It's hard to find a travel company that doesn't claim to offer the best customer service. But for those of us who travel, customer service is often lacking, and finding a company that will treat you with respect can be a challenge.
17.01.2024 - 04:21 / forbes.com
If your New Year’s resolution was to finally take the plunge and move abroad, this report might help you make the daunting choice of where to live.
Each year, global mobility expert ECA International (ECA) publishes a Location Ratings Report for countries around the world. It includes a ranking of destinations most liveable for expats, looking at factors like housing, health services and friendliness.
Here are the European cities that came out as the best destinations for expats to move to in 2024.
Bern in Switzerland remains the most liveable city in Europe for expats according to the latest annual ECA report. This is the third year running that the riverside city has claimed the number one spot.
"With top facilities, minimal air pollution and low crime rates, Bern is a very attractive city for expatriates and their families," said Neil Ashman, Senior Location Ratings Analyst at ECA.
ECA’s Location Ratings evaluate cities around the world to form an assessment of the overall quality of living for expats in over 500 locations. The ranking is based on a variety of liveability factors including availability of health services; housing and utilities; isolation; access to a social network and recreational and leisure facilities; infrastructure; climate; personal safety; socio-political tensions and air quality.
"Swiss, Dutch and Scandinavian cities fill out the top 10 most liveable cities," said Ashman. Previous number one Copenhagen now finds itself in fifth place. "Copenhagen is still a great city for expatriates, it remains very liveable but has seen shortages of suitable housing in recent times which has seen it drop in the ranking slightly," Ashman added.
Dublin is one of only three cities to drop out of the top 10 compared to ten years ago. The Irish capital now sits in 11th position, compared to 7th place a decade ago. In a similar vein to Copenhagen, this is largely down to a common issue associated with cities which become more popular as destinations for expats—reduced availability of suitable housing.
Housing availability issues have also resulted in Luxembourg and Dusseldorf dropping out of the top 10 compared to 2013. In Dusseldorf’s case this has been compounded by an increased Socio-Political Tensions score, owing to the rising threat from terrorist attacks in Germany in the last decade.
Edinburgh remains the UK’s most liveable destination, sitting in 17th place overall. Another Scottish city, Aberdeen, also features highly (24th), though Glasgow in 47th place scores less well owing to higher crime levels.
London remains relatively stable in the rankings in 37th place compared to 39th five years ago and 38th ten years ago. "London remains a very attractive city for expats, with excellent
It's hard to find a travel company that doesn't claim to offer the best customer service. But for those of us who travel, customer service is often lacking, and finding a company that will treat you with respect can be a challenge.
Are you seeking a fresh start? If you’re considering a career change, adopting a different lifestyle, or you’re chasing a lifelong dream, relocation to Northern Europe is a path worth exploring. The region's rich history, approach to lifestyle, and innovative working environments provide a fertile ground for those looking to reinvent themselves.
Michael Bonsor introduces the Chancery Rosewood, due to open in 2025 in Grosvenor Square in the building that was formerly the U,S. Embassy in London. Bonsor, whose career incorporated the Four Seasons and Claridge’s spent 10 years at the Rosewood London as its General Manager.
From wildlife, stargazing, historic castles to magic, there are plenty of great ideas for days out in Scotland to keep kids of all ages entertained this half term. Also, with accommodation to suit all budgets, why not make a week of it? Wrap up warm, but bring sunglasses, and remember to refer to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code when out and about. Outdoor fun
Five years ago, my typical day consisted of work in Downtown Philly at my regular retail job, lunch, and then clocking out to ride the SEPTA to South Philly to take on the evening shift at my seasonal retail job. When I got home, I would shower, go to bed, and do the same thing again the next morning. It was a wash, rinse, repeat routine fueled by my motivation not to return to my hometown in LA.
An explosion of colorful, engaging painting shows provide a welcome antidote to the short days and general lack of sunshine that can make winter in London a tad dreary. Here are six essential art exhibitions to visit over the next month.
Many of the issues that dogged the UK’s dining scene in 2022 did so throughout 2023 — particularly the high cost of food, which continues to have a big impact on how and what we’re eating. This is being felt most notably in the capital, where food costs are compounded by high and rising rents, contributing to what many food writers have cited as a sense that restaurants are playing it safe, at least within the city centre. As the Guardian’s food critic Grace Dent put it in her end of year review, ‘2023 seemed to be the year that London’s restaurant scene lost its edge. Outside the M25, I was eating far better’. This sense of caution can be seen among many of the trends widely cited for 2025, with humble ingredients and classic creations seeing a return in popularity. Perhaps this is why the martini is back in fashion and beans are more prevalent on the menus of hip restaurants — albeit both with fresh twists and interpretations. For all this, though, there are still plenty of exciting developments, such as the rise of music-led restaurants and fresh ingredients to explore, such as the fig leaf. Here’s what’s on the horizon for 2024.
Ever fantasized about having an entire hotel to yourself while on vacation? The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora can make that dream come true: For $2.75 million, guests can buy out the entire island property for a week, dining at its open-air restaurants, snorkeling in the lagoon, and playing tennis with the hotel’s pro. Or, you could invite up to 245 of your closest friends to stay with you in the resort’s seven villas and 108 bungalow suites.
Bern has been rated the most liveable city in Europe again, according to one expert ranking.
From phenomenal volcanic landscapes to glaciers and waterfalls galore, Iceland is a nature lover’s dream. The country tops the list of desirable travel destinations for so many people with a keen interest in adventure travel, geology, or nature in general.
With winter in full swing, you might be gearing up for a trip to some of the best ski resorts in the country. Or, if you're like me and have yet to learn the art of winter sports, you're probably just jealous of all of your friends partaking in that apres-ski life. (You know, the part where the only muscles you use are the ones in your arm that help lift a hot toddy to your lips.)
Delta frequent flyers take note – there’s a brand-new flagship coming your way. The Atlanta-based carrier has confirmed that the Airbus A350-1000 is joining its long-haul flying roster. While specific details are still to be announced, expect this new jet to instantly become Delta’s biggest and best aircraft.