5 holiday destinations that are also great to live in

Do you ever think to yourself ‘Oh boy, I could really get used to life here’ when you’re on holiday? Do you dream of having that ocean view every day year-round? We get that. There are plenty of cities that have two kinds of appeal: idyllic surroundings filled with excitement to tempt travellers on vacation, but also everything else a city would need to lure in the stay-a-little-longer crowd.

Indeed, awesome cities aren’t just for holidays – we’ve picked five of the best holiday destinations that are also great to live in. Warning: this post will have you reaching for your passport (and possibly quitting your job).

1. San Diego, USA

If you’re seeking sun, sand and surf, San Diego on the West Coast of the US is the perfect place to kick back and relax for a few weeks’ holiday. But who says a chilled out lifestyle is only for vacations? San Diego has everything you would need for a stress-free life. Join the ranks of the tanned Southern Californians in their stand-up paddle board yoga classes, head downtown to embrace a diet of authentic mexican food and hike mountains or explore wine valleys on your weekends. Plus, the year-round good swell means you’ll perfect your surfing in no-time. Fish tacos for life!

2. Miami, USA

Make the coolest beach hangouts your local spots and find your place among the stylish Miami crowd. With endless stretches of beach, fabulous shopping opportunities and what seems to be hundreds of trendy bars to try out, in Miami you can live a life of sun-drenched leisure all year round.  Miami is the perfect base if you’re keen to fill your passport with stamps: With an international airport at your doorstep, the Caribbean and South America are within easy reach and even the rest of the US is just a short flight away; you could be brunching in New York in just three hours…

3. Vancouver, Canada

If Vancouver offers visitors an active holiday, it offers its residents a super healthy, good-for-you lifestyle. Keep your adrenaline levels satisfied with the endless sporting and outdoor adventure activities on offer no matter the season, from skiing and downhill mountain biking to hiking, kayaking, sailing and whale watching. The locals are incredibly friendly (classic Canada) so you know you’re in for a warm welcome even if you’re the new kid on the block. Whether you stay in Vancouver for a few months, a year or even more, your mind and body will definitely thank you.

4. Sydney, Australia

Culture-vultures are always occupied in Sydney; with a packed calendar of events at the Opera House and a young, thriving art and music scene there’s always something cool to get involved with. There are job opportunities galore in a variety of creative, innovative and forward-thinking industries and, with world-class beaches just a stone’s throw from the office, you can go straight from work to the ocean to make the most of the warm evenings. You could even join the early risers to catch a few waves before work or class. This year-round flip flop-wearing city is also foodie heaven, with more independent restaurants popping up every month. If you’re into Asian-fusion cuisine, this is the place for you.

5. Auckland, New Zealand

There’s no denying it: New Zealand is THE place to get back to nature. Once you’ve wandered around the Auckland harbour and tried out the cafes and bars, spend your days exploring the staggeringly beautiful landscapes of both the north and south islands. Volcanic peaks are best scaled on two feet, while the gorgeous coastline begs to be discovered by kayak. Camping (and glamping) opportunities abound and you’re never far from a secluded spot and some serious escapism. If you’re looking for a life filled with mindfulness and well-being – or just want to curate a beautiful Instagram feed –  there’s no better place to press the reset button.