Many Canadians dream of moving to the Caribbean to work, to retire or just to escape the cold for a few months a year.
Porto Cupecoy, a new luxury property in Saint Maarten, has published a list of the seven things every Canadian must consider before moving to the Caribbean.
1. Research: Be aware of the cost of living and whether it will be manageable. Figure out how you will get around. If you plan to work, learn about the country's visa requirements.
2. Keep active: The experience of living in a foreign country exacerbates feelings of isolation. It's easy to get homesick when your old life was bustling and your new life is a blank slate. The key is to find meaningful activities so that you -- and your active mind -- are duly occupied.
3. Be resourceful: Invest time in making connections and networking before you move, finding support networks and groups to frequent. And try to learn some of the language.
4. Expect culture shock: Even if your new home and the country you're from are similar, there are differences in how people communicate and interact. For instance, people in your hometown might be quiet and indirect -- you may now find yourself being asked direct and pointed questions, which may be common in more overt, less conservative cultures. Keep an open mind.
5. Respect: Accept that other countries will have their own dress codes and cultural nuances. Find out what is polite. Be mindful and respectful of local customs and ways of life.
6. A lifestyle that suits you: Will you integrate with local communities, or is your lifestyle better suited to an established expat community with plenty of support and imported comforts?
7. Learn from others: There are a great many resources and articles on the web for expatriates. Visit expatinterviews.com, expat-blog.com or escapeartist.com.
-- Nicole Feenstra is canoe.ca's travel editor
