You would think that now that I have publicly announced my relocation to the UK, I have taken the biggest step forward. In a way that is true, but one key element of great influence is deciding on the location. Where do I live when not in The Netherlands? Although the United Kingdom is not as widespread as the countries I have recently visited (I’ll come back to that), the regions are vastly different from one another. It depends on what you define as important, but population, economy, job opportunities, life expenses and culture and lifestyle of a specific area can have great impact on the overall experience. What do I take into account and what not? Last month I was in the favourable position to gather my ‘plunge thoughts’ during a backpack holiday in North America.

The trip started with a reunion of dear friends in the United States. In the area of Buffalo, upstate New York, to be exact. The last two weeks were spent travelling alone through Canada. Being away from home usually brings new insights. This time it was no different. Although it is not my intention to start a travel blog anytime soon, there are a few things that should be mentioned about the trip. Especially, since it relates to my relocation.

Comfortable

First of all, the trip was about breaking out of my comfort zone. I wanted to try something new, something out of the ordinary, something I have never done before. I chose to travel with a backpack. This was a first for me and I have yet to discover why that is. The flexibility that comes with travelling with a backpack is undeniable. Another new feature was the fact that I joined the community Couchsurfing. I wanted to meet new people and go about the country differently. My game plan in Canada was to visit the cities Toronto and Montréal and to explore the Ontario province by car. In preparation, I arranged a few overnight stays here and there, but all in all it was a ‘comes as it goes’ kinda trip. I wouldn’t say I was nervous, but it was an exciting new adventure to take on.

Surfing on a couch

Let me clarify Couchsurfing for the ‘CS dummies’ out there (it’s ok, I was too until recently). Couchsurfing is an online travel community that connects you with locals during your trip. People invite you into their homes and offer you a place to stay. Free of charge. The financial aspect is not the reason for its success; it is the sense of community that comes with it that attracts.

Personally, I like CS because it is an authentic way to meet new people, experience the local feel and customs, meet up with travel-minded individuals from all over the world and get inspired by their life stories. Every person is unique and has a unique by-line. Also, you can design and adjust the trip anyway you like. You meet the people you want to meet and vice versa. A Couchsurfer is always in charge.

So, what did I particularly like about the trip? I could say it was the splendour of the Niagara Falls, the amazing view over Toronto from the CN tower, the beauty of Algonquin Provincial Park or the Canandaigua Lake in New York. I could even mention the great coffee and bagels of Tim Horton’s that are available at every corner in that part of the world. But honestly, the people on the trip, the people I’ve met and the stories that were shared created this fond adventure. Basically, what I am saying is: it is the social feel that sticks with you.

Location, location, location

To put that social feel in the context of my relocation to the UK: I have thought a lot about where to go exactly. I considered different regions and different aspects. In the end, it is not about the details, it is how the social feel of a certain place has never disappointed me in the past. Therefore, Scotland it is!

And since we are finally on the topic Scotland (sorry for the long introduction): just before my trip to Canada it was proposed that Canada should invite Scotland as its 11th province. What do you think? Should it? I wouldn’t object given my recent experiences. 😉