Leave the America: A Nomad’s Guide to Europe and Asia

Thinking about making the move to leave the America for a life of remote work and slow travel? You’re not alone. This isn’t some fringe fantasy anymore; it’s a very real plan for a new generation of American professionals trading the daily grind for walkable European cities and vibrant Asian hubs.

What we’re seeing is a fundamental shift in what the “American Dream” even means. For many, it’s no longer about a corner office and a two-car garage. Instead, it’s about a healthier work-life balance, a dramatically lower cost of living, and the freedom to immerse yourself in a new culture.

The remote work revolution didn’t just change where we work—it changed where we can live. And people are voting with their feet.

The New American Dream Is Global

The number of Americans identifying as digital nomads rocketed to 18.1 million by 2024. That’s a staggering 147% jump since 2019, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. Consequently, we’re part of a global movement pushing toward 40 million nomads worldwide.

A growing slice of this group are what we call eco-nomads. They aren’t just traveling; they’re traveling with intention. Their priorities look a little different:

• Walkable Cities: They choose base cities where a car is an option, not a necessity.
• Rail-First Travel: They lean on Europe and Asia’s incredible train networks to keep their carbon footprint small.
• Longer Stays: They settle into a place for weeks or months at a time, minimizing flights and truly connecting with the local community.

Why So Many Americans Are Packing Their Bags

The reasons are as personal as the people making the move, but a few key themes keep popping up. The insane cost of living in the US, especially housing, is a huge one.

It’s a simple calculation: many find they can afford a better quality of life for a fraction of the cost abroad. A one-bedroom apartment in a beautiful city like Lisbon, Portugal, can easily be found for under $1,500 USD (€1,400 EUR) a month. Try finding that in any major US city.

But it’s not just about the money. There’s a powerful pull toward a different rhythm of life. Imagine finishing your workday and, instead of sitting in traffic, you’re wandering through ancient cobblestone streets, grabbing an amazing and affordable dinner, or hopping on a weekend train to another country.

Of course, when you’re working on the road, your professional identity matters more than ever. Building a solid reputation is crucial for making this lifestyle sustainable. Therefore, it’s worth exploring strategies around Personal Branding for Consultants to make sure you stand out.

This guide is here to walk you through the practical, real-world steps to make it happen.

Your Pre-Departure Financial and Legal Checklist

Once you’ve made the incredible decision to leave the America for a new, slower adventure, the real work begins. It’s not the most glamorous part, but getting your financial and legal ducks in a row before you go is the secret to a smooth, low-stress transition.

Think of it as building the scaffolding for your new life. Sorting out taxes, banking, insurance, and documents now prevents massive headaches later. This is what lets you focus on the journey itself, knowing your finances are accessible, your legal bases are covered, and you have a safety net for whatever comes your way.

First things first: get your documents in order. Having everything from your passport and visas to digital copies of your birth certificate organized in one secure, accessible place is absolutely non-negotiable. We break down the best systems in our guide on choosing a travel document organizer.

Understanding US Taxes for Expatriates

There’s a persistent myth that leaving the U.S. means leaving its tax system behind. For American citizens, that’s just not true. The United States taxes its citizens on worldwide income, no matter where you live or work.

The good news is there are well-established ways to avoid being double-taxed. The two most common tools are:

• Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE): This is a huge one. It lets you exclude a large chunk of your foreign-earned income from U.S. taxes. The amount is adjusted each year but is often over $120,000 USD. To claim it, you have to pass either the Physical Presence Test or the Bona Fide Residence Test.
• Foreign Tax Credit: This lets you subtract the income taxes you’ve already paid to a foreign country from what you owe the IRS.

This is a specialized field, and getting it wrong can be costly. I can’t stress this enough: consult a tax professional who focuses on U.S. expat taxes before you leave. They’ll help you build the right strategy and keep you compliant.

Setting Up Your International Banking and Finances

Trying to manage money across borders with your old U.S. bank account is a recipe for frustration. You’ll get hit with high international transfer fees and terrible exchange rates. A modern financial setup isn’t a luxury for a digital nomad—it’s essential.

Start by giving your current U.S. banks a heads-up about your travel plans. This simple call can prevent them from freezing your accounts when they see a transaction from another country. For your day-to-day life abroad, though, you’ll need something much better.

A multi-currency account is your most powerful financial tool. It allows you to hold, send, and receive money in dozens of currencies with minimal fees, acting like a local bank account in multiple countries at once.

For long-term travelers and nomads who need a reliable way to get paid by U.S. clients and manage funds globally, a service like Wise is a game-changer. It makes it dead simple to receive dollars and pay bills in euros, pounds, or whatever local currency you need.

Best Health and Travel Insurance

Let’s be clear: your domestic health insurance plan is almost certainly worthless the moment you leave the country. Getting proper global health or travel insurance isn’t just a smart move; it’s a fundamental requirement. The right plan depends entirely on how long and how you plan to travel.

Travel Insurance vs. International Health Insurance

• Travel Insurance: Best for shorter trips (up to a year) or if you return to the U.S. regularly. It covers emergencies, trip interruptions, and lost gear.
• International Health Insurance: Ideal for long-term expats and nomads gone for a year or more. It offers comprehensive medical coverage, including routine doctor visits.
• eSIM Data Plan: While not insurance, staying connected is crucial for safety. It allows you to contact help or look up information instantly.
• Airport Transfer: Pre-booking a pickup can reduce stress and ensure you get to your accommodation safely, especially after a long journey.

For nomads who need flexible, long-term coverage that understands our lifestyle, VisitorsCoverage is an excellent resource. You can use it to compare plans from different providers specifically designed for global travelers and get your travel insurance set up online. Don’t put this off. Your insurance should be one of the very first things you finalize after booking your main transport.

Best Destinations and Visa Routes When You Leave the America

So you’ve made the call to leave the America. That’s the hard part. Now comes the fun part: deciding where to land. For American nomads—especially those of us trying to travel with a lighter footprint—Europe and parts of Asia are full of incredible possibilities. The real challenge is finding a place that aligns with your values, not just your budget.

This means looking past the usual tourist traps and seeing cities for what they really are: places to live. You need to think about walkability, access to a solid train network, and a genuine commitment to green space. Sure, places like Portugal, Spain, and Thailand are popular for a reason. They offer a great mix of culture, affordability, and, increasingly, long-stay visa options. But to really set yourself up as an eco-nomad, you have to dig a bit deeper.

It’s no surprise that younger generations are leading this shift. Millennials (38%) and Gen Z (26%) are the ones driving the digital nomad movement. They are drawn to places like Portugal and Romania for their low cost of living and fantastic rail connections. Switching to trains can slash your travel emissions by a staggering 80-90% compared to flying, which is a massive win.

Top European Hubs for Walkability and Rail Access

For Americans focused on sustainability, Europe is the obvious first choice. Its dense, interconnected rail system makes flight-free travel not just an option, but a genuine pleasure. Cities are built for people, not just cars, making a walkable lifestyle feel completely natural.

Portugal, especially Lisbon and Porto, consistently tops the list. The country’s D8 visa (which replaced the old D7 for nomads) is designed specifically for remote workers. This makes it one of the most accessible residency paths in Europe.

Spain is right up there, too, with its own digital nomad visa. Cities like Valencia and Seville offer an amazing quality of life, a lower cost of living than Madrid or Barcelona, and fantastic high-speed train connections across the country. For a wider look at what’s out there in 2025, you can explore this list of the best countries for digital nomads.

Best Base City for Your Nomad Style

Picking a home base is always a balancing act between visa bureaucracy, cost of living, and the kind of lifestyle you actually want to live. This chart compares a few popular hubs to give you a feel for how they stack up.

These numbers are a rough guide for rent, food, utilities, and a bit of fun. Your own spending will obviously vary. To find the best deal, check availability and compare stays months in advance—the best spots get snapped up fast.

The key takeaway? There’s no single “best” city. It all comes down to what you prioritize. Is it the absolute lowest cost, the easiest visa process, or being at the center of Europe’s train map?

What to Book First for a Smooth Transition

Once you’ve zeroed in on a city, it’s time to start making moves. The single best thing you can do to lower your stress is to book your first month of accommodation. Seriously. Having a place to land gives you a stable address for paperwork and a home base to explore from.

At the same time, you’ll need to figure out your transatlantic flight. This will likely be your one big flight for a while, setting you up for months of low-impact travel. For comparing prices to find a good deal on flights from the US, a tool like Aviasales is great.

Navigating the visa process is a beast of its own, and it’s where most people get tripped up. For a much deeper dive into the specific requirements for each country, check out our dedicated guide to digital nomad visas.

How to Plan Your Flight-Free Itinerary

A truly sustainable nomadic life demands that you rethink travel itself. For anyone planning to leave the America for a lower-impact life, embracing flight-free travel isn’t just an eco-friendly tweak—it’s a completely different way to see the world. It’s about trading the grind of airport security for scenic train journeys and discovering the real country that exists between the big cities.

This mindset shift is especially powerful in Europe. The continent’s incredible rail network turns the journey into a highlight, not just a necessary evil. Instead of burning a day on airport logistics and cramped budget flights, you can cover massive distances comfortably, often while you sleep. This is the very core of a slower, more intentional life abroad.

A real-world scenario makes the advantage obvious. A one-way flight from Lisbon to Madrid might show a tempting $80 USD price tag on a budget carrier. But that number is a mirage. Once you tack on baggage fees ($40–$60 USD), airport transit, and the sheer time wasted, the true cost is much higher.

In contrast, an overnight train on the same route can cost a similar amount for a comfortable bunk. It delivers you right to the city center, refreshed and ready to go. This saves you a night’s accommodation and a full travel day.

The carbon savings are even more striking. According to transport studies, rail travel in Europe emits up to 90% less CO2 per passenger than an equivalent flight. Multiply that across a dozen trips a year, and your travel footprint plummets.

Best Route for Rail-First Exploration

Ditching flights can feel like solving a puzzle at first, but a few classic routes are the perfect introduction. These itineraries are built to maximize scenery and minimize hassle, proving just how easy it is to explore entire regions by train.

A popular and gorgeous loop starts in Portugal and winds through Spain:

• Lisbon to Madrid: Take the overnight train. You save a travel day and a night’s accommodation cost.
• Madrid to Seville: Jump on Spain’s high-speed AVE train to hit Andalusia in under three hours.
• Seville to Valencia: Cross the country to Spain’s beautiful Mediterranean coast.
• Valencia to Barcelona: A quick, comfortable ride up the coastline.

Another fantastic route connects the Netherlands to Italy. You could travel from Amsterdam to Berlin, then head south through Prague and Vienna before arriving in the stunning Italian Dolomites.

Good planning tools are your friend here. To compare both rail and flight options side-by-side, a platform like Aviasales is incredibly helpful, as it often pulls train routes into its searches.

Cost Breakdown: Train vs. Plane

Let’s do a quick head-to-head for a popular route: Amsterdam to Berlin.

As you can see, while the train’s sticker price might occasionally be higher, its total value is almost always better. You get more legroom, free Wi-Fi, and a front-row seat to the European countryside rolling by. You also arrive relaxed and ready to explore, not drained. Check out our deep dive into specific flight-free travel itineraries for 2025.

One final pro-tip: to kill any arrival stress at a new station, pre-book your transfer. For a seamless handoff from the platform to your new apartment with a local driver waiting, a service like Welcome Pickups is a great option. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference after a long travel day.

Packing Light and Living Sustainably on the Road

When you decide to leave the America for a life of slow, overland travel, what you choose not to bring is just as important as what you do. Packing light isn’t about self-denial; it’s about freedom. It’s the difference between dragging a roller bag over cobblestones and moving easily through a new city, focused on the experience, not the stuff.

This mindset goes way beyond your backpack. It shapes how you eat, where you sleep, and how you interact with a place. By choosing reusable gear, supporting local markets, and seeking out eco-certified stays, you’re not just reducing your footprint—you’re traveling with more intention.

The goal is to build a travel rhythm that feels both responsible and incredibly liberating. It takes a bit of planning upfront, but a solid capsule wardrobe and a few smart daily habits make long-term travel far more sustainable and fulfilling.

Building Your Capsule Wardrobe and Zero-Waste Kit

The core of packing light is a well-designed capsule wardrobe. This just means a small set of high-quality, versatile clothes you can mix and match endlessly. Think merino wool layers, durable travel pants, and one or two adaptable pieces that work for both city walks and train days.

Your other essential is a zero-waste travel kit. This simple collection of reusables can almost completely eliminate your daily reliance on single-use plastics.

Your basic kit should include:

• A reusable water bottle and a travel-friendly water filter.
• A collapsible coffee cup for your daily caffeine fix.
• A set of reusable cutlery and a cloth napkin for street food or market lunches.
• Solid toiletries like shampoo bars, conditioner bars, and toothpaste tablets to ditch liquids and plastic packaging.
• A few packable shopping bags for groceries and market hauls.

Getting these items sorted before you leave makes it automatic to say no to plastic from day one. For a full breakdown of what works on the road, check out our in-depth digital nomad packing list.

Where to Stay: Finding Eco-Certified Accommodations

Where you sleep has a huge impact on your travel footprint. As a sustainable nomad, it pays to look past the pretty photos and find properties with a real commitment to their local environment and community. The good news is, they’re getting easier to find.

Keep an eye out for stays with recognized green certifications. These third-party verifications are a signal that a hotel or guesthouse meets specific standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and community support.

According to the Global Ecotourism Network, booking with certified businesses ensures your travel dollars support operations that actively protect natural and cultural heritage, a core principle of regenerative tourism.

Platforms like Booking.com and Trip.com have started using a “Travel Sustainable” badge to highlight properties that are making an effort. It’s not a perfect system, but it’s a useful filter to start with. Before you book, you can compare stays to find a spot that fits both your budget and your values.

Daily Habits for Reducing Waste Abroad

Living sustainably on the road boils down to small, consistent actions. It’s about integrating low-impact habits into your daily rhythm until they become second nature.

One of the easiest wins is shopping at local farmers’ markets. You’ll find fresh, seasonal produce with almost no packaging while putting money directly into the hands of local growers. It’s also one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Figuring out local recycling can be a puzzle, as the rules change from country to country. Just take a minute when you arrive in a new city to learn the basics—what goes where, and what can’t be recycled.

Finally, staying connected without the plastic waste is simpler than ever. If you need reliable data across multiple countries but don’t want to buy a new plastic SIM card at every border, an international eSIM is the answer. For travelers who want maximum flexibility and coverage across many countries, a provider like Yesim is built for this. If you want to be connected the moment you land, you can lock in your eSIM before you even leave home.

Your Low-Impact Departure Checklist

Deciding to leave the America is just the beginning. The real work is turning that idea into a smooth, sustainable life of slow travel. This isn’t just about changing your address; it’s about fundamentally shifting how you move, pack, and live.

Think of it this way: your journey starts long before you ever leave for the train station.

As you can see, minimalist packing doesn’t start with your suitcase. It starts weeks earlier, by carefully curating a versatile, capsule-style wardrobe that works everywhere.

Here are the core principles to lock in before you go.

Sort Your Finances and Paperwork First

This is the boring but non-negotiable part. Before you even think about booking a train, get your legal and financial house in order. Talk to an expat tax professional to make sure you understand your filing obligations as a U.S. citizen abroad.

Set up a multi-currency bank account to avoid brutal conversion fees. Finally, lock in a robust policy designed for long-term nomads, not two-week vacationers. For this, travel insurance is a must.

Choose Your Base Cities Strategically

Don’t just pick a place because it looks good on Instagram. Focus your search on cities with excellent walkability, world-class public transport, and deep rail connections.

Look for countries with established digital nomad visa programs—like Portugal or Spain—to make the residency process a whole lot simpler. A well-chosen base makes a low-impact lifestyle feel easy, not like a chore.

Make Rail Your Default Travel Mode

This is the single biggest lever you can pull to shrink your carbon footprint. Make trains your first choice for any journey under 8-10 hours. Not only does it slash your emissions, but it’s also a more comfortable, scenic, and productive way to travel.

Use route-planning tools to compare your options and always book in advance for the best fares, especially on popular night train corridors.

Pack Light, Live Lighter

Adopt a minimalist mindset. This means building a small but mighty capsule wardrobe and assembling a zero-waste travel kit with reusables.

Packing light isn’t just about saving your back; it gives you the freedom to move easily and dramatically reduces your environmental impact on the road.

Stay Connected Without the Plastic

Physical SIM cards are a relic. They’re plastic waste waiting to happen, and a pain to manage when crossing borders. For seamless, eco-friendly connectivity, an eSIM is the only answer for a modern nomad. If you prioritize having a wide range of regional and country-specific plans, a provider like Airalo lets you download a data plan in minutes, with no plastic and no shipping involved.

Your Questions About Leaving the US, Answered

Deciding to leave the US for a life of slow, low-impact travel brings up a million questions. It’s natural. You’re navigating everything from big legal hurdles to the small stuff of daily life abroad. Getting clear answers is the first step toward building the confidence to actually go.

Here are some of the most common questions we see from aspiring nomads and long-term travelers.

Do I Still Have to Pay US Taxes if I Live Abroad?

Yes, absolutely. This is one of the most critical details for any American to get right. The United States runs on a citizenship-based tax system, which means you have to file a U.S. tax return and report your worldwide income, no matter where you live or where that money comes from.

But don’t panic—this doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be double-taxed. Most expats use tools like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), which lets you exclude a huge chunk of your income (over $120,000 USD for 2023) from U.S. taxes. The Foreign Tax Credit is another key tool, allowing you to subtract taxes you’ve already paid to your new home country from what you owe the IRS.

This stuff is complex. Always, always talk to an expat tax specialist to get it right.

What’s the Easiest Country to Move to from the US?

“Easiest” really comes down to your personal and professional situation, but for remote workers, Portugal consistently lands at the top of the list. Its D8 Digital Nomad Visa has refreshingly clear income requirements (around $3,400 USD or €3,200 EUR a month) and a fairly straightforward application process. The fantastic quality of life, affordable cost of living, and solid infrastructure make it a no-brainer for many.

Spain is another strong contender with its own digital nomad visa. And if you aren’t looking for full-on residency just yet, many countries in Southeast Asia, like Thailand, offer long-stay tourist visas that can be extended, giving you a simple way to settle in for a while.

Can I Realistically Travel Europe Without Flying?

You absolutely can, and honestly, it’s a far richer experience. Europe’s incredible rail network makes flight-free travel not just possible, but genuinely preferable.

High-speed trains zip you between major cities in just a few hours. Comfortable night trains cover longer distances while you sleep, which saves you a travel day and the cost of a hotel room. Planning a rail-first itinerary can slash your carbon footprint by up to 90% compared to flying, and it completely immerses you in the landscapes you’re moving through.

How Much Money Do I Need to Start?

There’s no single magic number, but a safe starting fund to aim for is between $5,000 and $10,000 USD per person.

That cushion should comfortably cover your initial long-haul transit, your first month’s rent and security deposit, any visa application fees, and a buffer for all the unexpected costs that pop up while you’re getting your feet on the ground. If you’re heading to a higher-cost country like Germany or have more complex visa needs, aiming for the higher end of that range is a smart move.

What Do I Do About My US Mail and Address?

You’ll need to keep a U.S. address on file for banking, taxes, and other official paperwork. The go-to solution for this is a virtual mailbox service.

These companies give you a real street address where your mail is received. They scan the envelopes and upload images to a digital dashboard for you to review. From there, you just decide whether to have the contents scanned, shredded, or forwarded to you wherever you are in the world. It’s an essential, non-negotiable tool for any long-term traveler.

This article was fact-checked using sustainability data from the World Green Building Council, the Global Ecotourism Network, and peer-reviewed architecture studies. All partner links are vetted for compliance with sustainable business certifications.

FAQ: Your Top Questions About Leaving America

1. Can I leave the America permanently?
Yes, it is possible to leave permanently by relinquishing your U.S. citizenship, but this is a serious, irreversible step with significant legal and tax implications (including a potential “exit tax”). Most people who move abroad long-term retain their citizenship and simply establish residency in another country.

2. What is the best travel insurance for someone leaving the US long-term?
The best option depends on your needs. For long-term, comprehensive coverage including routine medical care, an international health insurance plan is ideal. For flexible, emergency-focused coverage that you can purchase while already traveling, a policy from a provider like VisitorsCoverage is a great choice. Always check the policy details to ensure it covers your intended destinations and activities.

3. How can I receive payments from US clients while living abroad?
The most efficient way is through a multi-currency account service like Wise. It provides you with U.S. bank details (an account and routing number) so clients can pay you via direct deposit just like you were in the States. You can then hold the funds in USD or convert them to your local currency at a low fee.

4. What’s the best route for an American to take when first moving to Europe?
A great starting route is to fly into a major, well-connected hub like Lisbon or Madrid. These cities have strong digital nomad communities and are gateways to the rest of Europe by train. Spend your first month getting settled, then use the high-speed rail network to explore Spain and Portugal before venturing further into France, Germany, or Italy. Price out your initial flight options on a comparison site like Aviasales to get the best deal.

5. How do I stay connected to the internet across multiple countries?
The easiest and most sustainable method is using an eSIM (electronic SIM card). Instead of buying a new plastic SIM in every country, you can download a data plan directly to your phone. For travelers visiting many countries, a service like Airalo or Yesim offers regional plans (e.g., one plan for all of Europe), which is incredibly convenient and cost-effective.

About the Author

Jeremy Jarvis

Jeremy Jarvis is the founder of Eco Nomad Travel, where he writes about sustainable travel, low-impact adventures, eco-friendly destinations, rail travel, digital nomad life, and practical ways to explore more responsibly without losing comfort or meaning.

Through destination guides, transport comparisons, sustainability content, and travel resources, he helps readers build smarter, greener, and more intentional journeys around the world.

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