When it comes to Europe travel it can get a little overwhelming, but if you have the luxury of a month long itinerary and a huge network of trains to take you wherever you want to go – how do you decide? These are my top 5 stops…

BASEL

If I could speak German I would live here (and I almost did!) The landscape, nature, people and way of life here took my breath away. Switzerland is like no other place I’ve been and it will always have a very special place in my heart. If you love insane mountains, lakes and nature, this should be top of your list.

SEVILLE

Another place I seriously considered moving to; I didn’t know what to expect with this city so naturally it exceeded all of my expectations! I had some of the best Tapas and Sangria of my life here and afternoon siestas are something I could really get used to. If you’re a lover of amazing food, lots of sunshine and wonderful people – you must go!

VENICE

A city built with canals instead of roads isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it really is part of the unique charm of Venice. Don’t even bother with a map because you’ll get lost anyway! I loved this city from the moment the train pulled in; if incredible architecture, art and culture is your thing, plan a stop here.

BARCELONA

Probably one of the more obvious destinations on this list, and for good reason; beautiful Barcelona is so full of fun and life you’ll never be bored. The infamous Gothic Quarter with its adorable boutiques and cafes stole my heart, and I think La Boqueria Market was the best I’ve ever been to. If you’re looking for beaches, unique shopping and awesome nightlife, head here.

NAPLES

Definitely not for the faint hearted, Naples isn’t a spot for the glamorous traveller, but that’s exactly what won me over. It’s a city that’s unapologetically itself, with its own volcano and the best ‘za IN THE WORLD, it was always going to be on my top 5 places to go. Another huge bonus is the direct ferry to Capri and train to Pompeii, which are an absolute must if you pass through. For pizza, history and one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, Naples is your answer.

❤ Emily

Hello everyone!

If you’re new here, welcome to my little corner of the internet – I’m SO happy to have you here.

So, you’re considering moving abroad but don’t know where to start or if it’s even possible? Maybe you hadn’t even thought about it but now I’ve put that little thought into your head…

Although I wouldn’t call myself an ‘expert’, after living in another country for 3 years now I’d hope I now have some valuable advice and knowledge I can share with you all! Here’s the three things you need to think about before moving abroad…

WHERE? The first thing to think about when you’re considering a move is where you want to go. This may seem like an obvious one, but your destination choice should reflect what kind of experience you want. Length of time you’re planning to move for, distance from your home country, visa eligibility, language and job prospects are all defining factors in the choice of location, so make sure you know what’s important to you. For example, Australia and New Zealand are popular locations for Brits, but the working holiday visa only lasts for 1-2 years and the amount of time you can work for 1 employer is restricted. In contrast, a Canadian Work Permit can last for up to 2 years and you can work for the same employer for the whole time, however you have to get invited to apply for this kind of visa which can take months (as opposed to a much shorter time period to obtain an Australian WHV).

WHEN? Planning a move is a BIG deal, no matter how long you’re going for. Make sure you plan with enough time to save up, as well as take into account your lease (if you rent), the notice period for your job and if you have any other responsibilities you need to think about (pets, student loans, cars, etc.) I would say a minimum of 6 months is a good amount of time to plan and save for your move.

WHO WITH? When I decided to move away I was going to go completely by myself. I didn’t know anyone in Canada and that’s what drew me to come here. I liked the idea of being about to go and do whatever I wanted without having to think about anyone else. Of course, that comes with a lot more planning (and stress!) as you have to factor in different things, like the increased cost of renting if you don’t want to have housemates. Moving alone also increases the pressure to get a job faster, as you’re relying on a single income.

Moving abroad is one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking things you can do, but if you truly want to do it, with a little thought and a lot of planning it’s very much achievable!

Stick around to see more of my tips for moving abroad or follow me on Instagram for travel inspiration @alohamily.

❤ Emily