Downtime in the USA

expat network

If your expat assignment takes you to USA, why not travel to these recommended places in your time off? Get away from your work assignment and truly explore your new environment, its culture and unique sights.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is known for great food (you won’t find better grits – ground-corn porridge – on the planet) and colourful history. But why do travellers return year after year? We’ll blame the genuine Southern hospitality this city extends to each and every visitor.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Is there any possible way Las Vegas could not be on our ‘best nightlife’ list? The only way we could possibly omit it is on a technicality—since you can do pretty much anything 24/7 in Vegas, it might be wrong to call it ‘nightlife’.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle’s petite downtown area and many attractions make it possible to pack a week’s experience into a weekend. Grab a latte and start at the world-famous Pike Place Market. Watch the fish fly and then head to the Space Needle for a dramatic view of the city and its surrounding waters. Return to earth and jump aboard a moonlit dinner cruise to Blake Island or canoe through the arboretum.

San Francisco, California

Who cares about a little fog (okay, a lot of fog) when there’s so much to do in San Francisco? By day, explore Fisherman’s Wharf and the Aquarium of the Bay, ride a cable car, and stroll around the Presidio. By night, have a fabulous dinner (at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a tiny place in Chinatown), then hit some of the best clubs on the West Coast.

Washington, District of Columbia

Make sure you bring cash to Washington, DC. Not that it’s expensive (actually, many museums are free) or that no-one accepts plastic (they do)—it’s just an awful lot of fun to hold up a $5 bill next to the actual Lincoln Memorial, or a $20 in front of the White House. In between touring monuments and historical sights, check out the quirky International Spy Museum, watch pandas at the National Zoo, or catch a military band playing an outdoor concert on Capitol Hill.

New Orleans, Louisiana

As a visitor in New Orleans, you can expect the locals to pull out all the stops to show you a good time. And it’s way more than just a demonstration of Southern hospitality—‘laisser les bon temps rouler’, or ‘let the good times roll’ is the city’s unofficial motto. So take a tour of the elegant Garden District, hit a jazz club, dine at the Commander’s Palace, or join the crowds on Bourbon Street. The Big Easy has much to celebrate these days, now that it’s had some time to rebuild from Hurricane Katrina, and you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

Palm Springs, California

Looking to relax in the sun? Palm Springs, with 354 days of sunshine per year, might be the place for you. Relax poolside or visit one of the many area spas… or tour some fantastic examples of mid-century modern architecture.

San Diego, California

Looking for a classic California beach experience, with a boardwalk, beach volleyball, even a classic amusement park? You can find it at Mission Beach in San Diego. After you’re done swimming and sunning, hit one of the many beachside restaurants and bars for some live music, dancing and a tropical drink.

St Louis, Missouri

The history of St Louis has been heavily influenced by westward expansion and blues music. The big must-see in this region is the Gateway Arch, while other important sites include the Museum of Westward Expansion, the St Louis Cathedral and the Anheuser-Busch factory tour. The city offers plenty for the whole family. Children will enjoy the local zoo and the Magic House, while family members will also want to unwind at Forest Park, home to the World’s Fair almost a century ago.

Sedona, Arizona

Any place can have an amazing pool and spa, but an amazing pool and spa in the middle of a gorgeous desert? That’s what you’ll find at Sedona’s resorts. If you do feel like taking a break from lounging poolside and sampling different kinds of massages, you’ll find miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback tours. Afterward, of course, you’ll need another massage. It’s the good kind of vicious cycle.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.