Retiring in Portugal: An Affordable and Vibrant Option

Dear Friends,

As a retirement coach, I often get asked about the best places to retire, and Portugal ???? consistently ranks high on the list. In this edition of my newsletter, we'll explore the cost of living in Portugal compared to the United States, highlight an interview with a retiree who made the move, share tips for international travel, provide curated recommendations for your next trip to Lisbon and you’ll learn how to use AI to plan your own, custom trip (plus a couple bonus hot tips ??)!

Cost of Living: Portugal vs. the United States

According to a recent study by Global Citizen Solutions, the cost of living in Portugal is significantly lower than in the United States. Here are some key comparisons:

• Rent: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center in Portugal is around $600.
• Groceries: Grocery prices in Portugal are approximately 30% lower than in the U.S.
• Utilities: Utilities like electricity, heating, and internet are generally cheaper in Portugal, with an average monthly cost of around $100 compared to $150 in the U.S.
• Healthcare: Portugal's public healthcare system is affordable, with low out-of-pocket costs for those enrolled.

Overall, the cost of living in Portugal can be up to 40% lower than in the United States, making it an attractive destination for retirees looking to stretch their retirement savings.

Interview Highlight: Natalie Wester's Retirement in Portugal

In a Season 2 episode of my Act Three podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Natalie Wester, an American retiree who moved to Portugal a few years ago. Natalie shared her experience of settling in Portugal, her challenges, and the many benefits of living in this beautiful country.

One of the highlights of our conversation was Natalie's appreciation for the slower pace of life in Portugal. She talked about how the Portuguese value quality of life over work, and how this mindset has positively impacted her retirement experience.

Natalie also praised Portugal's affordability, especially regarding housing and healthcare. She shared that her monthly expenses are significantly lower than in the U.S., allowing her to live comfortably on her retirement savings.

You can listen to the full interview on Spotify. Or watch it on YouTube.

Tips for International Travel

If you're considering retiring or spending extended periods in Portugal, international travel will be part of your journey. Here are some tips to make your travel easier via Inc. Magazine:

1. Get a Travel Rewards Credit Card: Use a credit card that earns points or miles for your travel expenses, which can be redeemed for free flights, hotel stays, and more.
2. Pack Light: Traveling with just a carry-on bag can save you time, money, and hassle.
3. Learn a Few Phrases: Knowing basic phrases in the local language can make your travel smoother and more enjoyable.
4. Stay Connected: Invest in a reliable international data plan or a local SIM card to stay connected while abroad.
5. Be Flexible: Embrace the unexpected and be open to new experiences. Some of the best travel memories come from unplanned adventures.

A Real-Time Experience You Can Follow

?? This woman is in the process of moving to Portugal right now and is documenting and sharing her journey on TikTok! She addresses a lot of practical things about how to pack, move and visa requirements. Follow her!

Lisbon Travel Recommendations

If you're planning a trip to Lisbon, here are some curated recommendations to get you inspired:

Hotels:

• Bairro Alto Hotel - One of Lisbon’s crown jewels, the Bairro Alto Hotel is a five-star situation in the very center of the city. The rooftop bar is cozy yet elegant, while the pastelaria has some of the best fresh pastries.
• Hotel Hotel - A part of the Design Hotels group, Hotel Hotel has become a destination for creatives visiting Lisbon. (Its pool has been well-documented on Instagram.)
• The Ivens Hotel - An homage to Roberto Ivens and Hermenegildo Capelo’s 42-day jungle exploration in the 1800s, the hotel is a part of the Autograph Collection, with stunning interior design flourishes throughout.?
• Torel Palace - Two palaces and a mansion combine to create the historic Torel Palace boutique hotel. The property has amazing city views, a pool, restaurant, and beautiful grounds. Set in a quieter neighborhood on the east side of Avenida Liberdade, it’s a great place to feel set apart from the city while still being in the middle of it.
• Santa Clara 1728 - A part of the Silent Living group—a design team whose five projects across Portugal are family-owned and run—Santa Clara 1728 is a 6-suite home that is offered as a hotel. While a bit further out from the center of the city, it is still an easy journey to all of the city’s attractions.

Restaurants:

• Ofício - Opened last year, Oficio is already climbing up many restaurant lists. Calling itself an “atypical tasca” (tasca is a kind of restaurant in Portuguese), Oficio’s menu is designed for sharing. Their tarte de queijo (cheese pie) is one of their best-selling items.
• Oitto - Also opened in the last year, Oitto (meaning “8” in Portuguese) has set itself apart as a restaurant with upscale decor, great yet down-to-earth service and fantastic Portuguese food with a modern flair. The oysters are a favorite.?
• Rocco - Rocco is a three-in-one restaurant inside the Ivens Hotel. With a gastrobar, crudo bar and main Italian restaurant, Rocco is a great place to grab a drink, a bite or a whole dinner. Reservations can be hard to get.?
• A Nossa Casa - Nestled in the nightlife district of Bairro Alto, A Nossa Casa (“our house” in Portuguese) stands out for its remarkably seasonal menu designed for sharing. The atmosphere is relaxed and the service is excellent.
• Prado - Some people come for the seasonal menu, others for the organic, biodynamic wine selections. Either way, Prado knocks it out of the park. Designed for sharing, it’s easy to try nearly everything on the menu in one visit.?

Shopping:

• Felipa Almeida – Felipa offers incredibly curated and thoughtfully sourced artisanal products, sold a few times a year at her in-person pop-ups. If you are lucky enough to catch a pop-up, it shouldn’t be missed. She travels the country, designing unique pieces and buying from master artists. For something truly unique, follow her on Instagram.
• Origen Comum– Kathi and Albio are dear and talented friends of mine and the founders of Origen Comum. They have deep insight on techniques and craft know-how and have used their keen eye for design to create beautifully unique handmade pieces for the home. It’s a showroom and their pieces are available for retail. Well worth the visit if you love unique, artisanal home accessories.
• A Vida Portuguesa – One of the most beautiful shops, run by a journalist who has a sincere passion for preserving traditional craftsmanship throughout the country. It’s not only beautiful but offers useful, reasonably priced goods, gifts and mementos. They have a few shops throughout the city, but is the one on Intendente is a favorite.
• Luvaria Ulisses – The oldest (and smallest!) glove shop in Lisbon, offering handmade gloves which are otherwise very hard to come by. Go for the fitting experience and walk away with a pair of buttery soft leather gloves that you will treasure for a lifetime.
• Cordoa Sandals – Knock on her showroom door and if you’ve ordered in advance, she will have time to hand-assemble the sole onto a beautiful pair of handmade sandals for you. It can be hard to find a quality and chic sandal these days. I think these are a gem. She doesn’t have a website quite yet, but you can message her on Instagram.
• Paris Em Lisboa – I know we all love a quality pair of striped pajamas, so if on the hunt, look no further. Paris Em Lisboa’s beautiful shop will take you back in time. They also have beautiful Portuguese bed linens, bathrobes and other local textiles.
• Ecola or Corcoacia – A must if looking for that timeless wool blanket to be treasured for a lifetime. These beauties are made in the north of the country and support small, family-run enterprises.

Are you ready to book a flight yet?!

For more curated recommendations, check out the Portugal Travel Planner on YOLO Journal: https://yolojournal.substack.com/p/portugal-travel-planner

HOT TIP ??: Download the app - Rick Steves Audio Europe. If you are going to almost any major European destination, this app has free tours that you can listen to with Rick Steves as your private guide! Here’s a screen shot of part of his Portugal tours!

Plan Your Own Trip with AI

Part of my recommendations to clients always involves ways to keep learning in retirement. Lifelong learning is essential to staying relevant!? Have you used ChatGPT or Perplexity yet? Here’s an opportunity to give it a try. Then you can tell all your friends you know how to use AI ??

You can plan your own custom trip to Portugal. Here's a comprehensive AI prompt to help you get started. Modify based on your requirements and copy/paste into a new chat!

You are a travel agent specializing in planning trips to Portugal. Your client is a retiree interested in spending 2-3 months in Portugal, exploring the country's culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. They have a moderate budget and are open to staying in different regions during their trip.

Your task is to create a detailed itinerary for their trip, including:

1. Recommended regions/cities to visit and the number of days to spend in each location.

2. Top attractions, historical sites, and cultural experiences in each region.

3. Accommodation recommendations (hotels, Airbnbs, or rental apartments) in each location, considering their budget and preferences.

4. Suggestions for local restaurants and culinary experiences, highlighting traditional Portuguese cuisine.

5. Outdoor activities and natural attractions, such as hiking trails, beaches, or scenic drives.

6. Practical tips for getting around, including transportation options and any necessary travel documents.

7. A rough estimate of the total cost for the trip, including accommodation, transportation, activities, and meals.

Your itinerary should be well-researched, engaging, and tailored to the client's interests and preferences. Feel free to include personal anecdotes, insider tips, or any additional information that would enhance their travel experience in Portugal.

This AI prompt will help you create a personalized and comprehensive itinerary for your dream trip to Portugal, taking into account your preferences, budget, and interests.?

?????????? If you want somebody else to plan the entire trip, no worries. Reach out to leading luxury travel and lifestyle consultancy, In the Know Experiences, and they will handle EVERYTHING. Their travel notes page is also filled with amazing, luxury destinations all over the world to browse and inspire some dream ?? travel!

Whether you're considering retiring in Portugal or simply exploring it as a travel destination, this beautiful country has so much to offer. From its affordable cost of living to its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, Portugal is an excellent choice for retirees seeking a high quality of life.

Stay tuned for weekly content about travel, health, relationships, identity, spirituality, doing good and starting a new venture as it relates to retirement/the next chapter in your life ?

Please subscribe and forward to others thinking about planning their retirement or are already retired! Thanks for your support.

Warm regards,

Cara Gray Founder, Good Morning Freedom

P.S. If you want to start planning your retirement, set up a time on my calendar for a chat: My booking link.

P.S.S. If you are curious about my Retirement Blueprint service, here are all the details including how to get started.