Use Vacation Time to Check out Locations

Hi: 

 Some baby boomers have a good amount of vacation time built up. If you have been at a job for twenty or more years, you might receive six or eight weeks, depending on your employer.  Teachers get the summer months off and college instructors in my part of the world teach two semesters and have one off.  Sure, they need to do admin duties and professional development, but there is still a four month block of time to play with. While teachers can not get time off during the school or college session, many other workers can grab a week or two around their vacation.

Most have a routine of what they do with their time off,built up over the years, and love their vacation activities.  But if you are plannng to move to another location, and especially another country, why not take this large block of time and live in the country you are considering.

Do an extended holiday and see if you like it.  If you are exploring, the first year do an active country or region exploration.  Go to several places and stay a few days to check out amenities. The next year, narrow your locations to two and spend a few weeks in each. This time use rental or home-swap accommodation and experience living as a local, not a tourist.  Initial impressions can change as the realities of everyday life confirm your love of the area or desire not to go back.  Before you decide more permanently go back in the most extreme weather area, hot or cold, and see if still suits you.

Mahara