
A scouting trip is the best money you'll spend on your move abroad β and the easiest to waste. Two weeks blur together, every place feels wonderful on a sunny Tuesday, and you fly home with beautiful photos and no real decision. π
I built this planner so that never happens to you.
It's the same system my mom and I used to compare our contenders and land on Panama β turned into a clean, fillable planner you can use on your phone or laptop, print, or save as a PDF. It walks you through the whole trip in seven simple steps, so you plan the days, ask the right questions, and score what actually matters to your family β then let the numbers meet your gut.
What's inside β the 7 steps:
Places β list up to five contenders and keep all your notes in one spot while you travel.
Compare β weight what matters most to your family, then score each place 1β5. Your personalized scorecard does the math for you.
Itinerary β plan your days so you see real life, not just the pretty parts.
Budget β estimate the trip up front, then track what you actually spend.
Research β do the homework before you fly, with the right questions to take with you.
Verdict β name your choice, your reasons, and the trade-offs you're at peace with.
Example β a full worked trip comparing four cities, in case you want a model to follow.
Who it's for:
Anyone planning a move abroad β whether you're going solo, with little ones, or bringing aging parents along. If you're about to spend real money on a scouting trip, this makes sure it pays off.
"Visit in the worst month, not the best one. If you still love it, you've found home." β Our family, 3 Gen Abroad
It's yours forever β reuse it for every country, every trip, as many times as you need.
π Grab the planner, watch the bonus Q&A, and start your shortlist tonight. Your move abroad begins with one honest, organized trip. π