Thinking about moving abroad but feeling a bit lost? Creating a travel vision board can help you visualize your dream and make it happen. This fun and easy tool will guide you in planning for your big move.
Add Personal Touches
A vision board should be a reflection of you, so don’t hesitate to infuse it with your personal style. Choose colors that uplift you and make you smile, and consider adding decorative elements like stickers, doodles, or even textures that speak to your personality. Inspirational quotes are another fantastic addition—choose words that resonate with your journey and lift your spirits when the going gets tough.
Consider incorporating a checklist of your goals for the coming year, allowing you to track your progress as you move closer to your dream of living abroad. The beauty of a vision board is that it’s entirely yours—whether you prefer a minimalist design or a collage brimming with detail, it’s all about creating a visual representation of your aspirations. With Canva’s drag-and-drop features, you can easily arrange photos, words, and other elements in a way that feels right for you. No art skills needed—just a passion for travel and a vision of the life you want to create
What is a Move Abroad Vision Board?
A move abroad vision board is a tool to help you focus on your travel goals in a creative and visual way to bring your dreams of living in a new country to life. Think of it as a personalized collage that captures your goals, aspirations, and the lifestyle you envision in your new home. By gathering images, quotes, and symbols that resonate with what you want to achieve—whether it’s a specific destination, a career abroad, or a new cultural experience—you’re not just dreaming; you’re setting a clear intention. This visual representation keeps you motivated, focused, and inspired as you navigate the process of moving abroad. Plus, it’s a fun and empowering exercise that reminds you why you’re taking this exciting leap in the first place!
Steps to Creating Your Move Abroad Vision Board
Spend a little time brainstorming and researching ideas. Once you start to narrow down a clear idea of where you want to go and what you want to do there, then start to gather photos, quotes, and items that inspire you about the trip.
Reflect on Your Past Travel
Start by taking a moment to revisit your past travel experiences. What places made your heart skip a beat? Were there moments of pure joy or discovery that stuck with you?
On the flip side, think about any challenges you faced—whether it was budget constraints, language barriers, or simply a lack of confidence to explore further.
Reflecting on these experiences helps you identify what you loved and what held you back, giving you valuable insights as you plan your next big adventure. Write down these reflections, focusing on what you want to carry forward and what you want to leave behind as you dream of moving abroad.
Now, let your imagination take over. Where do you see yourself next? Are you drawn to the vibrant streets of Tokyo, the serene beaches of Bali, or the rich cultural heritage of a place like Lisbon? Get specific about the feelings and experiences you want to embrace in your new life abroad.
Gather Inspiration
Inspiration is everywhere—it’s just a matter of finding it! Dive into travel magazines, Pinterest, or Instagram to spark your creativity. Scroll through images of dreamy destinations, mouth-watering local dishes, and cultural symbols that resonate with your vision of life abroad. Let your imagination run wild as you explore these visual treasures. Pinterest is a goldmine for travel boards, offering a plethora of curated images and ideas. Unsplash, with its vast collection of high-quality, free images, is another fantastic resource to gather visuals that align with your goals.
But don’t stop there—sometimes the analog approach can be just as effective. Flip through magazines, clip out images, and create a tangible collage that you can touch and feel. Don’t forget to include quotes that ignite your passion for travel. Mix and match these elements to craft a vision board bursting with wanderlust, each piece a stepping stone to your future adventures.
Use Visual Tools
Creating your vision board has never been easier, thanks to digital tools like Canva. This free platform allows you to design a vision board that’s as unique as your travel dreams. Start with our easily-customizable template and begin layering images, words, and symbols that resonate with your goals. Canva’s Magic Recommendations feature can help you discover additional elements to enhance your design, making the process both fun and intuitive.
Download Your Move Abroad Vision Board
How to Use Our Move Abroad Vision Board Template on Canva
Creating your Move Abroad Vision Board with our customizable Canva template is a breeze, and it’s a fun, creative way to visualize your dreams. Here’s how to get started:
1. Pick a Color Scheme That Resonates with You
Begin by choosing a color scheme that reflects your personality and the vibe you want for your new life abroad. Colors can evoke emotions and set the tone for your vision board, so pick shades that make you feel excited, calm, or inspired—whatever aligns with your goals.
2. Customize the Template
Once you have your color scheme, it’s time to make the template your own. (Our template is only a starter for inspiration.) So, you can clear the slate by removing any images or elements that don’t fit your vision. Canva makes it easy to delete or replace items, so don’t hesitate to clear out anything that doesn’t resonate with your dream.
3. Add Image Frames
Next, use Canva’s image frames to organize your board. These frames allow you to neatly arrange your photos, making your vision board look polished and visually appealing. Browse Canva’s extensive library of frames and choose the ones that best suit your style.
4. Add Images of Destinations and Experiences
Now, the fun part—filling your board with images that capture the destinations and experiences you’re dreaming of. Start with the places you know you want to include, like cities, landmarks, or cultural experiences that are at the top of your list. Simply drag and drop your selected images into the frames you’ve added.
5. Incorporate Words and Quotes
Your vision board isn’t just about pictures; it’s also about the words that inspire and motivate you. Add quotes, mantras, or even single words that capture the essence of your goals. Canva’s text tools make it easy to experiment with different fonts, sizes, and styles until you find what resonates most with you.
6. Get Creative and Make It Yours
This vision board is all about you, so let your creativity shine! Think of it as a piece of art that you’ll want to display proudly. Arrange the images, words, and other elements in a way that makes you happy every time you look at it. Don’t be afraid to play with layouts, add decorative elements, or mix in some of your personal style.
7. Save and Display Your Vision Board
Once you’re satisfied with your creation, it’s time to save and share it. Canva offers a variety of download options:
- High-Quality Image: Save your vision board as a JPG or PNG to use as a screensaver on your phone, desktop, or tablet. This way, your goals are always just a glance away.
- PDF: If you prefer to keep a digital version that you can print later, save your board as a PDF.
- Print Options: Canva also provides professional printing services, so you can print your vision board in high quality and display it in your home or office.
We love the idea of using your vision board as a daily reminder of your goals—whether it’s on your office wall, in your bedroom, or even as your phone wallpaper. Keeping it visible helps keep your dreams at the forefront of your mind, motivating you to take the steps needed to make your move abroad a reality.
By following these simple steps, you’ll create a vision board that not only inspires you but also serves as a practical guide on your journey to a new life abroad.
How to Use Your Vision Board to Plan Your Move
Let the Vision Guide Your Decisions
Your vision board isn’t just a collection of beautiful images; it’s a powerful tool that encapsulates your dreams and aspirations for your move abroad. Every time you look at it, let the excitement and anticipation of your future life fuel your decisions. When faced with choices—whether it’s accepting a job offer, choosing a city to live in, or deciding which cultural experiences to pursue—use your vision board as a compass.
If you’re unsure about a decision, pause and reflect on your board. Does the opportunity align with the life you’ve envisioned? For instance, if a job offer in Spain comes your way and your board is filled with images of Spanish landmarks, festivals, and vibrant cityscapes, the choice becomes clear—this is a step toward the life you’ve been dreaming of. Your vision board is more than just visual inspiration; it’s a strategic map guiding you to new adventures and helping you make decisions that are in harmony with your goals.
Take Action Towards Your Goals
Dreaming about your move abroad is the first step, but turning those dreams into reality requires action. Your vision board is a great motivator, but it’s up to you to take the necessary steps. Begin by researching your chosen country—understand its culture, customs, and language. Set aside time each day to learn the language, even if it’s just a few words or phrases. This not only prepares you for daily life in your new country but also deepens your connection to your future home.
Financial preparation is key. Start saving now by creating a budget that aligns with your relocation plans. Identify areas where you can cut costs and set aside money specifically for your move. Look for deals on flights, accommodations, and even moving services—every dollar saved is a step closer to your dream. Remember, small, consistent actions add up over time, turning your vision into a tangible plan.
Your vision board should also inspire you to immerse yourself in the culture of your future home before you even arrive. Dive into travel blogs, watch documentaries, and follow social media accounts that showcase life in your chosen country. The more you learn and prepare, the smoother your transition will be.
Set Milestones and Celebrate Progress
As you work toward your move, it’s important to set milestones and celebrate your progress. Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. For example, if your vision includes learning the language, set a goal to complete a beginner’s course within three months. If saving money is a priority, track your savings each month and reward yourself when you hit key targets.
Your vision board can be updated as you achieve these milestones—add new images or quotes that reflect your progress and keep you motivated. Celebrating these small wins keeps the momentum going and reminds you that you’re getting closer to making your dream of moving abroad a reality.
Stay Focused and Adapt
Life is unpredictable, and your plans might need to adapt as you go. Use your vision board to stay focused on your ultimate goal, but be flexible enough to adjust your path when necessary. If circumstances change—like an unexpected job offer in a different country or a shift in your financial situation—revisit your vision board. Does this new opportunity still align with your dreams? Can it be incorporated into your plan?
Your vision board isn’t set in stone; it’s a living document that evolves with you. As you gain more clarity on your goals and as new opportunities arise, feel free to update or revise your board to reflect your current aspirations.
Use Your Vision Board for Daily Motivation
Finally, keep your vision board in a place where you’ll see it every day. Whether it’s on your desk, as your phone wallpaper, or hanging on your bedroom wall, let it be a constant reminder of the exciting journey you’re on. Use it to fuel your motivation, especially on days when the challenges of planning a move abroad feel overwhelming. By consistently engaging with your vision board, you reinforce your commitment to making your dream a reality and stay energized to take the next steps.
Summary
Creating a move abroad vision board is not only fun and inspiring. But also helps with your travel planning. Picture your dream life and let the images help with goal setting.
Don’t forget our template can jumpstart your journey. Once you complete it, place it where you’ll see it every day as an inspiration for your travel.
