More Than Ever Gen Z Wants to Leave The United States to Move To These 20 Countries
Almost three million people born in the United States live in different countries. More than in years past, young Americans are more likely to see a future for themselves outside the U.S. than within it. Here’s why and where they’d like to be living.
Here’s What Gen Z Said
A survey of 3,000 Americans aged 18 to 26 discovered their motivations for wanting to leave America. When asked how strongly they felt that their future lay outside the U.S. on a scale of one to five, with five being extremely eager to leave, the 3,000 polled returned an average score of 3.1.
The Main Reasons For Wanting to Leave
The top seven reasons they want to leave America are:
- Social programs such as universal healthcare
- Wanting new cultural experiences
- U.S. high cost of living
- Dislike of America’s political environment
- Additional job opportunities
- Lower stress
- Better safety
Additionally, 59% percent say that U.S. gun violence is playing a significant role.
It’s Not Influencers Influencing This One
Interestingly, just 0.1% of respondents listed the influence of digital nomad influencers as the main reason they’d consider moving abroad. Digital nomad influencers might be racking up millions of followers, but their actual impact on this topic seems relatively low.
Do They Speak a Lot of Languages?
It may be surprising that this same group of people don’t speak another language (67%) and still want to move abroad to one of the following countries.
United Kingdom
There is no need to learn a second language when moving to the United Kingdom. In the Preply survey, it was the top country Americans dream of moving to. Additionally, it ranks as one of the safest places to travel in the world, setting minds at ease.
Canada
America’s friendly neighbor to the north is another easy move. Pack all your belongings and drive yourself to your new home country. Adventures await in Canada without an expensive plane ticket and overseas shipping of your belongings.
Japan
If you are looking to experience a whole other culture, Japan hits all the marks. Traditional culture, delicious food, and top-class hospitality make Japan a place travelers will want to visit repeatedly.
One individual, who has already seen the country four times, says it’s “Picture perfect” and, after traveling to the country four times, still wants to return for more. Perhaps it is unsurprising that many want to make their next visit permanent.
Netherlands
Netherlands, the safest place to travel in the world, is drawing Americans to move there. A small county that’s jam-packed, nothing is more than three hours away, making it a manageable new homeland to explore.
Singapore
Known as a very safe and clean country, the city-state of Singapore in Southeast Asia is an exciting and popular destination for many reasons. It’s modern, plenty to do, and the food and culture are phenomenal.
Australia
Australia covers almost 2 million square miles and is the 6th largest country in the world. Like the United States, many Australians live on the coasts in large cities. While it is on the other side of the world, the upbeat culture and lack of a language barrier make it an attractive option.
Switzerland
Switzerland is an adventure lover’s paradise, from the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps to the teal waters of Interlaken’s lakes and the rolling countryside of the Emmental Valley. No wonder it grabbed a spot on this list. There is no shortage of fun things to do in Switzerland, with incredible hikes, stunning viewpoints, and a vast variety of adventure sports, from paragliding to water skiing and tobogganing.
In addition to its natural wonders, Switzerland is home to unique architecture, including classic wooden chalets with brightly colored flower boxes, gothic churches, footbridges, and clock towers.
Italy
Beloved by many globetrotters, Italy has fantastic food, beautiful landscapes, and gorgeous architecture.
One extensive traveler who has explored 42 countries agrees, stating, “It’s one country I could keep returning to time after time and still find great new places to go.” And another traveler goes as far as to add, “Every time I go there, I wonder why I ever bother going anywhere else.” So many are just deciding to move there.
Germany
Between the safety, nightlife, and variety of easy-to-reach and explore cities, it is no wonder Germany is attracting Americans looking to move abroad.
Ireland
The spirit and humor of the Irish people make it one of the most alluring places on Earth. Whether you want to live in bustling Dublin, a coastal city or the stunning countryside, Ireland’s got it all.
Sweden
Stockholm, the Swedish capital, is known for its closeness to nature, booming tech scene, and authentic welcoming of all people. It’s the most populated area in the country and Scandinavia as a whole despite being a city on 14 connected islands. Aside from its beauty, Stockholm is also the cultural and economic center of the country.
New Zealand
Snowcapped volcanoes tower above verdant native forests. Warm golden sands lead down to crystal clear seas. Aquamarine glaciers inch through ancient mountain ranges. And steaming jets of water erupt from otherworldly geysers.
You’d be forgiven for thinking such a diverse and magical place exists only in fiction. But we can assure you that it’s very real indeed. Hop on a plane to New Zealand, and you’ll find all these natural marvels and much more. Not bad for a country roughly the same size as Colorado.
Spain
Intoxicating cities, beautiful coasts, delicious cuisine, and warm people, what’s not to love about Spain? From large cities like Barcelona and Madrid to smaller historical ones like Seville, your perfect new hometown can be found in Spain.
Mexico
“Great climates, stunning beaches, history and ruins, amazing food, and great people.” Mexico is easily accessible from America, inexpensive, and offers endless variety.
A quick plane ride back to America allows for the best of both worlds.
South Korea
South Korea is considered one of the most ethnically homogeneous societies in the world, with Koreans representing approximately 96% of the total population. If you want to experience a completely different culture and place, South Korea could be for you.
France
There’s so much more to France than just Paris. Take, for instance, Dijon. “It has long been one of France’s great gastronomic cities. While almost all its namesake mustard is now manufactured outside the city, globetrotting gastronomes still frequent Dijon’s Michelin-rated restaurants, such as William Frachot and CIBO, and the famous food market, Les Halles Gourmandes.
In 2022, Dijon rose to further prominence with the launch of its Cité de la Gastronomie et du Vin. Inside the former Hôtel-Dieu—the city’s historic hospital—visitors enjoy the region’s food and wine through tastings and courses at Ferrandi Paris school of culinary arts and École des Vins de Bourgogne, among other eateries. A pedestrian wine trail links the complex to the railway station.”
Brazil
Brazil is not just large and populated but incredibly diverse. It is one of the most multicultural nations due to over a century of mass immigration from around the world. So, if you are wondering if you’d fit in in Brazil as a new resident, the odds are you will!
Costa Rica
“The people are lovely, the land is so gorgeous, and the scenery varies greatly depending on which area of the country you’re in,” states one veteran traveler who has traveled to Costa Rica several times and would return in a heartbeat.
With excellent weather, great scuba diving, affordable accommodations, and always something new to explore, Costa Rica is a country that has wooed Americans into residents for decades.
Philippines
A new culture, low cost of living, stunning nature, warm climate, the best beaches in the world and over 7,000 islands to explore? No wonder the Philippines took a spot on this list.
Finland
The the sixth straight year in a row, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world. Their way of life is built around caring for others, including new residents.
Gen Z Wants to Leave America But Not Those From These 10 States
Gen Z-ers in these ten states are the least interested in becoming expats. Who are they, and what has made them want to stay where they are?
Gen Z Wants to Leave America But Not Those From These 10 States
Millennials, Gen Z, Gen X, and Baby Boomers Actually Agree On The Top Reason to Travel in 2024
Regardless of Americans’ age, they all agree the number one reason they want to travel in 2024 is to rest and recharge. In a recent study, 55% of Gen Z, 60% of millennials, 68% of Gen X, and 67% of boomers say that vacation time is time to rejuvenate, refresh, and re-energize. When it comes to travel, what else are the generations agreeing on?
Millennials, Gen Z, Gen X, and Baby Boomers Actually Agree On The Top Reason to Travel in 2024
The Safest Places to Travel Announced
For the eighth year in a row, travel insurance provider Berkshire Hathaway has combined travelers’ feedback with data to create the State of Travel Insurance Safest Destinations report.
So, if you want to book an international vacation, take a travel planning shortcut and book a trip to one of their 15 safest countries or 15 safest cities.
The Safest Places to Travel Announced
Here’s How I Saved $7,000 On Our Summer Family Vacation To Hawaii
With its unique aloha spirit, volcanic mountain terrain, tropical rainforests, national parks, fantastic food, and the best beaches in the world, it’s not a surprise that Hawaii is a top destination on people’s vacation wish lists.
If you think it’s out of reach for your family to visit the Aloha state, here’s how I saved $7,000 on our trip with just two booking strategies.
Here’s How I Saved $7,000 On Our Summer Family Vacation To Hawaii
I’ve Travelled The World – Here’s 10 Underrated Destinations You Need to Visit in 2024
As an avid explorer, I always seek out the less-traveled road. While the heavy-hitting hotspots have their place, some of my most memorable adventures have been in captivating yet under-the-radar locales. Based on my offbeat explorations, here are ten fascinating destinations I highly recommend visiting in 2024 that promise to inspire the intrepid traveler.
I’ve Travelled The World – Here’s 10 Underrated Destinations You Need to Visit in 2024
