Many
people find that living in a country with bad weather can have a negative
impact on their lives. When the days start to shorten and you find you are
commuting to and from work in the dark, it's tempting to daydream about a place
where it's sunny and bright all year around.
Sunny skies
In many
parts of northern Europe the summers can be mild, and even if it's lighter for
more hours of the day, it's still not warm enough to sunbathe at the weekends
and wear less during the day.
Since
the early 1970s when BJ Thomas sang Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head,
scientists have researched the link between weather and temperament. Many
people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and find their attitude to
be more negative during periods of high humidity and low temperatures.
The good
news is that there are parts of the world where sunny weather is predominant. People
who live in these areas are generally happier and more positive about life. The
Quality of Life index has placed Malta at the top of the list of countries with
the best weather in the world. Its inhabitants enjoy an average of 5.2 hours of
sunshine a day, even in December!
Benefits of warm weather
Spain is also a destination for people who want to escape
bad weather. When the coats come out of storage in September, people feel the
need to spend a fortnight in a country where it's still warm and sunny for up
to 12 hours a day and the locals have a more laid back lifestyle. Many of us
return from our holiday revitalised, the sun having done us good. But some
people consider the possibility of relocating permanently to a place with a
better climate.
This can be complicated for younger people, especially
those with families, but do not be put off. There’s no need to wait until you
retire to move to Spain or Italy and enjoy the sun. A by-product of the weather
is that the tourism industry is extremely developed and there are many jobs
available for people who speak fluent English.
Most areas also have international schools so expat
children can continue their education in their native language.
Learn
the lingo
A basic knowledge of the language is essential if you
are thinking of moving abroad. To learn Spanish you can
sign up to a course near you or buy a basic pack and try to teach yourself.
This is not as difficult as it may seem if you have the time and the
dedication. If you choose to go to a language class a local college is a good
place to start. For Spanish courses
Liverpool schools and colleges can offer evening classes. The same goes for
most cities in the UK.
If you do not want to learn another language,
countries such as Australia and the southern parts of the United States also
enjoy warmer weather. However, the tropical climate in such places can be more
extreme than in the Mediterranean, so it's worth researching the downsides of the
high temperatures in summer, and winters can include blizzards and flooding.
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