Halloween is my favorite holiday of the year. And yes, that is a super American thing of me to say. More often than Christmas or Thanksgiving, my U.S. family reunites during spooky season. I grew up celebrating Halloween all year long as my aunt crafted monsters and designed a haunted house that welcomed hundreds of visitors each year. But all that changed when I moved to Portugal. Wait... is Halloween an American holiday? Halloween really isn’t celebrated around the world in the same way …
Ditching the Textbook: Why Learning Portuguese is the Ultimate Key to Unlocking Your Dream Abroad
If you’ve been following my journey here at Roam Away From Home, you already know how much moving abroad to Portugal has changed my world. But you also know that moving to a new country comes with its fair share of hurdles—and the absolute biggest one for most people moving abroad to Portugal? The language barrier. Thankfully, I had a secret weapon before I even stepped foot on the plane. Before my big move, my mom came across an incredible online program for learning Portuguese that was …
Here’s what they don’t tell you about moving abroad from the US
Moving abroad is one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life… and I’ve done a lot for only having about 30 years on this planet. I share highlights and all the most exciting parts of finding a home in a new country, but there is a negative side too. Most of this negativity surrounding moving aboard comes from people who wanted to move away from their home country and chose a new country that met their needs. Their main focus was leaving instead of assimilating to a new culture. …
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How to get your SNS in Lagos and Luz, Portugal
Portugal has many public benefits for residents, but it can be confusing to learn how to actually register for these benefits as someone moving abroad to Portugal. A question I asked far too many times myself was, “How can I get my SNS in Lagos, Portugal?” Don’t be like me and wait until you’re in the renewal process to actually receive your SNS and the medical benefits that come along with it. Let’s start out with the basics before diving into the SNS process for Lagos and Luz …
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The Ultimate Portugal Resource Guide for Americans Moving Abroad
How to Choose the Right Visa, Find a Home, and Settle into Life in Portugal When my husband and I decided to move abroad, we had to figure it all out for ourselves – from the visa process to logistics and everything in between. It took a lot of time to determine which country would be our new home. We researched countries around the world that we might want to live in, and chose Portugal even though we’d never visited. Why Portugal? Good weather, delicious food, kind people, relaxed …
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Moving from the US to Portugal? Here’s the Best Way to Learn Portugal Portuguese
Moving from the US to Portugal is an adventure filled with excitement, anticipation, and a healthy dose of overwhelm. As an American making the move, you're likely juggling a million things: visas, housing, packing, and more. Amidst all the logistics, there's one step that stands out as incredibly rewarding and truly helps you feel at home faster: learning Portugal Portuguese. It's not just about practicalities; it's about connecting with a new culture, understanding your surroundings, and …