Things to do after moving overseas or buying property abroad
Travel, they say, broadens the mind, and moving overseas is usually the ultimate in travel experiences. Whether you are going to live permanently in a property abroad or plan to make regular visits to your holiday home, you are in for a great adventure. Explore your new territory, discover its must-do activities, and enjoy the stimulation of fresh experiences and first-time sensations that owning a property abroad offers.
Every region has its character, charm and culture, so no matter where you are buying your holiday home, your new country is likely to have a fresh approach to familiar things plus a good number of unique features, too. Here are some suggestions for making moving overseas a truly great experience:
Fiestas and festivals – join in with your neighbours
Living in a property abroad, whether it is a long-term base or a holiday home, always means encountering different holidays and celebrations. Even in the most familiar of English-speaking nations, there are usually dates in the calendar for which there is no UK equivalent. Colourful, noisy parades are often part of these occasions so it is easy to join in. When moving overseas, these celebrations are a great way to uncover the local culture, traditions and history of your new home.
Food – one of the great joys of moving overseas or visiting a holiday home
Unless you are moving overseas at the behest of your employer, the chances are you are visiting your holiday home or buying property abroad because you have fallen in love with your destination country. Its cuisine may well be part of the initial attraction but for most Brits living in property abroad, the local food and eating traditions – especially the habit of eating al fresco with family and friends – becomes one of the great joys of moving overseas. Indulge yourself in the spirit of research. You may find you’ll want to go completely native when staying in your holiday home!
Once you’ve bought your property abroad, it’s time to hit the shops
Shopping expeditions can be among the most exciting experiences of moving overseas. Not only are there likely to be unusual products, different brands, regional styling and local crafts evident, the whole atmosphere and culture of shopping may be very different in your holiday home to what you are used to. You may, for example, be expected to barter and haggle. You may find there are no supermarkets outside the cities. Depending on where you are moving overseas, you may also find there no familiar brand names. But no matter where you have bought your property abroad, shopping in a foreign country is usually a deliciously stimulating experience where sight, sound, taste and smell are led happily into overdrive.
Get sporty – moving overseas can present great new sporty opportunities
Unless your property abroad is in quite a remote area, you are likely to find at least some sport facilities nearby – even if only a municipal swimming pool or one-court tennis club. But perhaps your permanent abode or holiday home is in a region or resort renowned for its immaculate golf courses, extensive skiing opportunities, excellence in watersports or some other local sport or game ie boules in France. Take every advantage when first-class facilities or community games are on your doorstep and make moving overseas a time to learn and enjoy new skills.
Seek out the cultural offer near your holiday home
Living in your own holiday home or permanent property abroad gives you the opportunity to visit museums, art galleries and other cultural institutions in a less hurried manner than you might if you were visiting on a one-off vacation. The same can be said for any attraction within easy reach of your property abroad, whether it falls into the high culture category or not!
Take advantage of all that moving overseas offers
Whether you are buying property abroad for a holiday home or a new permanent abode, you are probably ready and willing to make some changes to your lifestyle. Moving overseas is a great opportunity to encounter new ideas, introduce new habits, and learn more about the world. If you are prepared to take advantage of all that your new full-time or holiday home offers, you are sure to get the maximum benefit from moving overseas.
