You're a traveler, which means you've ventured far beyond your home town, city, and country and experienced a world you cannot wait to get back to. While there's no place like home, it's much easier to set out again when home is within striking distance of several international airports, well served by public transport, and close to a couple of major motorways. If your life revolves around your next trip, here are five places to live if you love to travel.
London, England
London positively oozes style, sophistication, and sass. Culturally diverse, it has a glut of bars, restaurants, museums, and theaters. Not for nothing do they still repeat the old adage “when a man is tired of London, he’s tired of life,” though in the 21st century city it applies to all genders. The job market’s buoyant and the wages are significantly higher than the UK average which helps mitigate the higher cost of living. Contrary to what northerners will tell you, Londoners are friendly, witty, and have a sarcastic but self-deprecating sense of humor.
Now for travel. Jump on the train and you can be in Paris in a little over two hours. With not one but six international airports within less than an hour of its heart, jetting off to just about anywhere is possible. Amsterdam’s closer than Edinburgh, New York’s achievable in seven hours, and even far-flung destinations like Australia are less than a day away.
Atlanta, United States
Atlanta is one of the hottest cities in the U.S. right now, and for good reason. Between the numerous Fortune 500 company headquarters and its thriving film scene, Atlanta is a hotspot for tech, business, and entertainment. The hiking trails, historic neighborhoods, museums, and culinary scene are pulling in all kinds of people.
For travelers, Atlanta's shining star is the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport — the largest in the country and one of the busiest in the world. With direct flights to almost every destination imaginable, jetting around the world is made easy for local Atlantans. If you don't want to fly, Atlanta is an easy drive from the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, not to mention a mere four hours from musical Nashville.
Vienna, Austria
The Austrian capital clinched the top spot in the Economist Intelligence Unit's World's Most Liveable Cities in 2022, scoring maximum points for stability, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. It once again dominated the 2019 Mercer Quality of Living Survey, a broader index that factors in political stability, crime, personal freedoms, healthcare, education, housing, recreation, and public transport. The city has a thriving music and arts scene with plenty of palaces and museums to explore on your days off. Best of all there’s a lively café culture – reside there and you can claim Sachertorte as your own. If you can drag yourself away, its central location means you can reach Bratislava by rail in an hour, Budapest in less than three, and Prague or Munich in just four.
Singapore
This clean and orderly Asian city placed second after Tokyo in the Economist Intelligence Unit's Safe Cities list in 2017. Singapore’s multiculturalism manifests itself in a city filled by Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian, and Peranakan communities – its diversity is its strength. In addition, the city has a large expat groups, drawn by its low rates of taxation, attractive salary packages, and stunning environment. Travel to and from Singapore is as easy as it is within it. Asia’s nations, with their history, culture, and natural attractions are all straightforward to reach by air from the award-winning Changi Airport, routinely voted the world’s best airport. Weekend in Bali, anyone?
Minneapolis, United States
Winter in Minneapolis can be harsh, but travel addicts aren't going to be around much to moan about it. The airport representing Minnesota’s twin cities punches well above its weight when it comes to its flight schedule, giving Chicago O’Hare a run for its money. Its northerly location makes Canada a breeze, but you’ll also find international flights departing for Mexico City, Seoul, or Paris. Shop ‘til you drop at the Mall of America and spend your evenings discovering a thriving craft beer scene – just don’t be put off by names like Dangerous Man Brewing Co. and Surly Brewing Co. The “City of Lakes” (there are 22 of them to enjoy) is also a great place for runners and cyclists, though you don’t have to be either to appreciate the beauty of Minnehaha Falls, a proper waterfall right in the heart of the city.
