Travel - Expat Network

expat network

UK Overnight Stays In Portugal Up 39.5% In 10 Years

Figures from Portugal’s national statistics institute (INE) reveal that the number of overnight stays by UK visitors in Portugal has increased by 39.5% in 10 years, from 7,095,996 in 2013 to 9,901,272 in 2023. The huge increase shows how comprehensively Portugal is now on the radar of many UK tourists, as well as those from...

The 10 Best Places To Visit In Portugal

Portugal is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most visited countries, thanks mainly to its affordability, ideal holiday weather, and unique attractions. Located on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal’s geography differs from green farmlands and ancient towns to gorgeous vineyards and mountains in the north to the Algarve’s sensational beaches in the south. Portugal’s...

Take The Climate Guilt Out Of Your Holiday With Our Top Travel Tips

The pandemic scuppered international travel for many of us, and understandably the nation is looking forward to getting away for a change of scenery. However, with the climate crisis a growing consideration for everyone, even when we’re away, OLIO’s co-founder Tessa Clarke shares her top travel tips for holidaying as sustainably as possible. ...

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.