About Aspiring Expats
Journey with us as we explore the world in search of our perfect second home.
Hi everyone, I’m Aaron. I live in the greater Los Angeles area with my wife and son – and together we’re on a mission to find our ideal second home abroad. Our son being in eighth grade means we have about five years before we’ll be able to spend serious time in a second home.
“Our journey is about more than just finding a place to live; it’s about discovering a community, lifestyle, and environment where we can authentically thrive.”
Finding a Second Home Abroad
The Journey Begins
So our plan over the coming half-decade is twofold. First, to deep dive into researching locations – doing homework on potential destinations and exploring the most promising ones during family vacations, extended weekends, and longer remote-work getaways. And second, to figure out how to practically make a home work for our family in these places — the finances, logistics, lifestyle adjustments, etc.
At AspiringExpats.com, we’ll detail the ins and outs of this journey, from research to (fingers crossed) realization.
Our Vision for the Future
We can foresee a future where we spend as many as six to nine months a year in this second home. That means this adventure is probably less about finding a vacation house, and more about discovering a community, lifestyle, and environment where we’re not only comfortable but can authentically thrive.
AspiringExpats.com, in many ways, will be our digital diary: where we’ll document this journey, report updates on the process, reveal our research, and share our challenges, successes, hopes and fears around this undertaking.
Our Hopes for AspiringExpats.com
Sharing Our Truths
“Honesty, authenticity, and a dash of adventure – that’s our promise to you.”
We’re starting AspiringExpats.com to share this journey and give an honest account of the process involved, warts and all. The world of expatriation and international travel is multifaceted and immense, and while we certainly won’t have all the answers, we do promise to share our truths – the good, the bad, and everything in between.
Our hope is to paint as clear a picture as we can of what it’s like venturing into the unknown and unraveling the complexities of what finding a fitting second home abroad entails. If we can extend a bit of practical advice, share relevant personal experiences, provide helpful insights and shine light on a few potential expat destinations along the way, we’ll be thrilled.
Building a Community
At worst, we’ll document and detail our experiences as we explore and search (regardless of if we ultimately succeed) while keeping our family and friends updated. At best, we hope that sharing our experience will make it easier for others who are going through the same thing or are considering it.
And if we can help bring together a community of aspiring expats, seasoned travelers, international transplants, or anyone curious about the world beyond their backyard — in a space where we can learn from each other — then all the better!
Let’s Connect
Learning Together
Without question, we have a lot to learn, we’ll stumble and make (a bunch of) mistakes along the way. So we also hope we can use this platform to connect: if you’ve walked a similar path before, have useful tips about destinations we’re considering, know other locations we should be considering, or can offer any relevant insight, we warmly welcome your input, advice and support.
Your suggestions will undoubtedly enhance our chances of successfully navigating this process and finding a wonderful second home. Whether you’re an experienced expat with wisdom to share, someone who’s toyed with the idea of a life abroad, or just curious and eager to follow along, we invite you to join us on this exciting exploration.
Share Your Expat Story or Suggestions
Have you lived abroad? Do you have tips or locations we should consider? Share your story or suggestions with us!
A Bit About Aaron – Expat & Travel Experience
Born in Boston and raised in Los Angeles, I’ve also been fortunate to enjoy living (or spending a ton of extended time) in some of the most exciting spots in the United States 
. The Bay Area, New York, San Diego, Chicago and Phoenix have also each taught me valuable lessons.
While these places shaped my American experience, it’s the “well-out-of-my-comfort-zone” time spent internationally that has forced me to grow most profoundly.
Living Abroad: A Transformational Experience
Few things have changed me so much as living overseas. Life abroad has an extraordinary tendency to expand who you are, challenge your beliefs, broaden your perspectives, and deepen your connection to the greater global community in a way that is difficult to replicate.
During my almost seven years spent living abroad, I’ve called London 
, Hamburg 
, Barcelona 
. Buenos Aires 
, Beijing 
and Rome 
home – and from those hubs, traveled to many more incredible places.
Memorable Moments
I’ve experienced numerous types of outstanding moments:
- From awe-inspiring, like hiking the Great Wall of China or being on safari in South Africa, to rejuvenatory, such as catching myself again in the Greek Islands or on a Yucatán beach.
- From attending folkloric festivals like Oktoberfest or the Running of the Bulls, to going to global sporting celebrations including World Cups and Olympics.
- Exploring eclectic metropolises like Istanbul or Kiev, to global hot spots such as the French Riviera, to more underrated locations like Seoul.
- And SO many more…
Munich, Germany
Simatai, China
Pamplona, Spain
Growth & Learning
Broadening Horizons
“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to life. Every culture offers a unique perspective on what it means to truly live.”
Beyond the remarkable places and events, living abroad has been nothing if not an enlightening exercise in self-discovery.
Perhaps predictably, I’ve uncovered arrays of foods, entertainment and beautiful places I wouldn’t have otherwise known about, let alone realized how much pleasure they’d bring into my life. Less predictably, I’ve come across far more delightful and varied ways of living than I would’ve imagined.
It’s evident to me now that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to life. Spending time with cultures that prioritize and appreciate different parts of life than I was accustomed to (often in splendid ways) has undoubtedly offered me perspective on what kinds of lifestyles are possible and which aspects might serve well to incorporate into my own life.
The Power of Human Connection
“It’s the people you meet along the way that make your travels truly unforgettable.”
All that said, as many expats and longer-stay travelers well know, it’s the people you meet along the way that end up capturing your heart and making your travels truly unforgettable.
I’m still haunted – mostly in the best ways – by the heartfelt interactions shared with locals, deep connections made with fellow expats and travelers, and many moments of joy, laughter and discovery we shared together. Our conversations, often unfolding over coffee or a few pints of beer, have enriched my understanding of the world.
The kindness, generosity and open-heartedness of those I’ve encountered overseas have unmistakably left a permanent mark on me.
Discovering the Best Places to Live Your Best Life – A Blog Series.
Join me on this exciting journey as we explore the world in search of our perfect second home abroad, share insights from living in different countries, and inspire others to embark on their own expat adventures.
This series not only documents our personal journey but also offers valuable advice, tips, and ideas for aspiring expats and anyone intrigued by a global lifestyle.
Come along with us as we share our passion for personal and professional growth, navigate cultural differences, and make the most of unique opportunities in the fascinating world of expat living. Discover the best places to live your best life with Aspiring Expats.
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“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.”
– Maya Angelou