From Solo Vacation to Solo Relocation: Portugal, Here I Come!

Send us Fan Mail This episode is different — it's just me. No guest, no interview. Just Theresa, opening up about the biggest solo adventure of her life: moving from the US to Porto, Portugal. This isn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. It's the result of years of hard work, hard choices, and a slow, honest evolution — from working four jobs just to stay afloat in Louisville, Kentucky, to researching visas for Costa Rica, then France, and finally landing on Portugal. Theresa walks through the financial breaking point that changed everything, the conversation with her son that made the move real, and why Porto — with its walkability, affordability, and slower pace of life — became the answer she wasn't expecting. If you've ever wondered what it actually looks like to relocate abroad solo — not just the dream part, but the visas, the doubt, the 2am "what am I doing" moments — this episode is for you. **What We Cover** - Why this move isn't a spur-of-the-moment decision — the years-long path that led here - Working four jobs and still not making ends meet: the financial reality before the decision - Why Costa Rica and France were both considered — and why neither ended up being the answer - How a remote worker visa search led to Portugal (and specifically, Porto) - Portugal vs. France vs. the US: cost of living, safety, and pace of life - The moment it became real: selling the house, telling her son, telling coworkers - What she's most excited about (walking everywhere, learning Portuguese, weekend train trips) - What scares her (building community, unexpected expenses, language barriers) - How lessons from solo travel prepared her for a solo *move* **Connect & Follow Along** Follow the journey as Theresa documents the visa wait, apartment hunting in Porto, and the move itself in upcoming episodes of Roam Alone Portugal. Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens. Instagram: @theresaannstephens Facebook: /theresastephens Facebook: /RoamAlone