Welcome back to the next part of our blog series, ‘Discovering the Best Places to Live Your Best Life.‘ If you’ve read our previous post, you already know why we’re embarking on this exciting journey to find our second home abroad.

Today, we’re diving into the ‘how.’

Here’s what you can expect from this post:

• Defining Our Ideal Second Home: The Criteria That Matter Most. Dive into the key factors guiding our choice for a second home, from financial sustainability to lifestyle fit, healthcare, safety, and cultural richness. Understand the blend of practicality and passion driving our decision-making process.

• Exploring Potential Paradises: Destinations on Our Shortlist. Join us as we share our shortlist of potential destinations, including Mallorca, Porto, and San Jose del Cabo, and tease future explorations to places like Nassau and Sliema.

• Building a Community-Driven Journey: Your Role in Our Global Search. Discover how your experiences, suggestions, and stories can shape our journey. Learn about the ways you can engage, contribute, and be an active participant in our quest for a home that resonates with our aspirations and global lifestyle.

As you certainly know by now, choosing a second home isn’t just about falling in love with a place; it’s about ensuring that the destination aligns with our lifestyle, values, and long-term goals.

Here, we’re taking a closer look at the criteria that will serve as our compass throughout this journey.

The Research Methodology: How We’re Evaluating Our Options

As we explore potential destinations, we’re not just relying on surface-level impressions. We’re diving into data, talking to locals, and even consulting experts in various fields.

From cost-of-living indices to healthcare rankings, we’re gathering a wealth of information to make an informed decision. And of course, we’ll be sharing all these insights with you.

Key Criteria for Our Second Home

Cost of Living

Financial sustainability is crucial. While we’re willing to invest in our dream home, we also need to be practical. The cost of living is a significant factor in our decision-making process. We’re looking for a place that offers a high quality of life without breaking the bank.

Lifestyle Fit

We’re passionate about exploring and enjoying life to the fullest. Our ideal destination would be great for remote work, offer a bunch of entertainment options, recreational activities and a lifestyle that aligns with our pursuits and interests.

Healthcare and Safety

Health is wealth, as they say. Access to excellent healthcare facilities is non-negotiable. Safety, too, is a must, not just in terms of crime rates but also political stability. 

Cultural Richness

A big privilege of residing abroad for us is in what it offers culturally. We’re eyeing a place that provides a ton of cultural experiences, from the taste of local dishes to festive celebrations, artistic landmarks and so much more.

Ultimately, we desire deep engagement with both the culture and the broader community in a prospective overseas home; hoping to contribute to and benefit from its abundant life.

“Financial sustainability is crucial. Health is wealth. Cultural richness is a privilege.”

In the coming months, we’ll be diving deep into various destinations that tick these boxes. We’ll explore everything these places have to offer, and how they align with our key criteria (these and more!) and, hopefully, yours too.😊

The Practicalities: What It Really Takes

While the dream is romantic, the reality involves logistics — visas, healthcare, taxes, and so on. In future posts, we’ll delve into these often-overlooked yet crucial aspects of making a life abroad.

So, there you have it! The basics of our roadmap for the journey ahead. We’re incredibly excited to take you along as we discover the best places to live our best lives.

Destinations on Our Radar: Where We’re Headed Next

As we embark on this incredible journey, we’ve got a few places already on our radar. Trust me, narrowing down our initial list was no easy feat, especially with a world full of incredible places to explore. Each destination offers its own unique blend of culture, lifestyle, and opportunities for growth.

And guess what? We’ll be scrutinizing each of these places in the upcoming blog posts, so stay tuned!

Furthermore, here’s a sneak peek into some of the few destinations that are currently topping of our list:

Our Shortlist: Destinations We’re Seriously Considering

• Mallorca, Spain: Ah, the Mediterranean! Mallorca has been on our radar for its idyllic beaches, exciting social scene, historic Spanish architecture, and relaxed lifestyle. Plus, the cost of living is relatively reasonable, and who can resist Spanish tapas?

• Porto, Portugal: Porto is another spot that’s been calling our name. Known for its port wine, the city offers a mix of modern amenities and old-world charm. The healthcare system in Portugal is excellent, and the locals have a reputation for being incredibly welcoming to expats.

• San Jose del Cabo, Mexico: Closer to our current home in California, San Jose del Cabo offers miles of unspoiled beaches, a warm climate year-round and a lower cost of living. A growing expat community, great local cuisine and relaxed lifestyle help make it an easy favorite.

• Barcelona, Spain: Yes, Spain again! Barcelona offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with its art, architecture, diverse nightlife and, of course, football (soccer). The city is an amazing blend of experiences, where you can go from sandy beaches to mountainous retreats in no time.

On the Horizon: Upcoming Places of Interest

• Playa del Carmen, Mexico: Just a ferry ride away from Cozumel, Playa del Carmen is perfect for beach lovers, nightlife enthusiasts, and water sports aficionados. Living here is surprisingly affordable, and the local food scene is mouthwatering.

• Nassau, The Bahamas: The epitome of a tropical paradise, Nassau is a bastion of pristine waters, powdery white beaches, and a relaxed island vibe. The local culture is as warm as the climate, and the seafood is second to none.

• Sliema, Malta: Located on the Mediterranean island of Malta, Sliema is known for its breathtaking sea vistas, historic sites, and a mix of modern and traditional Maltese culture. The healthcare system is top-notch, and the local community is incredibly expat-friendly.

• Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: A surfer’s paradise, Santa Teresa offers a relaxed, bohemian way of life, complete with beautiful beaches and lush jungles. Wellness and sustainability are at the heart of the community, which embraces the infectious Pura Vida lifestyle.

Those are just a quick sample of the places we’re considering. Once more, each destination will be explored in-depth in future blog posts, where we’ll dissect everything from cost of living and the best neighborhoods to healthcare and safety, to the local lifestyle.

We’ll also be sharing our personal experiences and observations, so you’ll get a firsthand account of what it’s like to explore these places as potential second homes.

Join the Conversation: How You Can Be Part of Our Journey

“Your contributions can make this blog a rich resource for anyone looking to explore life abroad.”

We’re beyond excited to take you along on this journey with us, but we also know that many of you have your own wealth of experiences and insights. So, we’re not here to lecture: we don’t just want to talk at you; we want to talk with you.

Your Role in Our Journey

We believe in the wisdom of the crowd. Your insights, experiences, and perspectives can enrich this journey in ways we can’t even imagine. So, how can you get involved?

Community Engagement

Share Your Tips and Experiences

If you’ve lived in or visited any of the destinations we’re considering, we’d love to hear your thoughts. What did you love? What challenges did you face?

Your insights could be invaluable in helping us make our decision and to our community. Feel free to drop your tips and experiences in the comments section or reach out to us directly.

Suggest New Destinations

Think we’re missing out on a hidden gem? Let us know! We’re open to considering places that we might not have thought of.

Engage with Us

We’ll be featuring community contributions in future blog posts. Whether it’s a tip that helped us in a big way or a suggestion that led us to explore a new destination, we want to give credit where credit is due.

Use the Hashtag #AspiringExpatsJourney

If you’re sharing your own expat stories or travel photos, use the hashtag #AspiringExpatsJourney. We’ll be keeping an eye out for it and may feature your post in our community section.

Join Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on our journey. We’ll also have special features where we highlight the valuable contributions made by our community.

Interact with Our Social Media Polls

Follow us on our social channels, as we’ll soon be running various polls on our social media platforms to gauge community opinions on different destinations. Your votes will directly influence our journey.

Ask Questions

Engage through the surveys, questions and polls throughout aspiringexpats.com, but also don’t hold back if you have any questions. Please reach out and contact us, we love getting to know you and if we can help out, we’d be delighted.

Together, we’ll discover the best places to live our best lives. And who knows? Maybe our paths will cross in some far-flung corner of the world where we’ll swap tales over local delicacies and a few drinks.

We’re not just taking this journey for ourselves; we’re taking it for everyone who dreams of living abroad, embracing new ways of life, and expanding their horizons in unexpected yet profound ways. That’s why we’re not just inviting you to follow along; we’re inviting you to be an active part of this adventure.

Your contributions can make this blog a richer resource for anyone looking to explore life abroad. 

“Your insights are not just welcomed; they’re essential.”

So don’t hesitate to reach out. After all, this journey is as much about the community we build along the way as it is about our family’s quest for the perfect second home.

What’s Next: Our Upcoming Deep Dive into Mallorca

So, what’s next for us?

Well, I’m thrilled to announce that we’ve set our sights on the island of Mallorca, Spain as our initial destination for an in-depth exploration as a potential second home.

But here’s the catch: Mallorca’s a island of varied towns, each with its own unique allure and lifestyle.

So, how do we pick the perfect one for our family? That’s the million-dollar question!

Our next blog post “Dreaming of Island Life: Could Mallorca Be Our Next Home?” will begin addressing just that. First, we’ll jump into why this amazing island appeals to us, before following up with posts detailing where the most appealing spots on the island are, which things we’re most looking forward to doing, and so much more, all in attempt to help us — and you — make an informed decision.

From energy-filled city centers to relaxing coastal enclaves, we’ll cover them all. Whether you’re a beach lover, a culture seeker, or a bit of both, think of this guide as your personal compass. And naturally, we’ll include our own thoughts and considerations, adding an ever present personal touch to our exploration.

More Destination Dives and Expat Insights

In the coming weeks, we’ll be probing more of the destinations we’re considering for our second home.

From the cosmopolitan wonderland of Barcelona, Spain, to the welcoming culture of Porto, Portugal, we’ll be exploring what makes each place unique and how they align with our criteria for the perfect second home.

From the intricacies of the cost of living and the nuances of local lifestyles to seasonal variations and standout neighborhoods, we’ll provide a full rundown.

We’re also hoping to feature interviews with other expats who have successfully made the leap and are living their best lives abroad. Their experiences will not only inform and inspire our own adventures but also, we hope, awaken your own sense of possibility.

More Community Engagement

And remember, this journey is about more than just our family’s quest for a second home. It’s about building a community of like-minded individuals passionate about living their best lives, wherever that may be.

Your contributions are invaluable to us. Whether it’s a hidden gem we should visit or advice on navigating expat challenges, your insights could very well shape the next chapter of our adventure. They aren’t just welcomed; they’re needed.

As we set forth, we’re guided by our values, desire to grow, and previous international experience. We’re searching for more than an incredible place; we’re embarking on a journey to enrich our lives in ways that resonate with our deepest passions and offer new ways of seeing the world.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

– Lao Tzu

Our Invitation to You: Be a Part of This Journey

We don’t have all the answers; we’re just a family with a dream and the determination to make it a reality. But together, as a community of aspiring expats, seasoned travelers, and curious souls, we can all learn from one another.

So, whether you’re an aspiring expat, a current expat, or even just a dreamer who loves the idea of international living, we invite you to be part of this exciting journey.

Together, we’ll explore the world, challenge our preconceptions, and discover new ways to live our best lives.

Setting out on this path, we’re not simply spectators in our own story; we’re co-authors. And you, our readers, are an integral part of this narrative.

Your insights, suggestions, and even challenges make this journey richer and more meaningful. So, we invite you to be active participants, not just passive readers. Your voice matters.

“Your insights are not just welcomed; they’re essential.”

If you’re as excited about this journey as we are, make sure to subscribe to our blog for all the latest updates.

Got a tip or a burning question? Share it on social media using the hashtag #AspiringExpatsJourney.

And if you’re looking for more resources to fuel your own expat dreams, check out our Destinations page and About page for extra inspiration.

Thank you for playing an essential role in this incredible journey.

If this post spoke to you, we’d be honored if you’d share it far and wide, and on social media using the hashtag #AspiringExpatsJourney. Until next time, keep aspiring and keep exploring — the world is brimming with opportunities.

Here’s to living your best life, wherever that may be!

Cheers, Aaron & Family

“Together, we’ll explore the world, challenge our preconceptions, and discover new ways to live our best lives.”

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