First Month Living in Portugal as a Digital Nomad (Pros & Cons)

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I'm a retiree living 4 years in Colombia now. Just found your channel and the info is always spot on. I've traveled the world my whole life and can't see living full time in the US anymore. I visit my grown kids and that's about it. Life abroad just offers too many adventures as opposed to planting myself in the US and not experiencing the world. We are looking at Spain or Portugal next. Maybe Mallorca, we'll see, but just want to write a small note to tell you that you're doing a great job and give me hope other young and older Americans alike will live outside their box and experience other worlds.

I am 29 from Texas and have traveled abroad many times (Indonesia, Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Scotland, Germany, and Portugal) and then all over the USA. And Portugal is HANDS DOWN the most beautiful place I have ever visited. Its like a dream. Like a fairy tale. The people, the food, the wine, the breathtaking landscapes and beaches. It has been 4 years since I was there and I have never wanted to go back to a place so bad.

7:06 Kristin, you are SO right about the time zone benefits ! I just got back from a 6 week stay in Europe, 3 weeks in Malta, and 3 weeks in Athens. My office hours in the US are 8am - 5pm Central time, so in Malta I worked from 3pm - Midnight, and in Athens it was 4pm - 1am. Although I worked everyday Monday through Friday, I felt like I was on a 6 week vacation. I had almost the entire day to do whatever I wanted. It was more relaxing. I got 5-8 miles of walking / running in a day. I saw all the museums, historic sights, ate at fun restaurants, and never actually took a day of vacation time. I can't understand why more people aren't trying to do this.

Love how locals are really taking care of their island. It's clean and well maintained.

It's easier to meet people in a walkable place. A walk to run an errand turns into a chat with the neighbor sweeping or hanging laundry, kicking a ball back to children playing, or other random life experiences along the way. I think our cars separate us from all of those opportunities to connect and learn from each other. I also think small independent businesses as opposed to corporate mega stores are more conducive to being socially connected to a community. This all adds to a better quality of life.

I moved from California over 6 years ago and am still loving it. I live in the south (the Algarve) and the beaches and warm weather are similar to CA but with the charm and culture of Portugal and ease of travel around Europe. Enjoy the lovely people and kind communities in the sweet towns.

I am an American retiree in Thailand. I love your observations about rediscovering the benefits of living outside the US. I’ve lived in Thailand 6 years now, in Bangkok, and without a car. We built a house in the countryside and this year I bought a car. For years I’ve been telling people how wonderful it was to not own a house and a car. Now though, I am loving the car. I have experienced a jolt of freedom to travel more, at least inside Thailand. I see a lot of road trips in my future.

Since stumbling onto your channel I've been mesmerized by your videos (and I've been watching a ton of travel destination vids), imagining my retirement and travel plans. I will have no limitations in any form when that day comes and yours have been thorough and very enjoyable. Thank you for making your videos easy to watch and understand for those of us who can only take a glimpse of other lands during breaks and lunches at work or seldom downtime at home. You definitely play a part in improving the quality of life some of us are working every day to try to attain and congrats on making the move to the Hawaii of Europe!!!

I absolutely love your channel inspiring, motivating, stimulating!! Best wishes, Much love 💗 all the way to Portugal 🇵🇹!

Kristin, You have been an inspiration to many with the valuable information provided. Thanks!

I appreciate your summaries, they're very informative and entertaining. You seem very mature.

happy for you Kristin!! your info is always so helpful; i appreciate it...and I love your book!! Cheers!!

Congratulations on the move and the raised satisfaction of life. Living vicariously through your adventures.

Im so happy for you, its fun watching your journey. Must be nice being able to blend in without being treated some type of way because of certain differences !!

Super helpful. I am playing with the decision of becoming an expat. Right now I have 2 dogs who have about another 5-7 years so just doing research. In 2023 I am taking the plunge to do 100% rv living as a stepping stone. I am a nomad at heart and adventure is my soul food. I am so happy I stumbled upon you and am now following ALL of your things :)

Great to hear you are back in Portugal, Kristin. I've been following you for a while. I'm moving to Portugal in 2024, so I'll look forward

I'm staying put since the state of my old joints precludes going for any long walks and yet listening to you is so interesting and so very enjoyable that it's become part of my routine. BTW, you're nothing like I imagined when curiosity first compelled me to check out one of your videos. 😊

Kristen.....I found this video so grpunded and focused on what really counts. You touched on aspects of life abroad that can be irritants to feeling part of a place. I know you went through a lot of stress durung covid and that slowed you down in your work for a while but you seem to have come back from it stronger and that will be something that will help you to grow and succeed in Europe. Enjoy your new life in Portugal and keep doing positive thnigs that help others take on the nomad life prepared for its challenges and its opportunities. Thanks!

Seeing your videos inspires me to do something more with my life. I’ve lived in the US my entire life and watching you go out and explore different places makes me want to go explore places as well! Saving up money now so next year I can travel. Thanks for your videos and advice!