Hello, everyone! It’s been a while since my last post, and I’ve missed sharing my travels with you. Life has taken a big turn—new country, new home, and new business! If you’ve followed Travel with Mia, you know I thrive on exploring new horizons, but this time, I’ve done more than visit. My family and I moved to Portugal! It’s a move that’s been both challenging and rewarding in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Let me fill you in on everything: the journey here, the business I started, and how you can connect with me for your own adventures in Portugal.
Why Move to Portugal? (Best Reasons to Relocate)
Portugal has been on my radar for a long time. There’s something captivating about this country—the mix of history, culture, and relaxed lifestyle. It offers a bit of everything: vibrant cities, picturesque coastal towns, breathtaking landscapes, and, of course, incredible food and wine. I knew it was a place where I could see myself putting down roots.
That being said, it wasn’t an overnight decision. I spent a lot of time scouting different areas, trying to find the right balance between city life and tranquility. I considered the Algarve with its gorgeous beaches, Lisbon with its lively cosmopolitan vibe, and even the Douro Valley with its vineyard-filled hills. Each region has its own appeal, but eventually, I found the place that felt like home.
The process of relocating to Portugal was no small feat. Between navigating bureaucracy, adjusting to a new pace of life, and figuring out things like healthcare in Portugal, car registration, and residency requirements, I had plenty of learning experiences. These are stories I’ll be sharing in future posts—because if you’re considering moving to Portugal, you’ll want to avoid some of the pitfalls I encountered!
Introducing New 2 Portugal: Your Relocation Partner
As I worked through my own relocation, I realized that others could benefit from the knowledge and network I was building. That’s how New 2 Portugal came to life. I wanted to create a service that helps people like you—whether you’re moving here, traveling for an extended stay, or just curious about what Portugal has to offer. Here’s how New 2 Portugal can help!
Location (and Virtual) Scouting & Tours:
We guide you through potential areas to live, from bustling neighborhoods in Lisbon to serene coastal retreats. Our location scouting days are designed to give you a real sense of life here, not just tourist hotspots. *We, also, do Virtual Scouting. With our full, half day and custom tours, you get to see and do the things that are on your “don’t miss” list! We can create a tour to fit your specific needs.
Airport & City Transfers:
Getting around when you first arrive can be overwhelming. We provide reliable airport transfers and local transport to make your arrival stress-free. We, also, provide Transfer Tours where we will pick you up and drop you off at your next destination but we will make 3 or 4 stops along the way at notable attractions and locations. This way, you’ll enjoy those places you would normally drive right past.
Relocation Assistance:
Relocating involves a lot more than just packing boxes. From registering your residence to setting up utilities and finding schools for your kids, we walk you through the process step-by-step. Need help translating documents? Check! Need help buying a car? Done! Need help renting or buying a home? N2P has you covered from beginning to end!
Moving to Portugal can be a dream, but the logistics can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here—to handle the details so you can focus on enjoying the adventure.
What’s It Like Living in Portugal? (Cost of Living & Lifestyle)
So, what’s daily life like here? Honestly, it’s a mix of productivity and pleasure. There are early mornings spent answering emails and organizing logistics for clients, followed by afternoons exploring hidden corners of the country. I might visit a family-owned vineyard in the Douro Valley one day and scout out the perfect neighborhood for a client in Cascais the next. And of course, I always make time to enjoy the simple pleasures—like sipping coffee at a local café or watching the sunset from our favorite local bar.
Cost of Living in Portugal vs. the USA or UK
One of the things I’ve come to appreciate is how much more affordable life can be here compared to places like Los Angeles, London, or New York. Rent, dining out, and healthcare are significantly cheaper. However, buying a car in Portugal is surprisingly expensive, so I always recommend researching public transport in Portugal as a cost-saving alternative.
Of course, there are still challenges. Portuguese bureaucracy is no joke! Whether it’s registering your car or figuring out how to get packages delivered, you learn patience quickly. But over time, you start to build connections and learn the shortcuts that make life easier. I’ve gathered a ton of tips on expat life in Portugal, which I’ll be sharing with you in future posts.
How You Can Connect with Me (Plan Your Move to Portugal)
Whether you’re dreaming about moving to Portugal or just want to plan an unforgettable trip, I’d love to help! You can find more details about our services on New 2 Portugal’s website. There, you’ll see options for relocation assistance, expat support, and guided scouting tours.
For those of you who’ve followed me here on Travel with Mia, thank you for being part of my journey. This blog will continue to be a space where I share travel tips for Portugal, insights, and expat experiences—but now with a focus on relocating to Portugal. I hope it’ll inspire you to chase your own travel dreams, wherever they may take you.
What’s Next? (Portugal Relocation Tips & Guides)
In the coming weeks, I’ll be diving into topics like best places to live in Portugal, how to navigate the Portuguese rental market, and yes, that whole ordeal of buying a car in Portugal as an expat. If there’s anything specific you want to know, drop me a message! I’d love to hear from you—whether it’s a question, a suggestion, or just a quick hello.
Until then, obrigada for following along. Here’s to new adventures! You can still read about my previous adventures here.
Mia
