Looking to make the most of your expat weekend?
Every expat weekend offers endless opportunities to enjoy your new homeland. You can try everything from cultural immersion to outdoor adventures, new foods and old drinks.
Weekend Expat Meetups Cultivate Bonds
As an expatriate, a key weekend goal will likely be meeting and bonding with other expats. Luckily, expat communities organize plenty of weekend events like mixers at expat bars and pool parties to help you connect.
In artsy Mexico City, join rooftop revelry at a popular expat bar. Soak in sprawling views of the Distrito Federal while swapping stories with fellow foreigners. Saturday nights in Bangkok also sizzle for expats, with pool parties at members clubs perfect for making new friends.
Join interest groups and clubs catering specifically to expats and their families. Sign up for a book club in Bangkok, or get the kids involved in a Mexico City playgroup. Holiday celebrations and formal balls for expats are also common occurrences.
Get moving while meeting new friends by joining a local sports league. From rugby in Thailand to football in Mexico, you’ll bond with teammates as you cheer (or commiserate after) each match. Expat sports leagues are ideal for soccer, cricket, rugby, baseball and more.
Cultural Immersion on Expat Weekends
Immersing yourself in the local culture is key for an authentic experience. Socializing with other expats will help ease the overseas transition, but you should plan on breaking out. You can explore with expat friends — but do make the effort to get out there and see new things. Use your free weekends to explore beyond your new hometown and dive into the region’s unique charms.
In Mexico, there are 133 “pueblos magicos” – quaint villages with cobbled streets, and colorful markets. How to Pick the Right Neighborhood When You Live Abroad (nastrategy.com) This is the Mexico from the photos…and from your dreams. These are real, operating towns and parts of cities where regular local and many expats live. But there are entire towns or districts of larger cities that look exactly like they did 100 years ago. They are popular day or weekend trips, but try to visit on local festival days.
Get a taste of Oaxaca’s rich cultural heritage and artisanal crafts as you wander markets. Or time your visit to coincide with celebrations like the Guelaguetza indigenous folk festival.
Over in Thailand, cities like Chiang Mai offer a peaceful counterpoint to bustling Bangkok. Visit ancient Buddhist temples, appreciate elephants at sanctuaries, and shop lively street markets. Time your travels to special events like the Songkran Water Festival for extra festive energy.
Not ready to stray too far? Even sticking close to your new home base brings ample chances for cultural immersion. Crucial research activities include: Exploring local museums, sampling regional restaurants, and people-watching in busy squares.
Active Adventuring Awaits Expat Weekend Warriors
Between discovering new-to-you cuisine and historic sites, don’t forget to keep moving! Expats will find plenty of chances to stay active in their adopted homelands.
Mexico’s varied terrain provides plenty of options for weekend warriors. The peaks around Oaxaca are ideal for vigorous hiking, especially in the calmer dry season between October and May. Mountain bike and trail run through forests and farmland. Or test your endurance by cycling or running ancient ruins like the famous Monte Alban archeological site.
Thailand’s balmy climate likewise invites active weekend pursuits for expats. Cycle through Chiang Mai’s tranquil countryside dotted with Buddhist temples. Stop for a refreshing coconut. Sign up for a swimming and kayaking tour along Thailand’s coast. Or join locals in sunrise yoga sessions on sandy beaches before exploring a sleepy island village.
Casual sports leagues also allow expats to break a sweat while meeting new friends. Bangkok and Mexico City have multiple clubs and leagues ideal for football, rugby, cricket, baseball and more.
Expats have the same health concerns as everyone else – but our solutions are better. Stay active on expat weekends with yoga, cycling, martial arts, local parks, or your choice from a range of gyms. You’ll meet locals and expats, practice your language skills, and work off some of the local cuisine.
Let your precious expatriate weekends become an anchor amidst an exciting overseas chapter. Embrace expat living by making new friends, discovering local culture, and staying active in your adopted homeland. The weekend possibilities as an expat are endless!