Every year in the UK thousands of Brits decide to wave good bye to the dreary summers and drizzly winters and start a new life in the sun – but deciding on the destination that is best for you and your family can be difficult.
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In this blog I’m going to take a look at three of the most popular locations for itchy-footed Brits and provide a snapshot of the pro’s and con’s of starting a life there.
USA
Dubbed the “The Land of Opportunity” and the second largest economy in the world, the USA is the destination of choice for many British expats.
Pros:
• A varied demographic and culture owing to the rich ethnic diversity of the country. Each State is unique with its own identity, with even neighbouring states differing vastly from each other in terms of the residents, laws, cuisine etc.
• The size of the US means that you find practically every kind of climate somewhere in the country, from glorious sunshine and golden beaches in California or Florida to starkly contrasting with the cold and snowy weather in the north.
• The diverse climate also means that there is a wide variety of wildlife on offer for animal enthusiasts, while there is also an abundance of natural beauty, from the tropical Everglades to the Grand Canyon.
Cons:
• The size and diversity of the USA means that there are not many disadvantages that cover every single state, however the health care system is often cited as one of the country’s major flaws. Unlike in the UK where hospitals are paid for by taxation, you will need to take out a private health insurance policy, and this can prove costly especially if you have a history of poor health.
• The crime rate is also significantly higher than in the UK, especially in the cities, while gun crime is a well-publicised national problem.
• There is also a massive emphasis on consumerism in the States and, although this would be seen as a positive for some, it can feel over-the-top and intrusive when compared to the UK.
Canada
Despite being its next door neighbour, it is incredible just how different Canadian life is to that of the USA.
Pros:
• A diverse climate with warm summers and cold, snow-filled winters. A great benefit for those looking to enjoy warmer weather without losing the change in seasons.
• A much more sedate life compared to the US, with far less emphasis on consumerism and a much more reasoned political climate also.
• A diverse cultural heritage that lends itself to a friendly and welcoming populous.
• Unlike the US, healthcare is tax payer funded so you don’t have to worry about illness costing you your livelihood.
• Stunning natural beauty.
• A high standard of living with plenty of opportunities.
Cons:
• The cold weather could prove too much for some as it marks a considerable change when compared to our relatively mild winters.
• Unless you’re living in one of the big cities you may find life a little too sedate.
Australia
Emigrating ‘down under’ has proven so popular with the British over the years that the BBC even had a daytime TV show dedicated to it, but what are the pros and cons of living in Australia?
Pros:
• A combination of a Western-style standard of living with a warm climate, with much of the country experiencing gorgeous summer weather and very mild winters.
• A laid-back and outdoor lifestyle that is reflected in the Australian culture, while it is perfect for those who love activities such as surfing, biking and walking, with a diverse and varied geography and rich natural beauty.
• Like in Canada, the Australian healthcare system is free at the point of use.
Cons:
• The relatively small difference in weather between summer and winter leads to some missing the diversity of the seasons that we get here in the UK – even if pining for the wet and cold of these shores sounds far-fetched!
• A long way behind the US and Europe in terms of media releases – games and movies for example – so if you’re a big follower of either of these industries you may get frustrated!
• Its massive distance from the UK (flights take between 20 and 24 hours) means that it makes returning home for visits, or for family visiting you, expensive.
There are a whole range of different things you’ll need to consider when planning a move abroad, but by using this quick guide as a starting point, you can start to formulate some idea of where you’d like to end up.
About the author: This guest blog was written by Autoshippers UK. They make it their business to help UK residents start a new life in the sun with their international car shipping services.