Leisure - Expat Magazine

Which are the world's largest festivals to come
Which are the world's largest festivals to come
Assumption Day will be celebrated in many countries around the world on August 15th. In general, this festival is marked by a traditional mass and processions are organised by parishes, followed by a family meal and fireworks. Assumption Day is also a public holiday in many Catholic countries, especially in Europe. Although celebrations will be different this year with the COVID-19 crisis, here is an insight into the biggest festivals that will be observed in the coming weeks and months. While this might enrich your cultural knowledge, you can also seize the opportunity to spend some quality time with your dear ones even though they are far away.
Europe’s 10 best destinations to escape the crowds
ETIAS Visa
Europe’s 10 best destinations to escape the crowds
Whilst the coronavirus pandemic may have put international travel plans on hold for the time being, it's never too early to start planning your next trip away. For many people, avoiding crowds has become a priority. Thankfully, many European destinations remain largely untouched by mass tourism, where you can enjoy the sites and visit the best attractions without waiting in line.
Making the most of our time off when we cannot travel
Making the most of our time off when we cannot travel
Residents of the United Arab Emirates will not be able to leave the territory until the end of the pandemic. And everywhere around the world, we will be called to spend the holidays in our country of residence. So how do we enjoy our time off when we cannot travel due to the crisis? Here are our tips.
Discover ETIAS: a Visa Waiver for Europe
ETIAS Visa
Discover ETIAS: a Visa Waiver for Europe
The European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS, is an upcoming visa waiver initiative for the Schengen Area of Europe. If you are a national of an eligible country, ETIAS will give you visa-free access to 26 European countries, with a diverse range of cultures to experience.
What are we doing for Music day this year?
What are we doing for Music day this year?
June 21, summer solstice, live music that resonates on the streets, outdoor concerts and people dancing like nobody's watching. Everyone is invited to attend! Since 1982 the Music Festival has always been celebrated like this in several countries around the world, with friends, family, strangers and at the rhythm of notes and light-heartedness. But this year the restrictions on social gatherings make things a little different and the celebrations will mainly take place online. Here is an overview of how we can get organized this year.
How the COVID-19 has affected border control around the world
How the COVID-19 has affected border control around the world
Due to the rapid evolution of COVID-19, most countries around the globe had to implement strict border controls. For more than two months, only repatriation and essential commercial flights were authorised. Maritime and land transport were also severely affected – all this having a significant impact on immigration and the global economy as a whole. Today, many countries are preparing to lift border restrictions, but under certain conditions. What does that mean?
Your holiday options this year!
Your holiday options this year!
It is already late spring: the days have lengthened in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun is out and the summer holiday period is upon us. This year, however, everything is different because the global health crisis requires us to change habits. Many countries have started loosening the lockdown, but that doesn't mean we can move freely around the holidays or resume life as we left before COVID-19. So whether you're in the Northern hemisphere and wanting to enjoy the sunshine or are thinking of taking some time off after the crisis, here are some ideas!
Reasons why home is the best place to spend the holidays...
Reasons why home is the best place to spend the holidays...
No matter where expats are, they are always striving to go home for Christmas. Afterall, nothing beats being with family and friends during the holidays. Airfares are the most expensive during the time and the holiday rush is enough to drive anyone crazy yet home is still the best place to spend Christmas.
Christmas: How to get in the mood when your host country does not celebrate...
Christmas: How to get in the mood when your host country does not celebrate...
Some countries in the world do not celebrate Christmas such as those in the Middle East. Such countries are Saudi Arabia, Oman, United Arab Emirates and the rest of the Gulf States. Other non-Arab countries that do not celebrate Christmas are: Mongolia, China and Brunei. However, these countries are also most frequented by expats from all over the world. While some countries are stricter than others, a number of these are also receptive of Christmas celebrations.
France: Top city Lyon is an ideal destination for expats
France
France: Top city Lyon is an ideal destination for expats
Lyon is France's oldest and second largest city, a leading silk producer in Europe and was also known for its printing presses and mercantilism. To this day, this French city is still a financial and business hub as recognized by Arthur Loyd Law Firm when it ranked it top most attractive city in France for the third year in a row. For expats searching for a place to settle, Lyon is an excellent option to work and reside.
Best cities for work-life balance
Best cities for work-life balance
There is no way around it. If you're uprooting your life to a whole other country, you are going to want to make sure your quality of life is better after your move. And chances are, one of the factors you will take into consideration is work-life balance. Will your new job, your new work culture allow you to spend enough quality time outside of work? Here are five cities where you will find work-life balance is taken to a whole other level. They are the best five cities for work-life balance according to Kisi, the world renowned security experts.
Five things to be aware of as a non-muslim during Ramadan
Five things to be aware of as a non-muslim during Ramadan
The Holy month of Ramadan started on the 7th of May. During this month, Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset. Maybe you have just moved or are about to move to a Muslim country, and are not acquainted to the practices of the month of Ramadan just yet. Here are the basics of what you should and should not do during Ramadan.
The five cheapest places to retire abroad
The five cheapest places to retire abroad
Spending your free time exploring a new country, understanding its culture and mixing with the locals sounds like a dream, right? You have always dreamt of retiring abroad, but you are not ready to spend your lifetime savings on relocating. Understandable. International Living has compiled a list of the five cheapest places where you could accomplish your retiring abroad dream.
Which are the best US cities for networking
USA
Which are the best US cities for networking
A top destination for international students, workers and entrepreneurs, the USA can boast of its unparalleled economic dynamism and a wide range of opportunities in various fields. Besides, you won't find it hard to adapt there – thanks to its diverse population – and to expand your network. To help you choose wisely, here's an overview of some of the best US cities for networking.
Top ten cities where it's the easiest to keep fit and zen
Top ten cities where it's the easiest to keep fit and zen
So, you're a big city kind of person and you love the fast-paced mornings and the fast-food lunches. You cannot get enough of the busy after-work pub stops with the colleagues or the golden hour over the skyline. But big cities can also be hectic and stressful. So before you decide on your next destination, it's important you consider health, sports and wellness amenities... Take a look at the list at the world's healthiest cities according to a study by Travel Supermarket.
Five reasons why you should move to a big city
Five reasons why you should move to a big city
Why should you choose big city life over living in a small town? The choice might not be obvious if you're considering relocating abroad, whether alone or with your family. Over the years, many expats have found it easier to live in a big city for various reasons. Find out, with Expat.com, why you should move to a big city, regardless of your motivations.
The world's cheapest cities for expats
The world's cheapest cities for expats
For years, many global reports have unveiled some of the world's most expensive cities for expats, regarding rent, leisure and daily expenses in particular. If you're looking to move abroad on a budget, whether you're planning to study, work, set up a business or retire, have a look at some of the world's cheapest cities according to a study by Nomadlist.
7 chosen destinations to enjoy a remarkable New Year's Eve celebration
7 chosen destinations to enjoy a remarkable New Year's Eve celebration
From breathtaking firework shows and lively street parties to live music and parades, New Year's Eve across the globe is about finishing off the year in high spirits. Here, we have put together a list of the best destinations in the world to start the new year countdown. As clocks will be striking midnight, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you the best of success with your 2019 expatriation projects!