Before deciding where to live or buy property abroad, I think it’s worth spending some time there first.
A destination can look very different when you’re staying for a few weeks and exploring different neighbourhoods rather than simply visiting as a tourist. I’ve found that getting around, staying in the right area and having the freedom to explore can make a big difference when you’re trying to work out whether somewhere could actually become your home.
I’ve included some travel services that I personally recommend and that can be useful when exploring destinations. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you book through them, at no additional cost to you. I only include services that I have used or that I believe can be useful when travelling and exploring a potential new home.
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✈️ Flights
Getting to your destination is usually the first step. When I’m planning a trip, I like to compare different routes, airlines and prices before deciding what works best.
Trip.com
I like to use Trip.com when booking flights. I find it a convenient one-stop travel platform and useful for comparing different flight options when planning an international trip.
Search flights with Trip.com →
🏨 Hotels & Accommodation
If you’re considering moving abroad, I’d recommend staying for a little longer than you might on a normal holiday if you can.
Try different neighbourhoods. Visit local shops and restaurants. Work out how easy it is to get around. And, if possible, stay in the area where you might actually want to live.
Booking.com
My family and I have used Booking.com for hotel bookings for many years and have always been happy with the customer experience.
It’s a useful option when you’re planning an exploratory trip and want to compare accommodation in different areas.
Find hotels with Booking.com →
🚗 Rental Cars
A rental car can be particularly useful when you’re exploring a potential new home.
It gives you the freedom to visit different neighbourhoods, towns and properties and can be especially helpful in destinations where public transport doesn’t cover everything you want to see.
Discover Cars
I’ve used Discover Cars for many years, both for travelling and for exploratory trips. I particularly like how easy it is to filter the available cars according to your requirements, and I’ve found the booking process straightforward and intuitive.
I’ve written more about my experience with Discover Cars here:
If you’re happy that it’s suitable for your trip, you can then use Discover Cars to compare and book rental cars.
Rent a car with Discover Cars →
Localrent.com
Localrent.com is another car rental platform worth considering. What I particularly like is that it works directly with local car rental agencies, which can sometimes result in lower quotes than you might find through larger international platforms.
Find a car with Localrent.com →
🚕 Airport Transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation can be one of the more stressful parts of arriving in a new country, particularly if you’ve never been there before.
I prefer to arrange an airport transfer in advance when it makes sense. Knowing that someone is expecting you and that the price has already been agreed can make the arrival much easier.
Kiwitaxi
Kiwitaxi is a booking platform for airport taxi transfers in destinations around the world.
What I particularly like is the focus on fixed pricing and avoiding unexpected additional costs. When arriving somewhere unfamiliar, I don’t want to be negotiating with a taxi driver after a long flight.
Book a transfer with Kiwitaxi →
Welcome Pickups
Welcome Pickups is another airport transfer option worth considering. In addition to airport transfers, it also offers sightseeing tours, which could be useful if you’re combining your arrival with a quick introduction to a new destination.
🌍 Explore Before You Decide
If you’re seriously considering moving abroad or buying property overseas, I’d encourage you to explore before making a commitment.
Visit more than once if you can. Spend time in different neighbourhoods. Look at everyday things such as supermarkets, healthcare, transport and local services. And don’t be afraid to visit outside the main tourist areas.
A place can be a great holiday destination without necessarily being the right place for you to live.
That’s why I see travel and exploration as an important part of the property and relocation journey — not simply a holiday expense.