Portugal Junkies Podcast

We are thrilled to return from our longer-than-intended break with a new Portugal Junkies Podcast episode, where Mark + I recap all the things we’ve been up to since we last published the podcast in August.AND now that we are back - you’ll be getting a new episode every Friday so make sure you are subscribed wherever you listen - YouTube, Substack or Apple! (We are also on other platforms but you get the idea….)In Part 3, our final update from the break, we catch you up on:✅ To buy or not to buy - houses and cars!✅ What it takes to create a SIMPLE life abroad✅ Our take on real estate in Portugal where we are in the Algarve“What is meant for us will not miss us.”THE GOOD STUFF…➡️If you have questions for us about our move abroad and want to scheduled a 1:1 call with us, book a time on our calendar HERE.➡️If you’d like help designing the perfect Portugal itinerary from the world famous Mark “The Brit” Burns, for just $249, book a FREE consult call HERE. ➡️If you need help with visas or tax information, check out our partners Joao Pinto + Rui Borges (who are the experts) HERE.➡️For other key resources + 💫FREEBIES💫 about Portugal and moving abroad, visit our website: www.stan.store/portugaljunkiesCheers y’all!Meredith + Mark Get full access to Portugal Junkies at portugaljunkies.substack.com/subscribe

We are thrilled to return from our longer-than-intended break with a new Portugal Junkies Podcast episode, where Mark + I recap all the things we’ve been up to since we last published the podcast in August.AND now that we are back - you’ll be getting a new episode every Friday so make sure you are subscribed wherever you listen - YouTube, Substack or Apple! (We are also on other platforms but you get the idea….)In Part 2, we catch you up on:✅ WE SOLD OUR HOUSE IN THE USA!✅ What we did in Portugal when our 28-year-old nephew came to visit (Obidos + Nazare for the win!)✅ Our future travel plans over the next few months and the holidaysStay tuned for Part 3 coming your way for the next week!THE GOOD STUFF…➡️If you have questions for us about our move abroad and want to scheduled a 1:1 call with us, book a time on our calendar HERE.➡️If you’d like help designing the perfect Portugal itinerary from the world famous Mark “The Brit” Burns, for just $249, book a FREE consult call HERE. ➡️If you need help with visas or tax information, check out our partners Joao Pinto + Rui Borges (who are the experts) HERE.➡️For other key resources + 💫FREEBIES💫 about Portugal and moving abroad, visit our website: www.stan.store/portugaljunkiesCheers y’all!Meredith + Mark[Obidos, August 2025] Get full access to Portugal Junkies at portugaljunkies.substack.com/subscribe

We are thrilled to return from our longer-than-intended break with a new Portugal Junkies Podcast episode, where Mark + I recap all the things we’ve been up to since we last published the podcast in August.AND now that we are back - you’ll be getting a new episode every Friday so make sure you are subscribed wherever you listen - YouTube, Substack or Apple! (We are also on other platforms but you get the idea….)In Part 1, we catch you up on:✅ Our new apartment in Tavira - why we moved, the pros + cons and how much we pay here in rent✅ Where we’ve been traveling over the break✅ How we are feeling as we celebrate our 2 year anniversary in Portugal!Stay tuned for Part 2 and Part 3 coming your way for the next two weeks!THE GOOD STUFF…⬇️➡️If you have questions for us about our move abroad and want to scheduled a 1:1 call with us, book a time on our calendar here:https://stan.store/portugaljunkies/p/book-a-11-call-with-us-o146p➡️If you’d like help designing the perfect Portugal itinerary from the world famous Mark “The Brit” Burns, for just $249, book a FREE consult call here:https://stan.store/portugaljunkies/p/lets-start-planning-your-portugal-adventure➡️If you need help with visas or tax information, check out our partners Joao Pinto + Rui Borges (who are the experts) here:https://stan.store/portugaljunkies➡️For other key resources + 💫FREEBIES💫 about Portugal and moving abroad, visit our website: https://stan.store/portugaljunkiesCheers y’all!Meredith + Mark Get full access to Portugal Junkies at portugaljunkies.substack.com/subscribe

Can you believe we have published our 50th episode?! We are so thankful for your support, for listening, for every note of thanks. August is vacation month for lots of Portuguese, so we are following suit at Portugal Junkies Podcast!But - we will be back soon, we promise.In the meantime, tune into our top episodes + resources until we get back:* Five Easy Steps To Pin Point Your Perfect Place In Portugal* Top 5 Must Have Resources For Moving To Portugal* Ask Your Partner These 10 Questions Before Moving Abroad* Believe You Can: Your Move Abroad Resources for 2025* Our D7 Process in Fall 2023 »» Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 (Disclaimer: NISS, apostille and FBI background checks requirements have changed but this is a good overview of what to expect regarding the process.)* Our Stan Store - book a 1:1 call with us anytime!Cheers, y’all!Meredith + MarkPS - if you have content or ideas that you’d like to see us cover in future podcast episodes, send us a message below! Get full access to Portugal Junkies at portugaljunkies.substack.com/subscribe

So here’s the thing.Two years ago, when we were preparing for our visa interview + appointment, we did DIY. The process is doable, albeit frustrating at times when your total understanding of the process is toddler-level, and many times in the first year, I doubled-down on the DIY route.But in the past two years, we’ve seen drastic + rapid changes in the process that can catch you off guard if you are navigating the process alone.Enter Joao Madeira Pinto, our immigration attorney. You know - the guy we wish we had known in 2023? Because now that we know all that he does to help people navigate the visa process, we’d likely have said, please help us!In this week’s episode, we give you Part 2 with Joao, where he highlights what he can offer someone who is interesting in moving to Portugal. Top prize goes to obtaining your NIF, opening a bank account within a week + even finding an apartment and securing that elusive lease requirement!To talk directly with Joao and get customized advice based on your plans + needs, Joao offers a FREE consultation call + discount to our listeners here. FYI - he’s the best.Tune in and make the decision that works best for you.Cheers, y’all!Meredith + Mark[Joao Madeira Pinto, Certified Immigration Attorney]Website: www.madpintolaw.com Get full access to Portugal Junkies at portugaljunkies.substack.com/subscribe

Friends, don’t let the misinformation on the “interwebs” kill your Portugal dream before it starts.The amount of inaccuracies we’ve seen written recently about Portugal’s recently PROPOSED immigration changes (ahem, not official yet) is shocking.So, recognizing that we are not the experts on this topic, we invited our immigration attorney here in Portugal on the podcast this week to stop the chaos and get to the truth.Enter Joao Madeira Pinto, certified immigration attorney, Portugal Junkies ally + friend.In just a few minutes, Joao overviews the proposed immigration changes currently being considered in Portugal, the extension of the time required in country before one can apply for citizenship and the changes to the timeline for family reunification.He also brilliantly talks about the goals behind some of these proposals, whether they might get push back because they could violate the Portuguese constitution + gives his predictions of where this is all headed.The moral of the story - nothing has changed yet. Nothing. And it may be a while before we know more.So hold your horses if this has sent you reeling - as an immigrant or as a future visa applicant. Listen in + learn from the experts.Cheers, y’all!Meredith + MarkTo talk directly with Joao and get customized advice based on your plans + needs, Joao offers a FREE consultation call + discount to our listeners here. FYI - he’s the best.[Joao Madeira Pinto, Immigration Attorney]Website: www.madpintolaw.com Get full access to Portugal Junkies at portugaljunkies.substack.com/subscribe

New episode is live! 🎙️🎙️We answer these questions from our listeners ⬇️* What are the pros and cons of living in the Algarve?* Do you still feel the same about not having a car a year and half later?* What have you adjusted to living without?* How is Charlotte doing? What’s her care like there at the vet?Planning a trip to Portugal but hate the actual PLANNING part? We got you. We built customized Portugal itineraries based on how YOU like to travel.Start by booking your free call with us hereCheers, y’all!Meredith + Mark[Praia do Caroveiro, Portugal - February 2025] Get full access to Portugal Junkies at portugaljunkies.substack.com/subscribe

Women deserve to know the details, so I gave them up on the podcast today. After 47 episodes, I think we’ve proven that Mark + I are VERY real when it comes to sharing our experiences living in Portugal since 2023.No sugar coating. No romanticized European dream sequences.Just real life. Almost 1.5 years in.Today on the podcast is Part 2 of what we did last week, when I interviewed Mark (without preparation!)…and this time he interviewed me.And guess what, folks? The entire conversation became about healthcare, accessibility, quality of care and even some stories that may be a little TMI - all from the female lens.So tune in if you’re curious about my personal experiences with healthcare in Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve.Cheers, y’all!Meredith💫For more resources for traveling in Portugal or moving abroad, click here.💫 Get full access to Portugal Junkies at portugaljunkies.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s podcast episode is totally off the cuff.I ask “the hubs” a bunch of questions about our move abroad to Portugal with zero prep to get his truly unfiltered, gut-reaction answers.Next week, he’ll do the asking.Here were my questions for him:* What top personality traits do you feel are a “must-have” for anyone considering a move abroad?* What has been the most personally challenging part of moving here for you?* Do you see us living in Portugal for the rest of our lives? Why or why not?* What would be the deal breaker that would make you/us leave Portugal?If you’re thinking of booking a scouting trip or just plan on exploring Portugal soon as a traveler, let us know! We build customized travel itineraries based on your goals and the way you like to travel. Find more info HERE.Who We Are, What We Do + Move Abroad/Portugal Travel Resources ⬇️⬇️⬇️ www.stan.store/portugaljunkiesOh… and Charlotte the Pup says hi!Cheers, y’all!Meredith + Mark Get full access to Portugal Junkies at portugaljunkies.substack.com/subscribe

Are you getting closer + closer to really leaving the USA + moving to Portugal?Given what we are seeing, many people are + we get it. We moved in December 2023 from Charlotte, NC to Portugal and now live in the Algarve.In this episode, we share our top 5 “must see” resources if you are considering a move abroad to Portugal in 2025 or 2026.At the very least, these are the resources that will help you research visa info + plan cost of living impacts/budgets + understand the overall landscape of a move abroad - before you go jumping on a plane or do the Donald Dash.Links we promised from this podcast ⬇️⬇️⬇️Benagil Caves Kayak TourBenagil Caves Speed Boat Tourwww.stan.store/portugaljunkies - find links to our immigration attorney and our CPA here!Numbeo WebsiteFive Easy Steps To Pinpoint Your Perfect Place In Portugal (24:45)We Tap Out Podcast (our friends!) Get full access to Portugal Junkies at portugaljunkies.substack.com/subscribe

We are approaching 18 months in Portugal and there are still a few things that are not quite routine for us… yet.We chat about it in this week’s podcast episode:➡️Later nights + later morning routines➡️Portuguese time➡️Metric system + sizing + nutrition labels➡️Where exactly do I go to get _________?➡️Why do we still have trouble relaxing sometimes?If you or someone you know is interested in traveling in Portugal, hit us up! We build customized itineraries for Portugal travelers. 💫FREE💫 consultation call link below.🗝️Key Resources:www.stan.store/portugaljunkiesCheers y’all!Meredith + Mark Get full access to Portugal Junkies at portugaljunkies.substack.com/subscribe

Can’t stop, won’t stop talking about what still blows our mind in Portugal after living here for the past 16 months.We talk about the things that still shock us (in a good way) and how those same things keep us feeling so grateful to be immigrants in Portugal.Key Travel + Move Abroad Resources: www.stan.store/portugaljunkies Get full access to Portugal Junkies at portugaljunkies.substack.com/subscribe

Can’t stop, won’t stop talking about what still blows our mind in Portugal after living here for the past 16 months.We talk about the things that still shock us (in a good way) and how those same things keep us feeling so grateful to be immigrants in Portugal.So good that we have a Part 2 coming next week!Key Travel + Move Abroad Resources: www.stan.store/portugaljunkies Get full access to Portugal Junkies at portugaljunkies.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s podcast episode had us discussing things we thought we would miss when we moved abroad but surprisingly we don’t miss much at all!When you are making a choice to leave the home you’ve known, it can feel daunting to think about these kinds of comforts that you fear missing- a home you and your partner built, your favorite bourbon or even the car-centric lifestyle you’ve always been used to…But honestly, we’ve realized that a simple, peaceful life here makes those things seem so insignificant after our move abroad to Portugal 16 months ago now.So lean in - and know that some things are worth missing and sometimes are the very thing you give up for a better life abroad.Key Travel + Moving Abroad Resources:www.stan.store/portugaljunkiesCheers, y’all!Meredith + Mark Get full access to Portugal Junkies at portugaljunkies.substack.com/subscribe

After 40 episodes (yay!) of this podcast documenting our move from the US to Portugal in late 2023, we get one question the most often.How do I know WHERE in Portugal is the best place to move for me and my family?We spend this episode walking through five easy steps to help you narrow down your list of potential locations.* Consider climate. This will help you weed out the areas that are too hot, too cold or too wet for you.* Coastal or inland? Is your heart set on beach life or are you open to other options?* What size of a place do you envision for yourself? Big city, small town, tiny fishing village?* Will you have a car or no? How much will public transportation be a part of your daily life? This will weed out any areas where public transportation is not readily available or close by. If you will have a car, this one doesn’t matter!* Let us build your customized scouting trip itinerary for you (starting at just $149)! ➡️https://stan.store/portugaljunkies/p/lets-start-planning-your-portugal-adventure Get full access to Portugal Junkies at portugaljunkies.substack.com/subscribe

Moving abroad from the US to Portugal has taught us a LOT about ourselves but one thing we are both struggling with after taking a mini break from traditional work is this feeling on some days that our worth is tied up in our work.And when that traditional work is no longer a part of everyday life, that worthiness issue can rear it’s ugly head. On this episode of the podcast, we talk about corporate indoctrination, how we can battle any feelings that we are being unproductive without traditional work and analyze what’s really going on… because neither of us have plans right now to return to those golden handcuffs of corporate life.Key Resources:www.stan.store/portugaljunkies Get full access to Portugal Junkies at portugaljunkies.substack.com/subscribe

How much did we save to move abroad? How much does it actually cost to move to Portugal? What if your situation doesn’t look like ours?We finally talk about the financial side of our move - after lots of hesitation! But with more and more people truly considering leaving the USA and moving abroad, we thought it was important to be transparent so that you can create the right financial plan for yourself.Ultimate takeaways here:1 - Approach your move abroad with a positive outlook - no matter what your financial situation currently is.2 - Surround yourself with the right advisors to help you.Some of our best partners can be found here:www.stan.store/portugaljunkies Get full access to Portugal Junkies at portugaljunkies.substack.com/subscribe

If you’re trying to decide if moving to Portugal’s Algarve region is the right place for you, tune in to our most recent podcast episode! We talk through the pros + cons of living in the Algarve as we hit our 6th month here in Tavira and 16th month in Portugal after moving from Charlotte, NC in 2023.Key Resources:www.stan.store/portugaljunkiesHighlights - Too Long, Didn’t WatchPros - slow pace of beach life is good for the central nervous system, weather/climate + no immediate need to be fluent in Portuguese can give you a soft landing (although not a pass to NOT learn the language)Cons - less frequent public transportation, proximity to the nearest emergency hospital + not as “cultural + authentic” as other areas of Portugal[Tavira, Portugal - April 2025] Get full access to Portugal Junkies at portugaljunkies.substack.com/subscribe

How are Americans perceived now in Europe? We talk about this through some specific experiences we’ve had meeting people from all over the world while living here in Portugal - their questions, our conversations + feeling this need to make sure they know really quickly that we aren’t THOSE KIND of Americans.Truth hurts. Our American brand is blemished bigly.Key Resources:www.stan.store/portugaljunkies Get full access to Portugal Junkies at portugaljunkies.substack.com/subscribe

Mark + I have a “healthy” conversation about:* Parents and medical emergencies* Establishing medical care here in Portugal + our experiences so far in the Algarve* Recent Portuguese Festivals + Events we attended* Our new upcoming content: Portugal Junkies Day Trip Diaries* Customized Itineraries + 1:1 CallsKey Resources:www.stan.store/portugaljunkies Get full access to Portugal Junkies at portugaljunkies.substack.com/subscribe