Tag: Property

The Freedom Blueprint: How to Become a Digital Nomad in 2025

Digital Nomad

You’ve seen it — that photo of someone working from a hammock or a café overlooking turquoise water. It’s not fantasy anymore. The digital nomad lifestyle lets you blend meaningful work with freedom, as long as you’re intentional about your setup. Here’s how to turn the dream into a durable, balanced way of life.

TL;DR

To live and work remotely from anywhere, you’ll need:

  • A stable income stream

  • Portable tools and reliable internet

  • A plan for visas, money, and insurance

  • A discipline-first mindset — freedom follows structure


The 5-Step Roadmap to Going Nomad

StepFocusHelpful Resource
1. Define Your “Why”Identify your motivation: freedom, growth, or escape from burnout.Mindvalley Vision Board Tips
2. Pick a Remote-Friendly CareerOptions include writing, design, teaching, and customer support.We Work Remotely
3. Build an Online Income StreamFreelance, consult, or launch a service-based side business.Upwork
4. Test Your SetupTry a short remote stint locally before going international.Nomad List
5. Sort Out FinancesManage global payments with digital banking tools.Revolut

How to Build Your Nomad Workflow

  1. Set up your workspace. Choose a calm spot with good Wi-Fi — coworking spaces are ideal for focus and community.

  2. Stay organized solo. Use an individual-friendly app like Todoist to track projects, clients, and time zones.

  3. Protect your connection. A VPN like ProtonVPN keeps your data safe when using public Wi-Fi.

  4. Keep a rhythm. Block work hours, rest days, and local adventures — balance is the secret weapon of long-term nomads.

  5. Back everything up. Cloud storage saves you from tech disasters while abroad.


Nomad Travel Packing List

  • Passport + digital copies in cloud storage

  • Global health insurance

  • VPN for secure connections

  • Backup SIM or portable Wi-Fi hotspot

  • Noise-canceling headphones

  • 3–6 months of savings buffer

  • International debit or credit card


Quick FAQ

Q1: How much should I save before leaving?
Aim for at least $5,000–$8,000 — it gives you breathing room while adjusting to travel life.

Q2: Do I need to be self-employed?
No. Many full-time employees negotiate remote flexibility.

Q3: How do I meet other nomads?
Try coliving communities or networks like Outsite to connect with like-minded travelers.

Upskill While You Explore

If you want to stay competitive, keep learning as you move. Online education makes it easy to grow your skills between flights and client calls. Consider this: You can enroll in flexible programs that fit around travel schedules — from technology degrees to marketing certificates.

Explore options from institutions that offer self-paced, accredited online programs designed for working professionals.

Why it matters: Continuous learning gives you leverage — the freedom to choose clients and projects on your terms.

Featured Resource: Smarter Travel Planning

Before booking your next trip, use Skyscanner to find flexible, multi-city flights. You can track prices and explore destinations “everywhere” for spontaneous yet budget-friendly routes.

Mini Self-Audit Checklist: Are You Nomad-Ready?

  • I can earn income remotely

  • I have savings for at least 3 months

  • My work doesn’t rely on a fixed location

  • I’m disciplined about time and goals

  • I’ve researched visa and tax rules

  • I have backup internet and cloud storage

  • I’m ready to live light and move often


In Closing

Becoming a digital nomad isn’t just a lifestyle shift, it’s a mindset change. You’re not escaping the 9-to-5; you’re designing your own rhythm. With preparation, adaptability, and curiosity, you can make the world your workspace — one Wi-Fi connection at a time.

🌟 Portugal: A World Leader in Tourism! 🌟

Portugal, A world leader in tourism.

🌟 Portugal: A World Leader in Tourism! 🌟

In 2024, Portugal claimed an incredible 17 first-place awards on the global stage for tourism—recognizing its stunning beaches, world-class golf courses, luxurious hotels, and more. These accolades celebrate the passion and dedication of Portugal’s people, businesses, and government to creating unforgettable travel experiences.

💼 Your Perfect Vacation Awaits! 💼
Make Portugal your first choice in 2025 and secure your dream holiday villa now. Booking early ensures the ideal dates and venues before they’re gone!

Discover why Portugal truly deserves to be your vacation destination. Book today and start counting down to paradise!

World Travel Awards 

Seaside and Beaches

World’s Leading Beach Destination 2024   And the winner is Portugal

World’s Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination 2024 And the winner is Porto, Portugal

Golf

Worlds Best Golf Course 2024  And the winner is Terras da Comporta Portugal 

Worlds Best Golf Destination 2024   And the winner is Portugal

World’s Leading Golf & Villa Resort 2024 And the winner is Dunas Douradas Beach Club, Portugal

Cities

World’s Leading City Break Destination 2024   And the winner is Lisbon Portugal

World’s Leading Heritage City Destination 2024 And the winner is Lisbon Portugal

Adventure Tourism

World’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination 2024   And the winner is Azores Islands Portugal

World’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction 2024  And the winner is Passadiços do Paiva (Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark), Portugal

Hotels

World’s Leading Classic Hotel 2024 And the winner is Olissippo Lapa Palace Hotel, Lisbon, Portugal

World’s Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel 2024 And the winner is The Reserve, Madeira, Portugal

World’s Leading Landmark Hotel 2024 And the winner is Bairro Alto Hotel, Lisbon, Portugal

World’s Leading Luxury Hotel 2024 And the winner is Savoy Palace, Madeira, Portugal

World’s Leading Retreat 2024 And the winner is Saccharum, Madeira, Portugal

Other Tourism

World’s Leading Conservation Company 2024 And the winner is Parques de Sintra – Monte da Lua, Portugal

World’s Leading Island Destination 2024 And the winner is Madeira Islands, Portugal

World’s Responsible Tourism Award 2024 And the winner is Dark Sky Alqueva, Portugal

Save Big When you Travel!

Planning your vacation should be exciting, not stressful, especially when it comes to managing your foreign currency. Forget about outdated methods like Travellers Cheques or costly bank exchanges or being at the mercy of your credit card provider with annoying cash withdrawal fees and low exchange rates…..that you don’t notice until you get your card statement! There’s a smarter solution that puts more money back in your pocket – Wise!

Wise makes managing your money abroad easy, fair, and affordable. Since 2011, they’ve been revolutionizing international money transfers, and now they’re helping over 16 million people and businesses worldwide. Join Wise today.

Why Wise?

1. Save Big on Currency Conversion: With Wise, say goodbye to hefty bank fees. They offer transparent, low currency conversion fees and give you the real exchange rate – the same one you find on Google.

2. Multi-Currency Accounts: Whether you need Euros, US Dollars, or any of the 40+ supported currencies, Wise has you covered. You can hold multiple currencies in one account, making it convenient for your global adventures.

3. International Debit Card: Get ready for seamless spending anywhere in the world with Wise’s International Debit Card. No more worrying about high foreign transaction fees – just swipe and enjoy!

4. Earn Interest: Yes, you read that right! Wise pays monthly interest on your currency balances. It’s like getting rewarded for managing your money smartly.

5. Easy and Fast: Signing up is a breeze, and transfers are lightning-fast. Plus, there’s no cost to join – it’s a win-win!

6. Test Drive with a Free Transfer: Still unsure? Wise offers your first transfer up to €500 for free. It’s a risk-free way to experience their exceptional service.

Imagine having the freedom to travel without worrying about excessive fees or unfavourable exchange rates. Just ask James from the UK, who’s been saving thousands by using Wise for his daily expenses and vacations.

So, why wait? Join Wise today, unlock a world of financial freedom, and make your next vacation truly unforgettable!

Comments:

“Joining wise was the best thing I ever did. I opened a British Pound account, a Euro and US $ account. I work in UK so have my salary go directly into my GBP account where I earn interest and use the Wise debit card for all my daily living expenses. Then when we travel to Europe or the US on holiday I just use the same card and the money comes out of the correct balance automatically. I have saved thousands over the years” James P. UK.

“Security is excellent. Like opening a bank account you have to jump through some hoops but well worth the effort. Having just one card in my wallet to use anywhere in the world and not pay hefty fees and on top of that being given the commercial mid market rate you see on Bloomberg is exactly what I wanted.” Susan Traynor. Canada.

“What a pleasure to save almost 4% on every transaction and be paid interest, it’s a no brainer! Almost forgot, I bought car parts on line from Germany and used my Wise card” Dion Thackray. UK

” Our last trip was to Spain. I topped up my Euro account before we left. I paid our car rental, 3 hotel bills, withdrew Euros cash a few times, paid our restaurant and bar bills, Jeep safari and boat trips. A rough calculation tells me I saved about £120 using my Wise card instead of my Mastercard”.  Paul Stone. UK

Villa Vida Nova receives coveted Certificate of Excellence!

Algarve villa rental “Villa Vida Nova” receives coveted TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for providing consistently outstanding experiences and whose owners offer first-class customer service to their guests.

User-added image

(24 October 2018)

Villa Vida Nova villa rental in Algarve receives coveted Certificate of Excellence

TripAdvisor has given Nigel Stringer and Beverly Herrington-Stringer, owners of Villa Vida Nova, its exclusive Certificate of Excellence accolade – presented to the best of TripAdvisor Rentals’ hundreds of thousands of homes.

The Certificate of Excellence is given annually to those properties that provide consistently outstanding experiences and whose owners offer first-class customer service to their guests.

Owner of Villa Vida Nova, a home that received the accolade, Nigel Stringer said that he is thrilled with the recognition.

“We are very pleased to earn the Certificate of Excellence for our property. We have listed with TripAdvisor Rentals for nine years and we always strive to provide great customer service. It’s great to be rewarded by TripAdvisor after all of our hard work and it’s wonderful to know that our many guests over the last years have really valued their stay.”

Laurel Greatrix, Communications Director, TripAdvisor Rentals, said: “We’re excited to recognise and honour the top homes and homeowners on our site. This is a hard-earned accolade, and we’d like to thank Nigel and Beverly for their dedication to providing travelers with consistently outstanding experiences.”

Villa Vida Nova is available to book directly or if you prefer through TripAdvisor Rentals  where travelers can search, compare and book hundreds of thousands of properties worldwide. Choose properties with Payment Protection to enjoy safe and secure payment.

The Certificate of Excellence recognises properties that meet strict criteria, which take into account customer service as well as quantity and quality of reviews. 

About TripAdvisor Rentals

TripAdvisor Rentals is the holiday rentals branch of TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site. Travelers can search, compare and book hundreds of thousands of rental properties worldwide on TripAdvisor Rentals, including beach houses, ski cabins, private islands, treehouses and city apartments. Feel confident in your decision with our Payment Protection. For more information, please visit: TripAdvisor Rentals.

Villa Vida Nova
               Villa Vida Nova villa rental Algarve Portugal book direct and save                       weeks from Euro 595

Portugal on track for biggest property price rise in Europe

Strong national and international demand for property coupled with a housing shortage have put Portugal on track for a forecast 9.5 percent rise in property prices this year

The Portuguese real estate market should “remain dynamic over the next few years!

Source: The Portugal News Online  NEWS · 06-09-2018 09:39:00 ·

Strong demand for property in Portugal

Strong national and international demand for property coupled with a housing shortage have put Portugal on track for a forecast 9.5 percent rise in property prices this year, which means Portugal, along with Ireland, will be the European country with the sharpest increase in real estate prices, among the 10 countries analysed by the US financial rating agency S&P.

Portugal on track for biggest property price rise in Europe

This forecast, according to a piece by business and economy site Economia Online, is made in the ‘Europe’s Housing Market’ report published on Monday by S&P.

In the report, the agency analyses real estate price developments in Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

S&P predicts only in the UK will prices remain unchanged this year, with increases in all other cases; up until 2021, Portugal will remain among the countries with the highest increases.

As a result of strong demand, both domestic and international, and supply shortages, prices are expected to increase by 9.5 percent this year, slowing down to seven percent in 2019, six percent in 2020 and 5 percent in 2021. This, after last year, having already increased by 10.5 percent, and another 7.7 percent in 2016.

The Portuguese property market “remains affordable”

Nonetheless, S&P believes that the Portuguese market “remains affordable”, with “a price-earnings ratio still seven percent below the long-term average”.

In any case, S&P points out, “limited supply coupled with strong domestic and external demand is fuelling house price inflation”.

Bolstering this demand is “robust economic growth, job creation and low interest rates” as well as falling unemployment and “special incentives” such as the granting of gold visas and the programme for non-residents.

In this context, the agency anticipates that Portugal’s economic growth will remain “solid” this year, despite a slowdown compared to 2017, pointing to an increase of 2.3 percent of GDP.

Thus, the Portuguese real estate market should “remain dynamic over the next few years, supported by job creation and increased incomes, as well as by external demand”, S&P concluded.

The gap between supply and demand is also expected to continue over the next few years. This is because the number of properties under construction is increasing, but still small, so it will likely not keep pace with the growth of demand.

Cowichan Valley Seasonal Contrasts

Different moods for different seasons

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One June evening in the summer of 2017 we were blessed with this awesome sunset whilst sitting on our deck with a glass of wine. We live for the best part of the year in British Columbia Canada, on Vancouver Island in the Cowichan Valley. Our house sits in an elevated position on terraced land with views over lake Quamichan to the mountains beyond.

It is early May now and the last of the snow has melted from the top of that mountain in the photograph, temperatures here are warming up with averages of about 15 or 16 deg C and highs of 24.

By contrast here is a photograph of the same view in winter.

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And here is an early morning summer photograph not a breath of wind.

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And by way of even more contrast an early morning autumn mist covers the lake.

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Same view but different moods for different seasons!

Where is the cheapest place in Portugal to live on a pension?

Portugal has to be one of the most affordable countries in Europe in which to live.

Anywhere away from cities and industry. Small villages and towns that are a few hours drive from major cities will be the cheapest places to live.

Property prices and property taxes in small villages will be low and the cost of food if bought at the local markets low too. Buy what is in season. You may have to make a longer journey now and then to a larger town to stock up on certain items and fill your car up with cheaper gas at one of the supermarkets.Property for sale

Where?

Alentejo villages would be a good starting point, or any village in the North of Portugal, just stay away from the larger towns and cities. If you prefer a warmer climate in winter then the Algarve would be suitable but stay away from the coast and look inland, have a look at places like Alcoutim, Almodovar, Salir, Alte, Ourique, Sao Marcos da Serra, Alferce, Monchique, Marmelete, Aljezur, Rogil, all are within striking distance of larger towns and airports but are clear of industry and heavy tourism, check out this site MonchiquePortugal.info

Shops in MonchiqueStretch your Euros

If you are prepared to live sensibly, grow some of your own fruit and veg, have a few chickens, do without too many trappings you can make a pension go a long way. Much depends on where your pension comes from of course. The one thing that can be costly here are cars both new and used. If you have a fairly new and reliable left hand drive to bring with you then consider doing so and get it “matriculated” here. Portugal has to be one of the most affordable countries in Europe in which to live.

Read Nigel‘s answer to Where is the cheapest place in Portugal to live on a pension? on Quora

Portugal Property Market Report

Record year for Portuguese housing market on the cards

19-10-2017 Source: http://www.theportugalnews.com

The current year is set to finish with more than 20 billion euros changing hands in real estate transactions across the country.

Record year for Portuguese housing market on the cards

 

The news of the continued growth in the Portuguese property market was revealed this week by the National Real Estate Agents’ Association (APEMIP).
The association said that with this projected growth, the property market will have expanded by 20 percent on last year’s figures.
APEMIP further forecast that this growth will continue for at least the coming two years. It said that the real estate market has received a decisive push through foreign investment, but said that continued growth is now also being supported by the domestic market, with investors cashing in on their bank deposits to invest in the buy-to-let market.
Meanwhile, new figures have show that the building industry has registered growth of over 40 percent.
According to the Pipeline Imobiliário Index, the number of building licences issued between the second quarter of 2016 and the second quarter of 2017 has climbed by 42.7 in mainland Portugal.
The issuing of licences to renovate or rebuild old homes performed particularly strongly, with an increase of just over 68 percent for the period in question.
Meanwhile, official figures out earlier this autumn indicated that the national housing price index has seen property prices rise by eight percent during the second quarter of the year when compared with the same period in 2016. House prices also rose on the first quarter of 2017, with the cost of housing up 3.2 percent.
Figures published by Portugal Statistics (INE) further revealed that new properties continued to report growth, while used properties, while still recording strong increases, slowed during the second quarter of the year.
The INE said that a total of just under 37,000 properties were sold between April and June, which is up 16.1 percent on 2016 and almost five percent above the number registered between January and March this year.
The total value of real estate sold during the second quarter was up 23.3 percent on last year, totaling 4.6 billion euros, of which 3.7 billion euros accounted for used homes.

If this does not tempt you, not sure what will! We invested in Portugal and have seen the value of our property in Monchique increase two fold in the last 12 years, what’s more it serves us as an escape from Canadian winters (snowbirding) and gives a great return on investment in the summer months because we rent it out. Have a look at our rental website and see what we have what our rates and availability are.