adventure travel, staying in your host country can be a unique opportunity to explore its land and marine biodiversity as well as that of neighbouring countries. During your free time or in the weekend, why not take a few days to hike in the forests or mountains, take a stroll in a national park, or plan a safari? For wildlife lovers, Expat.com has compiled a short list of best destinations around the world to observe fauna.
Six reasons why you should move to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Six reasons why you should move to Saudi Arabia
Over the years, Saudi Arabia has become an attractive destination for expatriates and visitors. The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia recently announced the introduction of tourist visas in line with the "Vision 2030" program for greater openness. Soon, more short-term visas will be issued for those looking to take part in cultural or sports events in the country. If you're tempted to explore the transformation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, here are six good reasons why you should take the leap.
The most visited cities around the world
The most visited cities around the world
Today, travel and tourism play a significant role in the global economy. Some cities, however, are more attractive than others for various reasons including their historical and cultural heritage, availability of opportunities, as well as leisure activities for each and everyone. Mastercard's Global Destinations Index 2018 gives you an insight into the most visited cities around the world according to the number of international arrivals, the duration of stay and the amount spent by visitors. Discover the six most popular cities with Expat.com.
Five excellent reasons to move to Toronto
Five excellent reasons to move to Toronto
Toronto, the capital city of Canada's province of Ontario and the fifth largest city in North America (after Mexico City, NYC, Los Angeles, and Chicago), is one of Canada's greatest places to live, if you have an active and outgoing personality. The city's landscape and lifestyle are the results of the fascinating mixture of cultures and subcultures. From the hospitality of the people and the vibrancy of city life to the job opportunities and the work-life balance, here are five reasons you will enjoy expat life in the metropolis of Toronto.
Top countries for adventurous expats
Top countries for adventurous expats
Moving abroad usually means going on an adventure to discover new places, cultures, and lifestyles. Often, expats are tempted to go and explore beyond their host country, especially when travelling is easily accessible. If you're the adventurous type, Expat.com gives you an insight into five of the world's most historically, naturally, and culturally rich countries according to the Intrepid Adventure Index 2018.
Please, don't ask me these expat-related questions again
Please, don't ask me these expat-related questions again
Expatriation started as a necessity when I was looking to progress with my academic studies of a Master's degree in England. However, it was earlier in my life, when I began travelling for leisure, that I figured out moving countries is a lifestyle I would like to revel in. Since 2007, I have lived and worked in five countries in Europe, Africa, and East Asia, and I am currently preparing for my next expatriation project. I may find it easier to board a plane and start all over again than deciding what to have for dinner, but the journey is not anxiety and sorrow-free. So, if you are interested in how a life away from everything you take for granted is, please don't ask me (or any other like-minded expat for that matter) any of the following questions — here's why.
Top-notch expat destinations for every type of expat
Top-notch expat destinations for every type of expat
To become successful in your expatriation project and to make the most of your host country, you should be ready to accept changes in your lifestyle and everyday routine. However, we all have a few habits, favourite activities, or personality traits that we are not willing to compromise regardless of our location or circumstances. Expat.com has selected a few countries depending on your priorities in life to help you choose the most suitable expat destination for you, or to get a better understanding of your new country of residence.
Planning your wedding away from home
Planning your wedding away from home
Did you move abroad and happened to find your soulmate in your host country? We are so happy for you! Now you deserve to have your dream wedding ceremony. So, whether you are planning your wedding in the place you are currently residing in or your partner's home country, look no further. Expat.com has composed a handy guide with everything you may have to consider before your big day.
Moving countries: Why I am more with less
Moving countries: Why I am more with less
I have always been very thoughtful about the things I own, and how I organise them in my space — whether it's the tiny studio in South Korea, the shared-flat in Ghana, or the two-floor house in Mauritius. I love change, and I see moving to a different country as an opportunity to reset my reality and rediscover myself; living abroad helps me look at things with fresh eyes and get rid of preconceptions. Packing is a big part of the whole moving process, and when you have to limit your belongings down to two suitcases, you reconsider the value of possessions. Here's how I learned to put my life on the scale and hit the 23 kg target.
The world's healthiest cities
The world's healthiest cities
Choosing your next destination involves different criteria including quality of life, environment, as well as facilities set up to ensure our well being. Which are the world's healthiest cities? Spotahome released its annual ranking of the world's healthiest cities according to water and air quality, green spaces, life expectancy at birth, work-life balance and accessibility of sports activities. Here's an overview.
The most attractive cities to Millennials
The most attractive cities to Millennials
Millennials demand flexibility at work, push off marriage until they have established their career and have become financially stable, and are more interested in experiences than homeownership. These digital, entrepreneurial, and well-travelled young people cherish change and are keen to take up the challenge of relocation. But where do Millennials flock to, and what are their criteria for liking a place? Nestpick, a global accommodation website, has ranked 110 cities based on professional opportunities, good quality of life, tolerance, and recreation. Here are the five most popular urban centres among Millennials for this year.
Top tips for enjoying a long-haul flight
Top tips for enjoying a long-haul flight
With the development of the commercial aviation industry, non-stop flights have become longer — no one could have imagined back in the 1950s that the journey from the UK to Australia which was made of nine layovers would become a 17-hour direct flight. As an expat, you are probably travelling more often than the average person; it's therefore important for your mental and physical well being to know how to manage discomfort during eight, ten, or seventeen hours of flying.
Five ways to celebrate your birthday in your host country
Five ways to celebrate your birthday in your host country
You are fresh in the expat way of living, and you are still trying to find your way around an unfamiliar place, new work ethics, and strangers. And, to top it all off, your birthday is approaching; but the idea of celebrating it is only intensifying emotions of homesickness and nostalgia for what your life used to be when you were surrounded by family and friends. We encourage you to look for the silver lining of your situation, and focus on the potential beneficent outcomes of your expat adventure — believe it or not, celebrating your birthday abroad is one of them. Read below to find out how you can have an epic birthday away from home.