Feeling lonely during the holidays while living abroad? Learn what expat holiday blues are and how to cope with them. Get expert tips and support for your international relocation journey.

Living abroad can be a life-changing and enriching experience—but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. One of the most emotionally challenging times for expats is the holiday season, when feelings of homesickness, loneliness, and cultural disconnect can unexpectedly surface.

As an expat coach and intercultural psychologist, I’ve worked with countless people who find themselves caught off guard by the expat holiday blues. Whether you’re spending your first holiday season overseas or you’ve been away for years, these feelings are more common than you might think—and you’re not alone.

Here’s what expat holiday blues are, why they happen, and most importantly—what you can do to navigate them with compassion and confidence.

The expat holiday blues refer to a general feeling of uneasiness, sadness, or emotional discomfort that many expats experience during holiday seasons. This can be any culturally significant time—Christmas, New Year, Thanksgiving, Eid, Lunar New Year, or even birthdays and anniversaries.

You might feel:

• Lonely or disconnected from friends and family back home

• Out of place in your new environment (especially when local traditions are very different)

• Nostalgic or irritable, even if everything seems “fine” on the surface

• Frustrated that your current setting doesn’t match your usual holiday vibe—weather, food, atmosphere, etc.
  

And yes—this is completely normal.

When you’re living abroad, you’re navigating culture shock, new routines, and often a limited social network. Holidays can amplify these feelings. You might be:

• Away from loved ones and familiar traditions

• Facing unfamiliar customs or even a different climate (sunny Christmas, anyone?)

• Lacking a support system, especially if you’ve recently moved
  

Social media often adds to the pressure, showing carefully curated images of perfect holiday moments, making you feel like you “should” be having more fun than you are.

But behind the scenes, even expats who seem well-adjusted often struggle silently. I’ve heard it in coaching sessions time and again—things that rarely make it into Instagram posts.

1. Acknowledge It’s Normal

First, take a breath. What you’re feeling isn’t a failure or a sign you made the wrong decision to move abroad. It’s a natural emotional response to being far from your support system during an emotionally loaded time.

Self-awareness is the first step to coping in a healthy way.

2. Connect With People Who Share Your Traditions

Seek out members of your expat community who celebrate the same holidays. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Diwali, or Hanukkah, gathering with people who share your traditions can give you that sense of belonging you may be missing.

Even a small potluck dinner or virtual gathering can go a long way toward soothing loneliness.

3. Start New Traditions in Your New Home

You don’t have to replicate past celebrations exactly. In fact, trying to force your old traditions into a completely different context can sometimes make things worse.

Instead, find ways to blend your past with your present. Try new foods, invite new friends, or create fresh holiday rituals that feel authentic to where you are now.

4. Explore Locally or Take a Mini Trip

If you have time off, use the season to explore your surroundings. Even a short weekend getaway can shift your perspective. Or play tourist in your own town—visit local markets, discover cultural events, or enjoy nature.

Staying active and curious can reduce emotional stagnation and help you reframe the season as a time for discovery.

5. Plan Ahead for Future Holidays

If you know holidays are particularly hard for you, consider planning a visit from family or friends, or travel to see them. When you schedule these trips in advance, not only do they become more affordable—they also give you something to look forward to.

Having a plan in place creates a sense of control, which can ease anxiety and sadness.

Adjusting to life abroad—during holidays or any other time—can be overwhelming, especially without the right support system in place. That’s why I created the Expat Journey Program, a comprehensive resource to guide you through every step of international relocation—before, during, and after the move.

Inside the program, you’ll find:

• Tools to cope with culture shock and emotional ups and downs
• Live workshops, including special sessions on mindset and adjustment
• A vibrant expat community to connect with others who get it
• Guidance to help you not just survive, but thrive abroad
  

Whether you’re navigating holiday loneliness, adjusting to a new country, or planning your move, the Expat Journey Program is here to support you.

The holidays can be a tender time for expats—but they can also be a time of connection, reflection, and renewal, if you’re equipped with the right mindset and support.

Remember: you’re not alone in this.
You’re not doing it wrong.
And yes—you can create a beautiful, meaningful experience abroad.

If this post resonated with you, feel free to share it with a fellow expat—or someone who’s preparing to move abroad. You never know who might need to hear that they’re not alone.

Not sure if moving abroad is the right decision for you? Discover two powerful questions to help clarify your goals, timing, and priorities before taking the leap to expat life.

Scrolling through social media posts claiming “99 reasons to move abroad” or “why relocation is the best thing ever” might make it seem like everyone should pack their bags and leave. But the truth is—moving abroad isn’t right for everyone. And it might not be the right move for you right now.

As an expat coach and intercultural psychologist, I’ve worked with hundreds of individuals and families navigating this decision. For many, relocating has been a deeply fulfilling experience—but for others, jumping into it without clarity has led to stress, disillusionment, or regret.

So before you start booking flights or dreaming about beachside cafés, take a moment to reflect on these two powerful questions I use in coaching sessions to help people determine whether international relocation makes sense for them—and if so, when.

This is the foundational question.

Before considering the how of your move, it’s essential to ask:
“Is this move aligned with the life I want to build?”

Our lives are made up of interconnected parts: personal, professional, financial, relational, and emotional. A move might benefit one area—like your mental health or career—but create strain in another, such as finances or family stability. That’s why it’s important to zoom out and see how the relocation fits into your whole life.

Some examples to reflect on:

• Will this move support your long-term career goals?

• How will it affect your financial stability or growth?

• Will it bring your family closer to the life you all want?

• Is it aligned with your individual needs and identity?
  

You might find that it’s a great fit for one area but presents challenges in another. That’s okay. What matters is recognizing these trade-offs and asking: Are you willing and able to cope with the challenges in order to benefit from the gains?

Sometimes, the answer to “Should I move abroad?” isn’t a simple yes or no—it’s not yet.

Many people I work with feel the deep desire to move but have practical or emotional reasons for delaying. This might include:

• Wanting to save more money first

• Caring for an elderly parent or dependent

• Waiting for children to finish school

• Needing more emotional readiness or clarity
  

Recognizing that timing matters can help ease the pressure of needing to decide immediately. Thinking in terms of when rather than if can transform a stressful dilemma into a thoughtful plan.

Sometimes, what you need is a timeline, not a decision.

By asking “When does this move make sense for me?” instead of “Should I move or not?”, you allow space to plan intentionally, set milestones, and prepare with confidence. You also remove the black-and-white thinking that can lead to impulsive decisions—or paralyzing indecision.

Moving abroad is a life-changing decision. It’s not about following trends, chasing a fantasy, or rushing a yes-or-no answer. It’s about making a deliberate choice that aligns with your goals, values, and the reality of your life right now.

Take the time to reflect. Ask the right questions. Build your plan. And when the time is right—you’ll be ready to take action.

You don’t have to navigate these big questions on your own. The Expat Journey Program was created to guide you through every phase of your move abroad—from making the decision to settling in with confidence.

Inside the program, you’ll find:

• Step-by-step roadmaps for pre- and post-move planning
• Interactive workshops on everything from finances to integration
• Live Q&A calls and expert interviews
• A supportive community of fellow expats and expats-to-be
• Resources to help you align your move with your life goals
  

Want to know if moving abroad is truly right for you?
Start with the guidance and tools inside the Expat Journey Program and make a confident, informed decision that fits your life.

Wondering if you’re financially ready to move abroad? Learn how to align your move with your life goals, define your ideal lifestyle, research cost of living, and build a financial cushion for a confident relocation.

Making an international move isn’t just about passports, paperwork, and packing—it’s a full life transition. One of the most common concerns people have when preparing to move abroad is whether it’s financially feasible. As an expat coach with years of experience, I can tell you: feeling confident about your finances is absolutely possible—but it starts with more than just crunching numbers.

If you’re thinking of relocating and asking yourself, “Can I really afford this?”—this blog post is for you. Below, I’ll walk you through the key steps to ensure your move is financially aligned with your life goals and equipped for the unexpected.

Want to watch the video? Click here.

Before diving into budget spreadsheets or researching costs, take a step back. Ask yourself:
“How does this move align with what I want in life?”

Finances are a vital part of our lives, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Moving abroad is a deeply personal decision that affects your identity, relationships, lifestyle, and future. That’s why it’s so important to first reflect on whether the move is consistent with your:

• Personal goals – What kind of life do you want to build?

• Family goals – If you’re moving with a partner or children, are you aligned?

• Long-term vision – Is this move a stepping stone toward the life you’re aiming for?
  

When you’re clear on your “why,” it becomes much easier to make grounded financial decisions that support—not sabotage—your broader life plans.

The next step is internal as well: define what kind of lifestyle you want to live in your new country. Often people jump straight into looking at cost of living data, but without knowing how you actually want to live, that information won’t help much.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to live in the city center or a quieter rural area?

• Is having a car important to me, or can I rely on public transportation?

• Will my kids go to private or public school—or will we homeschool?

• What kind of housing would make me feel comfortable and secure?
  

By getting specific about your ideal lifestyle, you’ll be able to evaluate whether that lifestyle is financially attainable in your destination of choice. You’ll also avoid the trap of comparing yourself to others whose values or priorities may be very different from yours.

Now that you’ve clarified your values and your lifestyle preferences, it’s time to research. But unlike randomly reading expat blogs or cost-of-living posts, now you can approach the information with clarity.

Look at:

• Rent or mortgage costs in areas where you’d realistically want to live

• Healthcare expenses for your situation (e.g., public vs. private insurance)

• Education costs based on your schooling preferences

• Day-to-day expenses that reflect your desired lifestyle—not a stripped-down version of someone else’s
  

This targeted approach makes your financial planning much more accurate and relevant. For example, if someone says living in Lisbon is cheap because they live in a one-bedroom on the outskirts and send their kids to public school, that might not be useful if you’re looking for a family home in the center and prefer private education.

Once you’re ready to start creating a budget, be kind to yourself. Financial planning can bring up a lot of stress and even fear. If that happens, try to step back emotionally. Pretend you’re planning for someone else or do the budgeting alongside a trusted friend, coach, or partner.

And most importantly: build in room for error.

Unforeseen expenses are not a matter of “if,” but “when.” You might:

• Rent a home that turns out to be a bad fit and need to move

• Make a few buying mistakes early on

• Need to fly home unexpectedly due to a family emergency
  

Give yourself permission to have a buffer. It’s better to plan for the unknown than to be caught off guard and feel like your move was a mistake.

If you want to go even deeper—or if numbers just aren’t your thing—this is where a good financial advisor comes in. Ideally, look for someone with experience working with international relocations or expats.

A qualified advisor can:

• Offer impartial, emotionally-neutral insight

• Ask strategic questions you may not have thought of

• Present alternative options you didn’t know were possible

• Help you build a sustainable plan for both pre- and post-move finances
  

Working with a financial advisor doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Even a single session can offer clarity and confidence, and help you avoid costly mistakes. Inside the Expat Journey Program there’s a curated list of trusted businesses that can help you nail your financial planning.

Financial confidence when moving abroad doesn’t come from having all the answers. It comes from asking the right questions and giving yourself the space to plan intentionally. Start with your values, define your lifestyle, do focused research, and give yourself grace in the budgeting process.

Remember: you’re not just moving—you’re building a new life. And when your financial plan reflects that bigger picture, you’ll feel far more confident every step of the way.

Planning a move abroad? Discover three common mistakes expats make when relocating and how to avoid them. Get expert tips to ensure a smoother transition.

Moving abroad is more than a change of address—it’s a major life transition. While packing boxes and booking flights often take center stage, some of the most critical parts of the process are less obvious. Based on my experience as both a seasoned expat and an expat coach, I’ve seen how a few key oversights can make settling into your new life more difficult than it needs to be.

Here are three common mistakes people make when preparing for an international move—and what you can do to avoid them.

When preparing to relocate, most people focus on logistics—housing, visas, paperwork. But there’s another layer that often gets overlooked: emotional closure.

Saying goodbye isn’t just about people. It’s about acknowledging the end of a chapter in your life. Without this closure, you might find it harder to adjust once you arrive in your new country.

What to do instead:
Take the time to honor your relationships, routines, and surroundings. Host a farewell gathering, write personal notes to friends, or revisit favorite places. Small gestures—like gifting a keepsake or sharing a meaningful memory—can create powerful moments of closure that help you move forward with clarity and peace.

A common myth about moving abroad is that friendships will naturally form once you settle in. While it’s possible, building meaningful relationships in a new country often takes time and intentional effort.

What to do instead:
Start before you even leave. Use online communities, Facebook groups, or expat forums to find people in your destination country. Reach out, introduce yourself, and schedule a virtual coffee chat. Having even a few familiar faces when you arrive can ease the transition and help you feel more connected from day one.

It’s natural to reflect on why you’re making this big move—maybe you’re seeking a better lifestyle, escaping a frustrating situation, or pursuing a dream. But becoming overly fixated on your “why” can actually hold you back.

What to do instead:
Shift your focus to your “what for.” Ask yourself: What am I looking forward to? What do I want to build, experience, or grow into in this next chapter? Clarifying your purpose adds motivation and positivity to the process. If you’re moving with family, encourage everyone to define their own hopes and goals—it creates alignment and shared excitement.

Avoiding these three common mistakes can make all the difference in your move abroad. Emotional closure, early connection-building, and a forward-focused mindset are the foundation for a smoother, more fulfilling transition.

Looking for expert guidance on your move abroad?
The Expat Journey Program offers step-by-step support, live workshops, expert interviews, and a private community to help you prepare, move, and thrive abroad.
Start your journey with confidence—click here to learn more.

Planning to retire and move abroad at the same time? Discover how to manage this powerful life transition with practical tips on identity, structure, and creating purpose after retirement abroad.

Moving abroad and retiring are two major life events—and doing them at the same time? That’s a powerful (and potentially overwhelming) combination.

Many people dream of retiring in a foreign country, whether for a lower cost of living, adventure, or a new lifestyle. But what often goes unspoken is how difficult it can be to manage both transitions simultaneously.

As an intercultural psychologist and expat coach, I’ve worked with many people navigating this exact path. And I can tell you—there are ways to make it easier, more meaningful, and a lot more joyful.

Let’s talk about what’s really going on beneath the surface—and what you can do about it.

When you retire and relocate abroad, you’re not just changing your location. You’re also shifting:

• Your daily routine

• Your social network

• Your professional identity

• Your sense of purpose
  

That’s a lot for anyone. And yet, we often blame the move itself when we feel out of sorts.

“Maybe this country isn’t for me…”
“I don’t feel like I belong here.”
“Why is everything so hard?”

But often, what we’re experiencing is not just culture shock—it’s the impact of retirement mixed with relocation.

Let’s unpack three powerful tips to help you navigate this chapter smoothly.

So much of our identity is wrapped up in what we do.

Think about it: one of the first questions people ask is, “What do you do?”

 When you retire, you suddenly lose that piece of your identity—and when you move abroad at the same time, you may also lose the familiar people, places, and rhythms that once gave your life structure.

Ask yourself:

• How much of my self-worth is tied to my career?

• What roles do I want to embrace now?

• What gives me a sense of contribution and meaning?
  

This awareness can help you proactively create a new version of self—one that’s not defined by a job title, but by intention and joy.

One common trap retirees fall into is the lack of routine. At first, it’s liberating. No more alarms! No more meetings!
But after a few months, it can lead to a feeling of drift.

In a new country—where language barriers, fewer social connections, and cultural differences exist—this can amplify loneliness or disorientation.

Instead, create a light routine:

• Sign up for a weekly class (art, language, fitness—whatever excites you)
• Join a social or cultural group
• Volunteer for a cause you care about
• Set small rituals in your day (like morning walks or journaling)
  

You don’t need to fill every hour. But having places to be and things to look forward to gives your week a rhythm that supports your mental and emotional well-being.

Some people try to “replace” their old work schedule by overbooking their retirement life. Others swing in the opposite direction and end up feeling disengaged or isolated.

The sweet spot? Balance.

• Make time for fun, travel, and exploration

• Give yourself permission to rest

• Choose meaningful, low-pressure ways to contribute (like volunteering or mentoring)
  

Volunteering abroad is a popular choice for many retirees. It provides purpose and connection, without the stress of a formal job. Just be sure to commit to something that genuinely excites you—it’s still a form of work, after all.

This book is a must-read for anyone going through a big life change—and it’s one I recommend in my Expat Journey Program. It beautifully breaks down the emotional process behind life transitions and how to move through them with clarity and intention.

The expatriate lifestyle after retirement can be rich, fulfilling, and adventurous. But it also requires self-awareness, planning, and support.

By honoring both the emotional and practical aspects of retirement and relocation, you can turn this dual transition into an exciting, empowering new chapter.

I offer expat coaching for retirees, including one-on-one sessions and a all-in-one membership designed to help you feel confident, purposeful, and supported in your move abroad. Learn more here: www.deborahdahab.com/workwithme

Moving abroad with kids? Learn how to choose the best school in a new country by focusing on curriculum, budget, language, long-term goals, and your child’s needs.

When families move abroad, one of the biggest—and most emotional—decisions is choosing the right school for their children.

But here’s the thing: there’s no universal “best” school. What works for one family might be completely wrong for another. That’s why scrolling through online forums or asking in Facebook groups often leads to more confusion than clarity.

The right school is the one that fits your family’s values, goals, and lifestyle.

Let’s walk through the most important questions to ask before you even start researching.

Before diving into school websites, take a step back and ask yourself:

• What type of education do we value?

• Are we looking for consistency because we’ll move again soon?

• Or are we settling long-term and want our child rooted in the local culture?
  

For example:

• If you’re living abroad temporarily and want to maintain educational continuity, international programs like IB (International Baccalaureate) might be ideal.
  

If you’re planning to stay long-term, a local public or private school might help your child integrate better into the community and culture.

Your child’s age will affect not only what level they’ll enter but also how easily they adapt to new systems.

• Younger children may pick up a new language more easily and adjust quickly.

• Older kids might need more support with curriculum transitions, academic pressure, or social integration.
  

Some families prefer more structured environments, while others seek alternative education models like Montessori or Waldorf. Know what fits your child’s learning style and emotional needs.

If you’re considering private or international schools, costs can vary dramatically from country to country.

• Get clear on your monthly or annual education budget.

• Don’t forget to factor in additional fees: enrollment charges, books, uniforms, extracurriculars, meals, and transportation.
  

Tip: Your research will be more focused and productive once you’ve aligned your budget with your educational goals.

Timing matters—a lot.

• Every country has a different school calendar. Some start in January, others in September.

• Public school enrollment usually follows specific windows. Missing those could limit your options.

• Popular private or international schools might have waiting lists or early application deadlines.
  

Start researching at least 6–12 months in advance if possible.

This is a big one. Ask yourself:

• Do we want our child to become fluent in the local language?
• Or do we prefer an English-speaking or bilingual environment?
  

If your goal is integration and cultural immersion, local-language schools are a strong choice. But if language is a barrier or stressor, starting in an international school with support for second-language learners may ease the transition.

• Your educational goals (consistency vs. local integration)
• Your child’s age and learning style
• Your budget and extra fees
• Your move timeline and school calendars
• Language preferences and long-term plans

If you’re in the early stages of planning your international move, check out my free ebook Move Overseas with Ease.

Get it here: www.deborahdahab.com/freeresources

Have questions or want to connect? Comment below, send a message, or join our community of globally-minded families preparing to move with confidence.