Are you looking to make a holiday out of your life? Some places are excellent all year round, not just when you need a break. In these places, suitable living conditions apply to everyone, including immigrants, and the destinations are inviting in more ways than one.
If you've been considering a more than temporary change of scenery, here are ten of the best places to move to:
1. Canada
The maple leaf land is, as expected, full of much natural beauty. Still, the urban living conditions are just as captivating with ease of navigation, unique healthcare systems and a clean environment. The Great White North is one of the safest places in the world, so it's no surprise how friendly the locals are. With so many unmissable attractions, from food to thriving arts and theatre, you’ll be planning staycation after staycation.
2. Austria
While the country’s capital is relatively expensive to live in, Vienna is consistently ranked as having top-quality living conditions in terms of healthcare and safety (even for the LGBTQ+ community). However, these inviting elements and much more exist all over the country — and at much lower costs. You’ll find fantastic food, walkable paths and ever-exciting arts and cultural displays around every corner of Austria.
3. Japan
The long history of wisdom and tradition has established a contemporary culture of respect for everyone, including immigrants and tourists. All that intention also seeps into other aspects of Japanese civilisation; fashion, architecture, food, technological advancement, and even the love of sports like baseball all have a unique artistic touch. To reside in the Land of the Rising Sun is to be surrounded by flair to be explored all day, every day.
4. The Netherlands
Young people are mostly encouraged to move here in an attempt to begin and/or further their careers, thanks to executive business incentives offered to residents. I, on the other hand, have had plans to move to Amsterdam since I was 15. My dream has always been to wake up seeing greenery against the many red-bricked buildings of peculiar architecture; and, on free days, to visit a ton of museums to take in as much history and art as I can.
5. Denmark
Modern Danish glitz is still based on the ageless yet historic charm, which makes many cities walkable and bike-friendly. Bustling parts like Copenhagen can seem costly at first, but after you settle in and start to familiarise yourself with the location, you’ll begin to notice all the budget-friendly lifestyle options. In between public parks and free galleries, bohos like myself will come to appreciate that finding adventure here literally doesn't cost a thing sometimes.
6. Finland
Given the incredibly low crime rates throughout the country, both vibrant city life and tranquil countryside life hold the promise of safety. Leisure lovers will be pleased to learn that visiting saunas frequently is, safe to say, part of Finnish tradition. Those who prefer more activity, on the other hand, will appreciate the abundance of coffee. According to WHO, the country has the world’s cleanest air, and the effect of that on the quality of life — for everyone — is undeniable.
7. Spain
As more ex-pats have returned to their countries, Spain’s average cost of living (and crowd) has decreased significantly. It's sunny and comfortably warm almost all year round, encouraging involvement in outdoor activities. This temperate weather is also responsible for nearly constant blossoms, an incentive for plant enthusiasts. Then, of course, there are world-famous attractions like the richness of Spanish food and celebratory culture.
8. Iceland
I could ask for no better place to romanticise my life than the fairytale-looking islands of this Nordic destination. Day or night, in a group or alone, I’d head to most corners of the country with less anxiety than usual because I know it's one of the safest places in the world. As a nyctophile, I'd also appreciate the extra time of darkness that comes with the Icelandic winter. For many like me, it's a chance to stay in, wrapped up in your favourite blanket while you cuddle with a special someone or, in my case, my favourite plushies.
9. Norway
With free education and healthcare services for residents, most people overlook the slightly increased cost of living. In addition, all kinds of labour — skilled or unskilled — is well rewarded. For more affordable living, you can also stay in towns instead of big cities. This even opens you up to the Norwegian sense of community, encouraging you to adjust and lean into the welcoming environment.
10. Vietnam
This is notably one of the most affordable places in the world, and conveniently, visa requirements are not as stressful as in most other countries. Safety and security extend to the economy, too. The peculiar climate stretches such that you can decide if you want to spend more time in the warmer or colder parts of the country. Natural beauty is seen in mountains and beaches, yes, but even how they grow their food is aesthetically pleasing.