Coping with Homesickness: Strategies for Expats

Explore valuable expat and nomad resources Discover websites blogs and online communities Connect with other travelers and access helpful information

Finding Your Tribe Expat and Nomad Community Websites

So, you've taken the plunge and joined the ranks of expats and nomads! Congrats! But now what? One of the biggest challenges (and honestly, one of the most rewarding aspects) is finding your community. Loneliness can creep in when you're far from home, and having a network of people who understand your unique lifestyle is invaluable. Luckily, the internet is bursting with resources designed to connect you with like-minded individuals. Let's dive into some of the best websites and platforms for building your expat and nomad tribe.

InterNations Connecting Expats Worldwide

InterNations is a global network specifically designed for expats. It boasts a massive membership base and operates in cities all over the world. The platform offers a range of features, including forums, local events, and activity groups. Whether you're looking for language exchange partners, hiking buddies, or just someone to grab a coffee with, InterNations is a great place to start.

Why it's great: Huge network, organized events, local groups.

Things to consider: Requires a paid membership for full access.

Meetup Finding Local Groups and Activities

Meetup is a fantastic platform for finding local groups and activities, regardless of whether they're specifically expat-focused. Search for groups based on your interests, such as hiking, photography, or book clubs. You might be surprised at how many expats you find in these groups, even if they aren't explicitly labeled as "expat groups." It's a great way to integrate into the local community as well.

Why it's great: Free to use, diverse range of groups, integrates you into the local community.

Things to consider: Not exclusively for expats, so you might need to do some searching.

Facebook Groups Niche Communities for Every Expat and Nomad

Don't underestimate the power of Facebook groups! There are countless groups dedicated to expats and nomads in specific locations or with specific interests. Search for groups like "Expats in Barcelona," "Digital Nomads Thailand," or "American Expats in Europe." These groups are often a goldmine of information, advice, and support. You can ask questions, share experiences, and connect with people who are going through the same things you are.

Why it's great: Free to use, highly targeted groups, instant access to a large community.

Things to consider: Moderation varies, so be mindful of the group's rules and guidelines.

Reddit Subreddits for Expats and Nomads

Reddit is another excellent platform for finding online communities. Subreddits like r/expats, r/digitalnomad, and r/IWantOut offer a space for expats and nomads to share information, ask questions, and connect with each other. Reddit's upvote system ensures that the most helpful and relevant content rises to the top.

Why it's great: Free to use, diverse range of subreddits, upvote system ensures quality content.

Things to consider: Can be overwhelming to navigate, requires a Reddit account.

Essential Blogs for Expat and Nomad Life Advice and Inspiration

Beyond community platforms, numerous blogs offer invaluable advice, inspiration, and practical tips for expat and nomad life. These blogs cover a wide range of topics, from visas and taxes to budgeting and healthcare.

Nomadic Matt Budget Travel Tips and Destination Guides

Nomadic Matt is a veteran travel blogger who provides budget travel tips, destination guides, and practical advice for long-term travelers. His blog is a treasure trove of information for anyone looking to travel the world on a budget. He covers everything from finding cheap flights and accommodation to saving money on food and activities.

Why it's great: Focuses on budget travel, practical advice, extensive destination guides.

Things to consider: Less focused on the "expat" aspect of long-term living abroad.

The Blonde Abroad Solo Female Travel and Adventure

The Blonde Abroad is a blog dedicated to solo female travel. Kiersten Rich, the blogger behind The Blonde Abroad, shares her travel experiences, packing tips, and safety advice for women traveling alone. She also covers topics like responsible travel and sustainable tourism.

Why it's great: Focuses on solo female travel, beautiful photography, responsible travel tips.

Things to consider: Specifically geared towards women.

Adventurous Kate Travel Tips and Personal Stories

Adventurous Kate is another popular travel blog that offers a mix of travel tips, personal stories, and destination guides. Kate McCulley, the blogger behind Adventurous Kate, shares her experiences traveling to over 80 countries. She's known for her honest and relatable writing style.

Why it's great: Honest and relatable writing, diverse range of destinations, practical travel tips.

Things to consider: Not exclusively focused on expat or nomad life.

Expat.com A Comprehensive Resource for Expatriates

Expat.com is a comprehensive resource for expatriates, offering information on everything from visas and taxes to housing and healthcare. The website also features a forum where expats can connect with each other and ask questions. It's a great starting point for anyone planning to move abroad.

Why it's great: Comprehensive information, forum for expats, covers a wide range of topics.

Things to consider: Can be a bit overwhelming due to the sheer amount of information.

Tools and Apps for Staying Connected Mobile Connectivity for Expats and Nomads

Staying connected is crucial for expats and nomads. Here are some tools and apps that can help you stay in touch with loved ones, access information, and manage your life on the go:

WhatsApp Instant Messaging and Free Calls

WhatsApp is an essential app for staying in touch with friends and family back home. It allows you to send text messages, make voice and video calls, and share photos and videos for free (using Wi-Fi or mobile data). It's widely used around the world, making it easy to communicate with people in different countries.

Why it's great: Free to use, widely used, supports voice and video calls.

Things to consider: Requires a stable internet connection.

Skype Video Calls and International Calling

Skype is another popular app for making video calls and international calls. It offers similar features to WhatsApp, but it's often preferred for business calls due to its screen sharing and recording capabilities.

Why it's great: Supports video calls, screen sharing, and recording.

Things to consider: Requires a stable internet connection, can be more expensive than WhatsApp for international calls.

Google Voice Free US Phone Number and Voicemail

Google Voice allows you to get a free US phone number that you can use to make and receive calls and send text messages. This can be useful for expats who want to maintain a US phone number without paying for a traditional phone plan. It also offers voicemail transcription, which can be helpful for staying on top of messages while traveling.

Why it's great: Free US phone number, voicemail transcription, integrates with Google services.

Things to consider: Only available in certain countries, requires a Google account.

VPNs Protecting Your Online Privacy and Security

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet traffic and protects your online privacy. This is especially important when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often insecure. A VPN can also allow you to access websites and services that are blocked in certain countries.

Recommended VPN Providers

• NordVPN: Known for its speed, security, and large server network. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Prices start at around $3.29 per month with a 2-year plan.
• ExpressVPN: Another top-rated VPN provider known for its ease of use and reliable performance. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Prices start at around $8.32 per month with a 1-year plan.
• Surfshark: A budget-friendly VPN provider that offers unlimited device connections. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Prices start at around $2.49 per month with a 2-year plan.

Why it's great: Protects online privacy, allows access to blocked websites, secures public Wi-Fi connections.

Things to consider: Can slow down internet speed, requires a paid subscription.

Money Saving Tips and Resources for Expats and Nomads Budgeting and Financial Management

Managing your finances as an expat or nomad can be challenging. Here are some money-saving tips and resources to help you stay on budget:

Travel Credit Cards Earning Rewards and Avoiding Fees

Using a travel credit card can help you earn rewards points or miles that you can redeem for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. Look for cards that offer bonus rewards on travel and dining purchases, and that don't charge foreign transaction fees.

Recommended Travel Credit Cards

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Offers bonus rewards on travel and dining, and has no foreign transaction fees. Annual fee of $95.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Offers a flat rate of 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, and has no foreign transaction fees. Annual fee of $95.
• American Express Platinum Card: Offers a variety of travel benefits, including access to airport lounges and hotel upgrades. Annual fee of $695. (Consider this if you travel *very* frequently and can maximize the benefits).

Why it's great: Earns rewards points or miles, avoids foreign transaction fees.

Things to consider: Requires good credit, annual fees may apply.

Budgeting Apps Tracking Your Expenses and Setting Goals

Budgeting apps can help you track your expenses, set financial goals, and stay on budget. These apps allow you to connect your bank accounts and credit cards, and automatically categorize your transactions.

Recommended Budgeting Apps

• Mint: A free budgeting app that allows you to track your expenses, create budgets, and set financial goals.
• YNAB (You Need a Budget): A paid budgeting app that uses a zero-based budgeting system. It helps you allocate every dollar you earn to a specific purpose. Subscription costs around $14.99/month or $99/year.
• Personal Capital: A free financial planning app that allows you to track your net worth, manage your investments, and plan for retirement.

Why it's great: Tracks expenses, sets financial goals, helps you stay on budget.

Things to consider: Requires connecting your bank accounts and credit cards, some apps require a paid subscription.

Accommodation Options Saving Money on Housing

Housing is often the biggest expense for expats and nomads. Consider these alternatives to traditional hotels for long-term stays:

• Airbnb: For longer stays (over 30 days), you can often negotiate significant discounts with hosts. Look for apartments or houses with kitchens to save money on eating out.
• Hostels (for short stays): If you're traveling between locations, hostels are a budget-friendly option for short stays. Many hostels offer private rooms as well as dorm rooms.
• House Sitting: Websites like TrustedHousesitters connect homeowners with travelers who are willing to look after their homes and pets in exchange for free accommodation. Requires background checks and references.
• Couchsurfing: A free platform where you can stay with locals. It's a great way to meet people and experience different cultures. Primarily for short stays, and requires being a social and respectful guest.

Staying Safe and Healthy Resources for Peace of Mind

Prioritizing your safety and health is essential when living abroad:

Travel Insurance Providers (Reiterating)

As previously mentioned in other sections, having comprehensive travel insurance is non-negotiable. Consider providers like SafetyWing, World Nomads, Cigna Global, and Allianz Global Assistance. Compare policies carefully to ensure they meet your specific needs.

Local Emergency Numbers and Contacts

Before you arrive in a new country, research the local emergency numbers (police, fire, ambulance). Save these numbers in your phone and share them with your emergency contacts back home.

US Embassy Registration STEP Program

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Enrolling in STEP makes it easier for the Embassy to contact you in case of an emergency.

Mental Health Resources (Reiterating)

Expat life can be isolating and stressful. Don't hesitate to seek help from mental health professionals. Many online therapy platforms offer services in multiple languages. Search for therapists specializing in expat issues.

Embrace the Adventure

Living as an expat or nomad is an incredible adventure, filled with opportunities for personal growth and cultural immersion. By utilizing the resources and communities available online, you can navigate the challenges and make the most of your experience. So, get out there, connect with others, and embrace the journey!