How to Make Friends Abroad: A Traveler’s Guide

I left my home in Missouri when I was 18 years old.

Since then, I’ve lived in places like Costa Rica, Thailand, Taiwan, India, and Australia. Back in 2018, I immigrated to Barcelona and have been here ever since.

Aside from challenges like figuring out how to pay taxes, finding cheap flights, and understanding the intricacies of time zones and time changes, there are social challenges.

Namely, figuring out how to make lasting friends as a traveler.

The main challenge is communication, as there’s almost always a language barrier. Americans are pretty lucky in this regard; most people around the world speak a bit of basic English. We’re also unlucky in this regard; we lack exposure to other languages, which makes learning new ones even harder.

Second, cultural differences affect how people relate to one another. Even small things like showing up on time or arriving late can cause misunderstandings. Aside from that, cultural differences also dictate when and how we make friends.

These two factors—language and culture—make it hard to make long-term friends.

But not impossible.

I’ve got a few suggestions if you want to up your social butterfly game while on the road, whether living internationally full-time or simply passing through while on a solo trip. Here’s how you can make friends wherever you wander.

Join a coworking space

A significant and growing number of travelers today are digital nomads. These remote workers have one major resource at their disposal when it comes to making friends: coworking spaces.

Around the world, coworking spaces have opened up to provide flexible offices for remote workers. In counties like Portugal, where digital nomad visas are live, you can find these just about everywhere.

Best of all, many coworking groups organize social events. After all, the average digital nomad wants more than a desk and a quiet room. They’re probably also looking to network with like-minded professionals, expand their business, and even make friends.

Here’s a good resource for digital nomads looking for coworking spaces:

Coworker

If you’re not planning to work while abroad, then cross coworking spaces off your list.

By far, the most direct way to meet like-minded individuals while on the road is through social and dating apps. Depending on where you’re going, you might be able to use your favorite apps from back home.

However, you might also need to download a more local option. Luckily, there are more and more social apps that are geared toward travelers, which greatly simplifies finding the right social outing.

Just be wary of who you meet up with and where, just like at home.

Meetup (Two of my lifelong friends met on Meetup years ago!)

Backpackr

Travello

Tourlina

Join a language exchange

You can find a language exchange in almost every city in the world.

English speakers shouldn’t face any trouble finding a program that’s geared toward their mother tongue. However, it’s still worth pointing out that you might need to pay for a language exchange and dedicate a good amount of time and effort to each session.

In other words, it’s not just about casual fun.

Still, language exchanges are a fantastic way to expand your social circle—and also improve your language skills. With a language exchange, you’re also more likely to meet local people.

Like any traveler knows, meeting locals will literally and figuratively open doors to a community. If you’re moving to a new city permanently, then this should be a top focus in terms of how you make new friends.

*I recommend looking into language exchanges on a city-by-city basis rather than seeking out apps or official language exchange tours. These can be found in community centers, schools, and similar locations.

A final note: expat groups vs. local hubs

As outlined above, I’ve spent a good chunk of my life wandering the globe. Many cities I’ve visited have ex-pat communities. Some are integrated into the larger population, while others seem distinct.

Off the top of my head, I remember Chiang Mai, Thailand being a place where ex-pats and locals mingled. Many built families together, started businesses, and otherwise lived blended lives.

By contrast, I found Tangier, Morocco to be much different. There was a pretty clear-cut line between where ex-pats hang out and where locals live. I assume this harkens back to the French colonial history of the city. Regardless, I wasn’t a fan of the division.

If you’re going to spend time with an ex-pat group while traveling, you might close yourself off to other relationships.

I think it’s normal to seek out the comforts of home—but I would caution you against avoiding local hubs in lieu of ex-pat hotspots. After all, you can’t truly understand and appreciate a place unless you understand its people.

So, my final piece of advice about making friends abroad is this: try to notice where the locals hang out and start rubbing elbows there. You might get an invitation to join a football game, play some dominoes, or other mellow activity that lets you meet new people.

Modern Exploration: World Wonders & Virtual Tours

What if I told you that many of the world’s greatest wonders were within reach?

As in, all you have to do to experience places like Petra, Machu Picchu, and more is to set up a laptop or smartphone.

Welcome to the world of virtual tours, a rapidly expanding venture.

TravelAwaits first covered this growing trend when it kicked off in 2020 during the global lockdown. Google’s Arts & Culture department started setting up its cameras in some of the world’s most popular destinations. Using the latest in imaging and video technology, the department created ‘virtual’ tours for remote explorers that take you straight into the greatest museums, landmarks, and more.

The trend took off, and it hasn’t stopped yet.

Dozens of virtual tour groups have launched since then. Most are organized by the site’s managing body, such as museum curators, tourism authorities, and owners. As a researcher, I’ve gone on quite a few tours to understand the physicality and atmosphere of our world’s greatest wonders.

Not all tours are up-to-snuff; they can be buggy, unfocused, and unintuitive. But after four years of incremental improvements, many are absolutely worth your time.

Whether you’re looking to judge whether a location is worth visiting in person or simply want to spread your wings while at home, I suggest you check out these virtual tours. I’ve got options from almost every continent. (Sorry, Antarctica.)

Europe: Le Louvre

The Louvre needs no introduction.

Unsurprisingly, this prestigious museum has one of the world’s most seamless virtual tours. Not only do they offer up-close (and fully private) tours of the main museum, but each exhibition receives a similarly royal virtual tour treatment.

They also offer a ‘behind the glass’ look at the Mona Lisa, which is fully equipped for VR users.

Asia: Great Wall of China

I’ve never cared for boundary walls—but I was wrong to write off the Great Wall of China for two reasons.

First, because of its sheer size. It stretches over 13,100 miles in total. For context, the US is only 2,800 miles wide at its girthiest.

Second, its oldest portions were built back in 220 BC, while the modern areas were built closer to the 1600s. That means all that wall was built without modern technology.

I’m not over this. I’ll never be over this. Join me in not being over this by walking the wall with a virtual tour. While it’s not the cleanest tour on this list, you’ll quickly get a sense of the scale of this great feat.

Middle East: Petra

In case you’re unaware, Petra is located in Jordan amid its red-sand deserts. Around two millennia ago, a group called the Nabataens decided to carve their civilization into the desert’s red rocks.

These still exist today as mammoth glimpses into the ancient past.

If this intrigues you, then you’re in for a real treat. Petra was one of the first virtual tours that Google set up, giving you a seamless view into the stunning feats of Petra and a guided audio tour. Seriously, you won’t find a better virtual tour out there.

South America: Machu Picchu

We need to talk about Machu Picchu virtual tours.

Because Machu Picchu is only accessible via hiking through the towering Andes Mountains, it’s simply not accessible for tourists with health problems.

As such, many tourism groups have cobbled together subpar virtual experiences to package with their in-person tours. I’ve found that most of these are basic, buggy, and disorienting.

Uniquely, however, Yale’s Alumni Academy decided to create a 360-degree virtual tour. It’s a pretty good take on Machu Picchu. It also has options for those who have limited bandwidth, as most virtual tours require strong Wi-Fi connections.

Australia & Oceania: Great Barrier Reef

Whether or not you enjoy tropical fish and colorful reefs, this virtual tour of the Great Barrier Reef is worth your time. First, because it’s narrated by the one and only David Attenborough. Second, because it has a top-tier production that feels too good to be free. However, this tour isn’t a 360-degree visual tour. Instead, it’s a mixed-media project that shines a more academic and environmental light on the reefs. It’s an Attenborough project, after all.

Africa: Great Pyramid of Giza

Visiting the pyramids is high on the list for most adventurous and history-centric travelers.

Not only is it the site of one of the world’s oldest civilizations, but it’s brimming with archaeological wonders. There are quite a few projects out there that will take you closer to Giza and similar pyramids, including a fully digital tour from Harvard.

However, I’ve been really enjoying exploring a few tombs and pyramids using the Mused collection of tours. They offer a balance between archaeology, ruins, and museum exhibitions. You’ll learn a lot along the way.

North America: Yosemite

I’ve been dreaming of visiting Yosemite for years. But with the long waits for campsites at US National Parks and the mass tourism going on, I’d rather head to Yosemite when I’m sure I won’t be surrounded by hundreds.

The easiest way to do that is through a virtual tour. Virtual Yosemite is a decent virtual tour. Though the visuals aren’t great, it offers a fantastic and helpful bird’s eye view of the park, letting you focus on potential areas of interest.

Disneyland & Disney World Alternatives: Leading US Holiday Parks

Disneyland and Disney World were never cheap. But today, it seems like they’re even less affordable for the average family.

Along with Universal Studios, Disney theme park prices have skyrocketed.

On average, two adults will spend around $3,000 on a short trip, including lodging, tickets, meals, and all other expenses. But a family of four might pay upwards of $6,000 for a similar experience.

These climbing prices might not come as a shock considering inflation rates in 2024.

But these prices are a problem when you take a closer look at the overall experience. While Disney and Universal ticket prices have steadily risen, the quality of the visit has plummeted.

Hardcore and long-time fans have started to ask questions about these theme parks—largely focused on what sorts of families could possibly afford them.

I’ll let you decide whether Disneyland, Disney World, and Universal theme parks are worth your time, energy, and hard-earned dollars. After all, despite the rough feedback from visitors over the last few years, these are institutions that still have plenty of dedicated fans.

But just in case you’re on the fence about finalizing that trip to Orlando or Los Angeles, I’ve got a few other suggestions for you. Though these theme parks offer very different experiences, there’s something for everyone.

And as a former Six Flags Season Pass holder, I can tell you that the size of the theme park and its brand reach doesn’t matter when you’re soaring through the sky on a rollercoaster.

Here are my top selections.

Six Flags: For fans of fast rides

There are fifteen locations owned by Six Flags across North America, along with a slew of Six Flags water parks. (Where’s my Hurricane Harbor crowd at?!)

These parks are ideal for those who want to focus on roller coasters and similar high-octane adventures. Six Flags is home to state-of-the-art roller coasters that deliver speed, height, twists, turns, and flips.

In fact, the fastest roller coaster in the US is the Kinda Ka, located at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ. It’s also the tallest roller coaster in the US.

Explore Six Flags experiences (make sure to navigate to the correct location at the top of the page)

Busch Gardens: For fans of zoos

Busch Gardens has two locations, one in Tampa Bay and another in Williamsburg, Virginia. Unlike other theme parks on this list, Busch Gardens offers two distinct experiences.

Busch Gardens in Williamsburg includes cultural ‘hamlets’ that showcase different European cities and regions, from France to Bavaria. Though it includes a zoo, the focus is on more human themes like culture, food, and language.

The Tampa Bay location, on the other hand, has a much vaster animal attraction section with over 12,000 creatures, from tigers to sloths to flamingos. I’d recommend heading to Florida versus Virginia.

Explore Busch Gardens (Virginia)

Explore Busch Gardens (Tampa Bay)

Dollywood: For fans of country music

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is known for a few reasons, one of which is being the hometown of superstar and country music sweetheart, Dolly Parton.

Visitors are treated to more casual rollercoasters at this theme park, along with a small water park, and historical reenactments. Obviously, there’s also a large emphasis placed on country music and Dolly herself.

Though you might be surprised to hear, Dollywood has won international awards for its varied offers, including its Christmas show. In fact, it’s a huge attraction for international tourists.

To be frank, this theme park has never been on my bucket list—but that quickly changed as I researched this article. See you in Dollywood!

Check out Dollywood

Hersheypark: For those visiting Pennsylvania

Yes—this park takes its name from the famous brand of American chocolate. If you’re anything like me, this park has probably flown right under the radar.

Unlike others on this list, Hersheypark isn’t a chain. Like Dollywood, it’s a one-stop shop. You’ll find a series of rollercoasters, chocolate-centric attractions, a small (and rather sad) zoo, and a water park.

I haven’t been overly taken with the offers from Hersheypark, but I’d definitely consider stopping by if I was passing through Pennsylvania with a car full of children.

Explore what Hersheypark has to offer

Legoland: For younger families

(*Legoland is stylized as LEGOLAND, but I’m using under case to avoid screaming at my readers.)

Legoland theme parks dot the globe. At the moment, Americans can enjoy Legoland parks in California, Florida, and New York. If you’re traveling, keep a lookout for new locations opening up in Beijing, Shanghai, and Dubai.

Most reviews of Legoland focus on its appeal to younger visitors, especially those from 5-10 years old. Now, on to the pressing question—do you need to like Legos to enjoy this theme park?

Unsurprisingly, the park is overwhelmingly geared toward Lego fans and Lego experiences, so being a fan would help. However, the overall experience was created for children between 2-12. So long as that age range fits, their relationship to Legos won’t matter too much.

Learn more about Legoland locations and experiences

Tiny Travels: Europe’s Six Micro-States & How to Enjoy Them

Tourists rarely think about the size of the country they’re visiting. Most often, they’re motivated by a sense of wonder and curiosity.

Maybe they want to explore ancient history, modern art, or simply join their friends at a popular music festival.

The focus is on the quality of the journey—not on the number of square miles inside a country’s borders.

But if you’re heading to a place like Europe, then you might accidentally pass by one of its tiny micro-states. And while you might have never heard of them before, they’re highly unique and represent distinct (and under-represented) parts of the European identity.

Let’s count down Europe’s smallest countries, where you can find them, and why they’re worth a visit.

Andorra

Andorra is a tiny country located in the Pyrenees between France and Spain. It’s a strange little place that’s governed by two forces: a Catholic Bishop in Spain and France’s President. Oh, and the official language is Catalan.

Folk theory suggests this country was created by Charlemagne all the way back in the 11^th century. History aside, it remains a hot spot for winter tourism, annually welcoming around 10 million visitors. Most come to ski and snowboard down steep mountain passes.

Check out these tours from the capital city, Andorra La Vella:

Andorra, France, & Spain tour (from Barcelona, Spain)

Andorra Original Country (from France)

Liechtenstein

Nestled in the Swiss Alps between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is a micro-state that boasts one of the world’s highest GDPs. While almost every tiny country on this list is no stranger to luxury, Liechtenstein is different. Up until 2008, the nation was a tax haven for billion-dollar investors.

Since then, the nation’s powerful monarch, Hans-Adam II, and its constitutional assembly have sought to change course. Today, it’s widely regarded as a playground for wealthy winter sports fans.

If you pass through, head to the city of Vaduz. You’ll be able to find some affordable experiences there. Check these ones out:

Heidiland (from Zurich, Switzerland)

Llama hike (yes, real llamas!)

Malta

This tiny archipelago stretches between Northern Africa and Sicily. It’s home to some of the world’s oldest archaeological sites, including megalithic temples and more recent gathering places like Hal Saflieni Hypogeum.

In fact, Malta has been an important strategic zone throughout the ancient and modern worlds. From the Carthaginians to the ongoing Catholic Order of Malta, it’s played an important role in history. You’ll feel that throughout the island.

But you might be more focused on this country’s stunning Mediterranean beaches and rocky coastline. It’s a highly affordable and beautiful (if low-key) vacation spot for many Europeans.

Check out these experiences around the island:

Mdina old city tour

St. John’s Co-cathedral

Hagar Qim temples

Monaco

I find Monaco to be endlessly fascinating. First, because the nation is run by the House of Grimaldi under a semi-constitutional monarchy. (It’s giving feudal vibes.) Prince Albert II is the head of the House of Grimaldi; he’s also the son of American-born Princess Grace Kelly.

Second, the country’s most famous institutions, including the Monte Carlo Casino, Opera de Monte-Carlo, and the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo, tie back to the House of Grimaldi. Officially, these businesses are owned by Société des Bains de Mer de Monaco—a publicly traded company run by the Principality of Monaco that traces back to the House of Grimaldi.

Who says European royalty wields no power today? Anyway, here’s what to do in Monaco:

Prince Rainier III’s private car collection

Opera de Monte-Carlo

San Marino

Italy is home to two micro-states. The Vatican (covered below) is probably already on your radar. But what about San Marino on the country’s eastern coast?

This is by far the strangest micro-state in Europe in terms of history and economy. San Marino started as a refuge for Christians fleeing the Romans during the Roman Empire. Since then, surrounding European powers have largely left this tiny enclave to its own devices in the Apennine Mountains.

Napoleon passed by in the late 1700s and liked San Marino’s radical independence so much that he let it be. The same happened a century later when Italy decided to unify, and San Marino chose to remain independent.

Today, San Marino is a popular tourist spot for passers-by, especially those interested in medieval architecture. Check out these tours:

Passo delle streghe

Centro storico

The Vatican

No need to describe the Vatican—it’s one of the most well-known cultural, historical, and religious sites in the world.

If you’re heading to Rome anytime soon, then schedule a tour that will take you inside to see wonders like the Sistine Chapel. Just remember—you can pay extra to skip the lines here, and it’s probably worth the expense.

Look into these highly rated tours:

Skip the line – Sistine Chapel & more

Skip the line group tour – St. Peter’s Basilica & more

Wine Capitals of Europe: Top 5 Picks

Wine is a longstanding part of human culture. (One of my favorite parts, in fact.)

In 2022, research on global wine sales found that humans drank around 221 million hectoliters that year alone. In case you’re a little unfamiliar with hectoliters, each contains around 264 gallons.

And that figure represents 2022 alone.

That’s a lot of pinot, riesling, and chardonnay—especially when you throw in the fact that global wine drinking seems to be going down.

For millennia, wine has been the alcoholic drink of choice for humankind. You might imagine the Ancient Greeks sipping on wine and gnawing on bunches of grapes, but archaeologists believe the first bottles were aged back in Armenia around 4,600 BC.

But modern global wine capitals haven’t drifted far from this location. In fact, the most prestigious are found in Europe, including hot spots like France and Italy. But these two wine-centric countries are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to wine capitals of Europe.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the best cities in Europe to sample wines, along with their top-rated wine-tasting tours.

Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux is one of France’s most productive wine regions thanks to its flat, stretching fields with nutrient-rich soil and its temperate climate. Locals have been fermenting grapes in picturesque chateaus in and around Bordeaux for well over a thousand years.

This pastime stemmed from ideal growing conditions and particularly flavorful grape varieties. Its growing fields cover some 300,000 acres, which are managed by thousands of different wine growers, fermenters, and purveyors. Many have been around for centuries and passed down intergenerationally.

If you’re going to Bordeaux, drink plenty of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. I suggest looking into these tours:

Saint Emilion half-day excursion

Medoc wine tasting

Florence, Italy

Wine in Tuscany is a surprisingly political affair—one that made headlines in the 1970s when a new ‘Super Tuscan’ variety emerged. (Netflix docuseries, anyone?)

If you’ve traveled to Tuscan hotspots like Florence or Prato, then you’ve likely sampled some truly delectable varieties like Chianti and Brunello de Montalcino. But don’t be afraid to try Super Tuscan wines, which are a bit of a modern marvel in the wine world.

Similar to Bordeaux, wine has been an ingrained part of the local identity and economy for centuries. If you want to take a closer look, I suggest booking a tour from Florence, including one of these top-rated offers:

Small group wine tasting

Tuscan day trip from Florence

Sofia, Bulgaria

Bulgarian wines are enjoying a heyday at the moment. And while that may surprise you, Bulgaria’s proximity to Armenia means that the arts of fermenting reached this country around 4000 BC—centuries before it took off in France or Italy.

Most wineries are located around the Black Sea, which accounts for 30% of all grape growth in the country. The Black Sea produces sweeter grapes that are ideal for white wine.

That means that you can feast on sweeter varieties like Riesling, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, and Dimyat. As a white wine fan, sampling wine in a city like Sofia is high on my bucket list.

Unfortunately, wine tours aren’t quite a hit in Bulgaria yet. However, I recommend trying a wine tasting from the capital of Sofia. Try these:

Day tour to Plovdiv with wine tasting (Plovdiv is renowned for its wines—so try to sample some if you head on this tour!)

Wine tasting in heart of Sofia

Special selection Bulgarian wine tasting

Vienna, Austria

Did someone say white wine? If you’re a fan of sweet treats and delectable wines, then you’ve probably had Vienna on your bucket list for years. This beautiful city is home to some of the tastiest desserts in the world—and, unsurprisingly, some of the best dessert wines, too.

In general, Austrian wines are known to pair well with a variety of foods. Most are white and light, contrasting with the heavier foods preferred in Vienna. It’s most famous wines are Riesling, grüner Veltliner, and zierfandler.

Here are some tours that I’ve had bookmarked for a while:

Countryside half-day wine tour

Wine tasing bike tour

Santorini, Greece

Around the same time ancient Bulgarians were fermenting their first grapes, Greek farmers were starting to do attempt the same. But the climate in Greece is by far the driest mentioned here, which means its grape varieties are distinct from Europe’s other capitals.

Santorini, in particular, is known for producing excellent grape varieties that yield robust red wines and crisp white wines. If you like white wines, sample Assyrtiko and Malagousia. If you’re more about reds, then go for the Xinomavro and Agiorgitiko.

And while you’re there, consider heading on a wine tour or visiting a winery. Here are some of the top-rated options from the island:

Small group wine tasting

Wine tasting from Fira

Inside Italy’s €1 Estate Sales: 15 Years Later

Back in 2008, global headlines broke with a daring new story from Italy.

The mayor of Salemi, a small town in Sicily’s central region, was desperate to reinvigorate the local economy. Dozens of stone villas sat empty while locals were moving away more and more each year.

To prevent the economic death of Salemi, its mayor launched a project—one you’ve certainly heard of. Salemi became the first town in Italy to offer 3,700 abandoned villas up for a measly €1.

Though repairs would be pricy and buyers had to prove they could invest in the rebuild, it quickly took off.

Since then, dozens of dilapidated towns across the country have adopted a similar stance. For only €1, anyone (foreigners included) can purchase property with renovation plans. There are even websites that simplify the process of finding one.

The Italian government has also sweetened the deal, offering up to 110% back on sales of fully eco-friendly homes and earthquake-resistant homes. The idea, though risky, has generated chatter, praise, and criticism from around the world.

But how have these projects turned out? And is Salemi any better off today than it was in 2008? Let’s take a closer look at Italy’s €1 estate sales.

Salemi attracts celebrities

Salemi’s webpage for €1 homes is closed for the time being—which I’m taking as a sign that those first 3,700 villas offered up in 2008 are now owned by renovators. But nobody has forgotten about Salemi.

In 2012, the BBC launched a TV show called ‘Amanda And Alan: The Italian Job’. The eight-part show followed two British celebrities (Amanda Holden and Alan Carr) as they purchased and renovated a house in Salemi.

The show focused on a range of topics, from interior design to making friends with old Sicilian neighbors. By the end of it, the pair had managed to build a luxury rental that sold for €145,000. The proceeds went to charity.

What about non-celebrities?

Purchasing and renovating a €1 house isn’t really a risk for celebrities, especially when they have a BBC TV show tacked on to the project. So what’s happened to all the other buyers? Have they managed to flip their homes so expertly?

When I started this article, I expected to find a long history of failures when looking into €1 homes—but I’ve found the opposite.

It seems that most buyers are happy with their decision to invest in an Italian villa.

I’ve read about French couples from Nantes renovating their dream homes in villages like Mussomeli. I’ve read stories about Americans with Sicilian ancestry who purchased €1 home in their ancestors’ hometowns—only to realize their surname was still around.

Most tales involve years of incremental investment and diligent work. Many renovators split their time between their hometowns while they restore their €1 finds. In many areas, including in Sambuco, towns were able to launch bids for the €1 because demand was so high.

But not all that glitters is gold.

Obstacles: long-lost owners and building crews

After the success of Sicilian towns like Mussomeli and Salemi, dozens of other downtrodden Italian municipalities have sought to do the same.

But some areas like Patrica face obstacles. The village’s 40-odd abandoned structures were left back in the early 1900s. Despite sitting empty, they’re still technically owned by the heirs of the owners who abandoned them.

Long-lost heirs, specifically.

For years, Patrica’s local government has been trying to track them down to ask for their titles to be handed over. Interestingly enough, Patrica has seen booming interest from local Italians, many of whom are keen to preserve their town’s identity and culture.

Still, there’s a long road ahead if officials can’t find Patrica’s long lost heirs.

Back in Sicily, meanwhile, one UK buyer ran into an entirely different problem. When he purchased his home Musomelli, he immediately set out to find a building company that could get started on the renovations.

But he was far from the first to do so, and most of Sicily’s building companies have been booked out partly thanks to a multi-year €1 house sale boom.

By the time the building crew came, the UK buyer’s dilapidated villa needed double the work—at double the price. He sold his €1 home back to an estate agency, then opted to buy a more manageable fixer-upper for a larger sum.

The long-term

Over 15 years into the €1 home zeitgeist, all signs seem positive about this initiative. It spread from Sicily to other areas in Italy with great success. It’s helped breathe life into the Italian economy wherever these houses are sold.

But I can’t help but wonder about the cultural impact.

Will these movements help foster de-urbanization or will they be put up as luxury lodgings? Is it actually good for a town’s economy if retired folks move in and renovate these homes? And what do Italians think about foreigners moving in next door?

For now, it’s too soon to tell. Let’s check back in another 15 years.