'I traded life in the UK for an expat haven and fell in love - it was a big shift but far from cheap' ()
<iframe frameborder="0" height="100%" scrolling="no" src="https://www.gbnews.com/res/scraper/embed/?video_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmm-v2.simplestream.com%2Fiframe%2Fplayer.php%3Fkey%3D3Li3Nt2Qs8Ct3Xq9Fi5Uy0Mb2Bj0Qs%26player%3DGB003%26uvid%3D52817605%26type%3Dvod%26viously_id%3DhX-MiZ6rqtG" width="100%"></iframe><br/><p class="">While leaving your home and loved ones poses its challenges, moving abroad comes with many benefits.</p><p>Britons relocate for a myriad of reasons and at various stages of life, citing prettier landscapes, a slower pace of life, cheaper costs, and better work/retirement prospects as their main motives.</p><h3></h3><br/><p>In Europe, countries such as <a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/expats-in-spain-secrets-tips" target="_blank">Spain</a>, <a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/expats-in-france-secrets" target="_blank">France</a> and <a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/expats-in-ireland-secrets" target="_blank">Ireland</a> are British expats' top picks. </p><p>Further afield, destinations like <a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/expats-in-australia-secrets" target="_blank">Australia</a>, the USA and Canada have the most appeal.</p><p>GB News spoke exclusively to a woman who relocated from Manchester to Vancouver, Canada, two years ago. She has enjoyed every moment, but admitted her new life is far from cheap.</p><h3></h3><br/><img alt="Alex in Vancouver / Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5eedda4c57e8d1a8c31d545b1d985fb5" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="214a7" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/alex-in-vancouver-vancouver-british-columbia-canada.jpg?id=60045497&width=980"/><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-latest"></div><p>Alex, in partnership with <a href="https://www.shipit.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1st Move International</a>, told GB News: "I decided to move to Vancouver, British Columbia, for a new adventure and to experience a different way of life.</p><p>"After several visits, I fell in love with the stunning landscapes, outdoor activities and the general lifestyle. </p><p>"I was also drawn to the opportunities for a better work-life balance and the chance to start afresh in a city that offered so much in terms of nature and adventure. </p><p>"Moving to Canada felt like the right move for my personal growth and a more fulfilling lifestyle."</p><p>While Canada is known for its chilly temperatures, Vancouver enjoys a mild climate and boasts warmer winters than any other large Canadian city. </p><h3></h3><br/><p>The expat has certainly taken advantage of this, sharing that since her move, her life has become "much more centred around outdoor activities".</p><p>"There's a lot more sunshine than a typical English summer," she said, "which makes it easy to enjoy the stunning scenery".</p><p>She added: "You can hike through mountains, lakes and trails, or relax at a beach or outdoor patio in the sun."</p><p>According to Alex, the "biggest difference" between Canada and the UK is this emphasis on being outside. </p><p>"The climate is milder, and there's much more sunshine, which makes a big difference," the expat explained.</p><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-dontmiss"></div><p><strong>"</strong>Back home, I'd spend more time indoors during the winter, but here, I find myself outside much more often, hiking, cycling, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. It's a big shift from the urban, fast-paced lifestyle I had in Manchester."</p><p>But no place is perfect, and while Alex can't get enough of the outdoor-focused lifestyle, her bank balance has taken a hit since moving to Canada.</p><p>"The high cost of living in Vancouver is my least favourite thing about being here," she said. "While the city offers incredible opportunities, it's not cheap. </p><p>"Everything from rent to everyday expenses can add up quickly, and budgeting is key to making it work. It's an adjustment from the UK, where things were a little more affordable in comparison."</p><p><strong>LATEST DEVELOPMENTS</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/travel-warning-ryanair-flight-delays-cancellations-latest" target="_self">Urgent warning to British holidaymakers as Ryanair predicts disruption that 'affects all airlines'</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/travel-warning-costa-rica-poas-volcano" target="_self">'Red alert' issued as 'increasing and significant' threat forces closure of popular tourist spot</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/expat-best-places-to-live-europe-sweden" target="_self">Expat names European country she 'fell in love with' - 'people really prioritise their wellbeing'</a></li></ul><h3></h3><br/><img alt="Alex in Vancouver" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="cb2f44d1dc9b6456f85260e6ffe74d77" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="a2dc7" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/alex-in-vancouver.jpg?id=60045536&width=980"/><p>Indeed, Vancouver is Canada's most costly city to live in, and Alex wishes she had known this before moving.</p><p>She said: "While I was aware it could be expensive, I didn't realise just how quickly costs could add up, particularly when it comes to housing, healthcare, and things like skiing, which is a major attraction here.</p><p>"Understanding the budgeting challenges beforehand would have helped me plan a little better."</p><p>A second British expat spoke exclusively to GB News about life in Canada, calling it a "paradise" where <a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/expat-best-places-to-live-canada" target="_blank">locals are warm and welcoming</a>.</p><p>Giving a glowing review of the North American country, Rich Maw said: "Banff was a revelation. The skiing culture there was amazing, but what really struck me was the people.</p><p>"It felt like everyone was happy to help or welcome you; no matter where you came from, you were always welcome to any event."</p><p>Closer to home, an expat in Switzerland shared why so many people are coming to the Central European destination - <a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/expat-switzerland-zurich-mountains-lakeside" target="_blank">it's in high demand</a>.</p>
