Moving to a new country is a decision filled with hope, challenge, and opportunity. The story of Tanya and Davide shows how embracing change can open doors to a fresh chapter of life that is rich in culture, personal growth, and entrepreneurial spirit. Their journey from the United States to Italy offers lessons on courage, planning, and following one’s dreams before conventional milestones like retirement.
A Dream Put on Hold, Then Seized
Tanya and Davide had long imagined living in Italy, a place connected to Davide’s roots and to the European lifestyle they admired. Davide, an Italian Swiss dual citizen, always planned to return to Italy eventually. Tanya, an American, fell in love with the country’s culture and rhythm during early visits. Despite their shared dream, life’s responsibilities—work, raising children, and managing a demanding schedule—kept the dream at bay. Like many couples, they thought retirement would provide the perfect moment to make the move.
However, the global pandemic brought about a sudden shift in perspective. With much of the world at a standstill, they faced a moment of clarity. They realized that waiting until retirement might mean missing the chance to live fully in the present. Instead of postponing their dream, they chose to act. It was a bold step, fueled by the desire to enjoy life in Italy while they still had the energy and freedom to explore it deeply.
Preparing for a New Life
Leaving a stable life in Minnesota, where they had lived for 24 years and raised two children, was no small feat. Tanya worked in public accounting and medical device industries, contributing to a busy and demanding career. Their lifestyle was defined by work, family commitments, and occasional vacations to Europe. The cycle of work and holidays felt exhausting and ultimately limiting.
Once the children moved on to college, Tanya and Davide saw an opportunity to redefine their priorities. Instead of counting the days until vacation, they imagined a life where every day brought the richness they sought in their travels. They wanted to build a life where work and pleasure blended naturally, and Italy represented this vision perfectly.
Choosing Where to Live
A key part of their success was taking time to find the right location in Italy. Instead of rushing their decision, they explored multiple cities, soaking in the local culture, pace of life, and community vibes. This approach helped them move beyond romanticized ideas of Italy and understand the practicalities of daily life.
Settling in Montano allowed them to immerse themselves in the genuine Italian experience. They adapted to cultural shifts, language differences, and new social rhythms. This gradual and intentional approach to relocating helped ease the transition and build a foundation for their new life.
Entrepreneurship as a Bridge
Rather than retiring immediately, Tanya and Davide chose to become entrepreneurs, creating a travel business called AMII Vacations. This business draws on their firsthand knowledge of Italy, aiming to help others experience the country in a more personal and meaningful way. Their work blends passion with purpose—they use what they have learned from their move to enhance the travel experiences of their clients.
Building a business in a new country is challenging. It requires understanding local laws, building a network, and navigating a different economic landscape. They approached these challenges with a mix of planning, flexibility, and a willingness to learn on the job. This mindset has allowed them to turn their dream into a sustainable reality.
Adapting to a New Culture
Living in Italy means more than changing geography; it involves embracing a different way of life. Tanya and Davide experienced first-hand the cultural differences that affect everything from daily routines to interactions with neighbors and business practices. Language barriers, customs, and social expectations all contributed to a steep learning curve.
Their success owes much to their openness to change and their respect for Italian traditions. Instead of imposing their old way of life on a new setting, they allowed the local culture to shape their outlook and habits. This attitude made it easier to integrate and build meaningful connections.
Lessons Learned
Tanya and Davide’s story offers valuable insights for anyone considering a major life change. Waiting for the “right” moment can mean waiting forever, especially when life is unpredictable. Acting on a dream requires courage but also thoughtful planning and flexibility.
Testing out locations before settling down can save time and heartache. Understanding the local culture from the beginning helps ease the transition. Finally, creating a livelihood that aligns with personal passions adds richness to the experience and supports long-term success.
Their journey is a reminder that change is not only possible but can become a source of renewal and joy. By embracing uncertainty and stepping out of their comfort zone, Tanya and Davide transformed a long-held dream into their living reality.
The Move Toward Fulfillment
Choosing to move to Italy before retirement redefined what a fulfilling life can look like. Their experience challenges the belief that major life changes must wait for certain conditions. Instead, their story encourages acting boldly, learning continuously, and growing through new adventures.
Italy now is not just a vacation destination for Tanya and Davide; it is home. Their new life has balanced work and leisure, cultural richness and community, familiarity and discovery. For those dreaming of a similar change, their journey offers both inspiration and practical guidance.
Living fully today often means saying yes to change and embracing the unknown. Tanya and Davide’s example shows that it is possible to build a new life far from the comfort zone. They remind us that sometimes the best time to follow a dream is now.
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