Are you dreaming of a life abroad? Maybe you're ready to pack your bags and make the move— but one big question lingers: will moving abroad actually make you happier? It's a question that can stir up a lot of excitement, but it's also a bit more complex than it might seem at first glance.
I've been there. I've met people who packed up their lives, moved abroad, and returned disappointed. So let's talk about it: what does happiness look like, and can a new country, a fresh culture, or a change of scenery make you feel more fulfilled?
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Defining Happiness in the Context of Moving Abroad
Happiness is often touted as the ultimate goal in life. I know it's something that drives me—it's all about peace of mind for me. When I feel at peace, I feel happier. But happiness is a deeply personal thing. It's not always about external circumstances like where you live. It's about what works for you. Moving abroad might sound like the perfect fix, but is it? Let's dive into this question.
Many studies show that happiness is at the top of most people's goal lists. A recent survey across 47 countries found that students—likely university students—reported happiness as their most important life goal. We all get that, right? We've all thought, "I just want to be happy." But here's the kicker: despite this universal desire for happiness, the United States has recorded its lowest happiness levels in 50 years. That's a pretty staggering fact.
It might not be surprising if you've been paying attention to the social and political changes over the years. People are feeling isolated. About one in three Americans report being lonely, and one in five is dealing with mental health struggles. These issues can make it feel like happiness is slipping through our fingers.
So, given all that, is moving abroad the solution? Can it make you happier?
The Power of Change—For Some
For me, the answer is a resounding YES! Travel has always been one of the things that brings me the most joy in life. In fact, I've often said that "travel is life." It's not just a fun hobby for me—it's how I experience the world, learn new things, and grow. Moving abroad is about stepping out of the familiar and diving into the unknown.
I've traveled quite a bit—Thailand, Italy, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and more—and every new place I visit excites me. The sounds, the smells, the music, the languages—it's like I'm waking up every time I land in a new place. And solo travel? There's nothing better. I get asked if people can join me on my adventures, and while I appreciate the thought, solo travel is a special kind of magic for me. It's about me learning and growing through the experience of different cultures, people, and landscapes.
That's what makes me happy. But I realize not everyone feels the same. Not everyone wants to pick up and go. For some, staying in one place is more fulfilling. And that's totally fine.
📌 Understanding what makes you happy is the key to deciding if moving abroad will bring you happiness.
The Emotional and Logistical Challenges
Moving abroad isn't all sunshine and rainbows. There are serious logistical and emotional hurdles to face. For me, dealing with health considerations like autoimmune conditions and ensuring access to necessary medication was crucial when deciding to live abroad. And then there's the whole process of selling all my belongings and parting with things that held sentimental value. That wasn't easy.
But despite the challenges, I found joy in the process because I knew I was working toward something bigger—something that aligned with my happiness. It's all about having that goal to look forward to, which made the tough stuff more manageable for me.
Side Note: If you're considering making the move, you'll need to consider a few things, like healthcare, visa requirements, and possibly even the need for a residency visa (tourist visas often don't provide long-term stability). But these challenges don't have to overshadow your happiness if you keep your eye on the end goal.
Can Moving Abroad Make You Happier? For Me, It Did.
Moving abroad has undoubtedly increased my happiness. But it's essential to ask yourself, "What makes me happy?" and whether moving abroad fits that vision.
When you think about what happiness looks like for you, is it about:
- New experiences? Are you curious about the world and eager to explore?
- A new environment? Maybe you need a fresh start in a country that aligns more with your values or where you feel more accepted and at peace.
- Family and education? Perhaps you want your children to grow up with a global perspective and access to an international education.
Whatever it is, it's important to take the time to figure out what you're seeking. Don't just go on a whim or a romanticized idea of what life abroad is. Get clear about what you want and why you want it.
What's Holding You Back?
Moving abroad can be an incredible opportunity for many, but only if you've done the inner work first. If you haven't figured out what you truly want, what's missing in your current life, or why you're choosing to move, there's a chance you could end up dissatisfied. This is why asking yourself tough questions before you go is so important.
In my opinion, moving abroad can make you happier, but it's not the only solution. You must first know what makes you happy and use that knowledge to guide your decision. If you know it's what you need, then go for it.
📌 Don't let fear or uncertainty hold you back.
How to Get Started
If you've decided that living abroad is your dream and will bring you happiness, the next step is getting started. This process can feel overwhelming, and I'm here to help guide you through it.
If you're unsure where to begin, I've created The Escape Plan, a detailed, customizable guide for women wanting to move abroad. It includes everything from visa requirements to the emotional steps needed to make the move successfully.
You can start with this step-by-step planner, which will help you clarify and organize the details of your move so you don't miss anything important. You deserve to have the life you dream of, and I'm here to help you make it happen.
So, will moving abroad make you happier? In most cases, the answer is yes—but only if you've done the internal work to figure out why and where you'll find true happiness. Let's get started on making your dream life a reality. I'd love to hear your thoughts—leave me a comment or message me if you want to chat about it!
