Operation: Global Exit Strategy (One Year Countdown Begins) – Hotel Hopping Interlude?

It’s bigger than that. It’s a fundamental mismatch. A feeling that my particular brand of weirdness, my aspirations, my potential, might just flourish somewhere… else.

So, here’s the audacious, possibly insane, definitely slightly terrifying plan:

I’m giving myself one year to mobilize my income streams and identify, research, and ultimately choose a new home country.

Yep, you read that right. One year. Twelve months. 365-ish days to go from vaguely unsettled denizen of the Golden State to… well, that’s part of the adventure, isn’t it? Somewhere with a different rhythm, a different set of priorities, and hopefully, a slightly less soul-crushing cost of living.

Now, I know what some of you are thinking. “Lofty goals, Birdie.” “Sounds like a mid-life crisis with a passport.” And you wouldn’t be entirely wrong. But this isn’t about running away as much as it is about running towards. Towards a place where my skills are more valued, where the lifestyle aligns better with my values, and maybe, just maybe, where I can finally afford a house with a proper garden without selling vital organs on the black market.

The next year is going to be a whirlwind. It’ll involve:

Aggressive Income Diversification: Freelancing gigs, side hustles I’ve been putting off, maybe even finally unleashing that half-baked Etsy shop idea. The goal is to build a portable income that isn’t tethered to a specific location. Think online courses, consulting, maybe even (terror!) selling original artwork.

Deep Dive Destination Research: Forget those glossy travel brochures. I’m talking serious research. Cost of living, visa requirements, cultural nuances, internet speeds (crucial!), and the general vibe. I’m a hands-on learner, so while I will be devouring expat blogs and government websites and probably spending an unhealthy amount of time on Reddit, I also want to visit as many countries in person as I can. My husband and I are travel hackers, so we’ll utilize miles and points to our advantage as we explore and make a spreadsheet – yes, a spreadsheet of potential home countries, ranking them on everything from safety to the availability of fresh, healthy food.

Exploring Hotel Life as a Stepping Stone: This thought has percolated for a while. Instead of immediately locking into a long-term lease in a new, unfamiliar country, what about a more extended period of hotel living? We’ve already spent over a month in hotels this year, thanks to a nightmarish landlord situation (don’t ask), and living out of hotels could function as an extended reconnaissance mission in this new context. It offers flexibility, allows us to experience different neighborhoods within a potential city, and minimizes the commitment of furniture and long contracts right off the bat. I’ll be looking into extended-stay options, negotiating weekly or monthly rates, and figuring out how to maintain a semblance of normalcy (laundry will definitely be a key consideration). Has anyone done this? Tips on surviving long-term out of a suitcase are welcome!

Networking (the Non-Awkward Kind, Hopefully): Connecting with people who’ve actually done this. The digital nomad crowd, the long-term expats, and anyone who can offer practical advice and maybe sit down for a virtual coffee (tea for me, but it’s the concept that counts). I want to soak up the wisdom of expat communities and avoid their horror stories, if possible.

The Great Purge: Downsizing my life to what truly matters. Less stuff, more freedom. I foresee a lot of eBay, OfferUp, and Salvation Army runs in my future. We’re aiming for everything we own to fit into carry-on suitcases and a modest storage unit – a daunting but necessary thought.

The Inevitable Bureaucracy Battles: Visas, bank accounts, international driver’s licenses… I’m already bracing myself for the paperwork mountain. I’m still wrapping my head around the phrase “apostille,” so I envision quite a challenge ahead.

What are your initial thoughts on the hotel living idea? Does it sound completely bonkers? Got any advice for a newbie global nomad or anyone who’s lived out of hotels for an extended period? Let me know in the comments.