Best Cities to Visit Before Relocating Overseas
Before I ever packed up my life and hopped on a plane for good, I had this “maybe one day” list stashed in my phone. It wasn’t some color-coded spreadsheet or anything—more like a scattered bunch of cities that kept sneaking into my daydreams, or popping up in random convos with other travel junkies. I wasn’t about to sign a lease or anything, but I was definitely nosy enough to go check these places out in person.
So, yeah, I did exactly what you’d expect from someone with a hopeless case of wanderlust and a little too much free time: I booked the trips. And honestly? Hands down, one of my smarter moves.
You can fantasize all day about living somewhere, but until you’ve actually sweated through a metro commute or tried to buy toothpaste when you don’t speak the language, you really have no clue. The stuff nobody ever mentions—awkward grocery runs, getting lost on the way to a park, sitting on a bench just people-watching—those moments spill way more secrets than any “Top 10” list online.
A trial run can save you from a disaster city, or just confirm you’ve found your soulmate location. If you’re itching for a change but not ready to go all-in, here are some killer cities you should totally “test drive” first:
Before I ever packed up my life and hopped on a plane for good, I had this “maybe one day” list stashed in my phone. It wasn’t some color-coded spreadsheet or anything—more like a scattered bunch of cities that kept sneaking into my daydreams, or popping up in random convos with other travel junkies. I wasn’t about to sign a lease or anything, but I was definitely nosy enough to go check these places out in person.
So, yeah, I did exactly what you’d expect from someone with a hopeless case of wanderlust and a little too much free time: I booked the trips. And honestly? Hands down, one of my smarter moves.
You can fantasize all day about living somewhere, but until you’ve actually sweated through a metro commute or tried to buy toothpaste when you don’t speak the language, you really have no clue. The stuff nobody ever mentions—awkward grocery runs, getting lost on the way to a park, sitting on a bench just people-watching—those moments spill way more secrets than any “Top 10” list online.
A trial run can save you from a disaster city, or just confirm you’ve found your soulmate location. If you’re itching for a change but not ready to go all-in, here are some killer cities you should totally “test drive” first:
Valencia, Spain – Experience a Relaxed Spanish City Before Moving
Dreaming of Spain but not so into the chaos (or wallet-busting rents) of Madrid or Barcelona? Valencia’s your low-key gem. Sun almost every day, easy to walk everywhere, plus it’s got old-school charm and legit beaches. Try living like a local for a week—hit up Mercado Central, bike through Turia Gardens, chug a horchata at some random café. Ask yourself: would I actually survive a Monday here, or is this just vacation brain talking?
Budapest, Hungary – Affordable European Charm to Test Before You Relocate
Budapest is stupid pretty—seriously, it looks like someone mashed up a fairytale and a steampunk fever dream. Cheap-ish (for Europe), buzzy expat and digital nomad scene, and the food isn’t half bad either. Go in the spring or fall when you won’t get trampled by tourists. Work from a riverside café, dip into a thermal bath after, and see if this place vibes with your actual life, not just your Instagram feed.
Taipei, Taiwan – The Perfect Asian City for First-Time Relocators
Taipei never gets enough hype. It’s safe, clean, ridiculously efficient, and the people are sweethearts. Plus, food is next-level—night markets, dumplings, bubble tea, you name it. If you want Asia without Tokyo-level overwhelm, Taipei’s your on-ramp. Amazing healthcare, blazing Wi-Fi, mountains right there for your weekend hikes. Give it a couple of weeks—you might just get hooked.
Auckland, New Zealand – Try the Kiwi Lifestyle Before You Commit
If your dream is fresh air, friendly neighbors, and more sheep than people, Auckland’s probably on your radar. Chill city, loads of water and green space, but yeah, it can feel a bit cut off if you’re used to 24/7 action. Go test it out—take a few ferry rides, try a flat white, see if you’re cool with the slow pace or end up climbing the walls.
Berlin, Germany – Europe’s Creative Hub to Test-Drive Before Relocating
Berlin is a wild combo—grungy, artsy, a little nuts, and somehow completely relaxed. It’s like history class crashed into a rave. The tech scene’s booming, neighborhoods are all over the map, and there’s always something weird (in a good way) happening. It’s not everyone’s jam, and that’s the point. Spend some time there before you commit; you’ll know fast if Berlin’s your soulmate or just a summer fling.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Fast-Paced Asian City for Adventurous Movers
HCMC is chaos, but in a good way—scooters everywhere, street food for days, sky-high rooftop bars, and a startup scene that’s buzzing. It’s cheap, it’s hot, and it never sleeps. You really gotta visit first to see if you can handle the pace (and the humidity), or if you’ll tap out after one monsoon.
Montreal, Canada – French-Canadian Culture to Sample Before Moving
If you want Canada but Toronto’s too “suit and tie” and Vancouver’s too chill, Montreal’s got that perfect blend—Euro vibes, French/English mashup, and a killer food scene. It’s two cities in one: summer is all festivals and patios, winter is… well, good luck if you hate snow. Try both seasons before you decide. Trust me.
Why You Should Visit a City Before Relocating
Should You Test-Drive a City? Absolutely. A short trip won’t show you everything, but it’ll give you way more real info than scrolling Zillow or stalking TikTok reels. You’ll notice the little stuff—how easy is it to get groceries, what’s the vibe after dark, do people actually smile at you or nah. Sometimes, you’ll figure out a place is totally wrong for you within three days. And sometimes, you’ll never want to leave.
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