Four Dream Destinations: A Travel Writer’s Perspective on Choosing a New Home
Meena Thiruvengadam, a Chicago-based travel writer who’s visited nearly 70 countries, shares her top four picks for potential relocation. Tired of the American hustle and seeking a better quality of life, she weighs the pros and cons of Helsinki, Finland; Singapore; Lisbon, Portugal; and Italy, providing a captivating insider’s look at the realities of life abroad and the factors that make these places so appealing. Her detailed insights go beyond simple travelogue, delving deep into cost of living, safety, healthcare, and cultural integration, offering valuable information for anyone considering an international move.
Key Takeaways: Where in the World Would *You* Live?
- Helsinki, Finland: Offers a unique blend of walkability, excellent public transport, vibrant culture, and a strong sense of societal well-being. The long summer days and thriving arts scene are strong draws.
- Singapore: Boasts exceptionally long life expectancies, incredibly low crime rates (including notably low gun violence), and a remarkably safe environment. Its efficient infrastructure and friendly atmosphere make it a compelling option.
- Lisbon, Portugal: A charming city with affordable living (relative to major U.S. cities), mild winters, a welcoming expat community, and an unparalleled cultural scene. Its rich history and beautiful setting are highly attractive.
- Italy: Offers a captivating lifestyle shift, prioritizing la dolce vita and a significantly improved work-life balance. The allure of Italian culture, cuisine, and potentially affordable real estate makes it a highly sought-after relocation destination.
Helsinki, Finland: A Nordic Haven
Thiruvengadam describes Helsinki as a vibrant, walkable capital city with exceptional public transportation, a conveniently located airport, and abundant activities. She emphasizes the palpable sense of contentment she finds there, attributing it to a society where basic needs are easily met. “People don’t have to struggle to meet their basic needs,” she observes, painting a picture of a society prioritizing well-being.
The Allure of Helsinki’s Lifestyle
Beyond the practicalities, Thiruvengadam is captivated by Helsinki’s long summer days and midnight sunsets, its thriving electronic music scene, and its robust art and culinary offerings. These elements clearly contribute to her positive impression of the city’s quality of life.
Singapore: Safety, Efficiency, and Longevity
Singapore stands out for its exceptionally high life expectancy and remarkably low crime rate. “Life expectancies in Singapore are long, and crime rates are low,” Thiruvengadam notes. This safety extends to a nearly nonexistent gun violence problem, a significant contrast to many other parts of the world. “There are no mass shootings…Singapore has one of the lowest rates of gun violence in the world,” she highlights, emphasizing the city’s commitment to public safety.
Beyond Safety and Security: A Thriving City
Thiruvengadam’s experience of feeling safe walking alone at night underscores the city’s secure atmosphere. This safety is coupled with efficient city planning; even the pedestrian experience is thoughtfully designed; “Cars even stop for pedestrians,” she observes. Lastly, the presence of familiar faces in Singapore, a building community of friends made during previous trips also contribute to her considerations of moving there.
Lisbon, Portugal: Affordable Charm and Mild Winters
Thiruvengadam’s love affair with Lisbon began in 2011, and her affection has only deepened with each return visit. She is drawn to its pedestrian-friendly streets, affordable boutiques, and breathtaking views. The welcoming nature of the locals further enhances the city’s appeal. “Friendly strangers always make me feel welcome,” she shares, underscoring the warmth of the Portuguese people.
A Cost-Effective Choice and Excellent Healthcare
While acknowledging that Lisbon’s affordability is not quite what it was a decade ago, Thiruvengadam stresses that it remains significantly more budget-friendly than many major American cities. Furthermore, Lisbon benefits from an affordable public healthcare system that ranks among the world’s best. The vibrant expat community and rich cultural scene complete the package, making Lisbon a compelling option for long-term relocation.
Italy: La Dolce Vita and Quality of Life
Thiruvengadam’s interest in Italy was sparked during a cooking class in Sorrento, where she discovered the potential for relatively affordable real estate compared to major American cities. “The villa I was standing in…cost about the same to purchase as a one-bedroom apartment in New York City,” she recalls. This realization planted the seed for considering a move to Italy.
Beyond Real Estate: Italian Culture and Work-Life Balance
More than just the financial aspects, however, Thiruvengadam is attracted to the Italian lifestyle. She describes the feeling of arriving in Italy as “letting out a big sigh.” She contrasts the Italian emphasis on work-life balance with the often frenetic pace of American life. “Italians practice better work-life balance than Americans,” she notes, highlighting another key differentiator. The appealing weather, robust healthcare system, and accessibility of Italian culture make it a potential dream destination – even with the challenges of the job market.
Ultimately, Thiruvengadam’s article offers a compelling blend of personal experience and practical information, guiding readers through the considerations of relocating abroad and showcasing the unique allure of each of her top four choices. It inspires readers to consider a more fulfilling lifestyle and to weigh the benefits of relocating beyond the financial considerations typically associated with an international move.
