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

I email my 106-year-old grandmother every Friday. It's one of the most meaningful commitments I've ever made.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
The author posing with her grandmother.
Emailing my grandmother every week is a tradition that helps us stay connected despite the distance.

Catherine Work

I moved from the US to Wales 14 years ago. Raising kids away from my family is harder than I thought.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Kids looking at plane
The author has lived in Wales for the last 14 years.

Courtesy of the author

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