104: Before you move abroad: Take this one trip first
Plan a “Test Trip” Before You Move Abroad
If you’ve been daydreaming about life in Portugal, Spain, or Germany—but can’t decide which city (or even which country) feels right for you—this is a perfect strategy to help you make the decision with confidence.
Today we’re diving into one of my favorite steps in the moving abroad process: planning a short scouting trip to test out potential cities before you commit.
We’ll cover how to plan this trip, what to look for while you’re there, and how to use what you learn to make a confident decision about where to move abroad (yay!).
Why a “Test Trip” Is So Valuable
You might be thinking: “I’ve already visited there a few years ago and know I liked it—why spend extra money just to visit again?”
Here’s the thing: moving abroad is a huge life shift. What looks dreamy on Instagram often feels very different in real life.
A scouting trip gives you real-world context. You’ll notice things that never show up in travel blogs—like how the pace of life feels, whether you connect with locals, or if the language barrier feels manageable.
Think of it as your “move abroad test drive.” You’re not there as a tourist—you’re there as a potential future resident. And let me tell you, it will give you a completely different perspective and experience.
Step 1: Choose 2–3 Potential Cities
If you already feel pretty dead set on the city you want to move to, that’s great! You can skip this step, but I do think it would still be helpful to do a scouting trip to make sure you experience that city with the lens of “what would life here look like” to give you confidence and reassurance you’re choosing the best place abroad for you!
But if you’re still trying to narrow down your cities, then I’d focus on two to three cities max so you can experience each one without feeling rushed.
Ask yourself:
- Which countries or visas might actually work for you?
- What kind of lifestyle do you want—big city, coastal, or small town?
- What’s your realistic monthly budget?
Once you’ve done some homework, pick your top cities and plan to spend 3–4 days in each if possible. That’s enough time to get a sense of daily life without overextending yourself.
Step 2: Set Your Scouting Trip Intentions
This trip isn’t a vacation—it’s a fact-finding MISSION.
Before you go, write down a few intentions or questions to guide you:
- Could I see myself living here long-term?
- How easy is it to get around without a car?
- Do I feel safe walking alone at night?
- Is English widely spoken here?
- What are the grocery stores and gyms like?
- Etc.
These prompts keep you focused on the parts of life that actually matter when you’re living somewhere—not just visiting. And make sure to actually write down notes. You think you’ll remember everything, but if you are vistign multiple places, it’s easy to accidentally mix up experiences you had in each one.
Step 3: Plan Real-Life Experiences, Not Tourist Activities
One of the biggest mistakes people make is treating their scouting trip like a vacation. Skip the endless sightseeing. Instead, test-drive daily life.
Here are a few ideas:
- Visit local grocery stores or farmers markets.
- Work from a café for a few hours.
- Take public transportation around town.
- Attend a local meetup or language exchange.
- Explore neighborhoods where locals live—not just the city center.
You’re not checking attractions off a list—you’re getting a feel for the rhythm of everyday life.
Step 4: Track How You Feel in Each Place
While traveling, keep a simple journal or notes app handy. After each city, jot down your first impressions:
- What did you love?
- What didn’t feel right?
- How were the people?
- Did it feel like “home”?
Sometimes, the city you expected to love ends up feeling off—and the one you added as a backup completely surprises you.
In the end, trust your gut. It’s often more accurate than spreadsheets or research.
Step 5: Reflect and Compare When You Return
When you’re back home, don’t rush into a decision. Take time to reflect.
Look through your notes and photos and ask:
- Which city felt easiest to imagine a real life in?
- Which one aligns best with your visa or job options?
- Which place made you excited to wake up every day?
The right choice usually comes from a mix of practicality and intuition.
I’m confident that after trying out this strategy of visiting your target cities abroad with a lens of “could I live here”, you will be confident in your decision and more excited than ever to make the jump!
Bonus Tip: Take the Free Quiz
If you’re not sure where to even start—what countries or cities to visit—take my free quiz:
👉 Which European City Should You Move To?
You’ll answer a few quick questions about your lifestyle and preferences, and it’ll match you with your best-fit European city.
It’s completely free and takes just a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to have it all figured out before you go. Sometimes the clarity only comes once you’ve walked the streets, heard the language, and felt the energy of a place.
So before you move abroad—take this one trip first. It might just save you from choosing the wrong city and help you find the right one.
If you found this helpful, share it with a friend who’s thinking about moving abroad too.
