If you’ve ever scrolled through dreamy photos of cobblestone streets, tropical beaches, or peaceful mountain towns and thought, “Could we really move there?” — the answer is yes.
You don’t have to be ultra-wealthy or retired to build a new life abroad. In fact, more Americans than ever are doing it — families, remote professionals, and entrepreneurs who want less stress, more culture, and a cost of living that doesn’t leave them gasping for air.
After moving my own family abroad, I’ve spent years researching destinations that truly welcome U.S. expats — not just tolerate them. These 10 countries make it possible to live comfortably, legally, and joyfully overseas.
🇲🇽 1. Mexico
Why it’s popular: Proximity, affordability, culture, and community. Mexico remains one of the easiest and most welcoming options for Americans. You can fly home in a few hours, enjoy high-quality healthcare, and live comfortably on far less than in the States.
Visa options: Temporary or permanent residency; also a new digital-nomad-friendly path via the Visitor Visa with Permission to Work Online.
Family-friendly city picks: Mérida, San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca, and Lake Chapala.
💡 Insider tip: You can often begin the residency process from any Mexican embassy outside of Mexico, anywhere in the world.
🇵🇹 2. Portugal
Why it’s popular: Safety, sunshine, and simplicity. Portugal consistently ranks as one of the world’s friendliest countries for expats. English is widely spoken, the healthcare system is excellent, and locals genuinely welcome newcomers.
Visa options: D7 Passive Income Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or Golden Visa (for investors).
Best bases: Lisbon, Cascais, Lagos, and Porto.
🍷 Bonus: Portugal offers a pathway to citizenship after ten years of residency.
Street car in Lisbon Portugal
🇨🇷 3. Costa Rica
Why it’s popular: “Pura vida” lifestyle, political stability, and biodiversity. Costa Rica is known for its peaceful culture and strong focus on sustainability. Many U.S. expats choose to homeschool or worldschool here thanks to the country’s focus on family and nature.
Visa options: Rentista (steady income), Pensionado (retirement), or Digital Nomad Visa.
Top spots: Atenas, Tamarindo, Nosara, and Grecia.
Waterfall in Costa Rica
🇪🇸 4. Spain
Why it’s popular: Lifestyle, culture, and affordability. Spain blends old-world charm with modern convenience. Family-friendly cities, excellent public transport, and strong expat communities make it ideal for remote workers or retirees alike.
Visa options: Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or Student Visa.
Top picks: Valencia, Málaga, Granada, and Seville.
Why it’s popular: Cost of living, tropical weather, and digital-nomad infrastructure. Thailand is perfect for adventurous expats seeking a vibrant mix of culture, affordability, and opportunity.
Visa options: Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa, Education Visa, or Digital Nomad Visa (Smart Visa).
Top locations: Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Koh Phangan.
🌴 Cost clue: Many families live comfortably on half their U.S. budget.
Why it’s popular: Safety, strong economy, and modern values. Uruguay is one of South America’s most stable democracies and offers excellent healthcare, reliable infrastructure, and a laid-back lifestyle.
Visa options: Straightforward residency application – no income minimums or quotas.
Top cities: Montevideo, Punta del Este, and Colonia del Sacramento.
🇪🇨 7. Ecuador
Why it’s popular: Diverse climates, low cost, and friendly locals. From coastal towns to Andean mountain villages, Ecuador gives you choices. The U.S. dollar is used as official currency, which simplifies finances.
Visa options: Retirement, digital nomad, or professional residency.
Top areas: Cuenca, Vilcabamba, and the coast near Olón or Montañita.
Why it’s popular: Modern amenities + tropical vibes. With its dollar-based economy, international banking, and fast internet, Panama blends convenience with Central American warmth.
Visa options: Friendly Nations Visa (popular for U.S. citizens) and Pensionado Visa.
Why it’s popular: English-friendly, affordable, and great infrastructure. Malaysia offers a high standard of living for a fraction of U.S. costs. It’s easy to get around, the education system is solid, and Kuala Lumpur is a growing remote-work hub.
Visa options: Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) or DE Rantau Digital Nomad Visa.
Why it’s popular: Europe-on-a-budget with easy visas. Albania has quickly become a digital-nomad favorite thanks to its affordable housing, Mediterranean coastline, and friendly locals. Americans can stay visa-free for up to one year – an almost unheard-of perk in Europe.
Top cities: Tirana, Durrës, Sarandë, and Shkodër.
🏖️ Bonus: Albania is outside the Schengen Zone — perfect for long-term European stays.
Have you ever looked around your life and thought, “Is this really it?” The long work hours, the pressure, the endless news cycle, it all starts to feel like a loop you can’t escape. Sometimes it feels like living in the US is like drinking through a firehose of sewer water. It feels like you are working and working and working to just barely survive, not having the time to spend with your family. Missing important milestones and events, just to spend a few hours with your kids everyday. Between that and the increasing dangers of living in the US, the shooting drills, the food safety and quality and the broken healthcare system, it can feel hopeless.
I know that feeling all too well. A year ago, my husband and I were running successful businesses, raising two kids, and doing everything right by traditional standards. But deep down, something was missing. We wanted more freedom, more connection, and a chance to show our daughters that life could be designed, not dictated. We had this dream in the back of our minds for many years that a different type of life was possible. That there were people that were happy and thriving in different parts of the world who were able to slow down, and enjoy their lives, not be married to their jobs and actually be able to pursue the happiness that seems like an illusion in the US. We were fed up with just the dream…So we did something that felt impossible: We left the U.S. in six months.
And now, I’m going to show you exactly how you can do it too.
🌍 Why We Decided to Leave
For us, it wasn’t about running away, it was about running toward something new. We wanted slower mornings, cultural immersion, meaningful travel, and a better work–life balance.
At first, it felt like a fantasy. We had jobs, a home, responsibilities, kids in school. But once we broke it down, we realized it wasn’t that complicated. It just needed a plan, a timeline, and commitment.
Yes. Six months is plenty of time to make an international move — if you follow a focused plan.
Most people waste months researching aimlessly, overthinking, and doubting themselves. The truth? You don’t need to know everything before you go. You just need to know your next step.
That’s exactly what this roadmap gives you- a six-month, action-by-action plan to help your family transition smoothly and confidently.
📅 The 6-Month Roadmap to Freedom
Month 1: Clarify Your Vision
Start with your why. Why do you want to leave? Is it freedom, safety, affordability, better education, or simply more joy?
Write it down — this becomes your anchor when things get stressful.
Then start exploring where you might want to live. Look into countries that match your values, budget, and lifestyle: Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Costa Rica, or Thailand — all offer family-friendly paths and affordable living.
📝 Pro Tip: Spend time watching YouTube expat vlogs and Facebook groups to see what daily life is actually like.
Month 2: Choose Your Country & Visa Path
Now it’s time to narrow down your options.
Ask yourself:
What languages are you willing to learn?
Do you want beach, city, or countryside living?
What type of visa do you qualify for (digital nomad, retirement, residency)?
Start comparing visa requirements and cost of living. Keep notes — you’ll need them later for your move abroad file.
Month 3: Create Your Exit Plan
This is when things start to feel real.
Get your passports up to date (check everyone’s expiration dates).
Start decluttering — sell, donate, or store what you don’t need.
Research healthcare, schools, and housing options in your chosen country.
Make digital copies of all important documents.
💡 Bonus Tip: Create a shared Google Drive folder labeled “Move Abroad” to store everything in one place.
Month 4: Build Your Income + Financial Plan
Whether you plan to work remotely, freelance, or start a business abroad — this month is all about financial stability.
If you’re already earning online, perfect. If not, explore remote work options that fit your skills. (I break all of this down inside my Remote Work Vault, which is part of the Move Abroad Bundle.)
Other key steps this month:
Set up an international-friendly bank account.
Create a savings buffer for 3–6 months of expenses.
Budget for flights, housing, and visa costs.
Month 5: Finalize Logistics + Paperwork
Now it’s go-time. You’ll start:
Applying for your visa or residency.
Selling your home or ending your lease.
Notifying schools, employers, and utilities.
Planning how to handle mail, storage, and health insurance.
Things might feel hectic — but this is where your 6-month plan keeps you calm.
Month 6: Take the Leap
This is the month that changes everything.
Book your flights. Finalize housing. Say your goodbyes — and remember, you’re not losing your home country; you’re expanding your world.
When we boarded that first flight with our daughters, we didn’t know every detail. But we did know that life on the other side of fear was going to be worth it. And it has been — in ways we couldn’t have imagined.
🚫 Common Mistakes People Make
After coaching dozens of other families through this process, I’ve noticed a few common pitfalls:
Waiting for the “perfect” time (it doesn’t exist).
Letting fear or doubt delay action.
Not budgeting properly for the first 90 days abroad.
Forgetting to prepare digital backups of essential paperwork.
That’s exactly why I created my free checklist — so you can skip the overwhelm and focus on what matters.
📥 Grab the Free Checklist
If you’re ready to stop researching and start moving, my free guide — How to Leave the U.S. in 6 Months or Less: The Ultimate Checklist — walks you step by step through this process.
It includes: ✅ A month-by-month action plan ✅ Visa + documentation checklist ✅ Financial prep template ✅ Declutter + sell guide ✅ Emotional readiness tips for families
You’ll get immediate access and start mapping your own 6-month exit plan — today.
✈️ What Happens Next
Once you’ve got your checklist in hand, you’ll be ready for deeper planning — from choosing the right visa to setting up remote income streams and finding housing abroad.
That’s where my Move Abroad Vaultcomes in — it’s your all-in-one resource for making your relocation smooth, affordable, and stress-free.
And when you’re ready for personalized help, I offer 1:1 Move Abroad Consultations where we’ll tailor a step-by-step roadmap for your family’s exact situation.
Because this journey isn’t just about moving somewhere new — it’s about designing a life that finally feels like your own. 🌎✨
🪶 Final Thought
If you’ve been waiting for a sign that it’s time to start your new chapter… this is it.
You can do this. You just need the roadmap — and I’ve already built it for you.
One of the first things people ask us when they find out we’re traveling the world with our kids isn’t “how?” or “where?” — it’s:
“But… how do you afford it?”
Totally fair question.
Because truthfully? This life didn’t fall into our laps. We built it — piece by piece, dollar by dollar, decision by decision.
In this post, I’ll break down exactly how we’re funding our worldschooling lifestyle, what our income streams look like, and how you can start creating freedom too — even if you’re starting from scratch.Stop second-guessing every step of your move. The Vaulttakes the guesswork out with country comparisons, visa info, housing resources, and realistic cost-of-living breakdowns — so you can finally take action on your dream life abroad.
💡 First, We Got Clear On Our “Enough”
You don’t need six figures to travel full time.
What you do need is clarity:
How much do you really need each month to feel secure?
What expenses can you ditch?
Where is your money actually going?
For us, realizing that we didn’t need a big house, new clothes, or constant Amazon packages was the first step to freedom. We wanted time and experiences, not things.
💸 Our Income Streams (Real Talk)
Right now, we’re funding our travels through a mix of passive income, remote work, and digital products:
1. Real Estate Income
We own 2 properties in the US that we rent long term while we travel. We use a service called Turbo Tenant that screens and manages our application processes. We do leases remotely and have been lucky to have wonderful reliable tenants. Turbo tenant helps with this process. We have a handyman in the states that provides maintenance and we keep open communication with our tenants and address any issues they have promptly. This brings in consistent monthly income without needing to Airbnb every weekend. Our rentals include some utilities and trash pick up so we don’t need to worry about our homes falling into disrepair and our tenants have an easier time just paying a single payment.
✅ Pro tip: Use sites like Furnished Finder, Zillow, and Turbo Tenant or even direct networking in Facebook groups for traveling professionals.
These products live on autopilot and bring in income while we sleep (or explore a market in Oaxaca).
Don’t waste another month scrolling for answers. The Move Abroad Vault includes visa breakdowns, remote income resources, housing tips, and transition tools — everything you need to plan your move abroad in half the time.
3. Affiliate Marketing
We earn a commission when people buy tools, resources, or courses we genuinely love and use — like our worldschool planner, booking platforms, or tools to build online income. We also partner with several travel companies, like Booking.com, Get Transfer and Charles Schwab so if someone clicks our affiliate link and makes a purchase we earn a small commission. We also offer several courses created by other creators that teach valuable skills so people can brand and market themselves online. Again, when someone makes a purchase, we earn a small commission.
✅ Example: We’re affiliates for travel gear, booking platforms, and digital education tools.
4. Content Creation
We’re building our travel blog and YouTube channel, which will become income streams through:
👉 Download it now and start building your version of “enough.”
Tired of spending hours piecing together visa info, housing options, and remote job ideas? The Move Abroad Vaultgives you everything in one place — checklists, country guides, and proven tools to take you from dreaming to departure without the stress.
If you know that this is your dream but you want a customized plan tailored for your family specifically, all while having someone in your corner, holding you accountable for taking the action, schedule a 1:1 Consultation and we will get you from plan to booking your flights over the course of 4 in depth calls!
Looking forward to connecting you to your journey abroad!
There’s something magical that happens when you trade routines for roadmaps and classrooms for culture. Slow travel isn’t just a different pace — it’s a different way of seeing, learning, and growing.
While traditional education often compartmentalizes subjects, slow travel weaves learning into everyday life. The world becomes the curriculum. And without even realizing it, kids absorb powerful, lifelong lessons.
Here are 5 things children learn naturally through slow, intentional travel — no worksheets required.
One week you’re exploring ancient ruins in Mexico, the next you’re navigating a rainy day in a small town in France. Through slow travel, kids learn to expect the unexpected and adapt with flexibility and resilience.
They begin to understand:
Plans can change — and that’s okay.
Delays, detours, and discomfort are part of the adventure.
New foods, new beds, new rhythms are nothing to fear.
This emotional agility is something no textbook can teach — but travel can.
2. 🧠 Curiosity Becomes a Superpower
When every place brings new language, landscapes, and lifestyles, kids start to ask better questions — not because they have to, but because they’re genuinely curious.
They wonder:
Why do people here eat dinner so late?
What does that sign say?
How did this building get built so long ago?
Curiosity becomes a muscle they use daily. And instead of memorizing facts, they connect the dots between history, language, culture, and their own lived experience.
3. 💬 Cultural Respect and Emotional Intelligence
In slow travel, kids don’t just observe different cultures — they live in them. They greet new neighbors, navigate different social norms, and learn to be guests in someone else’s home country.
This fosters:
Empathy — realizing not everyone lives the way they do
Humility — making mistakes in a new language and trying again
Respect — for traditions, rituals, and ways of being that are different from their own
These aren’t just travel skills — they’re human skills.
Slow travel erases the line between “school time” and “real life.” A hike becomes science class. A market becomes math. A museum becomes a history book they can walk through.
Children begin to:
See learning as a lifestyle, not just a task
Discover their interests and strengths outside of traditional assessments
Experience education as empowering, not obligatory
This is where worldschooling shines — creating a flow where life and learning dance together.
5. 🧘♀️ Presence Over Productivity
Perhaps the most important lesson: slow travel teaches presence.
Kids learn to:
Sit still and listen to the waves
Linger at a meal without rushing
Notice tiny details in their surroundings
They don’t need to be busy to be worthy. They don’t need constant stimulation to be engaged. Slow travel gives them permission to breathe — and from that space, their creativity, intuition, and confidence bloom.
Final Thoughts
Slow travel isn’t just about seeing the world — it’s about becoming more fully human. For kids, it’s a chance to grow up rooted in wonder, resilience, and respect. For us as parents, it’s a reminder that the most important lessons are often the ones learned outside of school walls — with muddy shoes, open hearts, and the world as our guide.
Interested in learning more about slow travel and world schooling… GRAB OUR FREE GUIDE
We live in a world that never stops pinging. Notifications. Newsfeeds. Endless scrolling. And while our screens connect us in magical ways, they also quietly chip away at something sacred: presence.
I didn’t realize how much I was craving stillness until I gave myself permission to truly unplug. Not just a “digital detox,” but a soul-level reconnection. A conscious decision to prioritize my inner world over the virtual noise.
Here’s what I’ve learned — and why I believe disconnecting is a spiritual practice we all need now more than ever.
🌀 Screens Keep Us Busy. Stillness Brings Us Home.
Our devices are designed to keep us stimulated but detached. We can scroll through a thousand beautiful moments and miss the one unfolding in front of us. The real power lies in pausing. In choosing to look our children in the eyes instead of our inbox. In hearing our own breath instead of background noise.
When we put the screen down, we come home to ourselves.
The moment we step away from the glow of the screen, something unexpected happens: We start to hear the whispers. The quiet voice of intuition. The pull of purpose. The nudge from Spirit.
The more we fill our days with content, the less we can receive divine insight. But when we make space — real space — that’s when soul comes rushing in.
🌿 Nature Doesn’t Buffer. It Heals.
I believe the most sacred Wi-Fi is the one that connects us to the Earth. Bare feet in soil. Sunlight on skin. The rhythm of waves instead of TikTok loops. There’s something deeply spiritual about re-entering natural time. The time that honors seasons, cycles, and silence.
When we step outside, we step into something ancient — and that’s where healing begins.
🌙 Less Input = More Clarity
When we stop consuming, we start creating.
Without the constant hum of advice, comparison, and algorithms, we begin to hear ourselves again. Our own ideas. Our desires. Our truth.
This clarity isn’t just about focus — it’s about remembering who we are underneath the noise.
🕊 Practical Ways to Unplug with Intention
You don’t have to toss your phone in the ocean (tempting, I know). But you can begin to reclaim your presence with a few simple shifts:
📵 Digital Sabbaths — Choose one day a week to stay off screens and be fully in the moment
✍️ Journal Before You Scroll — Tune into you before tuning into the world
🔕 Turn Off Notifications — Let peace interrupt your day instead of pings
🌞 Start and End with Stillness — No screens the first or last 30 minutes of your day
👣 Move Your Body, Not Your Feed — Walk, dance, or stretch instead of endless scrolling
🌟 The Soul Doesn’t Scream — It Whispers
Your deepest wisdom isn’t loud. It’s subtle. Soft. And it lives just beneath the noise we’ve normalized.
When you unplug from the world, you plug back into your power, presence, and purpose.
So let this be your reminder: Less screens. More soul. You’re not missing anything — you’re remembering everything.
Interested in more freedom, looking to worldschool your children or just travel full time? Grab our free guide.
Planning a trip to Mexico? Whether you’re heading to the beaches of the Yucatán, exploring colonial cities like Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende, or diving into the street food scene in Mexico City, this vibrant country offers incredible experiences. But before you hop on that flight, there are a few things you need to know to make your trip smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
Here are 10 essential tips to help you travel smarter and deeper in Mexico:
1. You Don’t Need to Fear Safety — But You Do Need to Be Smart
Mexico often gets a bad rap in the media, but the truth is, millions of tourists travel safely every year. Like anywhere, safety varies by location. Stick to well-traveled areas, avoid risky neighborhoods (especially at night), and always trust your instincts.
Pro tip: Use apps like Rome2Rio, Google Maps (offline), and WhatsApp for safer navigation and communication.
2. Cash is King (But Cards Are Catching On)
Many small businesses, local eateries, and markets prefer cash — especially in more rural or traditional areas. ATMs are widely available, but stick to ones inside banks or malls for added security.
Bring pesos, not just USD. While dollars are accepted in tourist zones, the exchange rate won’t be in your favor.
3. Learn a Few Key Spanish Phrases
While many people in tourist hotspots speak some English, a little Spanish goes a long way — and shows respect. Even simple greetings and “gracias” can open doors (and hearts).
Here are a few to know:
“¿Cuánto cuesta?” (How much?)
“¿Dónde está el baño?” (Where is the bathroom?)
“La cuenta, por favor.” (The check, please.)
4. Don’t Drink the Tap Water (Seriously)
Stick to bottled or filtered water. This includes brushing your teeth, making coffee, and washing produce if you’re staying long-term. Many Airbnbs offer garrafones (large water jugs) — use them!
5. Street Food Is Safe — and Incredible
Tacos, tamales, elotes, and fresh juices? Yes, please. Mexican street food is a must — just choose vendors with long lines and locals eating there. That’s your sign it’s good and safe.
6. Each Region Feels Like a Different Country
From the beaches of Quintana Roo to the mountains of Chiapas to the baroque towns in Guanajuato — every region has unique food, culture, and even climate.
Tip: Do a little research before you go. For example, Oaxaca is known for mole and mezcal, while Yucatán cuisine features cochinita pibil and tropical flavors.
7. Transportation Is Inexpensive and Easy
You can get almost anywhere by ADO bus, collectivo (shared van), or rideshare apps like Didi or Uber (more common in bigger cities). If you’re planning to travel often, learn how to book ADO tickets online or at the station. If you are staying in the Yucatan you can always take the new Maya Train which has routes throughout the peninsula. We are excited to take the train. If in doubt you can always get a private transfer. We love Get Transfer and are planning on using it on our next trip to travel from Mexico City to Malinalco. Unlike Uber, you get a private driver who is ready for exactly where you want to go… they will be waiting with a sign waiting for you. I especially recommend this if you don’t have a shuttle already waiting for you at the Cancun airport…. because it can be a tad overwhelming.
8. Sundays Are Family Days (And Some Things Close)
Sundays are often reserved for family, rest, and leisure. Museums, small shops, or even restaurants may close early or not open at all. Plan your sightseeing accordingly. Also many of the towns will close off part of their large main road on Sundays so that people can ride bikes or run or walk without the traffic.
9. The Climate Is Varied – Pack Accordingly
It’s not just hot beaches. Mexico has highland cities like San Cristóbal de las Casas or Mexico City, where it gets chilly at night. Always check the climate of your specific destination — and pack layers. Keep in mind that places closer to the beach will often be hotter than Central Mexico, which is more mountainous. There are even places that boast Spring like temps year round… sounds like heaven!
10. You’ll Want to Stay Longer Than You Planned
Many travelers come for a week and end up staying for months. The warmth of the people, the depth of the culture, and the affordability make Mexico a dreamy long-term destination. Each time I have visited Mexico I have wanted to stay longer. Everything about it speaks to my soul. I am very much looking forward to spending 5 months there later this year!!
Tip: Americans and Canadians get a 180-day visa upon entry — no need to rush.
Final Thoughts:
Mexico is so much more than its resorts. It’s a country of deep traditions, artistic soul, and culinary brilliance. Come with curiosity and respect, and you’ll leave with unforgettable memories — and maybe a desire to come back again and again.
👉 Planning a longer stay or considering worldschooling in Mexico? Grab our free Digital Nomad Checklist!
