1. Legalities and Paperwork

• Investigate visa requirements. Various types of visas exist, such as long-term resident, working visa, digital nomad visas, remote worker visa and many more, depending on the country you’re looking into.
• Look at options for international health insurance plans to cover for any medical expenses. In certain instances, a proof of insurance could be required as part of the visa process.
• If you intend to work locally, you’ll need to look into obtaining a work permit and/or a job offer from an employer in the country.

2. Financial Implications

• Create a budget that includes moving costs, initial living expenses, and an emergency fund.
• Do you need to look into opening an account with an international bank that has branches in your home and destination country that will facilitate smooth financial transactions?
• What are the tax implications of moving abroad while still having tax obligations in your home country?

3. Finding Community

• Connect with others who have made a similar move as you and chat about their experiences. Joining expat groups on platforms like Facebook, Reddit, and InterNations will be invaluable for advice, networking and making friends.
• Join local meetups and social and activity-based gatherings in your destination country to connect to locals and expats.If you’re considering bringing your pet with you for the big move, how would you go about that?

4. Employment  

• If you’re planning to work over there, there are options available such as doing the digital nomad thing. Do you have or are planning on starting an online business, for example? What other options in the online space are available to assist you in living this lifestyle comfortably, such as freelancing opportunities with your current skills. 
• If your current job is global, look for openings or enquire if your company allows you to work remotely.
• Working in your new country. Leveraging network and expat communities to find job leads. Put it out there online on places such as Linkedin or Facebook groups. There’s usually jobs in demand for English speakers. It might be a good idea to enroll yourself in language classes of your destination country to assist you with this, as basic language skills goes a long way when you’re there.

5. Location

• Define priorities – research the cost of living in areas you’re looking at, What’s important to you, such as areas with a large expat community, plenty of activities, somewhere beachy and quiet or a bustling city. 
• List some options for yourself – Google and list tropical destinations, read blogs about other people’s experiences, recommendations, fails. There are a lot of YouTube videos from creators about living in your destination country. These help in gaining different perspectives, and can help you with sifting through the pros and cons for yourself.

6. Pet Transportation

• Every county has its own set of import rules and regulations. Keep up-to-date with microchipping, health certificates, vaccinations, quarantine measures.
• Find out if your destination country has accessible options to veterinary care.
• What are your options for pet transportation? Look into cabin or cargo and high-quality travel crate. Think about introducing your pet to it beforehand to reduce anxiety when travelling. Talk to your local vet before going. Ask about the pet’s mental health and be aware of what might be impacted, how you can make it easier for them.

7. Accommodation

• There are so many options available here, but try not to get overwhelmed. When choosing long-term stay, you’d want to be in your destination country and give it a month at least to give you time to settle in and figure out if the location you chose suits you, or you want to explore a bit more and do the day-to-day to get a feel of the lifestyle there first. Look into booking temporary, short-term accommodation for arrival, such as a hotel or Airbnb.
• In the meantime, look at local rental websites and talk to expats over there and get advise from real estate agents.
• Pet-friendly accommodation – If you’re brining your pet with you, you’ll have this extra layer to consider when planning accommodation and making final decisions.

8. Packing up

• The dreaded having-to-pack-up-your-entire-life part of the move, but still an important stage of the entire planning process. Things you have to think about – what will you bring with you, if anything? And if you’ll be staying only temporarily at the beginning to suss out locations, you’ll have to consider putting your things into storage in your home country.  Eventually you’ll have to look into shipping storages and transportation to bring your stuff over. What about everything else? Start posting them for sale online or donating well before the move so that you’re left with only the necessary items when the time comes.
• Don’t forget to ensure your documents in your home country are up to date and aren’t expiring anytime soon. Check your Driver’s License, Passport, Credit Cards, Medical Cards, etc.
• Redirect your mail to a trusted family/friend’s place or look into virtual online mail service.
• Other things to consider are when tax time comes around and how you plan to do this. Another is voting. Ask a trusted friend/family member in your home country to keep you abreast of when this occurs. This allows you time to vote online before elections. 

By carefully planning and organising the move, seeking out community and support, and being open to new experiences, you’re sure to make your transition smooth and fulfilling. Every journey begins with a single step, and your adventure awaits on the horizon. To those embarking on a similar journey, stay with me and I hope I can continue to inspire you with my posts!