Our journey began with a conversation about whether we could realistically afford to retire in the United States. The rising cost of living, the fast-paced lifestyle, and the increasing incidents of violence across the country made us question our decision. Did we truly want to stay here? The truth was, we had never ventured outside the United States, so how could we be sure that living abroad was the right choice for us?

Embrace adventure, step into the unknown, take risks, and truly live.

After much deliberation, we decided it was time to venture beyond the United States and set our sights on Copenhagen. It was right after the height of the Covid pandemic, and we planned the trip months in advance for Christmas and New Year’s. Unfortunately, a resurgence of Covid derailed our plans—flights were canceled, the city shut down, and we had no choice but to postpone. With travel vouchers in hand, we waited patiently until November 2022.

This time, we chose Athens, Greece, as our destination. We stayed in the charming neighborhood of Plaka, nestled right beneath the iconic Acropolis. Stepping outside the U.S. for the first time was a whirlwind of emotions—terrifying yet thrilling. The experience was nothing short of transformative, sparking a newfound passion for travel that we couldn’t wait to pursue further.

Our initial adventure began with navigating public transportation. Relying heavily on Google Maps and a bit of guesswork, we eventually found our way to our €26-a-night Airbnb. The accommodations were simple, offering a glimpse into everyday life. One unexpected challenge was adjusting to the old plumbing—flushing toilet paper wasn’t an option, which turned out to be an adventure of its own!

The cost and quality of the food left us speechless. The Acropolis was absolutely breathtaking, and overall, our first journey abroad was unforgettable. We even made a quick trip to Milan, Italy, to see one of our favorite bands, Green Lung. Without diving into too many details—yes, we were hooked! We craved more international adventures. But what eventually brought us to Portugal?

We were captivated by the stunning landscapes, the rich cultural diversity, and the relaxed pace of life that seemed to dissolve the burdens we had carried for so long. For the first time in years, we felt truly free, and we longed to hold onto that feeling even after returning home.

Considering Portugal

The moment we stepped off the plane from Greece, we knew we were eager to travel again. Countless articles praised Portugal as the top destination for retirees. Although we were still about a decade away from retirement, we decided there was no better time to start exploring our options.

Our incredible journey started here!