As a travel writer who has explored 68 countries, I find myself frequently contemplating relocating to these four "magical places."

It's intriguing to imagine living in many of the places I travel to, but I understand that I can't turn every destination into my permanent residence.

I would love to wake up in Sydney every morning, but Australia is too far away from everywhere else. Istanbul is vibrant, but it's too big and bustling.

Icelandic might be too difficult for me to master, and I'm not sure if Reykjavik is big enough for me to establish a permanent residence there.

Four countries that I constantly think about moving to as a Chicago-based travel writer who has visited nearly 70 countries are:

Helsinki, Finland

The capital city of Helsinki is a lively, pedestrian-friendly destination with top-notch public transportation, an easily accessible airport, and an abundance of activities to enjoy. I adore its extended summer days and breathtaking sunsets, its passion for electronic music, and its thriving art and culinary cultures.

Here's a sense of satisfaction that you can sense. No one needs to exert themselves to fulfill their fundamental requirements.

Finland has virtually eliminated homelessness due to the consideration of housing as a human right. A strong public healthcare system ensures high-quality, low-cost healthcare is available to everyone. Gender equity is at a level where even moms of young kids seem to have time for hobbies.

In Finland, healthcare is affordable even for insured individuals, childcare costs are reasonable, and homelessness is not a significant issue. This Scandinavian nation is renowned for its happiness and makes an attractive place to reside.

The northern lights make Finnish winters more bearable despite the cold temperatures.

Singapore

This city-state boasts one of the world's top airports, diverse shopping malls catering to all budgets, a renowned food scene, and an efficient public transit system that simplifies access to everything in Singapore.

My work requires a fast internet connection, which is why I appreciate how Singaporeans have some of the fastest internet speeds globally.

Singapore is consistently ranked highly in education, healthcare, personal safety, and quality of life. Multiracialism is enshrined in the constitution, and ethnic minorities are welcomed. Foreigners make up approximately 30% of Singapore's population.

Life expectancies in Singapore are long, and crime rates are low.

One night, while walking back to my hotel from the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, I realized that I was safe. Unlike other places, there are no mass shootings at schools, churches, shopping malls, offices, or parades in Singapore. Its gun violence rate is one of the lowest in the world.

Cars even stop for pedestrians.

In Singapore, I have a group of friends with whom I can start a new local community. Additionally, my experiences growing up in Texas have equipped me to handle the heat and humidity in Singapore.

Lisbon, Portugal

On my first visit to Lisbon in 2011, I immediately fell in love with the city. Each time I return to Portugal's capital, it feels more like home. I adore strolling along the city's pedestrian streets, browsing its affordable boutiques, and taking in its breathtaking views.

The ample sunshine here and friendly strangers always make me feel welcome.

Unlike Chicago, where I currently reside, winters in Portugal are mild, making Lisbon an enjoyable place to live year-round. While life in Lisbon is not as affordable as it was when I first considered moving there, it is still significantly more affordable than living in Chicago, New York, and many other parts of the United States.

Every time I visit the country, I am tempted to move there due to its affordable public healthcare system, vibrant expat community, and rich cultural scene.

Italy

While attending a cooking class in Sorrento, I considered relocating to Italy after realizing that the cost of purchasing a villa with a sea view, extensive gardens, and an outdoor kitchen was comparable to a one-bedroom apartment in New York City.

In contrast, Italy appeared to be a great deal, offering a significant improvement in quality of life.

No matter if it's Rome, Milan, or Naples, arriving in Italy is like exhaling a long breath. Priorities shift. The tempo of life changes. It's the sweet life.

New Yorkers struggle with work-life balance more than Italians, who have a better healthcare system and a more favorable climate. Despite the job market challenges, as a remote creative who works with clients worldwide, I am less affected.

Several Italian cities, including Milan and Sorrento, are among those I'd consider relocating to, and I'm confident there are many more to explore.

No matter where I end up, I am confident that I will find great olive oil, delicious pasta, an abundance of arts and culture, and welcoming individuals.

Meena Thiruvengadam is a travel writer and editorial consultant currently residing in Chicago. She founded the travel website TravelwithMeena.com and has contributed to publications such as Travel+Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, The Wall Street Journal, and Lonely Planet. Previously, she worked as an editor for Yahoo Finance and as a head of audience development for Bloomberg and Business Insider. You can find her on TikTok and Instagram.

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