To emigrate once may be the best decision you ever made. To emigrate over and over may pose special problems. Certain rich rock stars have gained notoriety over the years for seeking residency in particular countries for tax reasons. The trouble is, Interpol is never far away. It makes no difference if the person was spending their afternoon in a garden doing the ultimate in harmless, peaceful activities: woodshedding. When tax authorities come crashing in, it’s time to emigrate yet again.

Most regular people will not be emigrating for the same reasons as the Ringo Starr of yore. They might do it because it appears to be a panacea. But there is no such thing as a panacea. When your plane lands and you have finally emigrated to Las Vegas, there is only so long you can wander the Rainbow Boulevard before human woes catch up with you. To be specific, these woes are heart palpitations, root canals, insomnia, overdraft fees, heartbreak, scurrying sounds around your heater, snide people, guilt trips, and cliques. (They are not listed in order of importance.)

The good news is, you can emigrate in your armchair through reading. Reading is fundamental. When you merely read about Prague or Paris, you stay engaged in your original world. But you will feel as though you have emigrated.