Is the cold British winter getting you down? From snowstorms to nagging social problems, living in your home country can often become a dull and boring experience. The world’s not out there to be looked at online, but to be explored and appreciated. Thankfully, with a small amount of savings and a lot of determination, moving abroad and enjoying the luxuries that foreign travel can afford isn’t too difficult.

From low-cost paradises to high-tech foreign cities, these five destinations are great for Brits looking to avoid the cost and crowds of home. Before you settle on a place to live overseas, study up on these destinations and see if they’re right for you.

Australia

Australia is one of the most popular retirement and expatriate destinations for Brits, and for good reason. With a range of culturally impressive and diverse cities, some incredible natural scenery and a selection of the best beaches on the planet, Australia certainly provides a welcome alternative to the somewhat harsh British winter. Covering three distinct and different climate zones, Australia provides choice , variety, and relative safety for expats.

United States of America

The most immigrant-friendly country in the world continues to attract Brits and other Europeans at a record pace. Despite the recent economic slowdown, a large number of British citizens are either moving to, or continuing to stay abroad in the United States. Offering a huge range of natural settings and different cities, culture that varies dramatically within a single country, and one of the most diverse geographical settings in the world, the United States is a highly popular location for British expatriates and mobile workers.

New Zealand

Featuring some of the world’s most impressive and natural scenery, New Zealand is becoming an increasingly popular retirement and lifestyle destination for Brits. While the cost of living isn’t as low as many popular Asian and East-European destinations, it’s still significantly more affordable than the average London suburb. Despite featuring few large cities, New Zealand’s mix of small towns and vibrant mid-sized cities make it one of the most popular overseas expatriate destinations for Brits.

United Arab Emirates

While the cranes are rapidly disappearing from Dubai’s incredibly expansive skyline, the United Arab Emirates is still a top expatriate destination for Brits. Boasting some truly incredible job opportunities and financial benefits, thousands of British expatriates are choosing the UAE as their new home away from home. Customs and local laws can vary greatly between different emirates, so expats and travelers should check up on regulations and requirements well before choosing a city to move to.

The Philippines

By far the least expensive English-speaking destination on the planet, the Philippines is a slight enigma amongst Southeast Asian countries. English is widely spoken, often to the point of complete fluency in cities, and the country’s status as a major outsourcing hub ensures that American and English culture is quite ingrained in the population. While some cultural dishes and traditions might seem slightly foreign, the Philippines is, for the most part, an expatriate destination offering a simple transition and few reasons for culture shock.