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Unless you're retired or independently wealthy, moving abroad also means finding some way of financing your life overseas. There are various ways to do that, whether as a relocation with your existing employer, finding a new job on spec when you hit the ground, or perhaps working as a freelancer in some shape or form.

But what of your accompanying partner (assuming you have one)? What sort of position will they find themselves in? Fletes Mudanzas Antofagasta

At the turn of the millennium my wife and I moved from London to New York as part of an inter-company transfer. I'd been promoted to managing editor by the publisher I worked for, so it was a step up the career ladder. Plus the company could sort out all the finicky visa issues, help us with accommodation and so on. So it seemed like a great opportunity.

Moving to the States though meant my wife was unable to work. She'd had a great job as an account director in the UK. But as she'd been planning to leave her company anyway the move wasn't a big quandary for her from a career perspective.

However, as she was only eligible for a tourist visa it did leave her with limited alternatives when we arrived. To start with it was great, as she was free to scout around for an apartment for us. And after the stresses of her former job it gave her some breathing space to do some courses, exercise and pursue some personal interests.

Eventually though she got a job at the only place she was entitled to work: the British Consulate. But the position was boring and there were limited possibilities. So she left and took up voluntary work instead.

This so-called 'trailing spouse' situation is a long-running theme in expat circles. Over the centuries it has been predominantly wives who were affected, as they followed their diplomat or military or businessman husbands around the world from one international posting to another.

But as social structures have changed there are increasing numbers of same-sex partners, or men following their wives or girlfriends on expat assignments too. And in this era of globalization the trailing partner is becoming evermore common.

If this is a situation that you are facing - whether you are the 'lead' or the 'trailing' partner - then there are a number of considerations to think through before deciding whether relocating will be your best move.