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Tabacon Hot Springs La Fortuna Costa Rica

12/31/2023

If you plan on visiting La Fortuna, Costa Rica, home of the Arenal Volcano, a trip to Tabacon Hot Springs is a ‘MUST DO’. Arenal is known for hot springs and there are several to chose from, but Tabacon is absolutely gorgeous with lush greenery.

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There are twelve pools throughout the property. The hot springs are heated by rivers flowing from Arenal Volcano, and flow down purely by the force of gravity. The pools higher up in the property are actually hotter as the water cools as it flows.

Each of the pools is surrounded by flowers and greenery.

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Pink Street in Lisbon

12/31/2023

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Pink Street in Lisbon is one of the most vibrant and colorful places to visit in Portugal. Located in the heart of Lisbon, this street is known for its unique pink aesthetic and Instagram-worthy spot for selfies.

**This post may contain affiliate links. When you purchase from my links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps to keep this blog running and it very much appreciated.**

Pink Street in Lisbon is a vibrant and colorful street that has become a popular tourist destination. It is the perfect place to take selfies, shop, and explore the local culture.

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The street is lined with cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops that offer a variety of things to do. Visitors can enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine or simply people watch. There are also plenty of opportunities for taking amazing selfies with the bright pink backdrop of the street.

Check out this short to find out more about the Pink Street's history. Lisbon's Most Intagrammable Street - Watch on YouTube.

Whether you're looking for a fun night out or just want to explore the local culture, Pink Street in Lisbon should definitely be on your list of places to visit!

Pink Street located just a few minutes walk from Cais do Sodre on R. Nova do Carvalho

Stay Connected While In Lisbon with Airalo!

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Exploring Aveiro Portugal

12/31/2023

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In this guide, I will briefly take you through what you need to know about exploring Aveiro.

Introduction to Aveiro, Portugal

The city of Aveiro is located in the Aveiro District of Portugal, approximately 70 kilometers south of Porto. With its historic architecture, vibrant culture, and beautiful beaches, it is no wonder that Aveiro has become a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world.

Aside from its canals, Aveiro is also known for its beautiful beaches. The Costa Nova Beach, with its vibrant striped houses, is a popular spot for sunbathing and enjoying the refreshing Atlantic breeze.

The Barra Beach, on the other hand, is famous for its lighthouse, which is one of the tallest in Europe. Whether you prefer lounging on the sand or taking a dip in the ocean, Aveiro offers a range of beach options to suit every preference.

A Brief History of Aveiro

Aveiro's history can be traced back to Roman times when it was primarily a fishing village. Over the centuries, the city grew in importance due to its salt production, and its canals were constructed to facilitate transportation. Today, Aveiro is a thriving city that maintains its historical charm while embracing modernity.

One of the most significant periods in Aveiro's history was during the Age of Discoveries, when Portuguese explorers set sail to explore unknown lands. Aveiro, with its strategic location along the coast, played a crucial role in supporting these expeditions. The city became a hub for maritime activities, attracting merchants, sailors, and adventurers from far and wide.

As you wander through the streets of Aveiro, you will encounter architectural gems that reflect its rich history. The Aveiro Cathedral, also known as the Church of St. Dominic, is a prime example of Gothic and Baroque influences. Its intricate façade and ornate interior will leave you in awe of the craftsmanship of the past.

Another notable landmark is the Art Nouveau Museum, housed in a former residence. This museum showcases the Art Nouveau style that flourished in Aveiro during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With its intricate details, elegant curves, and vibrant colors, Art Nouveau architecture adds a touch of whimsy and charm to the city's streets.

Throughout Aveiro, you will also find numerous traditional ceramic tile panels, known as azulejos, adorning buildings. These tiles depict scenes from Aveiro's history and culture, adding a visual narrative to the city's streetscape.

As you explore Aveiro, take the time to indulge in its culinary delights. The city is famous for its ovos moles, a traditional sweet made from eggs and sugar. These delicate treats are shaped into various forms, such as shells or fish, and are a delight for both the eyes and taste buds.

In conclusion, Aveiro is a city that seamlessly blends its rich history with its vibrant present. From its charming canals and historic architecture to its beautiful beaches and culinary delights, Aveiro offers a truly immersive experience for travelers seeking a unique and captivating destination.

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10 Reasons To Retire In Portugal

12/19/2023

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What makes Portugal such a popular destination for retirees? Would you like to know the secret behind Portugal's popularity among retirees? To help you decide, here's list of 10 advantages of retiring to Portugal.

So, without further ado, let’s begin.

1. Excellent weather

Portugal is situated in southwestern Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula with an area of about 92,000 km², this nation is bordered by Spain to the north and east and the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west.

It has an average of more than 300 sunny days a year. That means you’ll be able to enjoy having a nice walk across the beaches for more than two-thirds of the year. Isn’t that fantastic?

Braga in the north.

Lisbon

Lagos in the south.

The rainy season is between October and February. You will hardly see any rain during the rest of the year.

2. Tax Benefits

Portugal has one of the most desired tax regimes for expats: the all-famous Non-Habitual Resident Tax Regime.

In short, if you’re an expat and move to Portugal, you’ll be able to apply for this regime (deadline is March 31st).

This regime grants the new resident some of the most desirable tax benefits in the world that comprise:

A 10% flat tax rate on most of the incomes originating outside Portugal.
A 20% flat tax rate on most incomes obtained in Portugal.
Keep in mind that your income tax rate can reach an incredible 48% if you don’t apply for the NHR regime, although most Portuguese people pay a 23% tax rate.

3. The most beautiful locations

Portugal is a tiny nation with many of hidden treasures. You can easily find green landscapes and mountainous regions and even snow.

Monserrat Palace Gardens in Sintra

4. Friendly People

Among the world's inhabitants, Portuguese people are among the friendliest. Everyone is extremely kind and welcoming, even though there are subtle differences between people from different parts of the nation, rural and urban areas, etc. Moving was a lot less stressful because of that.

When you retire, you want to settle down, have fun, and feel like you belong somewhere. For that reason, Portugal is an ideal location for establishing meaningful relationships.

5. Great Food

Portuguese cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors influenced by centuries of trade and exploration. Fresh seafood dishes like bacalhau (salted cod), grilled sardines, prawns and octopus are staples along the coast, while hearty stews like cozido à portuguesa and feijoada showcase the country's love for comfort food.

An the most delicious desserts, mostly egg-based like the Pastel de Nata.

Types of restaurants you'll find are:
Traditional Portuguese restaurants, generally associated with good traditional food.
Tasquinhas, where you can find the most regional and family-made food.
The tabernas, a place that serves small portions of traditional food along with wine and beer.

Wine and beer are very inexpensive in Portugal. I don't drink alcohol so I don't have first hand knowledge of the taste but my friends tell me that the wine is spectacular.

6. Low cost of living

Portugal offers a delightful retirement destination with a low cost of living, making it an attractive option for retirees. With various affordable towns and villages like Braga, Setúbal, Tomar, and Caldas da Rainha, a couple can live comfortably for under $30,000 per year.

Portugal's low cost of living compared to the U.S. is evident, excluding rent is almost 29% lower on average.

Retirees can enjoy a comfortable retirement in Portugal with a monthly budget ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on where you live (check out my apartment tour here). Cities such as Lisbon and Porto as well as the Algarve will be a bit more expensive.

In 2023, my average monthly expenses was €2500 and you can read about it here and I live in Lisbon.

7. Safety

Portugal is generally considered a safe country to live in, consistently ranking as one of the safest countries globally with low crime rates and a stable political environment. The country's commitment to safety, effective governance, and welcoming atmosphere makes it secure and appealing for residents and visitors alike. With a reputation as one of the safest nations globally, Portugal offers a high quality of life, affordable cost of living, family-friendly atmosphere, and an attractive tax system.

The Global Peace Index ranks Portugal as the seventh safest country in the world, with low crime rates compared to other European countries. Violent crimes are notably infrequent in Portugal, contributing to an overall sense of safety. Additionally, Portugal's commitment to safety permeates various aspects of daily life, ensuring a stable and secure atmosphere for residents and visitors.

I've taken public transportation as late as 11:30 p.m. and have walked home from the metro station to my apartment (about a 10 minute walk) by myself and have felt totally safe.

8. Healthcare

Healthcare is definitely an important topic for the retiree.

Portugal offers high-quality and cheap (often free) public healthcare system as well as private insurance at reasonable costs.

Once you have your Residence Permit, you'll need to obtain your Numero de Utente to have access to the public healthcare system. You will be appointed a family doctor to be your personal physician. Before being treated with a specialist doctor, you need to have a consultation with your family doctor.

There are a wide variety of hospitals, especially in Lisbon and Porto:
Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central (Hospital Dona Estefania);
Centro Hospitalar do Porto (Hospital Geral de Santo Antonio);
Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa;
Clínica Central do Bonfim Lda;
Hospital da Luz Torres de Lisboa (formerly British Hospital);
Clinica Médica International;
Hospital CUF

9. Large Expat Community

Portugal has become popular; that’s the reality. You'll find expats communities from such countries as: Brazil, Cape Verde, Ukraine, United Kingdom, China, India and the United States to name a few.

10. Ease of Getting a Residence Permit

Portugal has the easiest visa application process when compared to other nations like Germany, France, and Spain, because the local government actively promotes retirement in Portugal.

There will be more commerce, more jobs, and a better economy as a result of more people residing in Portugal.

Those who are in compliance with the visa process will be able to lawfully reside in Portugal and experience all that it has to offer.

Keep in mind that you can also become a Portuguese citizen after just five years of residence in the country.

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Tabacon Hot Springs La Fortuna Costa Rica

Pink Street in Lisbon

Exploring Aveiro Portugal

10 Reasons To Retire In Portugal

Linda Roisum

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