After visiting every country in the world, I had a new perspective on life. I no longer wanted to be in the US and chose to live in Portugal.

• When I first started traveling, my motivation wasn’t about checking countries off a list.

• Visiting exotic countries like Ethiopia gave me an appreciation for different cultures.

• I wanted a more laid-back lifestyle and a country that would support my overall wellness goals.

When I crossed the border in Mozambique in December 2020, I joined a group of fewer than 30 women who had visited every country in the world at the time.

Once the wave of accomplishment and emotion passed, I spent some time reflecting upon how far I’d come on my 20-year journey and what I had learned as a result.

Why I began traveling around the world

When I first started traveling, my motivation was not about checking countries off a list or collecting passport stamps. My interest stemmed from a genuine love for scuba diving.

As time passed, I became more fascinated by the diversity of cultures and people in the world, growing to appreciate the unique moments that culture shock brings.

Early vivid memories include sensory overload in India with the smell of local spices, incense, marigolds, and pollution blended together, and the frenetic streets of Vietnam, full of the never-ending buzz of countless motorcycles, some of which carried families of five or were used to transport giant panes of glass.

I learned to appreciate different cultures and became more open-minded

Travel eventually grew to become both my passion and profession, leading me into airline management and then aviation consulting.

As a consultant, I spent extended periods in exotic countries such as Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, which gave me an understanding and appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. With that came open-mindedness.

For example, the business etiquette in Pakistan dictates that Muslim men and women typically do not shake hands. This stems from both religious tradition and cultural norms that emphasize modesty and boundaries between genders.

As a result, when greeting men in meetings, I waited for a handshake to be offered, taking cues from what they seemed comfortable with. Seemingly small daily interactions like this were a gateway into understanding the values that shape the unique behaviors within culture.

Travel taught me to value experiences over possessions

An excellent rule of thumb when packing is to take half the clothes and twice the money you feel is necessary. This sage advice applies not just to packing but to life.

When you travel light, you move more easily and can better handle changes. It increases your adaptability and builds your resilience. Fewer things result in more simplicity.

Richness doesn’t come from what you own; it comes from experiences.

I have seen happiness and joy in some of the world’s poorest countries come from sharing a communal plate of rice and meat dinner in Yemen to a joyful musical and dance celebration in a matriarchal community on the remote Bijagos Island.

Travel taught me to value these moments over amassing possessions.

Home is where you feel aligned

In late 2021, as a result of the pandemic, I was without work as a freelance airline consultant. At the same time, my marriage was ending. I found myself no longer tethered to a job or a husband, and saw this as an opportunity, a blank canvas to create a new life.

As I stared at a US map, though, nothing appealed to me. I could move abroad, but I had only traveled and never lived abroad. I wasn’t sure I could pull it off as an underemployed freelancer. Then I remembered a lesson I learned in Mozambique when I visited the Girl Move Academy foundation for girls.

During our discussion, a young lady who was wiser than her years shared with me her life philosophy: “Do not put a roof on your dreams,” meaning dream big and without constraints.

I finally recognized that after years of traveling the world, my perspective had shifted in ways I never could have anticipated. I felt my values no longer aligned well with the US, particularly in Texas, where I had spent more than half my life. I knew I had to look beyond the country’s borders to find the life that aligned with the new me.

Why, out of every country in the world, I chose to live in Portugal

I was searching for a new way of life. A place where my core values were not only accepted but also embraced. I wanted a culture that prioritized a healthy work-life balance, was less driven by consumerism, and felt safer with less gun violence.

I wanted to settle in a place where walking and public transport were the norm, where less processed food is consumed. A place where more affordable healthcare and health insurance are accessible even for self-employed people like myself.

Ultimately, I sought a more laid-back lifestyle and a climate that would support my overall wellness goals. While I considered multiple places, including Georgia, Türkiye, and Mexico, the relative ease of getting a long-term residency was a major consideration in creating my list of options. I started my journey abroad in Georgia; however, it didn’t feel like the right long-term fit. After three months in Tbilisi, I started working on my paperwork for a Portuguese residency visa.

Portugal’s slow rhythm to life, combined with its mild, sunny weather and active outdoor culture, was a big draw. In Lisbon, in particular, I was enchanted by the hospitality of the locals, emphasis on work-life balance, access to nature, availability of fresh foods, and the city’s walkability.

After visiting every country, I finally understood that I was looking for a home not defined by a map but by a feeling of ease, safety, comfort, and a sense of belonging — and I found that feeling in Portugal.

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