How to Choose the Right Country for You

When I first started thinking about moving abroad, I honestly had no idea where to go. Different countries popped into my head, Spain, Portugal, Italy, maybe even further away. It felt exciting, but also impossible to choose.

Then came a spontaneous trip to Spain. Something about the energy, the people, and the sunshine stuck with me. Even after I came home, I couldn’t get Spain out of my head. That feeling was the beginning of everything, the seed that grew into my decision to move abroad.

1. Define Your Priorities

Before looking at flight deals or Instagram hashtags, ask yourself: What do I need most in my daily life?

• Climate: Do you dream of endless sunshine, or are you okay with rainy winters?

• Cost of living: Is affordability key, or are you willing to pay more for a city that excites you?

• Language: Do you want to learn a new language, or would you prefer a place where English is widely spoken?

• Lifestyle: Are you a big-city person, or do you crave small-town calm?

💭 For me, sunshine and an active, social lifestyle were non-negotiable. That’s why Spain quickly stood out from the list.

2. Research Job and Visa Options

Dreaming is fun, but practicalities matter. Some countries are easier to move to than others depending on your passport, skills, and work situation.

• Check what visas are available (student, work, freelancer, digital nomad).

• Look into the job market in your field.

• Research tax rules for expats.

🌍 Tip: Start with government websites, they usually have the clearest visa requirements. Reddit expat groups are also gold for real-life experiences.

3. Consider Culture and Values

Beyond logistics, think about whether the country’s culture matches your values.

• Are you comfortable with a slower pace of life (like in Southern Europe)?

• Do you thrive in structured, efficient systems (like in Northern Europe)?

• How do you feel about religion, politics, or social norms?

💭 One of my biggest shocks was realizing how late people eat dinner in Spain (often 10 p.m.!). At first it felt impossible, now it’s one of my favorite things.

4. Visit Before You Decide (If You Can)

If possible, take a “trial trip.” Living somewhere is different from visiting. Try to:

• Spend time in local neighborhoods, not just tourist areas.

• Shop at the supermarket.

• Notice if you can imagine your daily routines there.

✨ In my Diary Episode 1, I share how a random trip to Spain gave me the spark to move abroad. Sometimes you don’t need a perfect plan, you just need a feel for the place.

5. Listen to Your Intuition

At the end of the day, no amount of research can replace your gut feeling. The right country might not make perfect sense on paper, but if your heart feels at home there, that’s worth paying attention to.

💭 I had plenty of “logical” reasons to move somewhere else, but Spain just felt right. Looking back, following that intuition was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing based only on cost of living: Cheap doesn’t always mean better quality of life.

• Following someone else’s dream: Just because a country worked for a friend doesn’t mean it’s right for you.

• Rushing the decision: It’s okay to take your time exploring.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right country isn’t about finding the “perfect” place, it’s about finding a place that matches your lifestyle, values, and dreams. Start with your priorities, do your research, and then listen to your intuition.

👉 Want to turn your dream of living abroad into action?

Grab the free 5-step guide here!

Hi, I’m Romy

Three years ago, I moved to Spain with no plan but a strong feeling. I chose to follow my gut rather than look back with regret. I believe the best lessons come when you step out of your comfort zone. Now, I share my experiences, practical tips, and the tools I wish I had, hoping to inspire others to take the leap and start their own adventure.