Sometimes a vacation turns into a STAYcation. As in “I’m stayin’ here!”
Whether you’re retiring to a change of pace, a digital nomad seeking a beachy new place to pitch your cyber-tent, or you’re just running from the law for a crime you didn’t commit, Portugal may be home to the New You you’ve been looking for.
Before — and especially during — Covid, adventure-seekers from America, England, Ireland, Norway, Italy and a host of other countries decided to ditch their long-time homes and relocate to this idyllic, sunny wonderland at the western edge of Europe. And though real estate prices have gone up, the cost of living is still low, which means … it’s not too late for you to get a new permanent address.
Temperate, culturally diverse and a cheap flight to virtually everywhere else in Europe, Portugal is one of the easiest countries in which to gain citizenship and a whole new life, just like the guest on this week’s episode of A Fork on the Road, Lisbon’s ex-pat Liz.
You can watch episode 99, Top 10 Reasons to Move to Portugal, here.
In 99, Liz walks us through the top 10 reasons to move to Portugal. After 50 years in America and 30 years of research, Liz finally left Los Angeles to set up her new home in a bustling resort town in the south of Portugal. She explains the paperwork, the various cities that are popular with ex-pats, shopping, making new friends, dating and how the food is “Different. Not different bad, but different.”
Hosts Mark and Yeni go deep inside the Masonic Castle at Sintra and dash around the vibrant colonial city of Lisbon on a wild vespa ride during their time staying at the boutique Alma Lusa hotel in the center of the city.
Yeni has a “soup-phiany” at Fatto eating Chef Claudio Coelho’s mushroom truffle and chickpea soup but can’t decide if it’s better than her mushroom soup at Tuscany’s Osteria Di Passignano.
Liz dishes on the drinking habits of British ex-pats (excessive) and the Portugal palate (bland-ish) while Mark and Yeni revel in their neighborhood food tour that included pastel de nata from Timeout Market Lisboa, a food hall with more meat than Gold’s Gym on a Friday night.
Links, insights and Liz’s inspiring story of courage make this an episode you want to watch over and over … as you fly over the ocean en route to your new home.
- @MarkDeCarlo – X
- @MarkDeCarloTV – Instagram
Read This Next

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Feb 12, 2025Escape to the Carefree Vibe of Mexico’s Isla Holbox
On a tiny island off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, remote life takes on new meaning. Cars are nowhere to be found, internet connections are sporadic at best, and visitors have no choice but to unplug and indulge in natural wonders.
Sponsored Content
A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
eFlyer Reviews
Feb 12, 2025La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St. Martin Review
I recently visited La Samanna, a Belmond Hotel, located on Baie Longue (Long Bay) on the Caribbean island of St. Martin. Although most of the resort is on the French side of St. Martin, a very small piece sits on the Dutch side, Sint-Maarten, making it possible to walk from France to Holland, and back again, by taking two steps. Of course, since most of the resort’s guests speak English, everyone working at the resort speaks English as well.
eFlyer News
Feb 12, 2025JW Marriott Expands in Maldives with JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort
JW Marriott just unveiled its second resort in the Maldives with JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. Located in Kaafu atoll’s largest lagoon (just 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport), this new and luxurious retreat spans 80 private pool villas, include 47 overwater pool villas.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Egypt
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS
eFlyer News
Feb 12, 2025Air France Launches New Direct Flights Between Los Angeles and Nice, France
To celebrate Cannes Film Festival and Monaco F1 Grand Prix, Air France launches new direct flights between Hollywood and the French Riviera. A longstanding partner of the Cannes Film Festival, Air France once again restarts special flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and Nice (NCE).
New SIRO Hotel to Open in Tokyo in 2029
eFlyer News
Feb 12, 2025February 2025
Feb 10, 2025Beaches, Parks and Family Attractions Make San Diego a Perennial Favorite
Of all the places in the world, San Diego still feels to me like the one that got away. With its warm ocean, outdoor lifestyle and chill attitude, there aren’t many reasons to leave once you’re there. Somehow, though, after college, I did leave, and so did my husband. Fast-forward a decade or so, after a blind date led to two boys, a house in the Los Angeles suburbs and a desire to share all the San Diego things with our teens during spring break.
Sponsored Content
A Word with Nat Pieper, oneworld CEO
Name: Nat Pieper Title: CEO at oneworld City: Dallas, Texas First job: Stadium vendor
Slideshow
Feb 10, 20258 Stained-Glass Windows to Put on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these stained-glass windows with us.
ShareThis