In this episode of the 10 Adventures Podcast, we sit down with James Balagot, author of "Beyond the American Dream," to explore his family's daring move from the Bay Area to Berlin and eventually Hong Kong. James shares insights from their journey, revealing the challenges and unexpected joys of embracing the expat lifestyle. We dive into the motivations behind leaving the familiar for the unknown, inspired by the desire to create meaningful moments and avoid the trap of the conventional American dream.   James discusses the pivotal role of the annual life visualization exercise in shaping their decisions and the profound impact of recognizing the finite nature of time. He also opens up about the practicalities of such a move, from navigating international schools to downsizing their possessions. Join us as we uncover the highs and lows of living abroad and the lasting memories forged along the way.   Don't miss out—visit James Balagot's website and check out his book in the links below. Tune in for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation! Check out his website: https://jamesbalagot.substack.com/ Find James' book, "Beyond the American Dream" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/018jcyOA   About Us 🌍   10 Adventures 🌟 was founded with one goal in mind: to make active travel accessible, promoting mental and physical well-being. 🚶‍♀️🚴 Our mission is to eliminate the stress of holiday planning, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your journey. We offer seamless trip coordination, handling accommodations, meals, transfers, and guides 🗺️ through our network of vetted local tour operators in over 80 countries. For those who prefer a lighter load, we arrange luggage transfers, ensuring a stress-free biking or hiking experience. 🧳🌄   Specializing in private and personalized travel experiences, our team 🧑‍💼🌐 is dedicated to tailoring trips to your preferences. We understand that travel is more than just a trip; it's an opportunity to build stronger relationships and create lasting memories. As fellow active travelers, we provide genuine, human support to ensure your journey with 10 Adventures is as unique and fulfilling as possible. 🤝✨   To learn more, visit https://www.10adventures.com/ 🌐 Or contact us at https://www.10adventures.com/contact/