Your true honesty is what makes Norm & Tina the best retirement channel available. You could just say everything’s great and wouldn’t change a thing but life is always an evolution. Thanks for always keeping it real!
You've given us some great insight in this video. I've heard it said by many retirement planners that we are not very good at predicting what will make us happiest in the future. Some think the permanent vacation is what they want, only to miss the comforts and predictability of home, along with their social connections with friends and family. That doesn't mean we shouldn't plan, just plan to adapt as needed. This was a good reminder. Thank you.
@@ThisIsOurRetirementyou’re sharing what your true experience is all about and that’s valuable. Just like in working life we must remain connected. The goal posts can move and change. That’s where the fun is. Part of our 25th anniversary was spent in Olhos de Aqua. Loved it! Thanks for sharing.
Travel interests do change. Snowbirds have lots of options. Would recommend for these next few years while still healthy don’t let insurance restrict you too much because it will happen quickly that you can’t do the many months trips anyway and will naturally be leaning on 30 day trips. Window is short for longer trips. Enjoy while you can. Health is everything go go years go quickly and slow go years creep in.
Agreed. I retired at 55 and snow birding the winters was in my game plan. Now, seven years later, the doctor tells me not a wise idea to be away from November to April, ending this stage of my life. Shorter trips will become the new norm.
Thank you for your valuable insight Tina and Norm. I am finding the more I travel, the more grateful I feel to live in Canada. We have our problems as a nation but I am so happy to call Canada home. Enjoy the rest of your trip. Safe travels. 😎🇨🇦
The cost of living is crazy in this Country called Canada. Yes, we have lots of immigrants coming in, but what the media doesn't tell you is that there is also a mass exudus of truly born Canadians. I am one. Currently only a Flex Pat, but looking for a new spot to raise our son. Canada is no longer the same. Truth hurts.
My parents used to snowbird in Florida. They left Ontario late November, and returned mid March. Their Xmas gift to any family was to pay for our accommodation if we visited them. One unexpected benefit (?) was that the family was already used to them not being home for Christmas (made it easier after they passed).
We’ve never been comfortable with being away from home for extended periods. We’ve stayed in some pretty nice hotels/cabins and no matter how nice, the furniture, couch, bed isn’t as comfortable as home. When I go on vacation the last thing I want to do is cook. Do plenty of that at home. The hanks for your honesty. Really enjoyed this video. 🇨🇦🇺🇸☕️
Ah! Ha! You are coming around to what we learned a few years ago. We believe in variety, so we have seen nearly 70 countries at this point. We do the 30 - to 35-day stints (with many repeats, too)and focus on enjoying the different cultures, cuisines, and people around the world, often times five times annually. We just spent two weeks in Thailand and Cambodia and are currently on a 14-day cruise out of Singapore. Your advice to most others is sound, but everyone has different interests. As an unbelievable example, we stayed in a beautiful guest house with a delightful owner in Chiang Mai at Can$28 per day, including a wonderful breakfast of 10 choices. It was super clean as shoes were not even allowed to be worn inside. We had a huge room with private bathroom. Plus, we met great people from around the world. They received a 10 rating from us. Cheers. Roger
Funny you say that as we have already done a wonderful trip to China with river cruise 🚢 there too , also Australia, New Zealand , Panama Canal , Greenland , Mexico , Budapest , Prague , Cuba , Dominion Republic to name just a few places we have been . Perhaps you are quick to think you know who we are 🙂
@ThisIsOurRetirement How could you conclude that they are not SE Asia people? They are obviously seasoned international travellers, and they provide valuable insights, especially for the uninitiated but not exclusively. I value their content. Roger
My husband and I agree, we go to either Maui or Marco Island for the month of February plus three travel days. To be away from family and friends, and our pup Finn, even though they may come to visit two months or more is just too long to be away from home. We love our home( uptown urban condo)and the very nice routine that we enjoy. It's really about balance. Enjoy your channel!! Greetings from Southern Ontario, just back from Marco Island FL 😊
Thanks for reinforcing my experience as a snowbird. It's harder than people realize to leave your friends, family and home for two-plus months. I'm shortening my stay next year for the same reasons. If you get to Florida next year, the Sarasota/Brandenton/Venice are terrific!
Good points. I vaguely had an idea of the slow travel around the world, but then as I thought about it more I realized I probably wouldn’t enjoy it. Something about your own bed and routine that I miss! I think I would much rather do more short trips than a long extended one. Nice to get away, but also nice to get home 👍
We have only ever travelled locally for a few days or maybe a week at a time and now we can't even do that due to adopting a couple of cats that we can't really have looked after by anyone else. I try and get away a couple of times a year in my 4wd for maybe a week at a time but that's about it. We're making our place nicer all the time and we live in a very popular tourist area anyway so it really isn't an issue. Fortunately neither of us want the hassles of travelling but plenty of others think differently. Whatever works that you can afford and are happy with I guess.
Yes most credit cards are the same for over 60’s, again blind luck struck us 20 years ago when we bought this plan! We would urge and 40 to 50 year olds to buy an annual travel medical plan, it will save so much money in retirement.
I was so curious about this topic, and your video was really interesting! We are strange "snowbirds " who spend winters in Texas and summers in England. I have learned a lot about myself in the past 4 years after this dual continent living and watching all my TH-cam friends who are full time global travelers. In our older years, Ian and I REALLY need a comfortable bed to sleep in, healthy food to eat, and a chance to maintain our workout schedule. By setting up a second home base in Gloucestershire, we have access to all those things. From there we take shorter trips around Britain or Europe but have a home to come back to ❤🏡. Thanks for another great video! XX Dara
Glad you enjoyed our video , you are lucky to have two home bases , we agree we too like a home base to come back too with your own bed and stuff !! Take Care and get well soon 🇺🇸💐🇨🇦
I totally agree with your thoughts. Seventy-plus days is a long time to be away from kids and grandkids. That's a brilliant idea chopping up your snowbirding into manageable chunks.
This totally makes sense to me. I find trips longer than 4 weeks aren’t exciting. If you stay in a place for a long period its just your life, where’s a more limited period is exciting.
Thank you for sharing your traveling experiences with us. It always looks so beautiful there, the sky is so pretty. We are having somewhat of a roller coaster weather, today it's 65f in Indiana. Thanks, John.
Very insightful video. Your experience is similar to ours. Our travel card gives us 21 days os insurance, so we did 3 twenty one day trips this winter. Two trips to mexico where flights are very inexpensive for us, and one to Portugal ( lisbon, Porto and Faro ). One of the full time vloggers made an excellent point that they have to stay on top of the travel deals year round, and that your best travel value may change from year to year. In Portugal we find that we eat lunch out, and have a small breakfast and dinner in our hotel. The lunch values are amazing!
Hello, I have been doing snowbirding for the last 6 years for 2 months a time. There is no place I've gone where eating out is less expensive than cooking in. The spices and oils are just not that big of a factor. Of course you can mix it up, I usually eat out once a day or once every two days. Towards the end of a trip I let the food run out and eat at restaurants more often to minimize waste. I love your videos, keep up the great work!
I think 31 days is plenty for one place, especially with grands waiting for you at home. BTW thank you for being our “pioneers” going out ahead to scout out the territory for those of us looking forward to retirement.
I was surprised that insurance was such a big part of your decision. It makes sense, because you are paying a lot! We have changed our approach ... we used to just hope we wouldn't get ill or have any accidents during our time in the UK. But now that I'm turning 60 and we are spending 5 months away from the USA, we registered with our local surgery and we both have NHS numbers now. I feel better having access to medical care in both of our homes now!
Funny you mention that Dara about hoping to not get sick , here you are recovering from Covid 🙂and when we arrived in Portugal we both got sick after two days , also when we took a cruise to Greenland we also got Covid 😱 Although we have British Passports we still need insurance when we visit the UK 🙂
@@ThisIsOurRetirement yes it is no fun getting ill while on holiday... but obviously it happens!! And as we age and have issues that need ongoing care, it's best to have coverage that allows for that.
We are following you and also trying to find what fits our pocket book, our environment and our health (we don’t love the cold and snowy Newfoundland winters anymore). As for family, one grandson here on the Island and two toddlers is in western Canada. Two years ago we lost my parents, mother in law and two elderly aunts so we thought it would be nice to go to Florida for a few days and then over Christmas take a 10 day cruise, it was okay but we won’t do it again…..so as it got closer to summer we decided to drive across Canada to visit the kiddies. After watching your videos we have been considering going to Portugal…..because of declining health we want to do it all now …..but I realize that there is no place like home. Thank you Tina and Norm for putting it out there. Sorry for the long message.
This may be your best, most practical video yet, guys (and I love all you vids). Your experiences really resonate with people, so thanks for sharing them with us. I understand the need to return home for a while and then go off again. Perfectly reasonable. Take care, and thanks again. 😊
You two have read my mind! Hubby and I just returned to beautiful Ontario 🇨🇦 from 5 weeks in the Algarve. It was our second year in Portugal ( being 57 & 60 years old). Next year we will extend a week.. BUT have no interest in two months there. As gorgeous as it is.. ( and it is, eh?) Cheers, to another great video 😊
Excellent and honest advice. Time and health you can’t control and races into your lens rapidly. Seize the day. “ Snowbirding ever 30 days” 👍 Thank you! 🙏🏼
First - great picture quality on the video! Thank you for being so open and honest regarding your experience and the need to be flexible in retirement - at a time in life when many become less flexible/open to change.
We loved meeting you both in Albufeira twice 😊 Love all your comments here. We stayed for 3 weeks and felt limited with the kitchen facility and basic spices. Hope to see you again next year in Portugal. Stay healthy and happy❤
We found that we are ready to return home in roughly 4-5 weeks. Go home. Stay roughly 6 weeks. Get recharged. See family and friends. Then we are excited about trying a new place. We live in a place that is considered semi snow bird. No really cold weather here. But we leave here in the summer to escape the heat and crowds. No one way is best for everyone. You do you!
Well done for being so open minded and honest guys - thoroughly enjoying your journey through retirement. Totally agree with you on long hotel/motel/B&B stays. Having a little break during a long Canadian Winter is great, but a week or two is enough for us - we're not beach bunnies or sun worshipers. A bit of sunshine just can't make up for lost time with family in our books. We take a couple of month long RV trips a year, while the grandkids are in school. The beauty of the RV is that all your stuff comes with you - including cheese graters!! I like being able to make our own food - we tend to eat healthier that way and enjoy the odd meal out as a treat.
Thanks Susan for sharing we aren’t sun Worshippers either we just like to walk on the beach 🏝️ and can do it easier here have a good weekend Cheers 🇨🇦🙂🍷
I am happy to hear this! The next time you come to the Algarve, you won't have to schlep around supermarkets and do your own cooking...you'll be eating in the fabulous Portuguese restaurants, eating food cooked the Algarvian way and enjoying every mouthful. You'll fall in love with the Algarve all over again for sure! I really look forward to next year's videos, where we will see you both with smiles on your faces and twinkles in your eyes. Rock on, Tina and Norm. Can't wait to see what's next for you in your next videos!
Appreciate this video. I was wondering if you had grandchildren and if you missed them. This video really is good about addressing those questions. If we were going to snowbird my wife and I were wondering about if missing our children and grandkids will be an issue. I think you came up with a good solution with breaking up your trips in increments of 30 days. Thank you for bringing up some other great points along with solutions. Once again great video. I love you guys.
We did Spain for 30 days in January and it was perfect; home for 3 days and South Carolina for February, home for March (make maple syrup) and 2 weeks in Costa Rica leaving on Saturday.
@@ThisIsOurRetirement Hi Tina and Norm, We stayed in the hills about 20km west of Denia (between Alicante and Valencia). It was a lovely 'estate' (aka ex pat community with people from all over Europe), they were all friendly people that we would meet on our daily walks up and down the massive hills (great exercise). You couldn't stay there without a car; we rented one for the month and one week we also traveled to Cordoba (3 days and so worth the trip), Seville, through Cadiz to La Linea, from there we walked across to the Rock of Gibraltar for the day, then on to Tarifa and we took a ferry to Morocco for the day. Back to the house for a week and then we drove to Barcelona for 4 days. Wonderful country, reasonable prices, very cheap wine and beer and very friendly people. We really enjoyed the driving because we got to see so much of the country. I enjoyed the time, I didn't feel rushed but I wouldn't have wanted to stay for longer for the reasons that you have mentioned. We came home for a few days and then off again to South Carolina, Murrells Inlet. I commented on your Myrtle Beach video that where I stay is about 20 minutes south of Myrtle Beach but a world away, a nice community and I am right on the ocean in a tiny condo which suits us just fine.
Thank you for sharing all your experiences so that we can learn from it. I will be considering all of what you share on your channel as I soon head into retirement ❤
Year 15 of Snowbird lifestyle in Arizona. November till end of March. Purchased a couple of year in...still best for us. The trip down gets a bit tougher each year but adding cruise and get a ways to each winter keep it interesting. Families are pretty busy so we "move" holidays to when we're around and everyone can get away with their familiy and friends..
I enjoyed this video! We have split our snow birding up and enjoy that. We were in Hawaii for the first 2 weeks of December at a very well stocked condo. Then home for a week or so, Christmas with our family in KC Mo for 5 days, then drove to Arizona for the month of January. We sit a 3 bedroom VRBO with my sister and bro in law . Very well stocked - best we’ve ever had!! Lots of cooking utensils, even crockpot and waffle iron!! All the spices, etc we needed except for a few things I brought from home. It was 2 levels, 3 bedrooms and right on a reasonable golf course- our guys love golf! Then we stayed 5 days with our other daughter, on to Sedona for 4 days and stopped in to see the kids in KC on the way home!! I like it broken up some. We also had lots of friends and family in Phoenix. We were able to eat at home half the time and out some. We don’t eat breakfast so it really just amounted to making suppers. Portugal looks beautiful!!!
Thank you for sharing your experience and you are right about more than 30 days away from home it is too much. I am at the end of my 90 days away from NY. I just can’t wait to go back home.
I understand exactly what you're experiencing. After 3 weeks in Mexico I was ready to come home. The advantage of Mexico is the short inexpensive flights so 2 to 3 visits per winter is doable. As for insurance I went with manulife and it was $240ish for 1 year and 60 day coverage each trip.
I think the plan to change it up a little, while still including a trip to the place you love, is a great combination! Enjoy the rest of your Portugal trip, and safe travels back home!
We have been doing the snowbird thing in the algarve for about 5 years also. We have found that places like Continente offer smaller size condiments which are just perfect for our 6 week aparthotel stays without the waste. If we do have leftovers they are well received by aparthotel staff. Your point regarding the travel insurance top up is well taken. In our case it’s not as expensive as yours so we feel it’s maybe just be a matter of shopping around. The aparthotel that we use also provides free storage for our small appliances etc to returning patrons. With a little imagination we’ve discovered lots of workarounds. Changing it up is also a good option. Instead of returning this year we opted for a tour in Asia. The 20 day tour cost about the same as we can stay in the algarve for 6 weeks including airfare. A different adventure and we will be back to the algarve next year.
Ya, I would miss family and my pets. I’m thinking 12 days is all I can do right now. My husband and I have been away before and find at about 10 days we start to want to be home.
I'm leaning the other direction - making Europe home. Home would then become the vacation spot, and giving family and friends a landing spot to travel to Europe. I'm not looking so much at a permanent vacation, but having the easy connectivity to do more traveling without the expense and exhaustion of flying to and from the US west coast. Will it be for a few years? For life? We'll see what the reality is vs. the imagination. I don't have children or parents and my husband passed away over 10 years ago. Big difference.
We moved to Europe about eight years ago, first France now Switzerland (the francophone part). We have never regretted it. I suggest spending some time learning the language to B2 level or better. Good luck.
Hi Norm and Tin…we love watching your videos. We did just what you are thinking this year and it’s worked out nicely. We travelled to Costa Rica in November for 30 days, came home before Christmas. Left for Florida mid Jan for 30 days came back. Next year we plan to include Portugal for 30 days. We like to see our family who don’t live near us and are awaiting our first Grandchild so we don’t mind spending a bit of time during winter here in Kelowna. It’s a good mix for us . Thanks for your honest opinions on things. Rob and Lynn
Your welcome Rob , your ideas sound great too where did you stay in Costa Rica a hotel or Air b and b would love to maybe include there Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🙂🇵🇹🍻
@@ThisIsOurRetirement We have travelled extensively through both Costa Rica and Panama. There are many considerations depending on one’s personal preferences. We would like to send you a list of things to consider in appreciation for all the things we have learned through your videos. We think it would be better by PM since it’s quite lengthy - if you have Messenger or some other medium you are comfortable with that would be great. Cheers Rob and Lynn
I agree Being single and self employed I have been able to travel to the same area for over 20 years I love Olhos and I can remember the days when the Holiday family even let their own villa. Your advice is priceless and I intend to follow a similar plan.
I think some RVers are finding that the lure of constant travel wears thin as they miss having continuity in their social circle. I think your plan for next year is great. Multiple shorter vacations are a good way to enjoy travel but still have enough time for family and friends.
Hello Tina and Norm. First of all, I really like your channel, you as people, good and sensible information and the best t-shirts. I am a retiree from Finland and moved to Portugal 12 years ago. I had the Algarve experience about 2009. Spent there almost a year and bought a car (Nif needed) just to get to know the Algarve from east to west. At that time I rented an apartment, new build, in Encosta da Orada, Albufeira for 500€ per month. It was a lease from private people, some holiday rental site. I think Airbnb came later. Ok, it was then and it would cost more than double these days. Anyway, I think that you hit the nail with sharing your experience about living in an aparthotel for two plus months. And you are a couple, imagine doing it alone. I was very happy in Albufeira, alone in my apartment. It was nicely decorated and had everything for normal living, felt like home. I was exploring new territories everything was exciting. Well, my message today is, you get eventually bored with the beaches and the restaurants etc. Ok, you escape the harsh winter, coming from Finland I know how it feels. To cut the long story short, I ended up purchasing a home in Ericeira, a surf village near Lisbon, lived there about ten years and moved last summer, 2023 to the Viana do Castelo, the most northern 'city' in Portugal. I love the variable climate, not sunshine all the time, but the most beautiful green landscapes and fantastic architecture made of granite. I know that you are snowbirds and want a bit of sunshine in the winter, but Viana do Castelo and the north of Portugal is definitely my recommendation for anyone to relocate.
I agree with you about pantry items. I have addressed that by packing some things like small resealable bags of spices in my suitcase. I also look for small bottles of things like olive oil in stores, which cuts down on how much you have to toss at the end of the trip.
Love this … you’ve been travelling and sharing your experiences - this honest account of your personal winter break is really welcomed. Plans change and that’s ok. Thank you for doing what you do and sharing your experiences. We travel to different places on the Algarve regularly. It is an easy option winter/spring/summer and autumn from the Uk. Thanks for another great video . Enjoy the rest of your time in the Algarve.
Great video! I have always wanted to travel, travel, travel. I realized during COVID when we couldn’t travel that spending time with friends and family at home made me much happier. I honestly don’t know how snowbirds can go away for 6 months at a time. I’m a homebody I guess and am happy being one. I’ll take small vacations instead
Thank you for your insight!! You have given us some things to think about. We are planning an extended trip this summer to escape the desert heat!! We decided to break it up a bit and return home for a short while in between destinations. Our first trip will be to northern Washington and we can travel by train or ferry to Victoria or Vancouver. Cheers!
Howdy Tina, Norm, Great practical Tips & Insight. • I did not know about the extra Medical coverage & how that is costly. • we've found there is a difference when you visit folks in an area. You tend to enjoy your time. Because your involved. Where as just visiting a new place with out knowing anyone. The luster wears off quickly of the location. 10 days is when you start to get bored. You've seen everything. • the difference I've found is how your involved. I like your new plan. ~ Ben Y, Vancouver ISLAND 🏝
The thing is that only happens with short trips. If you’re there for the whole winter, you make friends and become involved in social activities. We found it way easier to make friends in Mexico for the winter than at home in Canada. We have a blast there.
Thanks for sharing what you are learning. We just returned from 2 weeks in the UK back to Va. in February! It was fun, Man City match, visited family and friends in Edinburgh and Yorkshire. Ended up with 3 days at an Air BnB in the South Lake District where we used to live. I found the time at the AirBnB so relaxing. I did some laundry, cooked breakfast, we had pub lunches in the lakes and dinner back in some of our favorite restaurants. I realized that if 2 weeks was good that our summer trip there might just be fine for only 30 days. I miss my family and friends and just think one 30 day summer trip and another 2 weeks before Christmas is enough. We never know unless we try. Thanks again.
hi guys i totally agree......its too long away to just GO......my sister and i stayed for two weeks and it was fantastic we met you twice....xx then the summer season started...anyway we look forward to january next year godwilling...........but there is no place like homexx
Thank you both, Norm & Tina, for the relatable and insightful videos! In this video, you mentioned family and grandchildren. We too miss our grandchildren, yet enjoy traveling. Unfortunately, our son-in-law is a major obstacle for us visiting our grandchildren as we wish. So we moved away, twice, only to find ourselves wishing we were there. I believe this dilemma of an unpleasant in-law is a common situation for grandparents. So, we volunteered in Ukraine and then traveled. Thanks again! Dean & Cindy
Thanks Norm and Tina , my wife and I just got back from the algarve to Ontario and now up at 3 in the morning wide awake. Because of you guys Barb and I decided to go to the algarve for our vacation this year. We had a great time and the highlight was a boat tour seeing the caves and dolphins. We saw 2 schools of dolphins which we found out later is pretty rare. I found the airfare getting to Lisbon expensive wondering if you had a solution for that? We also rented a car for the 2 weeks for travelling into Spain and getting around. The price was good when we booked it but when you get there and add on the insurance etc. it became expensive as well. I to have changed my outlook on taking longer time away from home and have decided I can’t do it. I am the kind of guy that I have to be doing something all the time and two weeks is max for me away at a time. Enjoy the rest of your time away and safe flight home.
So pleased to see you in Olhos de Agua. That is where we are going for the first time for a month this winter. Delighted to hear you took the bus from Albufeira as that is what we want to do to get to the Old Town, etc. Previously we have stayed in Albufeira. This will be our fourth winter , always for only a month, and have done most of our own cooking. When I mentioned to my husband your suggestion we eat out more he was very enthusiastic. No lack of options in the Albufeira area that is for sure.
We are spending our second season in SW Florida. Last year we rented a house from friends which worked out great. I did realize that if we are going to be here for 5-6 months I wanted my own home to settle into. We bought in a gated golf course community and love it here. We have met so many people, play golf, pickle ball, bocce etc. We don't miss our children because they love coming to visit us often. We don't miss the cold dreary weather back home at all. Our kids say this is like summer camp for seniors and I have to agree!
I agree. We stayed over 3 months in Spain/France/Portugal and decided that that was too long away. Our next trip will be a 32 day cruise followed by next year cruising to the UK and back from FL just over a month away. Great minds think alike;)
Thank you for sharing your experiences and your opinions. You might enjoy an Airbnb more... they likely will be more equipped and feel more homey. We all have our own reasons for what we do and how we choose to live and there is no wrong way. I don't have anything that truly draws me back home like you do (with Amber living so far away and in the US)... and I think if people miss me they can come visit (when I move)... but that is definitely not for everybody! You two are treasures!
Hi! I agree with you on shorter trips. I found that same going to Fl in the winter. Too much to catch up with on my return. Life is not,simple these days as seniors. Enjoy! It looks beautiful! Kathy
I started snow birding in 2018 and figured I would stop once I got bored of it or simply couldn't. Well, the latter has occurred so this is my last trip. Back to shoveling snow. Ironically, this was the first time my brother and SIL joined me (that was cool). Yuma, Arizona is always my destination but have been all around California and New Mexico too (weather permitting). Edit: 25C this past week and sunny here. No rattlesnakes ... yet.
My grandparents, who lived in Indiana their whole lives, spent the winter months in Florida. They had a camper, and at first, it was just a couple of weeks, but as time went on, they got bigger and bigger campers and stayed longer and longer. They would stay in the same camp ground every year and made friends there. We missed them but they really enjoyed it.
Hello from Oklahoma! ❤ Just wanted to mention that we purchased both health and travel insurance through Allianz for $400 for both of us and it provides up to 90 days of coverage traveled within a 12 month period. We had to file 3 claims from our recent trip to The Algarve. One for trip delay, one for hospital/medical which resulted in the 3rd claim of trip cancellation to Madeira. The filing of claims went smooth as silk and our check is arriving soon!
Hi Dawn and Robert nice to hear from you so glad that having travel insurance has worked out for you , yes you never know what might happen so we always recommend people have it . Hope it’s not too cold with you take care Tina and Norm 🇺🇸🍷☕️🇨🇦🍻
Hi Tina and Norm, My hubby and I have been watching your videos for many months. Much good advice. We retired early in our very late 50's. Now currently navigating Panama as snowbirds. Many options here in terms of rentals in many different regions and many climates here. Enjoying and we continue to investigate Panama while we're here. Panama certainly beats Canadian cost of living! If interested we will be happy to help.
It is interesting to see so much of difference in the opinions. As for us, we spent 81 days in Albufeira this season-from mid November to the early February. Most of the time we enjoyed cooking at home as eating out , although much cheaper than in Canada, still would be much more expensive compared to home-cooked meals (our 2 bedroom apt with full kitchen for about CAD1500 , 5 min walk from Oro beach with a huge terrace, but -alas-across from multiple karaoke places- was very good. We would advise to contact real estate companies which are into renting (not all are) as monthly winter rates for EUR 1000 are quite doable in Albufeita. We would gladly stay in Algarve even more, but yes, we also had to top up our medical insurance + 90 days limit for Canadians do not make it possible. At the same time we realize that our circumstances are quite different- 3 of our 4 children and all our grandhildren live in various european countries including Portugal.
I agree do your research and search out places with fully equipped kitchens. We have rented out our place in the Algarve in the summer in the past , sadly it is not available in winter months because that is when we are here. We have it fully equipped with all the neccessities for cooking and dining in, Including cheese graters and cork screws .
Thank you both so much for your honest opinions! This was something that concerned me...would we be able to stay away a few months. I'm already thinking I'd feel the same way as you two!!
Very interesting ! Useful advice as usual. Thanks for the thoughts. We stayed in Othos de Agua last year and loved that beach and bar and used local bus service to get around. Enjoy your time in Portugal. X
I've noticed the increasing prices for Aparthotels in Algarve and Costa del Sol since the pandemic. And you are right, they have gone up faster than short-term apartments. I have been cross-shopping the big sites Airbnb, Booking, VRBO, etc, and it's amazing some of them will be $300 cheaper per month for a unit in the same building. But finding a local realtor is often cheaper than all 3 options, although one has to be more wary of scams. You may consider a month in Algarve, then take the easy journey over to southern Spain and do another month to avoid boredom.
Looking like our whole snowbirding experience may be a nice outside firepit to enjoy Winters evenings around a fire with home cooking and maybe some wine. Plenty of firewood from our block and our yard is as nice as a lot of resorts anyway so staying home isn't really a struggle in any way.
Good insight. I wonder if you have been to the algarve so much you could be wanting new places and adventure. So far 21 days is the longest we have been gone (too many family responsibilities). For now I think we are just enjoying long vacations just staying in hotels and eating out. Your videos offer so much great advice!
Norm & Tina , it was a pleasure to meet you in person today, as we are followers from way back, we are leaving for Toronto on Tuesday, but had a great time here & Tavira, I think Spain might be next, CHEERS
Hello Tina & Norm, we are in Lagos right now, our Airbnb is very well located, only minutes from the marina, train station and buses also 15 minutes from the grocery store, the beach and the boardwalks. It is $3950 CAD for 64 days. At a small business, just outside the tourists area, a coffee, apple juice, two large brioche croissants €5.80. There are still good deal out there. Cheers!
I tried Portugal, I really did. But it was too slow and old for me. I also prefer everything in English as ignorant as it sounds it doesn't bare on you until you have to do everything in a foreign language. The grocery stores lack too much variety compared to Canada & USA. Therefore as Florida is kinda like "20 years ago Canada" I chose it to be my winter home. Though very expensive, it still feels more connected to my family & easy to get to Canada if needed, 3 hours tops.
You have a perfect plan! We found that's what works for us. 2 to 3 weeks on a cruise, then home for 2 to 3 weeks, then a month in Arizona, then home for another 2 to 3 weeks ,then leaving again for a sunny southern US climate for 9 days. Although I have to admit, I would not miss this dreadful weather in the Northeast US if I were away for the entire winter. But it's just easier to keep up with what needs to be done at home if we break up our winter trips a bit with some home time.
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Your true honesty is what makes Norm & Tina the best retirement channel available. You could just say everything’s great and wouldn’t change a thing but life is always an evolution. Thanks for always keeping it real!
Wow, thank you totally agree life is an evolution and through what we are doing our ideas do change and we are happy to share Cheers 🇨🇦🙂🍷🍻
You've given us some great insight in this video. I've heard it said by many retirement planners that we are not very good at predicting what will make us happiest in the future. Some think the permanent vacation is what they want, only to miss the comforts and predictability of home, along with their social connections with friends and family. That doesn't mean we shouldn't plan, just plan to adapt as needed. This was a good reminder. Thank you.
Yes, we learn to adapt and adjust in retirement.
You are so welcome! sometimes Marty you think you have the answer 🤔 but it’s a work in progress as we have found out Cheers 🇨🇦🙂🍷🍻
What credit card is recommended for travel insurance?
@@ThisIsOurRetirementyou’re sharing what your true experience is all about and that’s valuable. Just like in working life we must remain connected. The goal posts can move and change. That’s where the fun is.
Part of our 25th anniversary was spent in Olhos de Aqua. Loved it! Thanks for sharing.
I believe it is Miss Dorothy who once said , "There's no place like home". 🐕🐕
Isn’t that so true Cheers 🇨🇦🙂🍷🇵🇹🍻
Travel interests do change. Snowbirds have lots of options. Would recommend for these next few years while still healthy don’t let insurance restrict you too much because it will happen quickly that you can’t do the many months trips anyway and will naturally be leaning on 30 day trips. Window is short for longer trips. Enjoy while you can. Health is everything go go years go quickly and slow go years creep in.
Agreed. I retired at 55 and snow birding the winters was in my game plan. Now, seven years later, the doctor tells me not a wise idea to be away from November to April, ending this stage of my life. Shorter trips will become the new norm.
Thank you for your valuable insight Tina and Norm. I am finding the more I travel, the more grateful I feel to live in Canada. We have our problems as a nation but I am so happy to call Canada home. Enjoy the rest of your trip. Safe travels. 😎🇨🇦
You are so welcome! we agree with you Wendy enjoy your weekend Cheers 🇨🇦🙂🍷☕️
The cost of living is crazy in this Country called Canada. Yes, we have lots of immigrants coming in, but what the media doesn't tell you is that there is also a mass exudus of truly born Canadians. I am one. Currently only a Flex Pat, but looking for a new spot to raise our son.
Canada is no longer the same.
Truth hurts.
My parents used to snowbird in Florida. They left Ontario late November, and returned mid March.
Their Xmas gift to any family was to pay for our accommodation if we visited them.
One unexpected benefit (?) was that the family was already used to them not being home for Christmas (made it easier after they passed).
We’ve never been comfortable with being away from home for extended periods. We’ve stayed in some pretty nice hotels/cabins and no matter how nice, the furniture, couch, bed isn’t as comfortable as home. When I go on vacation the last thing I want to do is cook. Do plenty of that at home. The hanks for your honesty. Really enjoyed this video. 🇨🇦🇺🇸☕️
Ah! Ha! You are coming around to what we learned a few years ago. We believe in variety, so we have seen nearly 70 countries at this point. We do the 30 - to 35-day stints (with many repeats, too)and focus on enjoying the different cultures, cuisines, and people around the world, often times five times annually. We just spent two weeks in Thailand and Cambodia and are currently on a 14-day cruise out of Singapore.
Your advice to most others is sound, but everyone has different interests. As an unbelievable example, we stayed in a beautiful guest house with a delightful owner in Chiang Mai at Can$28 per day, including a wonderful breakfast of 10 choices. It was super clean as shoes were not even allowed to be worn inside. We had a huge room with private bathroom. Plus, we met great people from around the world. They received a 10 rating from us.
Cheers.
Roger
Guess it takes a bit of learning Roger, yes we are going for 31 days too Cheers 🇨🇦🙂🍷🍻
Norm and Tina are not the S.E. Asia type.
Funny you say that as we have already done a wonderful trip to China with river cruise 🚢 there too , also Australia, New Zealand , Panama Canal , Greenland , Mexico , Budapest , Prague , Cuba , Dominion Republic to name just a few places we have been . Perhaps you are quick to think you know who we are 🙂
@ThisIsOurRetirement How could you conclude that they are not SE Asia people? They are obviously seasoned international travellers, and they provide valuable insights, especially for the uninitiated but not exclusively. I value their content.
Roger
My husband and I agree, we go to either Maui or Marco Island for the month of February plus three travel days.
To be away from family and friends, and our pup Finn, even though they may come to visit two months or more is just too long to be away from home. We love our home( uptown urban condo)and the very nice routine that we enjoy.
It's really about balance.
Enjoy your channel!!
Greetings from Southern Ontario, just back from Marco Island FL 😊
Thanks for reinforcing my experience as a snowbird. It's harder than people realize to leave your friends, family and home for two-plus months. I'm shortening my stay next year for the same reasons. If you get to Florida next year, the Sarasota/Brandenton/Venice are terrific!
Watched this video on my home theatre in 4K, Norm and Tina. The background views were absolutely amazing -- in fact stunning! Cheers from Nova Scotia!
Great to hear! glad you enjoyed it David the beaches , cliffs , blue skies are what we come for just gorgeous have a great weekend Cheers 🇨🇦🙂🇵🇹🍻
Good points. I vaguely had an idea of the slow travel around the world, but then as I thought about it more I realized I probably wouldn’t enjoy it. Something about your own bed and routine that I miss! I think I would much rather do more short trips than a long extended one. Nice to get away, but also nice to get home 👍
We love to travel as well but for short periods of time. We love being home 🙂
Hmm thinking that way too Fiona Cheers 🇨🇦🙂❤️
We have only ever travelled locally for a few days or maybe a week at a time and now we can't even do that due to adopting a couple of cats that we can't really have looked after by anyone else.
I try and get away a couple of times a year in my 4wd for maybe a week at a time but that's about it.
We're making our place nicer all the time and we live in a very popular tourist area anyway so it really isn't an issue. Fortunately neither of us want the hassles of travelling but plenty of others think differently.
Whatever works that you can afford and are happy with I guess.
Hi guys...31 days credit card insurance sounds good RBC over 65 offer 3 days!
Great video...very informative.
Yes most credit cards are the same for over 60’s, again blind luck struck us 20 years ago when we bought this plan! We would urge and 40 to 50 year olds to buy an annual travel medical plan, it will save so much money in retirement.
I was so curious about this topic, and your video was really interesting! We are strange "snowbirds " who spend winters in Texas and summers in England. I have learned a lot about myself in the past 4 years after this dual continent living and watching all my TH-cam friends who are full time global travelers. In our older years, Ian and I REALLY need a comfortable bed to sleep in, healthy food to eat, and a chance to maintain our workout schedule. By setting up a second home base in Gloucestershire, we have access to all those things. From there we take shorter trips around Britain or Europe but have a home to come back to ❤🏡. Thanks for another great video! XX Dara
Glad you enjoyed our video , you are lucky to have two home bases , we agree we too like a home base to come back too with your own bed and stuff !!
Take Care and get well soon 🇺🇸💐🇨🇦
@@ThisIsOurRetirement cheers! 💖
I totally agree with your thoughts. Seventy-plus days is a long time to be away from kids and grandkids. That's a brilliant idea chopping up your snowbirding into manageable chunks.
Thanks Robert Cheers 🍷🙂🇨🇦🍻
This totally makes sense to me. I find trips longer than 4 weeks aren’t exciting. If you stay in a place for a long period its just your life, where’s a more limited period is exciting.
Thank you for sharing your traveling experiences with us. It always looks so beautiful there, the sky is so pretty.
We are having somewhat of a roller coaster weather, today it's 65f in Indiana. Thanks, John.
Our pleasure! thanks for watching 🇨🇦🍷🍻🇺🇸
You guys have the whole world to explore!!! Enjoy!!!
Appreciate your honesty and non cement attitude. Things change. And that's okay.
Very insightful video. Your experience is similar to ours. Our travel card gives us 21 days os insurance, so we did 3 twenty one day trips this winter. Two trips to mexico where flights are very inexpensive for us, and one to Portugal ( lisbon, Porto and Faro ). One of the full time vloggers made an excellent point that they have to stay on top of the travel deals year round, and that your best travel value may change from year to year. In Portugal we find that we eat lunch out, and have a small breakfast and dinner in our hotel. The lunch values are amazing!
Sounds a great plan David 🍻🙂
Hello, I have been doing snowbirding for the last 6 years for 2 months a time. There is no place I've gone where eating out is less expensive than cooking in. The spices and oils are just not that big of a factor. Of course you can mix it up, I usually eat out once a day or once every two days. Towards the end of a trip I let the food run out and eat at restaurants more often to minimize waste. I love your videos, keep up the great work!
We were in Praia da Luz for 28 days and loved it. We stayed at an apartment we found on Vrbo for 900 euros.
I think 31 days is plenty for one place, especially with grands waiting for you at home. BTW thank you for being our “pioneers” going out ahead to scout out the territory for those of us looking forward to retirement.
I was surprised that insurance was such a big part of your decision. It makes sense, because you are paying a lot!
We have changed our approach ... we used to just hope we wouldn't get ill or have any accidents during our time in the UK. But now that I'm turning 60 and we are spending 5 months away from the USA, we registered with our local surgery and we both have NHS numbers now. I feel better having access to medical care in both of our homes now!
Funny you mention that Dara about hoping to not get sick , here you are recovering from Covid 🙂and when we arrived in Portugal we both got sick after two days , also when we took a cruise to Greenland we also got Covid 😱
Although we have British Passports we still need insurance when we visit the UK 🙂
@@ThisIsOurRetirement yes it is no fun getting ill while on holiday... but obviously it happens!! And as we age and have issues that need ongoing care, it's best to have coverage that allows for that.
We are following you and also trying to find what fits our pocket book, our environment and our health (we don’t love the cold and snowy Newfoundland winters anymore). As for family, one grandson here on the Island and two toddlers is in western Canada. Two years ago we lost my parents, mother in law and two elderly aunts so we thought it would be nice to go to Florida for a few days and then over Christmas take a 10 day cruise, it was okay but we won’t do it again…..so as it got closer to summer we decided to drive across Canada to visit the kiddies. After watching your videos we have been considering going to Portugal…..because of declining health we want to do it all now …..but I realize that there is no place like home. Thank you Tina and Norm for putting it out there. Sorry for the long message.
Thanks for another interesting video. I like the change of scenery throughout the video.
Thank you very much! 🇨🇦🙂☕️🇵🇹
This may be your best, most practical video yet, guys (and I love all you vids). Your experiences really resonate with people, so thanks for sharing them with us. I understand the need to return home for a while and then go off again. Perfectly reasonable. Take care, and thanks again. 😊
Our pleasure! glad you enjoyed it have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🙂🍻🇨🇦
We would miss our grandkids if we were away that long. We wouldn’t want to be gone that long either. Beautiful view guys!
Yes we miss ours too it’s hard to FaceTime with the time difference 😂 next year 31days will be perfect . Have a great weekend guys 🇺🇸☕️🇨🇦🙂🇵🇹
You two are a delight.
I'm so drawn to Portugal
You two have read my mind! Hubby and I just returned to beautiful Ontario 🇨🇦 from 5 weeks in the Algarve. It was our second year in Portugal ( being 57 & 60 years old). Next year we will extend a week.. BUT have no interest in two months there. As gorgeous as it is.. ( and it is, eh?) Cheers, to another great video 😊
That is awesome! 🇨🇦🍷🇵🇹
Excellent and honest advice.
Time and health you can’t control and races into your lens rapidly. Seize the day.
“ Snowbirding ever 30 days” 👍
Thank you! 🙏🏼
Thanks so much we agree Billy 🇨🇦🙂🍷🍻
First - great picture quality on the video! Thank you for being so open and honest regarding your experience and the need to be flexible in retirement - at a time in life when many become less flexible/open to change.
We loved meeting you both in Albufeira twice 😊 Love all your comments here. We stayed for 3 weeks and felt limited with the kitchen facility and basic spices. Hope to see you again next year in Portugal. Stay healthy and happy❤
It was awesome meeting you too have a great weekend Cheers 🇨🇦🙂🍻🍷
We found that we are ready to return home in roughly 4-5 weeks. Go home. Stay roughly 6 weeks. Get recharged. See family and friends. Then we are excited about trying a new place. We live in a place that is considered semi snow bird. No really cold weather here. But we leave here in the summer to escape the heat and crowds. No one way is best for everyone. You do you!
Well done for being so open minded and honest guys - thoroughly enjoying your journey through retirement. Totally agree with you on long hotel/motel/B&B stays. Having a little break during a long Canadian Winter is great, but a week or two is enough for us - we're not beach bunnies or sun worshipers. A bit of sunshine just can't make up for lost time with family in our books. We take a couple of month long RV trips a year, while the grandkids are in school. The beauty of the RV is that all your stuff comes with you - including cheese graters!! I like being able to make our own food - we tend to eat healthier that way and enjoy the odd meal out as a treat.
Thanks Susan for sharing we aren’t sun Worshippers either we just like to walk on the beach 🏝️ and can do it easier here have a good weekend Cheers 🇨🇦🙂🍷
I am happy to hear this! The next time you come to the Algarve, you won't have to schlep around supermarkets and do your own cooking...you'll be eating in the fabulous Portuguese restaurants, eating food cooked the Algarvian way and enjoying every mouthful. You'll fall in love with the Algarve all over again for sure! I really look forward to next year's videos, where we will see you both with smiles on your faces and twinkles in your eyes. Rock on, Tina and Norm. Can't wait to see what's next for you in your next videos!
Thanks Sharon for your comment and support hope you are having a great time here in the Algarve Cheers 🇨🇦🍷🙂🇵🇹
We don’t know what suits us until we try different options. Learning how we want to travel is part of the fun. You have a good plan going forward!
Just joined your channel. Finally someone in my tribe - you know facing same issues in this chapter of life.
Thanks so much, welcome here there are many of us!
Appreciate this video. I was wondering if you had grandchildren and if you missed them. This video really is good about addressing those questions. If we were going to snowbird my wife and I were wondering about if missing our children and grandkids will be an issue.
I think you came up with a good solution with breaking up your trips in increments of 30 days. Thank you for bringing up some other great points along with solutions. Once again great video. I love you guys.
Your very welcome having family time and just your own space at home is important to us to blend with our travel Cheers David 🙂🇨🇦🍻
We did Spain for 30 days in January and it was perfect; home for 3 days and South Carolina for February, home for March (make maple syrup) and 2 weeks in Costa Rica leaving on Saturday.
That’s sounds great Paula , where abouts did you stay in Spain as we might be thinking of there in the future Cheers 🙂🍷
@@ThisIsOurRetirement Hi Tina and Norm, We stayed in the hills about 20km west of Denia (between Alicante and Valencia). It was a lovely 'estate' (aka ex pat community with people from all over Europe), they were all friendly people that we would meet on our daily walks up and down the massive hills (great exercise). You couldn't stay there without a car; we rented one for the month and one week we also traveled to Cordoba (3 days and so worth the trip), Seville, through Cadiz to La Linea, from there we walked across to the Rock of Gibraltar for the day, then on to Tarifa and we took a ferry to Morocco for the day. Back to the house for a week and then we drove to Barcelona for 4 days. Wonderful country, reasonable prices, very cheap wine and beer and very friendly people. We really enjoyed the driving because we got to see so much of the country. I enjoyed the time, I didn't feel rushed but I wouldn't have wanted to stay for longer for the reasons that you have mentioned. We came home for a few days and then off again to South Carolina, Murrells Inlet. I commented on your Myrtle Beach video that where I stay is about 20 minutes south of Myrtle Beach but a world away, a nice community and I am right on the ocean in a tiny condo which suits us just fine.
Thanks for sharing the info Paula 🍷🙂
Thank you for sharing all your experiences so that we can learn from it. I will be considering all of what you share on your channel as I soon head into retirement ❤
You are so welcome! 🙂🍷
Year 15 of Snowbird lifestyle in Arizona. November till end of March. Purchased a couple of year in...still best for us. The trip down gets a bit tougher each year but adding cruise and get a ways to each winter keep it interesting. Families are pretty busy so we "move" holidays to when we're around and everyone can get away with their familiy and friends..
I enjoyed this video! We have split our snow birding up and enjoy that. We were in Hawaii for the first 2 weeks of December at a very well stocked condo. Then home for a week or so, Christmas with our family in KC Mo for 5 days, then drove to Arizona for the month of January. We sit a 3 bedroom VRBO with my sister and bro in law . Very well stocked - best we’ve ever had!! Lots of cooking utensils, even crockpot and waffle iron!! All the spices, etc we needed except for a few things I brought from home. It was 2 levels, 3 bedrooms and right on a reasonable golf course- our guys love golf! Then we stayed 5 days with our other daughter, on to Sedona for 4 days and stopped in to see the kids in KC on the way home!! I like it broken up some. We also had lots of friends and family in Phoenix. We were able to eat at home half the time and out some. We don’t eat breakfast so it really just amounted to making suppers. Portugal looks beautiful!!!
This is not International travel but all within your own country - that definitely makes it easier not having to cross borders.
Thank you for sharing your experience and you are right about more than 30 days away from home it is too much. I am at the end of my 90 days away from NY. I just can’t wait to go back home.
We know how you feel 🙂👍
I understand exactly what you're experiencing.
After 3 weeks in Mexico I was ready to come home.
The advantage of Mexico is the short inexpensive flights so 2 to 3 visits per winter is doable.
As for insurance I went with manulife and it was $240ish for 1 year and 60 day coverage each trip.
Thanks for sharing maybe we should consider Mexico 🇲🇽 Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🙂
You must not be Canadian, or senior. As a senior Canadian, our travel insurance is $2000 a year.
@@missmayfloweryour saying just being a Canadian you get 2000$ travel insurance every year.
@@Walk-retirement-travel Very common if travelling. I got nailed with a $6,000.00 USD hospital bill in 2019 but insurance paid their fair share.
@@missmayflower , 59 yr old Canadian, born and raised.
I think the plan to change it up a little, while still including a trip to the place you love, is a great combination! Enjoy the rest of your Portugal trip, and safe travels back home!
That's the plan! thanks Denise 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹🙂
We have been doing the snowbird thing in the algarve for about 5 years also. We have found that places like Continente offer smaller size condiments which are just perfect for our 6 week aparthotel stays without the waste. If we do have leftovers they are well received by aparthotel staff. Your point regarding the travel insurance top up is well taken. In our case it’s not as expensive as yours so we feel it’s maybe just be a matter of shopping around. The aparthotel that we use also provides free storage for our small appliances etc to returning patrons. With a little imagination we’ve discovered lots of workarounds. Changing it up is also a good option. Instead of returning this year we opted for a tour in Asia. The 20 day tour cost about the same as we can stay in the algarve for 6 weeks including airfare. A different adventure and we will be back to the algarve next year.
Ya, I would miss family and my pets. I’m thinking 12 days is all I can do right now. My husband and I have been away before and find at about 10 days we start to want to be home.
I'm leaning the other direction - making Europe home. Home would then become the vacation spot, and giving family and friends a landing spot to travel to Europe. I'm not looking so much at a permanent vacation, but having the easy connectivity to do more traveling without the expense and exhaustion of flying to and from the US west coast.
Will it be for a few years? For life? We'll see what the reality is vs. the imagination.
I don't have children or parents and my husband passed away over 10 years ago. Big difference.
You go girl! Sounds like a great plan.
We moved to Europe about eight years ago, first France now Switzerland (the francophone part). We have never regretted it. I suggest spending some time learning the language to B2 level or better. Good luck.
Hi Norm and Tin…we love watching your videos. We did just what you are thinking this year and it’s worked out nicely. We travelled to Costa Rica in November for 30 days, came home before Christmas. Left for Florida mid Jan for 30 days came back. Next year we plan to include Portugal for 30 days. We like to see our family who don’t live near us and are awaiting our first Grandchild so we don’t mind spending a bit of time during winter here in Kelowna. It’s a good mix for us . Thanks for your honest opinions on things. Rob and Lynn
Your welcome Rob , your ideas sound great too where did you stay in Costa Rica a hotel or Air b and b would love to maybe include there Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🙂🇵🇹🍻
@@ThisIsOurRetirement We have travelled extensively through both Costa Rica and Panama. There are many considerations depending on one’s personal preferences. We would like to send you a list of things to consider in appreciation for all the things we have learned through your videos. We think it would be better by PM since it’s quite lengthy - if you have Messenger or some other medium you are comfortable with that would be great. Cheers Rob and Lynn
So appreciate you sharing your experiences!
I agree
Being single and self employed I have been able to travel to the same area for over 20 years
I love Olhos and I can remember the days when the Holiday family even let their own villa.
Your advice is priceless and I intend to follow a similar plan.
I think some RVers are finding that the lure of constant travel wears thin as they miss having continuity in their social circle. I think your plan for next year is great. Multiple shorter vacations are a good way to enjoy travel but still have enough time for family and friends.
Hello Tina and Norm. First of all, I really like your channel, you as people, good and sensible information and the best t-shirts. I am a retiree from Finland and moved to Portugal 12 years ago. I had the Algarve experience about 2009. Spent there almost a year and bought a car (Nif needed) just to get to know the Algarve from east to west. At that time I rented an apartment, new build, in Encosta da Orada, Albufeira for 500€ per month. It was a lease from private people, some holiday rental site. I think Airbnb came later. Ok, it was then and it would cost more than double these days. Anyway, I think that you hit the nail with sharing your experience about living in an aparthotel for two plus months. And you are a couple, imagine doing it alone. I was very happy in Albufeira, alone in my apartment. It was nicely decorated and had everything for normal living, felt like home. I was exploring new territories everything was exciting. Well, my message today is, you get eventually bored with the beaches and the restaurants etc. Ok, you escape the harsh winter, coming from Finland I know how it feels. To cut the long story short, I ended up purchasing a home in Ericeira, a surf village near Lisbon, lived there about ten years and moved last summer, 2023 to the Viana do Castelo, the most northern 'city' in Portugal. I love the variable climate, not sunshine all the time, but the most beautiful green landscapes and fantastic architecture made of granite. I know that you are snowbirds and want a bit of sunshine in the winter, but Viana do Castelo and the north of Portugal is definitely my recommendation for anyone to relocate.
Northern Portugal is beautiful. The Expat Everywhere couple live in Porto but say that Viana do Castelo is their second favorite city in Portugal.
Thanks!
Thanks so much Pat 🍻💕
I agree with you about pantry items. I have addressed that by packing some things like small resealable bags of spices in my suitcase. I also look for small bottles of things like olive oil in stores, which cuts down on how much you have to toss at the end of the trip.
We love cruising in winter but find 22 days is our limit. Miss our family. Thanks for sharing!
Love this … you’ve been travelling and sharing your experiences - this honest account of your personal winter break is really welcomed. Plans change and that’s ok. Thank you for doing what you do and sharing your experiences. We travel to different places on the Algarve regularly. It is an easy option winter/spring/summer and autumn from the Uk. Thanks for another great video . Enjoy the rest of your time in the Algarve.
Thank you very much for your honesty. 🎉
Our pleasure Cheers 🇨🇦🍷🇵🇹🙂
Great video! I have always wanted to travel, travel, travel. I realized during COVID when we couldn’t travel that spending time with friends and family at home made me much happier. I honestly don’t know how snowbirds can go away for 6 months at a time. I’m a homebody I guess and am happy being one. I’ll take small vacations instead
We couldn’t be away 6 months either , this 76 days seems a long time Sandra ! 🙂🍷🇨🇦
Thanks for this video, it’s very informative. 21 degrees how nice here in Montreal it’s only minus 11, Albufeira looks like the place to be. …………🤗🇨🇦
Many thanks for your learning experience and sharing with us!
Have a wonderful time!😊
Thank you for your insight!! You have given us some things to think about. We are planning an extended trip this summer to escape the desert heat!! We decided to break it up a bit and return home for a short while in between destinations. Our first trip will be to northern Washington and we can travel by train or ferry to Victoria or Vancouver. Cheers!
Howdy Tina, Norm,
Great practical Tips & Insight.
• I did not know about the extra Medical coverage & how that is costly.
• we've found there is a difference when you visit folks in an area. You tend to enjoy your time. Because your involved.
Where as just visiting a new place with out knowing anyone. The luster wears off quickly of the location. 10 days is when you start to get bored. You've seen everything.
• the difference I've found is how your involved.
I like your new plan.
~ Ben Y, Vancouver ISLAND 🏝
The thing is that only happens with short trips. If you’re there for the whole winter, you make friends and become involved in social activities. We found it way easier to make friends in Mexico for the winter than at home in Canada. We have a blast there.
Thanks Ben looking forward to our new plan too enjoy your weekend Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🙂🍻
Thanks for sharing what you are learning. We just returned from 2 weeks in the UK back to Va. in February! It was fun, Man City match, visited family and friends in Edinburgh and Yorkshire. Ended up with 3 days at an Air BnB in the South Lake District where we used to live. I found the time at the AirBnB so relaxing. I did some laundry, cooked breakfast, we had pub lunches in the lakes and dinner back in some of our favorite restaurants. I realized that if 2 weeks was good that our summer trip there might just be fine for only 30 days. I miss my family and friends and just think one 30 day summer trip and another 2 weeks before Christmas is enough. We never know unless we try. Thanks again.
hi guys i totally agree......its too long away to just GO......my sister and i stayed for two weeks and it was fantastic we met you twice....xx then the summer season started...anyway we look forward to january next year godwilling...........but there is no place like homexx
Hi Guys, It sounds like a wise and sound plan! Enjoy those restaurant Portuguese meals 'till you get home! Stay safe.
Thank you! Will do! 🙂
I always eat out when on holidays. The best way is a cruise 🛳 ship for 2 weeks. Heaven . 😊 Go to Rome or Milan. My favorite places.
I appreciate your view on longer trips. I agree that being away from family would be hard. Long the views!
Love you guys. Thanks for the video. Go for what works at the time and always keep learning.
Thank you! Will do Pamela Cheers 🙂🍷
Thank you both, Norm & Tina, for the relatable and insightful videos! In this video, you mentioned family and grandchildren. We too miss our grandchildren, yet enjoy traveling. Unfortunately, our son-in-law is a major obstacle for us visiting our grandchildren as we wish. So we moved away, twice, only to find ourselves wishing we were there. I believe this dilemma of an unpleasant in-law is a common situation for grandparents. So, we volunteered in Ukraine and then traveled. Thanks again! Dean & Cindy
Thanks Norm and Tina , my wife and I just got back from the algarve to Ontario and now up at 3 in the morning wide awake.
Because of you guys Barb and I decided to go to the algarve for our vacation this year. We had a great time and the highlight was a boat tour seeing the caves and dolphins. We saw 2 schools of dolphins which we found out later is pretty rare.
I found the airfare getting to Lisbon expensive wondering if you had a solution for that? We also rented a car for the 2 weeks for travelling into Spain and getting around. The price was good when we booked it but when you get there and add on the insurance etc. it became expensive as well.
I to have changed my outlook on taking longer time away from home and have decided I can’t do it. I am the kind of guy that I have to be doing something all the time and two weeks is max for me away at a time.
Enjoy the rest of your time away and safe flight home.
Hello Phil We fly Air Transat Toronto to Faro direct and quite a good price, this year Air Canada had low prices to Lisbon.
So pleased to see you in Olhos de Agua. That is where we are going for the first time for a month this winter. Delighted to hear you took the bus from Albufeira as that is what we want to do to get to the Old Town, etc. Previously we have stayed in Albufeira. This will be our fourth winter , always for only a month, and have done most of our own cooking. When I mentioned to my husband your suggestion we eat out more he was very enthusiastic. No lack of options in the Albufeira area that is for sure.
We are spending our second season in SW Florida. Last year we rented a house from friends which worked out great. I did realize that if we are going to be here for 5-6 months I wanted my own home to settle into. We bought in a gated golf course community and love it here. We have met so many people, play golf, pickle ball, bocce etc. We don't miss our children because they love coming to visit us often. We don't miss the cold dreary weather back home at all. Our kids say this is like summer camp for seniors and I have to agree!
We are happy for you 🇨🇦🙂🇺🇸🍷
I agree. We stayed over 3 months in Spain/France/Portugal and decided that that was too long away. Our next trip will be a 32 day cruise followed by next year cruising to the UK and back from FL just over a month away. Great minds think alike;)
Thanks for sharing! have a great weekend Cheers 🇵🇹🇺🇸🍷🇨🇦🇬🇧
Thank you for sharing your experiences and your opinions. You might enjoy an Airbnb more... they likely will be more equipped and feel more homey. We all have our own reasons for what we do and how we choose to live and there is no wrong way. I don't have anything that truly draws me back home like you do (with Amber living so far away and in the US)... and I think if people miss me they can come visit (when I move)... but that is definitely not for everybody! You two are treasures!
Always lovely to hear from you Jen 🇨🇦🙂☕️🍷🇵🇹
Hi! I agree with you on shorter trips. I found that same going to Fl in the winter. Too much to catch up with on my return. Life is not,simple these days as seniors. Enjoy! It looks beautiful! Kathy
Yes! Thank you! enjoy your weekend Kathy 🇨🇦🙂🍷
I started snow birding in 2018 and figured I would stop once I got bored of it or simply couldn't. Well, the latter has occurred so this is my last trip. Back to shoveling snow. Ironically, this was the first time my brother and SIL joined me (that was cool). Yuma, Arizona is always my destination but have been all around California and New Mexico too (weather permitting). Edit: 25C this past week and sunny here. No rattlesnakes ... yet.
My grandparents, who lived in Indiana their whole lives, spent the winter months in Florida. They had a camper, and at first, it was just a couple of weeks, but as time went on, they got bigger and bigger campers and stayed longer and longer. They would stay in the same camp ground every year and made friends there. We missed them but they really enjoyed it.
Yes this is exactly what we have found! We’ve realised that one month is our maximum time to be away otherwise we get a little bored!
We agree that this might work going forward , it was nice trying a longer stay but too long Cheers 🙂🍷
Hi Tina and Norm, like your suggestion, less time but more family fun too. X:)
Hello from Oklahoma! ❤ Just wanted to mention that we purchased both health and travel insurance through Allianz for $400 for both of us and it provides up to 90 days of coverage traveled within a 12 month period. We had to file 3 claims from our recent trip to The Algarve. One for trip delay, one for hospital/medical which resulted in the 3rd claim of trip cancellation to Madeira. The filing of claims went smooth as silk and our check is arriving soon!
Hi Dawn and Robert nice to hear from you so glad that having travel insurance has worked out for you , yes you never know what might happen so we always recommend people have it . Hope it’s not too cold with you take care Tina and Norm 🇺🇸🍷☕️🇨🇦🍻
Hi Tina and Norm,
My hubby and I have been watching your videos for many months. Much good advice. We retired early in our very late 50's. Now currently navigating Panama as snowbirds. Many options here in terms of rentals in many different regions and many climates here. Enjoying and we continue to investigate Panama while we're here. Panama certainly beats Canadian cost of living! If interested we will be happy to help.
Approx how much is rent in Panama? We are Canadian too ( BC) and thinking of a few months in Panama starting next year?
it's expensive though travelling back and forth home.
It might even out b/c the accommodation cost is eliminated, during the time back home.
I would even stop travelling if I can eventually find a place that I can really call home. Indeed, ‘travelling back and forth’ can be expensive.
Good on you to be able to evolve and adapt.
Thank you 🙂
It is interesting to see so much of difference in the opinions. As for us, we spent 81 days in Albufeira this season-from mid November to the early February. Most of the time we enjoyed cooking at home as eating out , although much cheaper than in Canada, still would be much more expensive compared to home-cooked meals (our 2 bedroom apt with full kitchen for about CAD1500 , 5 min walk from Oro beach with a huge terrace, but -alas-across from multiple karaoke places- was very good. We would advise to contact real estate companies which are into renting (not all are) as monthly winter rates for EUR 1000 are quite doable in Albufeita. We would gladly stay in Algarve even more, but yes, we also had to top up our medical insurance + 90 days limit for Canadians do not make it possible. At the same time we realize that our circumstances are quite different- 3 of our 4 children and all our grandhildren live in various european countries including Portugal.
I agree do your research and search out places with fully equipped kitchens. We have rented out our place in the Algarve in the summer in the past , sadly it is not available in winter months because that is when we are here. We have it fully equipped with all the neccessities for cooking and dining in, Including cheese graters and cork screws .
Great advice and thank you for your honesty guys, it is so refreshing 👍🏻🇨🇦
That is true 2,5 mnt is disruptive for our lives- yes
Thank you both so much for your honest opinions! This was something that concerned me...would we be able to stay away a few months. I'm already thinking I'd feel the same way as you two!!
Very interesting ! Useful advice as usual. Thanks for the thoughts. We stayed in Othos de Agua last year and loved that beach and bar and used local bus service to get around. Enjoy your time in Portugal. X
We are coming to Alburfeira March 1 for a month for 921 euros. It is a modern place right in the old town.
We hope you have a great time Cheers 🇨🇦🙂🍷🍻🇵🇹
Hi Tina & Norm good to see you again and I think it’s very good you are testing and adapting best way 😊🥂
Regards. Christopher Barker
We think so too Christopher have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🇬🇧🇵🇹☕️🇨🇦🍻
I've noticed the increasing prices for Aparthotels in Algarve and Costa del Sol since the pandemic. And you are right, they have gone up faster than short-term apartments. I have been cross-shopping the big sites Airbnb, Booking, VRBO, etc, and it's amazing some of them will be $300 cheaper per month for a unit in the same building. But finding a local realtor is often cheaper than all 3 options, although one has to be more wary of scams.
You may consider a month in Algarve, then take the easy journey over to southern Spain and do another month to avoid boredom.
Looking like our whole snowbirding experience may be a nice outside firepit to enjoy Winters evenings around a fire with home cooking and maybe some wine.
Plenty of firewood from our block and our yard is as nice as a lot of resorts anyway so staying home isn't really a struggle in any way.
Good insight. I wonder if you have been to the algarve so much you could be wanting new places and adventure. So far 21 days is the longest we have been gone (too many family responsibilities). For now I think we are just enjoying long vacations just staying in hotels and eating out. Your videos offer so much great advice!
Norm & Tina , it was a pleasure to meet you in person today, as we are followers from way back, we are leaving for Toronto on Tuesday, but had a great time here & Tavira, I think Spain might be next, CHEERS
Very nice to meet you too have a safe trip back to Toronto Cheers 🇨🇦🍷🙂🇵🇹🍻
Hey Norm & Tina have you considered doing a home exchange? That way you can have all your kitchen spices and appliances, etc.
Hello Tina & Norm, we are in Lagos right now, our Airbnb is very well located, only minutes from the marina, train station and buses also 15 minutes from the grocery store, the beach and the boardwalks. It is $3950 CAD for 64 days. At a small business, just outside the tourists area, a coffee, apple juice, two large brioche croissants €5.80. There are still good deal out there. Cheers!
I tried Portugal, I really did. But it was too slow and old for me. I also prefer everything in English as ignorant as it sounds it doesn't bare on you until you have to do everything in a foreign language. The grocery stores lack too much variety compared to Canada & USA. Therefore as Florida is kinda like "20 years ago Canada" I chose it to be my winter home. Though very expensive, it still feels more connected to my family & easy to get to Canada if needed, 3 hours tops.
😂 don’t get shot down there.
You have a perfect plan! We found that's what works for us. 2 to 3 weeks on a cruise, then home for 2 to 3 weeks, then a month in Arizona, then home for another 2 to 3 weeks ,then leaving again for a sunny southern US climate for 9 days. Although I have to admit, I would not miss this dreadful weather in the Northeast US if I were away for the entire winter. But it's just easier to keep up with what needs to be done at home if we break up our winter trips a bit with some home time.
We totally agree Susan Cheers 🇺🇸🍷🇨🇦🙂🍻