Lifestyle - Expat Magazine
Holidays abroad can be magical, unless you are an expat and you're alone. I remember my first Christmas in China, a time that should have been filled with new impressions but was instead one of the loneliest weeks in my entire life abroad. In this article, we will not be getting into the reasons why you may be feeling lonely this Christmas. Instead, we will get right into the "what to do".
Street lights glowing, children on school holidays, shops packed with last-minute shoppers, and crowds of travellers filling airports… yes, Christmas is here again. It is one of those times of year that tends to divide people evenly: some love it, others can't stand it. And if you live abroad, there is often an added layer to this season. You may go through a transitional phase marked by a sudden longing to go back home to home-cooked meals, family gatherings, and traditional celebrations. Or you may feel exactly the opposite: a strong dislike for this time of year and a wish to go into “hibernation mode” from 1 December to 8 January. Both reactions are perfectly valid.
If you'd like to ease into Slow December without reading the full article, here are a few simple, low-pressure ideas for expats: give yourself one full day with no obligations at all, slow down one everyday activity such as walking, eating, talking, or drinking your coffee, recreate a small holiday ritual from home that brings comfort, say no to at least one holiday invitation without guilt or explanations, and allow 2026 to remain a blank page for now. December has a way of insisting on our attention, doesn't it?
When we talk about expats' mental health, we often focus on the risks: isolation, stress, and the loss of familiar bearings. But prevention is not only about avoiding discomfort. It also involves nurturing what supports us. In a life that can feel unstable or unpredictable, small wins become the quiet foundations of well-being. Noticing them, celebrating them, and giving ourselves time to appreciate them builds the resilience we need to face future challenges.
Experiencing pregnancy abroad often brings surprises. The treatments, habits, and medical approaches that catch expatriate women off guard are usually those they're discovering for the first time, such as new ways of thinking, cultural traditions, or unfamiliar healthcare practices. Some of these customs have deep cultural roots, while others prompt debate among medical professionals. Here are five countries and five very different approaches to pregnancy.
Sponsored
Comune di Mendrisio
In Switzerland, living well is often associated with efficiency and safety. But in Mendrisio, in the country's southern region, these qualities are joined by something more: simplicity. Here, Swiss precision meets Mediterranean warmth, creating a rare balance between work, nature, and everyday life. Everything is close, everything works, and the sun shines longer than almost anywhere else. For many expats, it's the ideal place to feel at home — safe, welcoming, and dynamic. A truly easy side of Switzerland, where quality of life is measured in peace of mind.
Life in the world's most bustling cities can be full of surprises. Many expats are attracted by the excitement of metropolises like Paris, Beijing, or Rio de Janeiro, exactly because they seek novelty and adventure. What aspects of life in big cities abroad have caught expats off guard, for better or worse?
Moving abroad is often depicted as an adventure—new languages, new foods, new friends, and so many opportunities. And why wouldn't it? The photographs on social media show the sun-drenched piazzas, the lively markets, the innovative workplaces, and the thrilling sense of adventure that comes with travelling. Yet for many expats, behind the carefully curated snapshots is another, quieter story, one that revolves around loneliness, isolation, and the struggle to feel truly at home.
When Adam and Tara Short from Sheffield visited Mauritius last November, they didn't expect it to change their lives. But one afternoon on the beach in Grand Baie, they realized this was where they wanted to raise their family. Adam, who runs a car and fishing business, and Tara, who owns a hospitality supply company, wanted a simpler, safer, and more outdoor life for their two sons, Spencer (9) and Xander (4). Just months later, they turned that dream into reality. In this interview, the Short family shares what it's really like to swap the busy streets of Sheffield for island life, from choosing schools and settling in, to discovering their favourite local foods and making Mauritius home.
The memory of your last family holiday abroad might still make you sweat. So, how could you possibly handle a complete relocation overseas, for months or even years, alongside your children? The thought alone may bring visions of stress and chaos. And yes, those challenges are real. But surprisingly, they can become a meaningful part of your family's journey abroad. It's not wishful thinking: life overseas with your children can be deeply rewarding, sometimes even joyful. So, what are the real benefits of moving abroad as a family? Here's what expat parents have learned from their own experiences.
Living abroad often means becoming the person who reaches for words. Behind every pause and stumble lies something more profound than learning — a kind of emotional exposure. Speaking another language lays us bare to others' perceptions, reveals our limits, and demands that we accept vulnerability. It can also stir a quieter shame: the fear of not saying things “right,” of not quite measuring up.
Moving abroad is often painted as the ultimate adventure — a bold leap into new possibilities for personal and professional growth. You pack up your life, leave behind familiar faces, routines, and even your language, to dive headfirst into a culture that feels both thrilling and unknown. Curiosity, ambition, and the urge to start fresh are what usually drive that leap. Yet beneath the excitement lies a quieter truth — one of emotional shifts and questions of identity. Expat life isn't just about changing countries; it's also about navigating an inner journey, often invisible to others, that deserves just as much attention and care.
Japan
A new development plan has divided opinions in the quiet town of Kutchan, bringing immigration debates back into the spotlight. At the same time, a recent incident has fueled fresh controversy. What does this mean for expatriates in Japan?
Spain
For many, moving abroad is a leap into the unknown. For Doug Underwood, arriving in Mallorca in 2019 turned into a journey of building community, adapting to island life, and finding a true sense of home. What started as a work opportunity grew into something much bigger, from professional projects to co-hosting Curiosity Night, a monthly gathering for expats and locals alike. In this interview, Doug shares the rewards and challenges of expat life in Mallorca, his advice for newcomers, and what makes the island such a unique place to live.
Moving abroad is a thrilling adventure—but safety should never be left to chance. Just as you wouldn't travel without a first-aid kit, you also need a digital “safety kit” to protect yourself in daily life. So, what essentials should every expat have on hand? Here's a practical checklist of tools and apps designed to keep you safe, wherever your journey takes you.
There are parts of expat life people don't mention at first. Most of the time, you'll hear about the excitement of adventure, the new flavors, the breathtaking landscapes. But few talk about the moment, months or even years later, when it hits you: you're no longer fully “from here,” yet you're not completely “from there” anymore either. This is the true reality of long-term life abroad. It isn't only about adapting—it's about blending. Day by day, your life becomes a patchwork of languages, habits, and cultural references. You catch yourself starting a sentence in your host country's language and finishing it in English, French or Spanish without even realizing. That's when you understand what it really means to live between two cultures.
Moving across borders is never just about changing your address — it's about reshaping your identity, navigating new beginnings, and learning to find “home” wherever you are. For Roberta Maretti, author of Where the World Took Me, the expat life began as a teenager in Tokyo and soon became a lifelong journey spanning continents, cultures, and countless reinventions. From raising children in Asia and the Caribbean to returning to Europe after years abroad, her story is one of resilience, curiosity, and the search for belonging. In this interview, she reflects on the challenges and gifts of a globally mobile life, the friendships and food that anchored her along the way, and the lessons she hopes to share with other expats carving out their own paths.
The expat adventure becomes meaningful once people grow a sense of attachment to the new place they live in. While charming villages and tranquil small towns are popular with expats seeking a slower pace of life, other expats are drawn to the energy, career opportunities, and vibrant social scene of cities. To learn more, we've asked members of Expat.com what makes them happiest about the cities they've chosen as their second home.
Make your relocation easier with our expat guides
Retiring in Tunisia
Sun, a relaxed lifestyle, traditional souks, incense, modernism, an effective health system, etc. All these are ...
Getting married in Bahrain
For expats, moving to Bahrain often involves navigating new experiences, and marriage is one of the most ...
Getting married in Morocco
If you want to get married in Morocco, there are different steps and a variety of procedures to follow. These can ...
Getting married in Panama
If you dream of getting married in a tropical paradise, Panama may be the spot. Even non-residents can tie the ...
Getting married in Qatar
Getting married in Qatar could be a hassle for newbies. However, knowing the right procedure and information ...
Marriage in Brazil
Brazil can be a romantic country, and you may want to marry here. Perhaps you even want to remain in Brazil ...
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"