5 Remote Places For Expats Looking To Get Away From It All

One reason that expats become expats is to find a quiet, peaceful place to settle. For some, this just means hopping to a country with a slower pace and laxer lifestyle. For others, it means getting off the grid entirely.

There are countless reasons for wanting to move. It could be workplace stress or living in a fast-paced city, or it could be health concerns or simply introversion that compels you to be alone. To all the misanthropes, introverts, and others out there who are looking for a serious change of venue, experts at Tranio.com have got list of spectacular and remote places which may be just right for you.

Svalbard

Svalbard is located halfway between Norway and the North Pole. Although it is governed by Norway, it is an international territory which requires no visa. The population of 2,600 is mostly comprised of coal miners.

Lately, Svalbard has also seen an increase in scientific activity. This is connected to research on climate change and other geological and environmental matters. Svalbard is a good place for expats who have a background in engineering and mining and enjoy long winters.

Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are a Danish protectorate situated 320km north of Scotland. The Islands have their own unique culture, as well as their own language – Faroese. The pace of life is quite relaxed and the people are very friendly. The islands also boast a spectacular landscape.

Those who cherish isolation and a relaxed lifestyle should contemplate moving to the Faroe Islands. Despite their easy accessibility by air and sea from the European mainland and the UK, the islands remain pristine and serene.

Exuma, Bahamas

The Exumas, some 250 miles away from Miami, are among the least visited islands in the Bahamas. The Exuma district comprises an archipelago of 365 islands and cays. They begin just 35 miles southeast of the Bahamian capital, Nassau. Geographically, they are divided into three major areas – Great Exuma, Little Exuma and the Exuma Cays. The Exumas also have a rich history and culture.

For expats who want to remain relatively close to the contiguous US but like the idea of living in an isolated Caribbean paradise, Exuma is the place to go. The population of Exuma is 6,928 according to the Bahamas Department of Statistics. Shopping for anything other than food would require a trip to Nassau.

Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Isla Mujeres, or “Island of women” in Spanish, is a Caribbean island belonging to Mexico off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The island, like many others, is a very casual place. It is a municipality of Mexico and therefore has a Mexican culture.

On the south side of the island are Mayan ruins, which attract droves of tourists each year. The island is only five miles long, so the preferred mode of transport is a golf cart. Isla Mujeres offers not only isolation, but also lovely Caribbean warmth, healthy air and seafood and an amazing culture. Expats seeking a quiet hideaway should consider Isla Mujeres.

Mongolia

Mongolia, wedged between China and Russia, is almost twice the size of Texas. Historically, it is known as the home of Genghis Khan; today, the country is known for its open plains, clear skies, yurts and traditions of horsemanship and falconry.

Many Mongolians still choose to live a nomadic lifestyle. The country is also very culturally rich. Every July, the country stages the Naadam Festival at the National Sports Stadium in Ulaanbaatar, the capital. Participants compete in horse racing, wrestling and archery.

With a population of 2.84 million, of which 1.35 million live in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia is very sparsely populated, making it an ideal location for the introverted expat. Expats with a background in mining and engineering are more likely to find work in Mongolia’s mineral industry, which accounts for almost a quarter of the country’s economy.

This list is by no means comprehensive: there are countries all over the world that are ideal for expats who love the quiet life. Some other places that come to mind are Greenland, Iceland, the Falkland Islands and Australia. The full list of options is quite extensive.

by Kemal Nicholson