Whether you dream of strolling through the cobbled streets of Rome or watching the world go by from the front window of a Parisian coffee shop, it’s clear that Europe is full of many beautiful and exciting destinations just waiting to be explored. From the snow-tipped peaks of the Alps to the bustling underground networks of London, there really is something for everyone in Europe, making it an ideal destination for backpackers, business travellers and, of course, expats.
Although we often consider far-flung countries like Australia to be the dream destination for British expats, many of whom are enticed by a life of sun, sand and sea, there is also a lot to be said for upping sticks and settling in Europe. And, when you consider some of the benefits of living in a European country, it’s no surprise that the number of people swapping life in England for siestas in Spain and eateries in Italy continues to rise. So, with this in mind, we at Essex Removals, international removals specialists, discuss some of the top European removals destinations for the year ahead.
Germany
Beautiful countryside and a laid-back lifestyle juxtaposed against thriving cities and world-renowned nightlife make Germany a hugely popular choice for expats across the globe. Whether you’re intrigued by Berlin’s incredibly fascinating history or you just love the thought of bar hopping in Munich, Germany is a European country like no other. While culture and entertainment are reason enough to pack your bags for Germany, there are many other reasons why it’s such a popular place for expats.
One of the most convincing is that Germany is full of exciting career opportunities. An economic giant, the idea of working in Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt or one of the country’s other lively cities is an intriguing prospect for many. Unemployment rates are low and wages are fairly high (not too dissimilar from the UK), making it a top choice of destination for those looking to pave a career in mainland Europe.
If you have a family, you may also consider Germany for its excellent education system. There are many international schools around the country, which you may consider if your children would struggle to follow classes taught in German, but state-funded schooling is also of high quality. In addition to an excellent education system, the country also has very good healthcare and transportation links, making it an ideal destination for all families, couples and solo travellers.
Denmark
With Denmark repeatedly ranking within the top 10 happiest countries in the world, it’s no surprise that more and more people are moving to Copenhagen, Aarhus and beyond in search of a laidback Scandinavian lifestyle – a trend that’s predicted to continue in 2019. Denmark has also grown as a tourist and expat hotspot in recent years following a global fascination with “hygge” – the Danish word to describe the feeling of contentment you get when you’re enjoying your favourite things in life. After all, who wouldn’t want to move somewhere where wrapping up in a blanket and enjoying a slice of cake is encouraged?
Unsurprisingly, there are many reasons to be happy in Denmark. From Copenhagen’s colourful harbourside to the quaint streets of Helsingør, there are many beautiful spots for expats to choose from when deciding where to live and work. As the country’s capital, Copenhagen is particularly attractive to expats – and it isn’t difficult to see why. It may be an expensive place to live, but the salary you can expect is likely to match. In addition, it has an extremely low unemployment rate and career opportunities are plentiful. No wonder it’s one of the happiest places in the world!
There are also many great transport links and the country is established for cyclists, making it a great destination for eco-conscious expats. In fact, Denmark prides itself on its environmentally-friendly values which are reflected in people’s lifestyles, architecture and innovation. If you’re looking for a vibrant country which prioritises taking care of yourself and the planet, Denmark could be the place for you.
The Netherlands
Due to the rich history and exciting nightlife of Amsterdam, the Netherlands has long been a popular tourist hotspot. However, in recent years, it’s also become a top choice of destination for expats from Britain and across the globe. With relaxed locals, a high standard of living and low crime rates, it’s no surprise that cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht are attracting people from all over. Whether you dream of cycling through the city, spending your weekends exploring a maze of tulip-lined canals or enjoying the country’s laid-back cafe culture, the Netherlands has it all and more.
With especially welcoming locals and unique architecture, the Netherlands is both charming and exciting in one. It’s also an ideal destination for eco-friendly expats, as you’ll often see more bikes on the road than cars! There are plenty of career opportunities for expats in the Netherlands, and with practically everyone being able to speak English, finding a job may prove surprisingly easy. Whether you plan to find a job with a large international company or you plan to take the digital nomad route with nothing more than your laptop, the colourful streets of Amsterdam or the Hague could make the perfect setting.
With a large focus on raising happy children, the Netherlands is also a favourable choice of destination for families. Once you’ve moved, you can expect high-quality education, low-cost childcare and plenty of opportunities for higher education – every parent’s dream!
Portugal
Sunny Spain has long been a popular expat destination due to its mild temperatures, tasty food and gorgeous coastline; however, in recent years, its neighbour Portugal has also experienced an increase in the number of tourists and expats seeking a life of fun by the sea. There are many reasons why Portugal has become such a popular destination for expats, but perhaps one of the most obvious is the blissfully warm weather you can expect to enjoy throughout the year.
The country is also exceptionally beautiful, with enough stunning beaches and countryside landscapes to spend every weekend exploring. Couple that with the fact that Portuguese cuisine is exceptional (think fresh seafood, custard tarts and great port) and you’ve got a recipe for happiness. However, the benefits of living in Portugal don’t stop there! While Lisbon prices can be fairly costly, cities such as Porto are known for their affordability, so you can purchase groceries, transport and entertainment at cheap prices.
Portugal might not be at the top of your list of destinations if you’re looking for metropolitan cities to suit your busy schedule. It is, however, ideal if you love the idea of a relaxed and slow-paced lifestyle. Even the country’s major cities aren’t in a hurry, so this may be the perfect destination for you if you’re looking for somewhere sunny to retire and enjoy the finer things in life.
Essex Removals: House removal experts offering domestic and international removals, container storage and more
Have you fallen in love with the sound of Germany’s rich history, Denmark’s “happy culture” or Portugal’s laid-back approach? If you dream of relocating to another country in Europe, make the process easier for yourself by hiring a storage and removals company you can trust. As with any international relocation, you’ll need to find a company who can guide you through the process of moving from A to B while taking good care of your possessions. Make sure that your move goes as smoothly as possible by hiring the professionals at Essex Removals.
At Essex Removals, an international removals company based in Essex, we pride ourselves on our high levels of professionalism and diligence – two qualities that make us a top choice of relocation services in the UK. In addition to our European and Worldwide Shipping services, we also offer domestic and commercial removals alongside reliable self-storage solutions. Whether you’re moving across the street or across the globe, you can rely on us to provide first-rate storage and removals services to every one of our valued customers.
For more information about our range of storage and removals services, or to request a free initial quote, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of removalists today.
