December 24, 2024

I wonder what it would be like to live in most of the places I’ve visited, but I know I can’t make anywhere home.

As much as I would love to wake up in Sydney every morning, Australia is a little too far away from anywhere else. Although Istanbul is vibrant, it’s a bit too big and busy.

Reykjavik is comfortable, but the city is probably too small for me to put down roots in – I wonder if I can get the hang of Icelandic.

As a Chicago travel writer, I continue to discover amazing new places around the world. Of the nearly 70 countries I’ve visited so far, here are the four places I’d most like to move to.

Helsinki, Finland

2024 in Helsinki, Finland.

Courtesy of Meena Thiruvengadam

Singapore

2023 in Singapore.

Courtesy of Meena Thiruvengadam

Singaporeans have a long life expectancy low crime rate.

One night, I was walking alone from the Marina Bay Sands back to my own hotel a few blocks away when it dawned on me: I was safe. There were no mass shootings in schools, churches, malls, offices, parades, or anywhere else. Singapore has One of the lowest rates of gun violence in the country in the world.

Cars will even stop for pedestrians.

Just like in Finland, I have a few friends in Singapore – enough to start building a new local community. The Texas summers I grew up with prepared me well for the heat and humidity in Singapore.

Lisbon, Portugal

In Lisbon in 2023.

Courtesy of Meena Thiruvengadam

Unlike Chicago, where I currently live, winters in Portugal are mild, making Lisbon pleasant year-round. Life in Lisbon isn’t as affordable as it was when I first started thinking about moving, but it’s still far away Life in Portugal is more affordable Than Chicago, New York, and many other places in the U.S.

The country has an affordable public healthcare system It’s one of the best countries in the world, with a vibrant expat community, and a thriving cultural scene – things that make me think about moving every time I visit.

Italy

When I first considered moving to Italy, I was taking a cooking class in Sorrento. The villa I was in—a villa with an ocean view, an extensive garden, and an outdoor kitchen—cost about the same as a one-bedroom apartment in New York City, where I lived at the time.

In comparison, Italy seems like a good deal and the quality of life will be significantly improved.

2023 in Rome, Italy.

Courtesy of Meena Thiruvengadam

Whether it’s Rome, Milan or Naples, landing in Italy is like a long sigh. Priorities are different. The pace of life is different. This is sweet life.

Italians have a better work-life balance than Americans (especially New Yorkers). The weather is fine, it’s fine The country’s healthcare system. this The job market can be toughbut as a creative working remotely with clients around the world, this isn’t an issue for me.

There are several Italian cities I would consider moving to – Milan and Sorrento among them – and I’m sure there are many more yet to be discovered.

Wherever I land, I know there will be great olive oil, fresh pasta, rich arts and culture, and friendly people.

Meena Thiruvengadam is a travel writer and editorial consultant currently living in Chicago. She is the founder of a travel website TravelwithMeena.com He is also a contributor to publications such as Travel+Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, The Wall Street Journal, and Lonely Planet. Mina previously served as editor at Yahoo Finance and director of audience development at Bloomberg and Business Insider. find her Tik Tok and Instagram.

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