Look and See Trip: Why It Matters

Annegret Bertsch
Sep 1
3 min read

Are you considering moving to another country for a few months or even a few years? Congratulations! This is an exciting step but let’s be honest: it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you’re moving with a family.

The employee who received the job offer has probably been to the destination country before—maybe for interviews, meetings, or business trips. They might already have an idea of what daily life could look like: the local food, the cultural nuances, how people greet each other, even what summer feels like there.

But what about you, the partner or family member? You’re expected to make such a big decision of your life without ever having set foot in the place you might soon call home. That’s a huge leap of faith, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. This is where Look and See Trips come in.

What is a Look and See Trip?

A Look and See Trip is an opportunity for you (and ideally your family) to visit the destination country before committing to the move. Some companies offer these trips as part of the relocation package. The idea is to help you get a feel for your potential new home.

Sounds great, right? But here’s the catch: Often these trips are scheduled shortly before the assignment begins, and the focus tends to be on practical tasks like finding a house, visiting schools, setting up logistics. That’s important, of course, but it can also feel like a whirlwind.

If you’re still unsure whether this move is right for you, the trip can feel like extra pressure. You might worry:

“What if I hate it and everyone is counting on me to say yes?”
“What if I can’t decide even after the trip?”
“Is it worth going if I’m not 100% convinced yet?”

So why should you take this trip?

Here’s why:

You’ll get a real-life impression.

Pictures and videos only show so much. Walking through a local grocery store, experiencing the traffic, feeling the climate—these are things you can’t truly imagine until you’re there.

You’ll sense the vibe.

Culture is more than customs and traditions; it’s energy. How do people interact? Does the pace of life feel right for you? Do you feel safe and comfortable?

You’ll see how it fits your family.

If you have children, visit a playground, check out schools, and notice how other kids interact. Could you see your family thriving here?

You’ll find your deal-breakers or your deal-makers!

Maybe you’ll be surprised by how much you love the food, the landscapes, and the friendliness of the people. Or maybe you’ll realize that the climate, infrastructure, or lifestyle would be a major challenge for you. Both realizations are valuable.

It’s okay to say “no.” If this trip makes you realize that moving abroad is not right for you or your family, that’s okay. Saying no now is better than saying yes and struggling later.

What if You’re Still Torn After the Trip?

This is where things get tricky. Maybe you’ve been there, walked the streets, tasted the food and you’re still not sure. Your partner may want to go, your friends and family may want you to stay. You feel caught in the middle.

This is exactly the moment when talking to someone neutral can make all the difference. Someone who isn’t emotionally attached to the outcome. Someone who truly listens and helps you process your thoughts without judgment. A coach.

Why Coaching Matters Before an Expat Move

A coach won’t tell you what to do. Instead, they’ll help you explore what’s important to you and your family so you can make a decision you feel good about.

Why does this matter? Because one of the top reasons expat assignments fail is that the accompanying partner was never fully on board. When that happens, everyone struggles—the employee, the family, and even the company.

Taking time to reflect now is an investment in your future happiness.

Living abroad can be the adventure of a lifetime but if it’s the wrong fit, it can also turn into a stressful experience. You deserve clarity before you take the leap.

COACHING because deciding if YOU should move to another country is a major life decision.