Moving to Portugal: What It’s Really Like to Live Abroad with Nicole Curcio

Ever wondered what it’s really like to leave the U.S. and start over in another country?In this episode, I sit down with ceramic artist Nicole Curcio, who moved from Portland, Oregon to a small village in Portugal with her husband and two dogs to build a new life abroad. We talk about what inspired the move (hint: lifestyle, healthcare, and a dream of creating an artist residency), and what it actually takes to make it happen, from navigating visas to buying property in a foreign country.Nicole shares the honest reality of expat life, including the slower pace, language barriers, and the unexpected challenges of… well, getting anything done. But she also talks about the magic of it all: the welcoming community, the beauty of living near the coast, and the joy of building something from scratch.We also get into practical advice for anyone considering a move abroad, like why you should spend extended time in a place before committing, how to connect with locals, and what she wishes she knew before making the leap.If you’ve ever dreamed about living in Europe or starting fresh somewhere new, this episode is equal parts inspiration and real talk.👉 For more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to my Substack at The Gomes Guide.Follow Nicole:🔗 Instagram: @welltraveledwares🌐 Website: welltraveledwares.comResources Mentioned:Portugal The Simple Life PodcastFacebook Group: Americans & Friends PT (search for expat resources)Support the show