According to a British expat who has lived in Spain for 38 years, there is one common mistake that many people make before relocating to the country. Daniel Efford, based in La Cala de Mijas on the Costa del Sol, shares videos on social media admiring the region's balmy weather, picturesque landscapes, and delicious cuisine.

However, in a recent video posted on his TikTok page, @danielelfford23, he offered some eye-opening information for those who may be hoping to follow in his footsteps. He described living in Spain as "brilliant" and "not easy," yet reassuring viewers that's the case with starting a new life in any country. However, quickly revealed where a number of people are going wrong.

He said: "I think one of the biggest stumbing blocks that people have is that when they come to Spain, they come as holidaymakers. They look at life from the holidaymaker view and they don't really take into consideration of what happens behind the scenes."

Daniel further explained that when tourists visit the country for a short amount of time, they believe that their holiday experience will be the same as living there, prompting them to want to stay long term but having that mindset in fact is "just a mistake".

Offering hopeful expats "words of advice", he emphasised the importance of doing intentional research whilst the move to Spain is still just an idea.

He continued: "If you are thinking of moving to Spain, one you check out what happens in Spain by asking local people. Do a bit of homework, speak to locals, and I'm not talking about the Brits in your favourite bar that you go to. Get to speaking to some local Spanish people that can speak English or that you've managed to create a bond with."

By doing that, he said wannabe expat can find out the necessary information, including what to do and where to go. He also suggests going online and researching expats in Spain's experiences.

Daniel warned that people's "the tourist view clouds common sense."

He concluded by re-emphasising people to "do [their] homework" and speak to multiple local people. Before assuring that living in abroad is good it just requires "the right ingredients".