The Independent Traveler’s Guide to Moving Abroad

We’re happy to welcome author Laura Rosen back to Wanderers Compass. In her latest article, she shares practical advice for anyone thinking about moving abroad. Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or already planning your move, her insights can help you prepare for what’s ahead.

In “The Independent Traveler’s Guide to Moving Abroad,” Laura covers some of the key things to consider before making the move, along with tips for settling into a new country. We hope you enjoy her latest article and find it helpful as you plan your own adventure.

Thinking about leaving the US and starting fresh somewhere new?

You are not alone. Serious changes have been underway for the past few years, and they are reshaping how we think about home.

Trading in the white picket fence dream. Now you’re chasing a passport and plane ticket. But living overseas is not as easy as booking that flight…

Paperwork, logistics, financial things, storage for your RVs and cars at home.

Here’s your complete guide to doing it right.

What’s Inside:

• The New Wave of Expats

• Sorting Out Your Vehicles

• Paperwork That Actually Matters

• Money Moves Before You Leave

• Finding a Place to Land

Settling In For The Long Haul

The New Wave of Expats

The numbers right now are pretty wild.

An estimated 180,000 Americans left the US in 2025 — the largest emigration numbers in years. But wait, there’s more: even more Americans dream of moving abroad. In one poll, 42% of Americans said they’ve thought about becoming expats. The most interested in living abroad? Gen Z, at 63%.

Why the sudden shift? People are chasing:

• A lower cost of living

• Better quality of life

• Affordable healthcare access

• A change of scenery

• New career opportunities

Europe is number one… Portugal, Greece, Spain, and Italy are attracting the most visitors. But wherever you go, one question remains your number one priority when you arrive:

What do you do with all your stuff?

Sorting Out Your Vehicles (Including Your RV)

Here’s the part most people don’t think about until it’s too late.

If you own an RV, vehicle, or motorcycle — you have three options. You can sell it, store it, or ship it abroad. Each situation has its pros and cons depending on where you’re going. Shipping your RV is especially popular with independent adventurers. Many of them want to keep traveling when they reach their destination.

A few things worth knowing about RV transport:

• Shipping an RV internationally is often cheaper than replacing it

• Import taxes and duties vary hugely by country

• Some countries have strict rules on older vehicles

• International RV transport usually takes 4-8 weeks door to door

Always compare car shipping rates from at least 3 companies BEFORE you make a decision. Prices can vary by thousands of dollars based on distance, vehicle size, and season.

Container shipping is the safest way to transport your RV, but Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) is significantly less expensive. RoRo is feasible with small RVs; however, oversized Class A motorhomes typically require freight handling and container commitment.

Note: Check with your destination country’s import regulations BEFORE shipping. Some countries (such as Australia) are very picky about vehicle age and modification allowances. You don’t want to pay to ship your RV halfway across the globe only to discover it cannot be legally registered there.

Paperwork That Actually Matters

Everyone dreads this part… But getting the paperwork right saves you massive headaches later.

Here’s what to sort out before you leave:

• Passport with at least 12 months’ validity

• Visa or residency permit for your destination

• Apostilled copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, and diplomas

• International driving permit

• Health insurance that covers you abroad

• Bank statements and proof of income

Tip: Do all your apostilling before you leave the US. Doing it from overseas can be painful.

Countries look for different things. Portugal wants evidence of passive income for their D7 visa. Spain wants ~€28,800 in the bank for the Non-Lucrative Visa. Research your target country — what works for one won’t necessarily work for the next.

Money Moves Before You Leave

Money is where a lot of independent travelers mess up.

The US dollar functions differently outside of America. Exchange rates, transfer fees, and banking regulations quickly become major issues.

Before you go, make sure to:

• Open a Wise or Revolut multi-currency account

• Notify your US bank about the move

• Set up automatic payments for anything US-based

• Get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees

• Understand your US tax obligations (yes, you still owe them)

Did you know: The US is only one of two countries that taxes individuals on their global income. Even if you never set foot in the US again, you are required to file annually. Consult with an expat tax expert and steer clear of burn season penalties or double taxation.

Finding a Place to Land

Don’t sign a long-term lease before you arrive.

This is straight up one of the biggest mistakes made by new expats. Listings online can be super misleading, and neighborhoods can look very different in person. Spend 1-3 months in Airbnb’s first.

Some things to check when scouting neighborhoods:

• Walkability and public transport

• Internet speeds (especially for remote workers)

• Grocery stores and pharmacies nearby

• Safety at night

• Distance to expat communities (if that matters to you)

Airbnb, Facebook Marketplace groups, and local expat forums will be your best resources. Lots of independent travelers rent for 3-6 months first to find a place they like, then move somewhere longer term once they actually know the area.

Settling In For The Long Haul

Moving abroad isn’t a vacation; it’s a full-on lifestyle change.

Life during the first 3 months will be hard, nearly always. Things are unfamiliar (they literally are foreign), language can be tiring, and you’ll probably experience homesickness around the 6- 8 week mark. It’s all normal.

Here’s what helps:

• Learn 100 basic phrases before you land

• Join local expat groups on Facebook

• Get into a routine as fast as possible

• Explore your new city on foot

• Say yes to invitations (even when you don’t feel like it)

Truly successful digital nomads are the ones who dive in head first. Stop watching US Netflix every night and eating American snacks; embrace your new surroundings and make them a part of you.

The Bottom Line

Moving abroad is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make.

The numbers indicate more Americans are engaging than ever before, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to stop anytime soon. Let’s do a brief rundown:

• Sort your vehicle situation early (especially RV transport)

• Get all your paperwork apostilled BEFORE you leave

• Open a multi-currency bank account

• Rent short-term first, commit later

• Give yourself grace during the transition

Those independent travelers taking the leap today are chasing a new type of American Dream. One that is not country-specific. If it calls to you, don’t wait for the “perfect” time. Start planning, start moving, and live life how you want to.

© 2026 Wanderers Compass All Rights Reserved

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