What City is Right For You?

How to Figure Out What Type of Cities and Countries Are Right for You

When deciding where to travel or live, it can feel like picking a spot on a map blindfolded. But fear not! There are four essential factors that will help you figure out the right fit for you:

1. Price
2. Weather
3. Size
4. People and Language

Let’s break it down and turn the travel planning process from chaotic to organized.

Price: Your Wallet’s Best Friend (or Worst Enemy)

Let’s start with the obvious: money. Price is the biggie that can make or break your travel plans. If your accommodation budget is $1,000 per month for a studio in a decent location, you’re not going to be booking that penthouse in New York City, London, or Switzerland anytime soon. Unless, of course, you’re planning on robbing a bank (just kidding, please don’t).

On the flip side, if you’re living the dream of budget travel, cities like Chiang Mai, Medellín, or even parts of Lisbon are fantastic for those who want to stretch their dollar (or euro, or peso). If you’re willing to settle for less luxury, places like Vietnam or Eastern Europe can give you an exciting lifestyle without draining your savings.

Pro Tip: Use Skyscanner to find affordable flights. It’s the best way to find deals, whether you’re flying somewhere tropical or heading to a cold, snowy European escape. Plus, they give you an option to compare cities with similar prices—so you’re not stuck with just the one dream destination.

Weather: Do You Like Sunshine, Snow, or Somewhere in Between?

Let’s talk about something most people overlook when picking a place to live or travel: weather. It’s not just about whether it’s hot or cold, but about the type of climate that works for you.

Love Sunshine? If you’re the type who thrives in constant warmth and feels like a walking version of a vitamin D supplement, Southern Spain, Italy, or Bali will have you living your best sun-kissed life. Meanwhile, Northern Europe’s long winters of endless grey skies will leave you questioning whether the sun still exists.

Struggle with Heat? If anything over 80°F makes you feel like you’re living inside an oven, steer clear of Southeast Asia in summer or the Middle East. Think sweat, constant fan blowing, and ice cream as a necessary survival tool. There are places like Norway or Finland that keep things mild and cool for those who prefer a chill vibe.

The Unpredictable Side: You can never be too prepared for the weather. In places like the UK, bring an umbrella, no matter what season it is. You can thank me later when you’re not drenched during your morning coffee run.

City Population Size Guide: From Urban Jungle to Quiet Town

Now we get into the real fun—figuring out whether you’re the “I love crowds” type or the “I prefer a peaceful, tree-lined street” type. Here’s a quick guide to help you visualize what you’re getting into:

• Tier 0 – Metropolis (5+ Million People): This is the “NYC on steroids” level. Think Tokyo, Shanghai, Mexico City, and Istanbul. These cities offer endless options for things to do, eat, and see, but they also have the noise, crowds, and hustle that can be overwhelming after a while.
• Tier 1 – Large Cities (1-5 Million People): Big but not too big, cities like Paris, Berlin, and Warsaw offer more laid-back vibes while still packing in cultural experiences, great food, and fun nightlife. They feel like “cities with a little bit of space.”
• Tier 2 – Medium-Sized Cities (500K – 1 Million People): These are my personal favorites. Places like Krakow, Helsinki, and Lisbon offer a balance of convenience and charm. You’ll find cultural sites, walkable neighborhoods, and a manageable pace that still feels like a city but without the chaos.
• Tier 3 – Small Cities (200K – 300K People): Ah, the sweet spot. A bit quieter, but with enough to do that you won’t get bored after a few days. Think Uppsala, Odense, and Bordeaux. They have enough character and vibe to feel like a place to really get to know, but aren’t overrun with tourists.
• Tier 4 – Towns (100K People): It’s starting to feel like a town now. Not much hustle, not much bustle. Think of it as a slow-pace life with a local vibe, like small towns in Spain, the UK, or certain parts of Portugal.

Pro Tip: Try to stay in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 city for a balance of city energy and relaxation. You can still get to everything, but you won’t feel like a rat in a wheel.

People and Language: Will You Feel at Home?

This is the factor that often goes unnoticed until you land and realize the local customs are…well, not what you expected. This is about your level of comfort with the people and the language. After all, communication is key—especially when you’re ordering your third cup of coffee in a day.

• English-Speaking Countries: If you’re only fluent in English (like me), countries like the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, or New Zealand will make you feel right at home. Most people speak English, and you’ll have little trouble ordering food or asking for directions.
• Non-English-Speaking Countries: If you’re up for an adventure, head to places like Japan, Brazil, or Germany. English proficiency can be low in certain areas, and you’ll need to make some effort—hello, Google Translate! However, this can also be a part of the fun, and often leads to the most rewarding travel moments.

Cultural Compatibility: Over time, you’ll find out what cultural traits resonate with you. For example, I vibe with the Nordic countries (Denmark, Sweden, Finland) because they value quietness, introversion, and simplicity. People there don’t bombard you with small talk, and the culture feels centered around respect, equality, and personal space. Perfect for a minimalist, introverted soul like me. 😊

Final Thoughts

When it comes to picking the perfect city or country, it’s not just about the destination—it’s about the experience you want to have. Whether you’re drawn to warm beaches, snowy mountains, buzzing cities, or quiet towns, there’s a place out there that suits your vibe.

By considering factors like price, weather, city size, and cultural fit, you’ll be well on your way to finding a destination that truly matches your lifestyle and preferences. And remember, it’s totally okay to test out a place for a few months to see if it clicks with you. After all, travel is as much about exploring yourself as it is about exploring new places.

Ready to find your dream destination?
Use Skyscanner to search for flights and compare prices, so you can start your adventure without breaking the bank. 🌍✈️