Fast travel to section
Fast travel to section
I’ve lived in China, the Netherlands, Iraq, and South Korea.
My friends span 4 continents.
When I travel, I’m not a tourist; I’m visiting my friends’ recommendations, using their networks, seeing through local eyes.
This is travel intelligence you literally cannot find in English. Because it’s not written down, it’s shared over dinner, between neighbors, across cultures. Beyond tourism. This is Life.
Hi, I’m Chris, a father of one son, a former full-time DJ (600 shows worldwide), website designer, and psychology student turned full-time traveler. I’ve been to over 40 countries and lived in 4.
Why Moving Jack is Different
Here’s what happens when you actually live somewhere: You don’t just visit places, you also develop a social network.
- My Korean neighbors recommend specific places in Seoul (not the touristy ones).
- My Chinese friends tell me where to go in Shanghai.
- My Iraqi friends taught me about Oman and Lebanon in ways no guidebook could.
This knowledge doesn’t exist online. And that’s the info I share with you.
I share not only my own insights from where I’m currently living and going, but also tips about the surrounding countries through the locals around me.
Besides that, living abroad means I have to earn money to make a living. I’ve worked at two different Chinese companies in China, collaborated with local event organizers in Kurdistan, and performed as a DJ in South Korea. Experiences like this give me unique insights into the real local life.
How I changed from DJ to Travel Blogger
Long story short: that restless feeling led to a life-changing decision in 2019 when my wife got offered a job in Beijing. Without hesitation, we said yes, let’s go! Even though I’d never been to China and knew virtually nothing about the country. Sometimes your gut just knows, right?
The China Chapter That Changed Everything
Living in Beijing for two years opened my eyes to a different life abroad. After two years, I met a local DJ named Dexter King. He got me a job in Shanghai, and at the same time somehow my wife also was able to find another position in Shanghai.
We found a moving company within China and moved to Shanghai, where after a few months an incredible opportunity emerged. My wife’s company offered her a new position requiring us to relocate every 2-4 years.
Instead of returning home like we initially planned, we chose this nomadic path. Now I get to travel and experience new countries with the person I love most.
Our Iraq Adventure + Family Expansion Abroad
But that’s not all! After living in China we moved to Iraq, Iraq?! Yes! (Iraqi Kurdistan to be precise) Crazy right? At least that’s what all my friends and family thought, but we didn’t! We were excited and honestly it has been such an amazing and special time.
Our time in Iraq took an incredible turn when we discovered my wife was pregnant. We were incredibly happy but also thought at the same time – we’re in Iraq… We knew healthcare isn’t optimal here, and wouldn’t we want to be around friends and family? My wife’s job didn’t allow her to go back to the Netherlands for too long.
So we had to do various ultrasounds and checks at the hospital in Iraq. Quite the experience to say the least. Luckily, we were able to fly back to the Netherlands just within the timeframe that airlines still allow it. We had to get a doctor’s permission first. Oh, and our two cats flew with us as well, couldn’t leave them behind of course!
Back in the Netherlands, we rented a house in the same town where my parents live. It was a special but also hectic time as we weren’t really ‘home’. We just had our 3 suitcases but not much else. Plus, we needed a lot of things for our newborn of course, but we also had to have his room ready back in Iraq!
We lent, rented, had to buy things twice, give things away, or sell it. Those four months back home were hectic but so essential and gave us a peace of mind about healthcare during delivery.
Returning to Iraqi Kurdistan with a Baby
Here’s where things got a bit scary. My wife still had several months remaining on her work contract in Iraq, so we faced a choice: stay separated or return as a new family. Going separate wasn’t an option of course, so we chose adventure. Traveling internationally with a newborn, two cats, and enough baby gear to supply a small village was a challenge, and maybe one of the toughest flights we’ve ever done, but we made it!
The Big Shock
Now, Iraqi Kurdistan is a safe place: low crime, people are helpful, etc. But there’s always political tension; clashes with Turkey and Iran through drone incidents happen occasionally, but not close to the city.
Until then.
What happened when we got back, with our 2.5-month-old newborn, was without a doubt the scariest moment of our time abroad.
It was a night just like any other and I was giving our son a nightly bottle around midnight.
Then suddenly I heard loud bangs that sounded like explosions. Not one but about 6 to 8 bangs. I’ve heard loud bangs before from construction or fireworks, but this was different, the bangs were deep and just louder.
Within 10 minutes after opening my Instagram I saw videos of rockets hitting a villa that was only 3 km away from us!
We didn’t know why this was happening, which was really scary.
We found out that Iran targeted a villa in Iraqi Kurdistan. “Luckily” it stayed with this one time…
🏔️ Want Everything About Iraqi Kurdistan in Your Inbox?
After living in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan’s capital, for two years I’ve created the ultimate Kurdistan insider collection.
Get my complete Kurdistan guide instantly:
✨ Mountain secrets locals shared with me
🏔️ Breathtaking routes through the land
🏨 Where I actually stayed (from local lodges to city hotels)
🛣️ Road navigation tips that saved me countless hours
☕ Cultural insights and connection etiquette
💡 Key safety insights from real experience on the ground
Plus my personally accommodation recommendations from local guesthouses next to the citadel, to the perfectly located hotel in Erbil.
Just authentic experiences from someone who fell completely in love with Kurdistan’s landscapes and hospitality.
Our Next Move: Iraq to South Korea
When my wife’s contract concluded in Iraq, we packed up our expanded crew (baby, two cats, and significantly more luggage) for our short stop in the Netherlands before our next move to South Korea. We’ll stay there for several years, and after that? Who knows.
My Travel Expertise
Living abroad is such a different way of experiencing a place than just visiting for a week or two. When you’re actually living somewhere, you experience the daily rhythm of life, the morning commute, weekend routines, seasonal changes, and those small cultural moments that tourists never encounter.
Where I’ve Been
Here’s where I’ve performed, lived, and traveled:
Asia:
- China (Beijing, Changchun, Changsha 10x, Changzhou, Chengdu 3x, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Foshan, Guangzhou 3x, Hangzhou, Hefei, Inner mongolia, Jilin, Jinan, Kunming 2x, Linyi, Lishui, Liuzhou 3x, Nanjing 3x, Nanning 3x, Nantong, Ningbo 6x, Puyang, Sanya, Shanghai, Shangrao, Shantou, Shenzhen x7, Suzhou, Wuxi, Wenzhou, Wuhan 3x, Xi’An 2x, Yangzhou, Yiwu, Yinchuan, Zhangjiajie, Zhuhai 3x)
- South Korea: Seoul, Busan, Woraksan.
- Thailand: Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi.
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Okinawa
- Indonesia: Bali, Nusa Penida.
- Taiwan: Taipei, Pinglin, Wulai District, Yangmingshan
- Vietnam: Hanoi, Nin Bihn
Europe:
- Netherlands (home country), Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, Ireland, Ukraine, Scotland, England, Malta, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Croatia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia.
Middle East:
- Iraqi Kurdistan: Erbil, Duhok, Rawanduz, Choman, Akre
- United Arab Emirates: Dubai
- Qatar
- Oman: Muscat, Sur, Fins, Wahiba Sands
- Lebanon: Beirut, Jounieh
- Turkey: Istanbul
Oceania:
- Australia: Sydney, Adelaide
- New Zealand (going in January 2026!)
America:
- Canada: Fork River (relatives live there), Toronto, Dauphin, Rocky Mountains, Quebec
- Mexico: La Santanera, Playa Del Carmen, Cancun
Travel Statistics
- 40+ countries explored across 5 continents
- 600+ DJ performances worldwide (2007-2022)
- 7+ years living abroad (China: Beijing & Shanghai, Iraqi Kurdistan, South Korea)
- 6 international relocations
- 20+ years of active international travel
- Languages: Dutch (native) English, Mandarin (conversational), German (basic), Kurdish (basic phrases)
Living Abroad: The Challenges
During my time abroad, there were several scary moments, such as an earthquake, a rocket strike in Iraqi Kurdistan, and a wild dog chased us… yikes! But I’ve learned from those moments, and I think sharing these experiences helps other travelers prepare better for the unexpected challenges of international living.
Other Travel Challenges I’ve Overcome
- Navigated complex Chinese work visa process (four times)
- Dealt with visa denials and successfully reapplied
- Learned to navigate Chinese business culture and social norms
- Adapted to different concepts of time and punctuality across cultures
- Moved houses in China three times
- Overcame language barriers in non-English speaking countries
- Overcame cultural misunderstandings and conflicts in China
- Missed flights due to time zone confusion
- Navigated food poisoning in countries with limited medical resources
Press & Media
I’m super proud to have been featured in major international news outlets, including appearances on national TV in the US.
- NBC + Various US News Stations – Featured stories about travel planning with a video recorded interview.
- BBC – Two Articles. One about living in Seoul, the other about my experiences in China.
- Fodor’s Travel – My insights on how to find a trustworthy local guide.
- Business Insider – Living abroad in South Korea and the financial aspects, including daycare.
- Metro UK – International lifestyle coverage of having lived abroad in Iraq and China.
- U.S. News.com – Travel tips on travel gear.
- Matador Network – My tips about visiting festivals abroad and why it’s worth it to travel for a festival
- Welcome To The Jungle – I share my insights on work etiquette in South Korea.
- NerdWallet, GOBanking Rates – Financial aspects of international living.
- Today’s Parent – Tips for traveling with a stroller
- Bored Panda, Euro Directions – Travel stories, photos and cultural experiences.
Reader Testimonials
Sometimes I receive messages from my readers which is just amazing and it’s one of the reasons why I started this blog: to inspire others and help make their travels easier and more enjoyable.
“Was looking for an itinerary for my coming road trip to Oman and stumbled on your blog and IG page: GORGEOUS photos and you’re documenting your trips so thoroughly, this is really helpful.” – Salma
“Hi Jack! We did go to Oman in the end, it was really cool! We enjoyed really much the diversity of things we could do there, from snorkeling, to mountain and desert, and people were very kind!! It was like you describe in your blog 🙂” – Christina
Goals & Values
- First and foremost, I only write about places I’ve actually been.
- I never use AI to write blog posts, everything is human-written ( what a crazy time to be alive right! )
- My research is me visiting places and asking locals.
- I don’t promote places I wouldn’t recommend to friends
- I don’t pretend everywhere is perfect
- My goal? Share authentic experiences that actually help you travel better and live abroad successfully. “`
Where I am Now
Upcoming Trips
- October 2025 – Okinawa, Japan
- January 2026 – New Zealand - Roadtrip
- May 2026 – Australia
- July 2026 – The Netherlands
- 2026 – U.S. West Coast
Follow my journey:
- Instagram: MovingJack_official
- I post real-life walking videos on my YouTube Channel of where I’ve been to give an even more in-depth look of places. I try to upload new ones weekly! YouTube: Moving-Jack
Let’s Connect!
I’m always excited to share stories, answer questions about destinations I’ve explored, and help fellow travelers plan their next adventure. If you’re curious about living abroad, finding authentic cultural experiences, or just want to chat about travel, reach out!
Or send me a message directly: contact [ at ] moving-jack [ dot ] com
- Contact page
- Response time: Usually within 24 hours unless I’m somewhere off-grid 😉
- Currently based in: Seoul, South Korea (until…not sure yet!)
I’m so grateful you took the time to visit and support my blog. Thank you!
– Chris
