• After years of being a lawyer, I suddenly became burned out and lonely.
• I decided to quit my job, leave London, and move to a small town in the UK.
• At first, the change was difficult, but now I know I'm in the right place.

I never understood the concept of burnout at work. For me, the key to success in the rat race was simple: If you're hungry enough, you will endure; you can't possibly get tired of doing your job if you are tough enough.

Well, that was the case until I burned out.

Twelve years of studying law and working as an attorney in Mexico, the US, and the UK had taken their toll. After years of working in London in a fast-paced environment at a law firm, I reached my limit and broke down.

When I reached rock bottom, I decided to make a drastic change and move out of London.

I quit to prioritize mental health over money and glory

One day, I woke up feeling lonely, exhausted, anxious, and lost — with my life solely defined by my career.

I knew it was time to do something about it, so I left my high-power law firm. The hardest part of quitting wasn't the uncertainty of what the future held but saying goodbye to a high-paying job — especially in a city like London, where the cost of living is high. But at a certain point, money wasn't enough to keep me there.

I started therapy and a rigorous exercise regimen. I needed to make myself stronger and healthier. It wasn't easy, but in the end, those things empowered me and gave me the clarity I needed to end the toxic relationship I had with my job and finally have a fresh start somewhere else.

I had to leave the big city

Staying in London was never an option; it was too expensive to sustain myself financially and too chaotic to clear my head and find peace. I needed nature to reconnect with myself.

After some research, I discovered the perfect place: Eastbourne. It's a small seaside town connected to London by direct train, next to a couple of hiking trails, with more sun than the rest of the UK, and with enough coffee shops to keep me caffeinated.

I moved as soon as I could. The first weeks were rough as I learned the main difference between a big city and a small town: Life is slow— in every possible way. At first, I was desperate and annoyed, but after a couple of days, I understood there was no need to do things quickly. Things are better enjoyed when you take the time to acknowledge them.

One of the best things about small-town life is the sense of community. Everyone in Eastbourne knows each other and welcomes you as if you were family. Inspired by this sense of community, I decided to immerse myself fully. I joined the local rowing club and a volunteer group.

On the professional side of things, I struck a balance between my work and personal life. I took the necessary number of deals and clients to earn a living and also have a moment for myself every day. The balance is what keeps me happy and healthy.

I'm happy for the time being

I know that nothing is permanent, so I'm not sure how long I'll last in this small resort town.

I just know that I have never felt better physically, mentally, and spiritually. I found peace and also some time to embrace my artistic side. I don't miss the old days at all.

But this tranquil existence in Eastbourne may not endure indefinitely. I reckon that at some point, I will need to take more action in my daily life, but for the time being, it has been the best decision I've ever made.

• Many small towns across the United States resemble quaint European villages.
• Helen, Georgia's downtown area resembles a quiet Bavarian alpine village.
• Solvang, California, is a Danish-inspired village that feels festive year-round.

You don't have to take a transatlantic flight to feel like you're in Europe this holiday season.

Across the United States, small towns draw inspiration from European countries like Switzerland, Germany, and Sweden with local traditions, Christmas markets, and quaint architecture.

Plus, as many Americans are seeking to spend less this holiday season, you can avoid the expense of an international flight while still exploring a new place for the holidays.

Here are seven small towns in the US that will make you feel like you jetted off to Europe for the holidays.

Solvang, California

Solvang, California, will make you feel as if you've been transported to a quaint European town. It's an adorable Danish-inspired village located in the Santa Ynez Valley, up the coast from Santa Barbara. 

Founded by Danish-American settlers from the Midwest in the early 1900s, the town is filled with Danish-inspired architecture. There are even replicas of Copenhagen's Little Mermaid statue and Round Tower, plus bakeries and restaurants that sell Danish cuisine.

The town feels festive all year round, although Solvang comes alive around the holidays. Every year, the European-inspired town hosts Julefest, a holiday celebration complete with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping, and Danish treats.

Helen, Georgia

Surrounded by mountains and forests, Helen, Georgia, features architecture that will seemingly transport you to a quaint German alpine village, complete with restaurants serving German cuisine such as bratwurst, schnitzel, and Sauerbraten.

While the town is famous for its Oktoberfest celebration, Helen also offers a number of festive events during the holidays. The town has a Christmas market and parade featuring costumed characters, floats, and Santa Claus himself, plus festive lights and a breakfast with Santa during the Christmas season.

Frankenmuth, Michigan

Frankenmuth, also known as Michigan's Little Bavaria, is one of the coziest places to spend the holidays. The town's architecture will make you feel as if you've been transported to Europe, and it's even better when it's covered in snow.

The town is also home to Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, which, at 320,000 square feet, calls itself the world's largest Christmas store.

Leavenworth, Washington

Remodeled in the 1960s to resemble a European ski town, Leavenworth features Bavarian-inspired architecture that will make you feel like you're in a quaint European town, not central Washington.

For the holidays, Leavenworth's downtown is decorated in lights and the town's annual Christmas market keeps the holiday festivities going all season long.

Vail, Colorado

Vail, partially modeled after the Swiss ski resort Zermatt, is nestled in the Colorado Rockies and attracts visitors from all over the world each winter.

The town might be best known for its ski slopes, but the European-inspired charm doesn't stop there. Shops and restaurants also take inspiration from Switzerland.

New Glarus, Wisconsin

New Glarus, named after the canton of Glarus in eastern Switzerland, was founded in 1845 by Swiss immigrants, and much of the town still reflects that history.

Chalet-like buildings and events like the Heidi Folk Festival make this town feel like a quaint Swiss village. Visitors can also buy chocolate and other goods imported directly from Europe. New Glarus is also home to the only Swiss Heritage organization in the United States and the Swiss Historical Village Museum.

Lindsborg, Kansas

Settled in 1869 by Swedish immigrants and known as Little Sweden, Lindsborg resembles a small Swedish town.

Around town, you'll spot colorfully painted dala horses that line the town's streets, as well as bakeries selling traditional Swedish treats like lingonberry bars and pancakes.

Every other year in October, the town holds its Svensk Hyllningsfest, a festival where locals dress in traditional Swedish clothing and participate in folk dancing and other traditions to celebrate the Swedish pioneers who created the community.