What Country Do I Live In? How to Choose the Best Place to Spend Your Holiday

“What country do I live in?” It’s a question many Americans have asked themselves, and with an increasing frequency. With a dwindling economy and an increasingly diverse population, the question of where one lives is more important now than ever. Unfortunately, much of the country has become less tolerant of other cultures, forcing people to consider their new home as not just a home, but a place that they can call their own.

Some might say it’s no big deal. After all, don’t other American cities have “multicultural” influences? Some residents of cities like Miami, Dallas or New York feel this way. Still, others argue that people are beginning to see a trend toward moving away from traditional Americana and towards those cultures which have been a part of our history and lifestyle for decades, even centuries.

One way to guard against this trend is by maintaining an open mind regarding your national identity. For example, do you consider yourself a “white” American, or do you consider yourself part of the “color” communities? Do you want your pets to be white, or do you want them to be something exotic like a cocker spaniel? Do you want to throw parties to celebrate the ethnicities of your pets, or do you think it’s tacky? Asking yourself these questions will help keep you sane and prevent you from being overwhelmed by the cultural issues involved in deciding which country to live in

Pets are an obvious way to keep up with the latest trends in Americana. Pet clothing and accessories are displaying styles that would make the hip hop stars green with envy. (Just to name a few examples, there’s now the “Americano” look, complete with jeans and baseball caps.)

The pet’s life is also a reflection of the country. Owning dogs in America is considered a status symbol. So if you have pets, you’ll be considered “high-bred.” If you don’t own pets, you’ll be considered a mooch.

Deciding what country do I live in is actually much easier than you think. All you need to do is look around you. Which community looks the most welcoming to you? Which has the best food, music, art, and style?

Next, find out how much you need to spend in order to fully experience that country. If it’s big-city action, then you might want to choose cities such as New York or San Francisco. However, if you prefer the slower pace of small towns, then you may choose somewhere in between. You should pick a place that feels like home to you. That means choosing a location where you can visit alone or with your family at least three or four times a year. If you don’t love being alone, then you should choose a town where there are plenty of other people who share your interests.

Lastly, consider your friends and family. Are they settled into their new country, or are they still learning the ways of the west? If they are still adjusting, then you should choose a quiet, out-of-the-way location. But if everyone is acclimating to the lifestyle, then a bustling city may be a better fit. Keep these things in mind when choosing the country in which to spend your next vacation.