One of the things I promised myself was that when I retire, I would travel more. Well, I am not retiring yet. In fact, I hope never to retire, but I decided not to prioritize making money anymore. Instead, I am prioritizing quality of life, and traveling is a big part of having a great quality of life.

Taking time off work to travel and see the world is one of the most valuable investments of my time. After my trip, I came back with new ideas, a fresh outlook on life, and energy to start new projects. I feel richer after experiencing new cultures and seeing amazing landscapes. I feel recharged mentally and emotionally.

I just came back from a one week trip to Portugal. It was shoulder season and everything was a bit less crowded and the Airbnbs were were cheaper. This turned out to be a decision because some of the line to see certain tourist attractions were too long and there were some tourist attraction where waiting in line would have eaten up a whole day.

I started the trip by going to Lisbon. Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, and it shows. In the oldest part of the city, the houses and buildings are placed without any sort of organized pattern.

The other two peculiar things about the city are that many of the streets were built before automobiles were invented. A few of the streets were as wide as my arms stretched to the sides, and many didn’t have sidewalks or had sidewalks so narrow they were only wide enough for one person.

Another peculiar thing is that most of the old streets were paved with small hand-cut tiles, which is beautiful to see but uncomfortable to walk on and extremely expensive and inefficient to maintain.

In Lisbon, I fell in love with Rua Augusta, which is one of the most amazing avenues I have ever seen. It’s full of restaurants and charming little shops all around. The street leads to a huge arch called Arco da Rua Augusta, and on the other side of the arch is the sea.

The other interesting landmark is the São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge), which has been standing since the Iron Age and has been occupied by the Romans, the Moors, and the Christians. One interesting thing about the castle is that the garden is full of peacocks that walk around, interacting with humans.

The next landmark was the Belém Tower, which is just a gorgeous piece of architecture. It was built in the 1500s, during the time when the Portuguese were colonizing the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

Another stop we made was to the Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena), located on a hilltop in the Sintra Mountains, near Lisbon. In addition to the beauty of the palace, the location is stunning. We had to rent a 4X4 vehicle to reach the top. I can only imagine the difficulty the builders must have faced to get up there. Despite the revenue it generates as a tourist attraction, I noticed that the palace seemed a bit neglected. On postcards, the palace looks bright and colorful, but in real life, it seems like it hasn’t been painted in many decades.

Our next stop was the town of Cascais, a beautiful small town about half an hour from Lisbon. It has everything: beaches, old castles, and modern homes. I highly recommend going there and simply walking around.

One thing that impressed me was the public transportation. The trains and buses were clean, organized, and efficient. Another interesting fact was that there weren’t that many people asking for money on the streets, unlike in Montreal, where in busy areas, there’s always someone asking for money.

The final stop was the city of Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal. By the time we arrived in Porto, I had blisters on my feet from all the walking, and to be honest, we were a bit tired. We decided to hop on several tourist buses to get driven around the city. Porto is a mix of old and new.

As someone who speaks three languages—Spanish, English, and French—I had no trouble communicating with the locals. Most of them are bilingual. Additionally, Portuguese is a very easy language to learn.

Finally, I learned that Cascais is the most expensive city, Porto is the least expensive, and Lisbon is the city of choice for expats.

Why Portugal is the Perfect Home for Expats

Portugal has become a popular destination for expats, digital nomads, and remote workers due to a combination of factors that make it attractive for those seeking a new base:

1. Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to many other European countries, Portugal offers a relatively low cost of living, especially in smaller cities and rural areas. Housing, food, and transportation are more affordable, allowing expats and digital nomads to live comfortably while maintaining a good quality of life.
2. Mild Climate: Portugal enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and long, sunny summers, making it an appealing destination year-round. The pleasant weather allows for outdoor activities and a healthy work-life balance.
3. Vibrant Culture and Lifestyle: Portugal has a rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and beautiful cities like Lisbon and Porto. The relaxed lifestyle, friendly locals, and delicious cuisine contribute to a high quality of life for residents.
4. Reliable Internet and Infrastructure: The country has modern infrastructure, including reliable high-speed internet, which is essential for remote work. Many cafes and coworking spaces cater specifically to digital nomads.
5. Favorable Visa Policies: Portugal offers a range of visa options for remote workers and digital nomads, including the D7 visa for individuals with passive income or remote work, making it relatively easy to relocate and work legally from the country.
6. Expat-Friendly Communities: Portugal has a growing expat community, particularly in cities like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve region. This creates a supportive environment for new arrivals, making the transition smoother.
7. Proximity to Europe: Portugal’s location provides easy access to other European countries, making it convenient for travel or business trips throughout the continent.

These factors, combined with Portugal’s natural beauty and laid-back vibe, have made it a top choice for those seeking a flexible, remote working lifestyle.

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