Every month we post articles focused on various topics to help you navigate through the craziness of life overseas as an expat. Together we make this world a bit smaller each day. “Away With Kate” is one of the amazing people who help write these great pieces and now its time to shine a light on her.
Where do you call home?
Home to me is the small little lake town of Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada where my parents live. My second home has quickly become Toronto, Ontario where I moved for work a year and a half ago.
What countries have you been to?
I’ve been to the USA, Mexico, Cuba, Barbados, Peru, England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand.
Nusa Dua Beach – Bali, Indonesia
Would you ever consider living outside of Canada? If so, where would you like to live?
I’d absolutely consider living outside of Canada again. After living in Mexico for a year in high school and Australia for a year after college, I loved the feeling of calling someplace new my “home”. I recently visited Hong Kong and could see myself enjoying the hustle and bustle of that crazy city, while also getting to relax on the beaches. But in order to stay closer to family, I’d say a winter home in San Diego would do me just well, too.
What’s one thing from Canada that you can’t find elsewhere?
One treat unique to Canada is the frozen maple syrup popsicles. Especially, during festival season, vendors pour sweet, thick, freshly tapped maple syrup onto a bed of hard snow and then roll it onto a popsicle stick. It’s a winter highlight for sure.
Festival Carnival – Quebec City, Canada
What tips do you have for people who want to live overseas?
- If you’re having any hesitations, put them aside and just go for it. When else would you get to do this?
- Start saving and research the cost of living in the city you hope to plant your feet in so there are no surprises.
- Pack smart. One of the best things about moving overseas is getting a fresh start. Bring the things that are important to you or hard to replace and leave the rest behind.
- Spread the word! Reach out to your friends, family, colleagues and everyone in between about your move. You never know the advice, tips, and connections they might have for you.
What’s one fun fact about you that is not business related?
I love clocks. Old grandfather clocks, pocket watches, wall clocks…you name it. I have a small collection at home of clocks I’ve picked up over the years, and even went to the lengths of getting a small clock tattooed on my arm, which I absolutely adore.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- Volunteer at an animal rescue abroad (#1 on my list: Costa Rica)
- Enjoy a flight in an Emirates bedroom suite
- Becoming fluent in Spanish
What are your two most favorite websites?
- Pinterest: A massive go-to for me. I use it for when I’m looking up things to do in a new country, gift ideas for birthdays, outfit ideas in changing seasons, and just about everything else.
- Etsy: I’ve bought everything from laptop skins, cell phone cases, old clocks and jewelry on here. I love that I can get something hand-made and support artists around the world.
What’s the best app/website/book when hitting the ground in a new city?
For research: Pinterest. It’s a huge hub of blog posts, websites, and photos that I’m always tinkering around on before a trip.
For getting around: maps.me. I’ve fallen in love with this simple app because you can use it without wi-fi and while on airplane mode. Before landing in a new city, maps.me lets you download the country’s map straight on your iPhone. The app gives an exact location of where you are, and you can search for services and shopping, too. A must for new city exploring!
Mt. Batur – Bali, Indonesia
Dublin Coast – Howth, Ireland
Stayed tuned each month on other great articles by “Away With Kate” but in the meantime check her out on Twitter too!