Brits wanting to escape the credit crunch and bad weather should not think that emigrating will be just like one long summer holiday, warns Paul Beasley, author of Moving Abroad, a Which? essential guide, published on 15 September.

Holidaymakers returning to the UK after their summer break may be tempted to pack up and move overseas permanently. But with over 80,000 emigrants returning to their life in the UK in 2006, Beasley says its clear that, while a holiday may give some insight into a location, it can also give a false impression of life abroad.

“Moving abroad can be a fulfilling experience, and the realisation of a long-held dream for some people.  Do your research right, take your time over decisions and be sure you are ready for the commitment involved and emigrating can be a life changing experience. 

“But make the decision to emigrate based on a holiday alone, and you could be one of the thousands of Britons who make an unscheduled return to this country each year.”

Anyone planning to emigrate should first consider the following:

• What is the cost of living?  Is it more or less than in the UK?

• What are the chances of finding suitable employment?

• What is the normal working routine?

• What education is available, and at what cost?

• What is the climate like?  Could you live and work in that weather all year round?

• What do British families living locally think of the area?

• How welcoming are the locals?

Moving Abroad, a Which? essential guide, takes the hassle out of relocating by providing practical advice on every step of the process, from the initial research, right through to finding a new home and moving your possessions abroad.