living
A new survey suggests that Dubai’s population growth is having a negative impact on expat salaries.As more expats compete for jobs, salaries are set to remain flat in 2025, Cooper Fitch found.But the recruitment agency said housing costs are up, which could shrink expats’ disposable incomes.As expats continue to relocate…
I grew up in the Midwest and miss the friendliness and small talk back home.Pleasant chitchat has been rare for me in Germany, but I continue to live here for the hiking and security.I feel safer in Germany compared with the US.In late August 2016, my wife and I landed…
I joined a Facebook group in 2009 for fans of “The Wheel of Time” fantasy series.In the group, I met Tyla, a woman from South Africa with whom I had a lot in common.Over the years, we chatted online, learning we had a strange amount in common, so we married.This…
We’re seniors who own a home in Mexico and rent in the US. Living in Mexico has come with surprises.We appreciate how much easier it feels to get products repaired in Mexico than in the US.I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much I like going on long bus rides and…
Older Americans priced out of their homes sometimes turn to van life for affordability and freedom.High housing costs and fixed incomes have driven some older Americans to live in their vehicles.2 Americans in their 70s explained why they adopted van life.More and more older Americans are getting priced out of…
Shawn Robertson, 55, has lived in the same home in Tsawwassen, British Columbia, his whole life.He has experienced major milestones, both good and bad, while living in that house.While he says staying put has its perks, he also feels he might be ready for a change.This as-told-to essay is based…
Stephen and Joanna Vargha moved to Ecuador from North Carolina after retiring early.The moved to Cuenca for its lower cost of living, vibrant culture, and welcoming expat community.They recommend retiring abroad but said anyone thinking about it should do a lot of research.This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation…
My wife and I have been spending our retirement traveling and have visited over 43 countries so far.As Americans, I wish we’d known how much Schengen rules could impact our travels in Europe.Now that we get the rules, we use a strategy to avoid overstaying our welcome in select places.My…
I’ve worked on cruise ships for over six years, so I’m familiar with how the crew lives on board. Staffers typically live with a roommate in tiny cabins that have bunk beds and small closets. We usually eat at our own buffet and hang out after work at the crew…
I loved living in Portland, Oregon, in college and my early 20s — I thought I’d stay there forever.However, a temporary move to Baker City, a small town in rural Oregon, shifted my mindset.I moved there once I’d had enough of Portland’s noise, big-city vibes, and cost of living.I grew…
