Part 27 of 31 Things Americans Should Think About Before Moving Abroad: Visiting Family and Friends After Your International Move

By Darien Wilson

What to Consider About Face-to-Face Connections Before You Move

If you are planning a move abroad, here is a question you might not have considered yet: how easy will it be to see the people you love—in person—once you’ve moved?

I am Darien, an American who moved to the Netherlands, and this is Part 27 of my 31-part series: 31 Things Americans Should Consider When Planning a Move Abroad.

Today’s topic? The logistics of staying physically connected with family and friends when you are living in another country.

American Abroad? Visiting Family and Friends Might Be More Complicated Than You Anticipate

If you're young when you move outside the U.S., you might not have many attachments back in the States. But if you move abroad when you're a mid-career professional, there is a good chance you'll have some strong connections back home—aging parents or young adult kids—loved ones you would need to visit quickly if something goes sideways.

So consider: when you're an American abroad and you need—or want—to visit friends and family in the U.S., how easy is it to do that from your new location?

Start with the basics:

• What is the closest international airport to your new home?

• Are there regular, affordable flights to your hometown/loved ones?

• How long would it take to get back in case of an emergency?

If you are moving abroad as a family, you will not just be buying one plane ticket—you will be buying several plane tickets. And travel costs are not limited to airfare. You may also need to budget for:

• Transportation

• Temporary housing

• Meals

• Pet sitting

Even meeting someone halfway for a vacation requires planning, money, and time off.

Visa Restrictions May Limit Your Movement

Once you are an immigrant in another country, there is another important logistical detail to consider—something you are probably not used to thinking about: visa restrictions in your new country.

Depending on your visa type and the stage of your immigration process in your new country, there may be times you can't easily leave and re-enter your new country. In some cases, you may need official approval to travel. You might be limited in how long you can be gone. If you need to leave for an extended period, for example, to care for an ailing loved one, you may lose your visa status. And delays in processing could affect your ability to return easily.

Final Thought

Before you make the leap, ask yourself:

How easy will it be to get back when it really matters?

Living abroad can be deeply rewarding, but staying physically connected to your people back home will take more planning, more intention, and more sacrifices than you might anticipate

Did you find this helpful? Are you planning a move abroad? Work with me to make your move from a place of clarity and organization.

© 2025 ​Darien Wilson All Rights Reserved