Leisure - Expat Magazine
Moving abroad often brings a wave of new experiences and interests. For sports enthusiasts and for anyone simply curious to try something different, living overseas can also be an opportunity to discover a new sport. Whether it's to better understand local sporting culture, look after both physical and mental health, or meet new people, taking up a new activity while abroad can be a valuable part of the expat experience.
For many people, Christmas and New Year are familiar markers of the year, shaped by traditions they have grown up with. But not everyone shares the same cultural calendar. For expats from countries where Christmas is not widely celebrated, living in a place where the holiday dominates public and social life can be surprisingly disorienting. Decorations, music, and rituals suddenly become unavoidable, turning a festive season into a reminder of cultural distance. In this article, we look at how expats experience this contrast and how they learn to adapt when Christmas is not their holiday.
Expat life can be complicated for a lot of different reasons. This is why it's always best not complicate it further with things that can be really simple. If you are looking for easy, no-hassle Christmas and New Year gifts that you can send to friends and family abroad, this is what we are covering today. What all of these gift ideas have in common: they are all digital, they are delivered instantly, and you won't be paying any customs fees. To make things interesting, we will alternate one rather conventional gift idea with something a bit more "out there", just to give you options. Let's go!
More and more expats are joining the “Dry December” trend — choosing to skip alcohol during the festive season as a way to regain balance and focus on well-being. Between cultural differences, social pressure, and the desire for a reset, this growing movement shows that sobriety is becoming a new form of self-care abroad.
Partying isn't a weekend affair anymore. For a growing number of expats, primarily young adults, though not exclusively, life abroad revolves around late nights, spontaneous drinks, and afterparties that spill into the next day. From Lisbon to Bangkok, Barcelona to Bali, you'll meet carefree night owls who refuse to save their fun for the weekend. But how do they manage this pace? And more intriguingly, what drives this almost essential need to go out so often?
Networking on the golf course? That's yesterday's playbook. For decades, golf was the sport of choice for sealing deals and building connections. But the reality is, it takes too long—and for eco-conscious professionals, it also consumes far too much water. Add to that golf's lingering elitist image, and it's no surprise many expats are turning to more relaxed alternatives. What they're really looking for is networking that feels effortless: fun, casual, and good for both body and mind. From fitness to friendships, here are the sports and activities redefining how expats grow their networks today.
Major urban centers continue to draw foreigners for a simple reason: they offer more jobs and housing. The global housing crisis hasn't changed that. Life in the city feels familiar and secure. But stepping away from crowded megacities can be just as comforting. It's a chance to enjoy fresh air and open space. Here are five ideal destinations where you can breathe deeply and live closer to nature.
As snowflakes drift down in the Northern Hemisphere and twinkling lights decorate the streets, the festive season gently arrives. Meanwhile, in Mauritius, flamboyant trees bloom with vivid red flowers, marking the year's end. For expatriates worldwide, this time offers a chance to explore how the end of the year is celebrated beyond traditional Christmas festivities. Join us on a captivating journey through the diverse and enchanting celebrations that illuminate the final months of the year!
The holiday season transforms expatriates worldwide into logistical experts as they plan their much-anticipated trips home. For parents, this often feels like an "expert"-level project management task. The challenges are many: an aunt who insists on an early morning welcome, a grandmother who meticulously plans every meal, and children meeting some family members for the first time. Here are some tips to help you turn this high-stakes mission into a truly successful vacation.
When the first Christmas decorations appear in the streets, a familiar lump might form in your throat. This mix of nostalgia and excitement, with a dash of apprehension, is common among expatriates. How do you capture the holiday magic when you're thousands of miles from family? The answer is simpler than it seems, and there are plenty of ways to recreate the festive spirit.
The holiday season is a magical time, evoking childhood memories with the comforting aromas of chocolate and roasted poultry. However, for expatriates, recreating these traditional dishes can be a challenge when ingredients like capon are scarce and chestnuts are unheard of at local markets. Fortunately, there are several clever ways to adapt and still enjoy the festive flavors of home.
"Mom, does Santa know our new address too?" This is a common question among expat parents. For single-parent families living abroad, the holiday season adds another layer of complexity: creating a festive atmosphere and maintaining the magic of Christmas while juggling daily life on their own, far from familiar surroundings. Balancing everyday responsibilities with holiday preparations may seem daunting. Yet, this unique circumstance can also provide a beautiful chance to design personalized holidays and create lasting memories for the children.
As the holiday season nears, many expatriates face a common dilemma: should they return home to family traditions or embark on a new adventure? Deciding between the comfort of familiar festivities and the thrill of exploring unknown places is challenging. This article offers insights to help you decide and plan your vacation, even at the last minute.
The year-end rush is here. For expats, this marks the home stretch: buying gifts, traveling home or elsewhere, whether alone or with family. How can you budget for these expenses to avoid unpleasant surprises and a dent in your year-end finances? Here are some practical tips.
As the year gradually ends, the evenings burst into a vibrant kaleidoscope of colors. Across different nations, the Festival of Lights illuminates the darkness, lifting spirits and rejuvenating the night. The celebration of Diwali kicks off this week, and we'll explore more festivals that foster joy and community.
It's that time of year again! Airlines and railways have kicked off their marketing campaigns, offering attractive rates for end-of-year vacations. To secure the best prices and ensure availability, now is the ideal time to book your travel. Many expats choose this period to return to their home countries for the end-of-year holidays, while others explore new destinations within their host country or venture abroad. Being organized and prepared is key whether you're working or have some free time. Here is a practical guide to help you efficiently plan your end-of-year holidays.
Looking to travel the world as an expat? Many have successfully navigated this path. Contrary to popular belief, it is entirely possible to juggle a career abroad while discovering the wonders of your host country. Below, find some practical tips to guide you.
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In early 2024, the Prime Video streaming platform debuted “Expats", a drama series based on the book by Janice Y. K. Lee. It portrays the lives of three women from diverse backgrounds who are linked by a singular drama: Margaret, Hilary, and Mercy, each facing unexpected and traumatic events that upheave their existences.
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