Moving, living, working, retiring abroad
Tipping is not as common in France as it is in many other countries, including the US or the UK. In fact, tipping in France is very relaxed for all concerned. This is because service charges are usually included in the prices for restaurants, hotels and other services in the hospitality industry. Although leaving a … Read more
If you’ve spent even a fraction of your life in the United States, you’ll notice that tipping has been ingrained in so much of our culture. From grabbing a quick coffee to getting a haircut, we’re used to seeing the prompt, “How much would you like the tip?” But how about tipping in Italy, when … Read more
If you’re living in the United States, the idea of moving to Europe may be appealing, but it also comes with a lot of unknowns. New experiences, cultural immersion, and personal growth are all seemingly on the horizon with a big move. Whether you’re moving for work, education, or simply seeking a change of scenery, … Read more
Deciding where to retire involves more than just choosing a location. It requires careful consideration of financial, healthcare, and legal factors. It also forces you to think about some personal considerations, such as defining your well-being, willingness to step outside of your comfort zone or how important it is to be close to family. Some … Read more
In the heart of Northern Italy lies the picturesque region of Piedmont, renowned for its stunning and diverse nature, profound historical roots, and unbelievable cuisine. For English-speaking expatriates seeking a slice of Italian life, Piedmont offers a myriad of elegant towns and cities to call home. From vibrant urban centers for job seekers to tranquil … Read more
In 2024, Southern Europe showcases a fantastic list of best cities to live, where life is more than a picturesque postcard; it’s about community, innovation, and tradition. Every year, My Dolce Casa looks at the latest quality of life index from Numbeo, which includes costs, safety, environment, property prices and climate ratings, to see what … Read more
Calabria, known to many foreigners as “Italy’s toe,” is nestled in the southernmost region of mainland Italy. This affordable region is perfect for anyone looking for the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, beautiful seascapes and landscapes, and a rich historical and culinary heritage. If you’re looking to make Calabria your home, you may not know … Read more
Nestled in the heart of Italy, Umbria is one of the best regions to live in Italy and it has become especially popular with English-speaking expats. It often flies under the radar, overshadowed by its famous neighbors to the north and south. But, for anyone looking for an authentic Italian life experience, this region has … Read more
As the smallest of all Italian provinces, Liguria is perhaps not as well-known to expats as many of the more popular regions of Tuscany, Puglia, or Sicily. Known as the Italian Riviera, the region stretching over 180 miles along the coast of the Ligurian Sea is one of the most picturesque places to live in … Read more
In the eastern part of central Italy, Abruzzo sits sheltered by the Apennine Mountains, separating it from much of Italian society. The region is truly unique, with untouched landscape of nature, beautiful, spontaneous cities built on hillsides. For anyone looking for a taste of one of the greenest landscapes in Europe, Abruzzo is perfect for … Read more
How you view Paris as a tourist and living in Paris a resident are two very different things. Paris is the most visited city in the world, welcoming more than 40 million tourists every year. During the summer months there are lines for all the popular sights. Without pre-paid tickets for the iconic Eiffel Tower, … Read more
Whenever planning a vacation or a move abroad, safety is usually the top concern for both travelers and expats. When you venture into a foreign country there is a lot of unknown that raises legitimate safety and wellbeing concerns. To ease these fears, it’s best to know what are the safest places to go to. … Read more
If you’ve ever dreamt of immersing yourself in the beauty of life in Italy, Tuscany is probably what you are picturing and you’re not alone. Many people fantasize of moving to Tuscany, lured by the image of an idyllic Italy often represented in Instagram stories and cute movies. But where in Tuscany should you choose … Read more
If you’re planning a quick escape to sunny Greece in January or simply looking for a warm place in Europe to escape freezing winter temperatures in your own country, this guide sums up what is happening throughout Greece this time of year, to help you easily decide on a destination. If you are eager to … Read more
Since I’ve moved to Italy, every time I go back to my hometown of New Orleans in the United States to visit family for a few weeks, I’m shocked at just how expensive everything is. How can anyone afford to live here? Comparing the cost of living when traveling back and forth between Italy and … Read more
The famous eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus is a perennially popular destination. Although it is most visited during the summer months, Cyprus also enjoys relatively mild and sunny winters, especially in the coastal areas, which makes it a lesser-known winter escape worth discovering. In complete contrast, the Troodos Mountains, which form the island’s central spine, … Read more
Santorini, widely loved for its iconic summer allure, is equally enchanting as a winter holiday spot. Here in the south of the Greek mainland, the beloved island, also known as Thira, is a spectacle with its dramatic volcanic landscapes. In December, while much of Europe is cool, Santorini enjoys a pleasant average daytime temperature of … Read more
Malta, along with its sister islands Gozo and Comino, is a delightful destination for everyone seeking a sunny winter getaway, including families, couples, digital nomads or retirees. Enjoy an average of five sunshine-filled hours each day and a cozy average daily temperature of 15°C (59°F) — a pleasant contrast to much of Europe’s chill. While … Read more
Are you planning a visit or moving to Nice, France, and wondering what the weather is like and what events are taking place during your visit? Nice, France is a widely known tourist destination in the South of France and a great place to live, known for its sunny Mediterranean climate and upscale lifestyle filled … Read more
Italy’s healthcare system, known for its quality and accessibility, is predominantly publicly funded through a tax-based system, providing universal coverage to its residents. Notably, it’s ranked among the best in the world by the World Health Organization. The Italian hospital network excels in areas like preventative measures, early diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. The medical … Read more