I’ve Been To 40+ Countries — These 15 Made Me Want To Stay Forever

Traveling has been my greatest teacher, opening my eyes to incredible cultures, landscapes, and people. After exploring more than 40 countries across six continents, I’ve developed a special connection with certain places that tugged at my heartstrings.

These 15 countries didn’t just impress me as a tourist—they made me seriously consider packing up for good and calling them home.

1. New Zealand’s Otherworldly Landscapes

My jaw literally dropped when I first saw Milford Sound’s towering cliffs rising from the misty waters. New Zealand feels like several countries packed into two islands—from snow-capped mountains to golden beaches within a few hours’ drive.

Kiwis (the people, not the fruit!) welcomed me with genuine warmth that made me feel instantly at home. Their work-life balance philosophy resonated deeply with me.

Whether hiking through ancient rainforests or stargazing under some of the clearest night skies on Earth, I found myself constantly wondering if I could find a little cottage overlooking one of those impossibly blue lakes and just… stay.

2. Japan’s Perfect Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Walking through Kyoto’s bamboo forests at dawn, I experienced a stillness I’d never known before. Japan captivated me with its ability to honor ancient traditions while embracing cutting-edge technology.

Food became my daily adventure—from perfect convenience store onigiri to elaborate kaiseki meals that looked too beautiful to eat. The meticulous attention to detail extends beyond cuisine to every aspect of Japanese life.

After witnessing cherry blossoms fall like snow in spring and the blazing red maples of autumn, I understood why the Japanese celebrate these fleeting moments with such reverence. Their concept of ‘ichigo ichie’—treasuring each unrepeatable moment—changed how I view life.

3. Portugal’s Soulful Charm

Sipping espresso at a tiny café in Lisbon while listening to the haunting melodies of fado music, I felt Portugal’s soul wash over me. The country’s melancholic beauty isn’t just in its music but in its weathered cobblestone streets and azulejo-tiled buildings that tell stories of a seafaring past.

Portuguese people won me over with their unpretentious warmth and genuine hospitality. They don’t rush—meals are savored, conversations unfold slowly, and friendships develop naturally.

Along the dramatic Atlantic coastline, I discovered hidden beaches between towering cliffs. Watching surfers brave massive waves at Nazaré, I realized Portugal offers a perfect balance of excitement and tranquility that few places achieve.

4. Vietnam’s Sensory Symphony

Cruising through Halong Bay’s emerald waters on a traditional junk boat, I couldn’t believe places this magical actually exist. Vietnam overwhelmed my senses in the best possible way—from the symphony of motorbike horns in Hanoi to the fragrant steam rising from street food stalls.

Farmers in conical hats tending vibrant green rice terraces created postcards come to life. The country’s resilient spirit shines through its turbulent history, creating a forward-looking culture that embraces visitors.

My money stretched incredibly far here, making me calculate how long I could live comfortably on my savings. The combination of affordability, incredible food, and landscapes ranging from misty mountains to pristine beaches made leaving painfully difficult.

5. Italy’s Irresistible Way of Life

Living seemed elevated to an art form as I watched Italians passionately debate politics over three-hour lunches in Tuscany. Their dedication to life’s pleasures—from perfectly crafted espresso to evening passeggiata strolls—made me question my hurried existence back home.

Ancient history casually exists alongside modern life here. Stepping out for groceries meant walking past Roman ruins or Renaissance masterpieces that would be museum centerpieces elsewhere.

Family bonds run incredibly deep in Italy. Being invited to Sunday lunch with a local family in Sicily—where grandmothers insisted I eat fourth helpings of homemade pasta—showed me what community truly means. The Italian phrase ‘dolce far niente’ (the sweetness of doing nothing) became my new life philosophy.

6. Mexico’s Vibrant Cultural Tapestry

Floating through Xochimilco’s canals on a flower-decorated trajinera boat while mariachi musicians serenaded nearby boats, I fell completely under Mexico’s spell. Beyond the beach resorts lies a country with profound cultural depth and some of the world’s most underrated cuisine.

Colonial towns like San Miguel de Allende bloom with bougainvillea cascading down terracotta walls. The cost of living allowed me to imagine a spacious home with a courtyard garden—a far cry from my cramped apartment back home.

Day of the Dead celebrations showed me how Mexicans embrace life and death with equal passion. Their ability to find joy and beauty even in life’s hardships resonated deeply with me, making Mexico a place where I could imagine growing older surrounded by color and warmth.

7. Thailand’s Effortless Paradise

Swinging in a hammock between palm trees on Koh Lanta island, I wondered why anyone would choose to live anywhere else. Thailand mastered the art of easy living—from $5 beachfront massages to fresh mango smoothies delivered to my bungalow.

Bangkok’s chaotic energy contrasted perfectly with the serene northern mountains around Chiang Mai. The food alone could keep me happily occupied for years—hunting down the perfect pad thai became my personal mission.

Thai people embody ‘sabai sabai’ (relaxed and content) in a way that’s increasingly rare in our hyper-connected world. Buddhist influences create a culture of mindfulness and acceptance that helped me slow down and appreciate simple pleasures. Plus, the year-round tropical climate meant saying goodbye to winter coats forever.

8. Spain’s Passionate Soul

Stumbling upon an impromptu flamenco performance in a Seville courtyard, I witnessed raw emotion that left me breathless. Spain pulses with a zest for life that’s contagious—from late-night tapas crawls to afternoon siestas that acknowledge humans weren’t meant to work straight through hot afternoons.

Architectural wonders like Gaudí’s fantastical creations in Barcelona or the Alhambra’s intricate Islamic designs in Granada showcase Spain’s diverse cultural influences. Each region proudly maintains its unique identity, cuisine, and sometimes language.

The Spanish concept of ‘sobremesa’—lingering at the table after meals to enjoy conversation—epitomizes what makes life here special. Time expands rather than contracts, creating space for meaningful connections. I found myself calculating visa requirements before my plane even took off.

9. Morocco’s Magical Chaos

Lost in Fez’s ancient medina—a 9,000-alley labyrinth where donkeys remain the primary transportation—I experienced time travel without a machine. Morocco assaults the senses magnificently with spice markets, intricate tilework, and the haunting call to prayer echoing across rooftops.

Drinking mint tea with Berber nomads in the Sahara while watching stars emerge above endless sand dunes created one of those perfect moments that sear themselves into memory. The contrast between ancient traditions and Morocco’s rapid modernization creates fascinating cultural dynamics.

Riads—traditional homes with interior courtyards—can be purchased and renovated for surprisingly reasonable prices. I caught myself browsing real estate listings, imagining mornings spent on a rooftop terrace overlooking the Atlas Mountains while sipping fresh-squeezed orange juice.

10. Greece’s Timeless Allure

Watching the sunset from Santorini’s caldera edge, I understood why poets and painters have been captivated by Greece for millennia. The light here possesses a clarity that transforms ordinary whitewashed buildings and blue domes into something transcendent.

Meals became sacred rituals—simple ingredients transformed by olive oil pressed from trees older than my country. Island hopping revealed each Greek isle has its own character, from cosmopolitan Mykonos to laid-back Paros.

Greeks have mastered the art of ‘parea’—the joyful company of friends. Their philosophy that life should be enjoyed collectively rather than in isolation resonated deeply with me. After joining impromptu beach parties with locals who treated me like family, I understood why so many expatriates choose to make Greece their permanent home.

11. Costa Rica’s Natural Harmony

Waking to howler monkeys roaring through the rainforest canopy outside my window, I felt more alive than ever before. Costa Rica’s commitment to preserving its extraordinary biodiversity—nearly 6% of all species on Earth—creates an Eden-like experience for nature lovers.

The national motto ‘pura vida’ (pure life) isn’t just a saying but a lifestyle embracing simplicity and gratitude. Costa Ricans consistently rank among the world’s happiest people despite modest incomes, proving happiness comes from connection rather than consumption.

Learning that Costa Rica abolished its military to invest in education and healthcare instead spoke volumes about national priorities. The country’s renewable energy achievements and carbon neutrality goals aligned perfectly with my values. I imagined myself in a sustainable home overlooking the Pacific, surrounded by hummingbirds and tropical flowers.

12. Australia’s Laid-Back Perfection

Bobbing in Sydney Harbour’s crystalline waters while gazing at the Opera House, I understood Australia’s magnetic pull on travelers. The combination of world-class cities and vast wilderness creates unparalleled lifestyle options—from urban apartments to outback homesteads.

Australians elevated casual friendliness to an art form. Their ‘no worries’ attitude and commitment to ‘tall poppy syndrome’ (keeping everyone humble) creates refreshingly authentic social dynamics where pretension is the ultimate sin.

Coffee culture here rivals anywhere on Earth, with Melbourne’s laneway cafés producing liquid perfection. The incredible food scene reflects Australia’s multicultural identity, with Asian influences creating unique fusion cuisines. Health-focused outdoor living with year-round sunshine made me wonder why I’d ever return to winter’s grip.

13. Indonesia’s Island Paradise

Snorkeling through Komodo National Park’s pristine coral gardens alongside manta rays with wingspans wider than my arms could stretch, I experienced underwater magic beyond imagination. Indonesia’s 17,000+ islands offer unparalleled diversity—from Bali’s spiritual retreats to Java’s ancient temples.

Remote villages welcomed me with genuine curiosity and kindness. Children practiced English by asking thoughtful questions about my life, while elders invited me to traditional ceremonies that few outsiders witness.

Digital nomad communities flourish in places like Ubud and Canggu, where affordable living meets reliable internet. I calculated I could live comfortably for under $1,000 monthly, including a private villa with a pool. The prospect of morning yoga followed by afternoon surf sessions and evening feasts for a fraction of Western prices made leaving seem foolish.

14. France’s Cultured Elegance

Cycling through Provence’s lavender fields with a baguette and cheese in my basket, I experienced the French countryside’s timeless romance firsthand. Beyond Paris’s undeniable allure lies a country of extraordinary regional diversity—from Alsace’s Germanic influences to Basque Country’s unique traditions.

Markets overflowing with seasonal produce taught me why French cuisine remains the global standard. Farmers take immense pride in their cheeses, wines, and heirloom vegetables, preserving culinary traditions across generations.

The French approach to work-life balance—with sacred lunch breaks and five weeks’ vacation—revealed healthier priorities than America’s hustle culture. Their appreciation for intellectual pursuits and artistic expression creates a society where cultural literacy matters. After experiencing the rhythm of French seasons—from summer’s outdoor cafés to winter’s cozy bistros—I understood why France remains the world’s most visited country.

15. Canada’s Pristine Wilderness

Kayaking alongside orcas in British Columbia’s Inside Passage while bald eagles soared overhead, I experienced nature’s majesty on an overwhelming scale. Canada’s vast wilderness areas remain largely intact, offering outdoor adventures that rival anywhere on Earth.

Canadians embody friendliness without the superficiality sometimes found elsewhere. Their self-deprecating humor and genuine interest in others creates easy connections with strangers.

The country’s progressive policies on healthcare, education, and immigration reflect values I share. Despite harsh winters in many regions, Canadians embrace outdoor activities year-round rather than hibernating indoors. Cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal blend cosmopolitan amenities with proximity to nature.

After experiencing the Northern Lights dancing across a Yukon sky, I seriously considered joining the ranks of those who call the Great White North home.