Must-have apps and platforms for your time abroad!
Emily
◦
6 minutes reading time
Deciding to move abroad is a huge step that requires a lot of planning and preparing. Don't worry, there are some awesome tools out there that can make your life a whole lot easier. In this blog, we've rounded up the coolest apps, Instagram pages, podcasts, and Facebook groups to ensure you're totally prepared for your exciting adventure abroad.
Apps 📱
1. Citymapper
Transportation 🚌
Say goodbye to the days of getting lost in a maze of public transport! Citymapper is your trusty sidekick, guiding you through the urban jungle and knowing all the secret routes and transport options in almost every city. It's like having a personal tour guide in your pocket, giving you live updates and showing you the fastest way to transport yourself from point A to point B. Best of all, safety is one of the top priorities of the app too! Citymapper lets you switch between fast routes and main roads, so you can avoid dimly lit streets on your way through the city.
2. Sitata
Safety and health 💊
The app Sitata is your very own guardian angel, keeping you safe on your globetrotting escapades. You can plan your trips with confidence, armed with personalized health and safety information. Worried about stumbling upon a protest or stormy weather? 🌪️ Sitata has got your back, alerting you to potential risks and providing tips to stay healthy and secure. Need a doctor in a foreign country? No problem! Sitata can help you find the nearest medical expert. Plus, you can connect with fellow travelers in the Sitata community, sharing stories and avoiding tourist scams.
3. Meetup
Meeting new people 👯♀️
Picture this: you're in a new country, craving some adventure and meaningful connections. With Meetup, you can wave goodbye to lonely nights at home and say hello to a vibrant community of people who share your interests. Whether you're a bookworm, a hiking enthusiast, a tech geek, or a language lover, Meetup has a group for you. Join exciting events, explore new hobbies, and create your own tribe of awesome individuals. 🥳 So, step out of your comfort zone and let Meetup be your ultimate social matchmaker!
4. PackPoint
Packing your bags 🧳
Ah, the thrill of packing for a trip! Or is it more like a chaotic scramble to remember everything you need? Well, fret no more! PackPoint is your personal packing genie, making sure you've got everything you need for your adventure. Just tell PackPoint a few details about your trip, like where you're headed, how long you'll be there, and the activities you have planned; and voila! ✨ PackPoint conjures up a customized packing list tailored to your journey. It even takes the weather forecast into account, so you won't be caught in a rainstorm without an umbrella or in a winter wonderland without your cozy scarf. Say goodbye to the stress of forgetting essential items and hello to a smooth, organized packing experience.
Instagram Pages 📸
1. @…secreta
Are you looking for an authentic and insider's perspective on some of the most vibrant cities in Europe? 🌇 Pages like @valencia_secreta, @barcelonasecreta, or @lisboasecreta provide valuable information from locals, giving you the inside scoop on the hottest spots and the best food in the city. With amazing insights and an authentic feel, these pages are a treasure trove of hidden gems. The only downside is that the content is primarily in the local language, be it Spanish or Portuguese, but thanks to Google Translate, that shouldn't be a problem!
2. @…explore
If you have a thirst for exploration and want to discover the wonders of the world, the “explore” pages on Instagram are perfect for you. Whether you're interested in European countries, US states, continents, cities, or islands, you'll find a page dedicated to your desired destination. 🌎 These pages offer inspiration, tips and tricks, hotel recommendations, memes, and much more. From @portugal.explores to @iceland.explore and @amsterdam.explores, these accounts are your gateway to endless adventure.
3. @topplacesandtravels
If you're specifically interested in exploring the beautiful city of Lisbon and beyond, @topplacesandtravels is the Instagram page for you. 🇵🇹 Created by Marlise, a Brazilian woman with a passion for travel, this account focuses on sharing hotspots and must-see locations primarily in Lisbon, although occasionally other places are featured as well. Along with travel tips, recommendations for hotels and restaurants are also provided.
Get inspired and explore Lisbon yourself by working abroad! Check out our vacancies in this stunning portuguese city. ☀️
Podcasts 🎙️
1. Two fat expats
Q&A’s 🙋♀️
Got questions about expat life? Look no further! Hosted by the fabulous duo Kirsty and Nikki, “Two fat expats” is your go-to source for all things expat. No matter how weird or wonderful your queries may be, they've got you covered. From practical advice to heartwarming stories, join them as they tackle various topics and provide a dose of laughter along the way. Perfect for parents moving abroad or anyone seeking a supportive community!
2. Meet the expats
Experiences from other expats 👯♀️
In this podcast expats from all corners of the globe share their personal tales of triumph, challenges, and everything in between. From doubts and fears to hilarious adventures, they lay it all bare, reminding you that you're never alone in your expat journey. So sit back and relax while you listen to their captivating stories living their adventure abroad.
3. Where to go
Travel inspiration ✈️
Still undecided about where to move abroad? Let "Where to Go" be your compass! This exciting podcast is your ultimate travel inspiration, taking you on a virtual tour of different destinations. Join the hosts as they explore vibrant cities and hidden gems around the world. With interviews featuring locals and expats living in each location, you'll get insider tips, discover must-visit hotspots, and gain a real taste of what life is like in these captivating places.
4. Mindful Expat
Emotional support and mental health 🧠
Moving abroad is a thrilling adventure, but it can also bring emotional challenges. That's where "Mindful Expat" comes in - your guide to nurturing your well-being while living abroad. 🧡 The host shares her personal journey and interviews top-notch professionals in mental health, personal growth, and mindset. From combating loneliness to managing the rollercoaster of emotions that come with leaving everything behind, this podcast provides practical strategies and heartfelt support.
Facebook Groups 🤝
Joining Facebook Groups can be incredibly helpful when it comes to living abroad. Whether you're looking for accommodation, trying to meet new people, navigating your way around town, or discovering the best hotspots and events in the city, there is likely a Facebook group for almost everything. Simply search for the name of the city you're moving to, followed by keywords like 'expats,' 'housing,' 'events,' or 'hotspots,' and you'll find the perfect fit for your needs.
If you're seeking all of these advantages and also want to connect with expats from around the world, you should definitely join the Yobbers community. 🧡 This Facebook group is the perfect platform to connect, ask questions, meet fellow travelers, and share your experiences of living abroad.
With these tools you are perfectly prepared to start your adventure abroad! Still looking for the right job in your dream destination? Check out our vacancies! 🌎✨