I moved my family from New York City to Puerto Rico 18 months ago. We love it here, but some things surprised us.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Economy
The author and her family in Puerto Rico.
The author and her family moved to sunny Puerto Rico in August 2024.

Courtesy of Sophie-Claire Hoeller

I tried being a digital nomad in Portugal. It wasn't the dream I expected.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
The author in Lisbon in 2018.
The author thought that living and working in Portugal as a digital nomad would feel like living in a dreamy Instagram feed. It wasn't that easy.

Courtesy of Charlotte Grainger

We sold everything we owned, quit our jobs, and retired in Europe at 60. Leaving the US has its pros and cons.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment, Travel
Sandra and Jeff Mayernik
Sandra and Jeff Mayernik.

Courtesy of Sandra Mayernik

I'm an American who lived in Rome. These were the 6 most surprising things about grocery shopping in Italy.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Environment
A display of fresh produce in an Italian grocery store.
When I lived in Italy, I was surprised by how different the grocery shopping experience was compared to the US.

Jenna Curcio

I left my 'perfect' Connecticut life and moved my family to Spain. It's more expensive here than I expected, but I'm happier.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment
Izabela Oquendo and her children.
Izabela Oquendo and her children in Santa Pola, Spain.

Courtesy of Izabela Oquendo

Their parents moved to the US for opportunity and safety. They went the other way — drawn by the same hopes.

Tech Insider : Business
Hands rolling up a rug/the American Flag
 

Getty images; Tyler Le/BI

I left my career in Atlanta, went to pastry school, and moved to the South of France. I'm finally at peace here.

Tech Insider : Business, Style, Technology
Dawn Belisle in Nice, France.
Dawn Belisle in Nice, France.

Courtesy of Dawn Belisle

Our family lived in Japan for 3 years. We're back in the US now and I really miss these 3 things.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
The author poses in traditional dress she wore during the 3 years she lived abroad in Japan.
The author only lived in Japan for 3 years with her family, but says that 15 years later there are still things that she misses.

Curtesy of Heather Sweeney

I spent my 20s living a dream life abroad, but returned to the US in debt. There's a lot I wish I'd done differently.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author posing for a photo in the Algarve, Portugal.
I lived abroad during my 20s, and although I don't regret it, I made some poor financial decisions along the way.

Denae McGaha

I left my job to travel after a hard breakup. Starting over in China gave me the life I wanted.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
David Fun posing with San Francisco skyline in the background.
After a difficult break-up, David Fun took some time off from work, and California, and eventually settled down in Guangzhou, China.

Provided by David Fun

Subscribe to living-abroad