San Jose del Cabo Sunrise

Join Our Journey to Find the Perfect Expat Destination

Welcome to AspiringExpats.com! I invite you to join my family and me as we explore the world in search of our perfect second home abroad.

“Travel not to escape life, but so life doesn’t escape you.”

As we take on this wild adventure, we’ll share our experiences, research, and insights around settling in a new country — providing a unique glimpse into the process of setting up a life abroad. We hope our experiences shed a bit of light on the challenges and rewards of expat life, and over time, provide a useful roadmap for those who dream of similar adventures.

With nearly seven years living across Asia, Europe, and South America, I’ve gathered my share of knowledge around the intricacies of expat life. This time around, we’re not just looking for great destinations, we’re searching for locations that help us live our best lives — places that reflect our passions and resonate with our core values and lifestyle.

Why Join Us on This Adventure?

  • 🌍 Follow our family’s journey to find our perfect second home abroad
  • 🛫 Get actionable tips and real, practical advice from a seasoned expat
  • 📚 Deep-dive into our research on the best (and worst) expat destinations
  • 💬 Share your own tips and stories — we’re better together!
  • 🌱Unlock your potential for personal and professional growth through global living

“Embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and endless possibilities with us.”

Aspiring Expats is fueled by our yearning to live life to the fullest, and a desire to empower you to realize your expat dreams — and live your best life.

Having personally experienced the transformative power of travel, it’s our belief that stepping into the unknown broadens our perspectives and opens up extraordinary opportunities for personal growth and satisfaction.

Join us on this exciting journey as we explore potential locations for our second home abroad. Experience the highs, lows, and everything in between as we navigate this new chapter of our lives. We hope you’ll let our journey inspire and inform your own search for your perfect expat destination.

Relaxing on the beach in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

Featured Blog Series

Discovering the Best Places to Live Your Best Life: A Blog Series Exploring International Locations and Empowering You to Create Your Ideal Expat Experience.

Featured Destinations

Mallorca, Spain

Timeless Beauty and Modern Pleasures

Mallorca is a slice of paradise in the Mediterranean. It’s known for stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, Spanish architecture, and excellent nightlife. From the centuries-old Gothic cathedral in Palma to the timeless stone structures of Valldemossa and Deia, Mallorca is a living testament to Spanish architectural history.

But what sets it most apart is its natural beauty — turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and lush landscapes; offering countless opportunities for outdoor adventure. And when you’re ready to unwind, the island’s easygoing lifestyle, growing wine scene, and warm climate make it the perfect place to relax and recharge. 

Mallorca’s nightlife is a diverse mix of beach bars, nightclubs, and traditional tapas venues. Hence, it provides something for everyone from the party-goer to the laid-back traveler.

Whether you’re seeking a second home abroad for vacation getaways or as a more permanent residence, Mallorca offers both luxury and authenticity. Be it sipping local wine on a cliffside terrace or losing track of time in a secluded cove, Mallorca’s the kind of place that makes you want to ditch your return ticket (or at least extend your stay for a very long time). 🍹

Porto, Portugal

A Journey Through Romantic Alleys and Riverfront Splendors

Warning: Porto might just steal your heart. This isn’t your average European city break; it’s an experience that lingers long after you’ve left the last port house. Porto’s beauty runs deeper than its charming streets. It’s a city that gets under your skin, with its winding lanes, sunny plazas, and a certain je ne sais quoi that makes it easy to see why so many fall in love with this city.

Set against the backdrop of the Douro River; Porto stands out with its distinct blend of old-world baroque and contemporary architecture, as well as its iconic port wine — tempting you to unearth its unique character.

As a choice destination for a second home, Porto’s a complete package. With its mild climate, affordable cost of living, and inviting atmosphere, the city serves as a magnet for those in search of a European base that offers comfort and practicality.

Today you can experience the contemporary combination of Porto’s culture and cuisine. Here, traditional Fado tunes and iconic Francesinha sandwiches come together to showcase the city’s evolving heritage.

Porto might be the perfect setting to unlock your heart. Who knows, you might just find yourself raising a glass of port to new beginnings… and maybe even a new life. 🥂

San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

A Coastal Retreat of Artistic Energy and Seaside Leisure

San Jose del Cabo isn’t just an escape; it’s a whisper in your ear that says, ‘Maybe… just maybe… this could be home.

Meander through the charming town center, where the scent of freshly baked pan dulce mixes with the sounds of happy chatter and music drifting from open-air eateries. Plaza Mijares, the heart of this historic town, is a great spot to take in the local atmosphere, join friendly locals and fellow expats for a weekly art walk or browse enticing outdoor markets, where you’ll find everything from handcrafted jewelry to locally grown produce.

Art enthusiasts will feel right at home in San Jose del Cabo, with galleries that feature stunning works from both local and international artists. And with year-round warm weather, you’ll find a ton of time for that next round of golf, a solid fishing trip, or hours spent surfing a variety of great local breaks in the area.

If San Jose del Cabo starts feeling a little too zen, don’t worry – the tequila-fueled fiesta of Cabo San Lucas is just a hop, skip, and a jump away.

Situated on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula where the Pacific Ocean converges with the Sea of Cortez, this beachy paradise offers miles of unspoiled beaches, warm waters teeming with marine life, and truly epic sunrises. After dark, San Jose del Cabo pulses with the rhythm of live music, tantalizing food, and an energetic nightlife.

In San Jose del Cabo, the sun’s warmth doesn’t just touch your skin, it seeps into your soul (and here, your wallet doesn’t have to feel the heat!). This might just be the place where you finally trade in your ‘vacation mode’ for a ‘living the dream’ kind of life. 🌅

Barcelona, Spain

Enchanting with Historical Depth and a Mediterranean Lifestyle

Ever wished your city break could just… last forever? Yeah, Barcelona does that to you. I’ll admit it. I fell hard for Barcelona. Like, really hard.

Yes, Barcelona’s got historical landmarks and cultural traditions in spades. But what really sets it apart is that spark of creativity that’s always crackling in the air, whether you’re sipping cava at a rooftop bar, wandering through a graffiti-covered alleyway, or turning a corner and finding yourself face-to-face with another Gaudi masterpiece.

The streets are lined with awe-inspiring architecture, from Gaudi’s iconic Sagrada Familia to the medieval Gothic Quarter. But Barcelona is way more than just eye candy — it’s a city that shimmers with possibilities. It’s moonlight reflecting off the Mediterranean Sea during midnight beach strolls, laughter spilling out of tapas bars onto cobblestone streets, and the taste of tinto de verano that’s like sipping liquid sunshine.

The food scene? Ridiculous in the best possible way: melt-in-your-mouth jamón ibérico, patatas bravas that are crispy perfection, and crema catalana so good it’ll make you want to hug the chef. It doesn’t stop there; dive into a world of fresh-off-the-boat seafood, tapas bars that feel like secret hideaways, and Michelin-starred chefs pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on a plate. Just remember to save room for the churros con chocolate… trust me on this one.

When night falls, Barcelona doesn’t just wake up — it winks. Whether you’re into underground techno beats, intimate jazz clubs, or beachside chiringuitos, it’s a city where the night is always young, and the possibilities endless. Hidden alleyways come alive with the intoxicating scent of vermouth and the buzz of shared secrets at speakeasies you’d never find on your own, while terrace bars provide front-row seats to the city’s twinkling skyline. And if you find yourself lost in the maze of bars and clubs, just go with the flow. The best nights are often the ones you don’t plan.

Barcelona isn’t just a city you visit; it’s a place that pulls you in, leaving you dreaming of a life split between two worlds. It’s a captivating blend of Europe’s historical depth, contemporary cool, and a glimpse into what comes next. 💃

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“The best education I have ever received was through travel.”

Lisa Ling