Moving abroad changes a lot of things, but perhaps the biggest shock to the system is how you make friends. Back home, friendships are often handed to us by circumstance. We meet people at the office, through our kids’ schools, or because they happen to live next door. Once established, those hometown friendships are incredibly resilient. You can get busy, lose touch for six months, and pick right back up over dinner as if no time has passed.

The number one reason people hesitate to move to Italy or Spain isn't money. It isn't bureaucracy. It is the fear of being mute. We look at people who seem to float effortlessly through foreign cultures—chatting with the barista, laughing with the taxi driver—and we think: "I could never do that. I’m too old. I’ll never catch up." I know this feeling because I lived it.

Michael's last minute trip to the Vatican during the Jubilee.

We are currently planning our annual Almond Blossom Retreat—the trip where we take about 20 of our clients (now neighbors) to celebrate the almond harvest—and looking back at the photos, I am reminded that the "Real Sicily" isn't found in a guidebook. It is found in the chaos of a private homes dotted around little towns no one has heard of outside of this island.

At Viamonde, our Roots and Immersion tourism isn’t about ticking boxes. It is about understanding that your Italian citizenship is more than a binder of documents; it is a living, breathing culture. We take you down the dirt roads to meet the vignaioli (winemakers)—the families who have tended the same soil for generations.

The planning for this trip has been a labor of love, but as the pieces come together, I know the two weeks we’re spending together will be one of the most fulfilling experiences of our family’s life. With my father and his three sisters in their late seventies, and my siblings and I in our fifties, this roots tour—a journey to both his family's past in Germany and my late mother’s roots in Sicily—feels like it could be the last major trip we all take together.

The Christmas season in Spain is a time of rich tradition, celebration, and deep connection with family and friends. The season spans from Christmas Eve through the Epiphany on January 6th. Arguably the most important part of the holiday season is food. Our resident Spaniard, Abogado Guillermo Iso, has filled us in on the juicy details of Spain’s most well-loved Christmas delicacies.  

How do Italians celebrate Christmas? Let’s dive into the festivities to see how Italian traditions compare to their Italian-American counterparts. Buon Natale! Auguri di Buon Natale! Felice Anno Nuovo! Merry Christmas! We wish you a merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

The suitcases are unpacked, the prosecco has been popped, and the initial euphoria of receiving that coveted Italian visa or citizenship has started to settle. You’ve found your charming apartment, signed the lease, or perhaps even bought a little piece of Italian heaven. This is it, right? The dolce vita begins!

For Melanie and Brent, early retirement wasn't the slow, quiet chapter they initially anticipated. It was a catalyst for a vibrant, travel-filled life, centered in the sun-drenched beauty of Sicily, Italy. They’ve swapped the daily grind for an Elective Residency Visa (ERV) lifestyle that keeps them constantly moving—between new friends, family visits, and exploring ancient history—proving that retirement, especially in Italy, is anything but boring.

Here’s the breakdown between the monthly expenses of two residents living in the same, medium sized, seaside town in Sicily. One embraces a Minimalist lifestyle focused on simplicity and local resources, and the other leaning into a more "Bougie" approach, prioritizing convenience, premium goods, and frequent travel.

You’ve spent years piecing together the family tree. You've uncovered the manifests, the birth certificates, the names. And now, you have it—the town. The name of the tiny paese your great-grandparents called home. You’ve done the hard part, right? Now what?

The quest to plant roots abroad is often fueled by a powerful, beautiful vision. On vacation, or even through a screen, it’s easy to find yourself entranced by sunny piazzas, the relaxed pace, and the novel charm of starting a new life. But here’s the crucial distinction: a short trip shows you the beautiful façade; an immersive stay reveals the soul of a place.

Spanish food has garnered global recognition, consistently demonstrating consistency, innovation, and avant-garde techniques. The country's prominence on the world stage is highlighted by having the same number of 3-Star Michelin restaurants (15) as the US and strong representation in the Top 50 Best Restaurants worldwide over the last two decades. 

Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure, but it often comes with its unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to finding long-term housing. This is where ViaMonde steps in, transforming potential roadblocks into seamless transitions.

Meet the Team: Jennifer, driven by a singular vision: to create the comprehensive guide and all-inclusive relocation company she desperately wished she'd had at the beginning of her journey.

Let's address the elephant in the room. Mindset is key when considering a move abroad. People motivated by a desire to escape something are often less successful at assimilating into their new life than those who are running towards a new opportunity or experience. Here ours list of top things to keep in mind when considering your move abroad.

Based on the real-world experiences of our team, we've identified five simple habits that can make all the difference. These aren't just tips; they're a mindset shift that will help you transition from a visitor to a resident, navigating the quirks and charms of your new home with grace.

While the general knowledge about Celiac disease in Southern European countries is far ahead of many others, it isn't always easy. It's not like you can just waltz into any trattoria or tapas bar and expect to find safe options, especially in smaller, more rural towns. It takes a little preparation, a healthy dose of caution, and a lot of asking questions. This is my guide, from one traveler to another, on how to navigate the highs and lows of being a Celiac in the land of pa

Free yourself from the stress about transferring your savings, if your card will work, or the dread of potential hidden fees. Through our partnership with Wise, we offer a streamlined, cost-effective, and transparent solution with Concierge level assistance.