Considering a Move to Spain From the US? Start With a Scouting Trip

If you’re thinking about moving to Spain from the US, one of the most valuable steps you can take before committing is a scouting trip. It can provide clarity that no amount of online research ever will.

Yet, many people aren’t sure how to use their limited time in Spain in a way that actually supports good decision-making. In this article, I’ll share my top tips for getting the most out of the experience. But first, let’s explore what a scouting trip is and what it isn’t.

What Is a Scouting Trip (and How Is It Different From a Vacation)?

While vacations focus on relaxation and sightseeing, a scouting trip is an intentional, exploratory visit designed to help you see whether living abroad is right for you.

If you’re considering a move to Spain from the US, a scouting trip helps you understand the practical realities of living there — things like:

• Pace of life

• Cost of living and affordability

• Access to essential services

• Transportation and walkability

• How it actually feels to navigate daily life as a foreigner

Get the Most Out of Your Scouting Trip to Spain

A scouting trip is only valuable if you plan it purposefully. These tips will help you focus your visit and gather the information you really need to decide if moving to Spain from the US is right for you.

Clarify Your Goals Before You Go

To get real value from a scouting trip, you need to be clear about what you’re trying to learn. Ask yourself, "What questions do I want this trip to help me answer?"

Questions might include:

• Can I achieve the lifestyle I want?

• Will I have access to the essential services I need and the activities I want?

• Does the environment support how I want to live?

• Will I feel comfortable navigating daily life in another language?

Don't dismiss the “small” things either. If it matters to you, pay attention — whether it's access to organic food, favorite activities, or quiet green spaces. It can have an outsized impact on your quality of life. 

Write your questions down before you travel — then think intentionally about how you’ll answer them while you’re there.

As you plan your trip, keep in mind that daily life in Spain can vary significantly depending on the season, local holidays, and even time of day. Being aware of this context can help you interpret your experiences more accurately.

Observe and Experience Daily Life in Spain

Though tempting, resist the urge to slip into vacation mode. During a scouting trip, your goal is to experience life as if you already live there.

Review your list of questions and be intentional about how you’ll gather answers. If possible, stay in — or very close to — a neighborhood you’re seriously considering.

Then, try to simulate everyday life:

• Shop at a local grocery store or pharmacy

• Use public transportation

• Spend time observing life in neighborhood cafés or parks

• Attend a local event or celebration

• Do the things you normally do at home (and plan to bring with you) — go for a run, see a movie, run errands

Pay attention to how these experiences feel. Throughout your trip, keep checking in with yourself:

• What feels easy or familiar?

• What do I enjoy or appreciate the most?

• What feels challenging, draining, or uncomfortable?

It’s also critical to evaluate the experience from a practical perspective. Consider the following:

• How does the cost of living align with my expectations and budget?

• Am I able to easily access the resources, services, and daily conveniences that are important to me?

• Do the realities of daily life in Spain support how I want to live?

Take notes as you go. Compare and contrast your experiences in the different locations you visit. These observations are incredibly valuable when you’re deciding whether moving to Spain from the US is right for you.

Reflect After the Trip and Refine Your Vision

Once you’re home, take time to reflect on what you learned during your trip and ask yourself, “Based on what I know now, can I envision myself living in Spain?”

To help you determine that, reflect on the following:

• How did the reality of Spain match up against my vision? What surprised me?

• Was there anything I missed from the US while I was there? Are these things I can do without?

• Did any new questions come up that I need to explore?

If you are ready to move forward, identify one reasonable next step rather than trying to do everything at once.

And if you’re not ready yet? That’s valuable information too.

Final Thought

Moving to Spain from the US is a major life decision, and clarity doesn’t come from rushing it. A well-planned scouting trip can help you make an informed decision — grounded in experience rather than assumptions — about how to move forward.

P.S. - If you’d like a more structured way to plan and reflect on your scouting trip, you may want to check out the Spain Relocation Toolkit. It's filled with essential tools, including a dedicated Scouting Trip Workbook to help you prepare, observe, and reflect afterward.