Our Unexpected Journey to Africa

It took us six months to get packed and prepared to move to Africa.

Moving to a new country is an exciting yet daunting adventure, especially when relocating with your family. Although a lot of work went into making this move possible, we certainly can’t take all the credit for this massive undertaking. We’ve had so much assistance and support along the way. We found that having helpful guidance from families who’ve already made the move, has made the process much easier. We met a wonderful family through social media, connected with them one-on-one, and gained valuable insight into the steps involved when preparing for such a move. Now, it’s our goal to pay it forward and be a source of support and information for others who may be considering this decision. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 5 tips we recommend families consider as they prepare to live abroad. 

These recommendations come from our own experiences and the wisdom we’ve gained from others who’ve walked this path. Let’s dive in!

Tip 1: Research Your Destination Thoroughly

Before you start packing those bags, it’s important to get to know your destination inside and out. From its culture and climate to its healthcare system and educational opportunities, thorough research will prepare you for your new life abroad. Our primary requirement for determining a location hinged on finding a place that did not have entry requirements that conflicted with our personal and spiritual convictions. Tanzania checked all the boxes for our family.

What are the key factors you consider when deciding on a major life change or relocation, and how do your personal and spiritual convictions influence this decision-making process?

Tip 2: Seek Professional Guidance

Moving abroad often involves complex legal and logistical processes. Engaging with immigration experts and professionals can help you navigate these challenges with ease. It’s a step that can save you time and unnecessary stress. One website we used as a resource was HandyVisas.com.

They specialize in assisting travelers applying for e-visas, travel health forms, declarations, and more. We were able to file our e-visas conveniently with no issues.

What steps are you taking or planning to take in handling the legal and logistical details of your move abroad, and have you explored using specialized services or websites to simplify the process?

Tip 3: Create a Comprehensive Budget

Finances play a significant role in any relocation. Creating a detailed budget that encompasses all aspects of your move is essential. It will help you allocate resources effectively and avoid financial surprises along the way. Consider researching what the cost of living is in your desired country. Research what the currency exchange rate is and determine what amount of money your family would need each month to live. For us, this meant maintaining our existing financial budget and creating ways in which we could generate income to sustain our lives abroad. Remote and freelance work are great options to consider as a way to maintain a steady income while living abroad. 

What financial aspects do you think are important to consider when planning a move abroad?

Tip 4: Connect with the Local Community

Building connections with the local community can make your transition much smoother. Consider reaching out to expat groups, joining local clubs, or volunteering in your new community to build relationships and gain a sense of belonging. We were able to connect with a group of expats from the US, who’ve been living in Tanzania for the past three years. Their insight and assistance have been invaluable. Ms. Lucille as we affectionately call her, is just one of the people who’ve been assisting us with everything from transportation to housing, to setting up our phone service and showing us how to navigate the currency exchange process. Having a trusted person you can refer to while adjusting to your new home is key.

Another valuable tip to complement tip four is learning the local language. If your destination doesn't primarily use English, knowing the native language can help foster connections with locals and build ties in the community.

How do you plan to connect with the local community once you've moved abroad?

Tip 5: Embrace Flexibility and Open-Mindedness

Lastly, flexibility and an open mind will be your greatest allies on this journey. Be prepared for unexpected challenges and be willing to adapt to your new surroundings. Embracing the unknown can lead to some of the most memorable experiences.

What do you believe is the most valuable quality to possess when embarking on a major life change like moving to another country?

Stay Tuned for More

Continue to follow our blog for regular updates and subscribe to our YouTube channel Crossing Over Africa, for even more content about life abroad. We're here to provide support, share stories, and connect with families as passionate about exploring the world as we are.

What aspect of our journey are you most excited to follow, and what kind of content are you looking forward to seeing on our blog and YouTube channel?

As we continue this life-changing journey, we're grateful for the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for adventure and exploration. Be sure to check in regularly for upcoming blog posts. Also, don’t miss the premiere episode of Crossing Over Africa our YouTube series, scheduled to drop later this month. Let's embrace this incredible adventure together.

Until next time, thanks so much for reading!