I don't normally leave comments but I thought I would this time. I started watching your videos about a year ago, mainly because I had turned 65 and was looking for retirement advice. Along the way you made a few video's about your winter stays in the Algarve. Well..., that got me thinking. My wife and I are not frequent travellers and when we do travel we usually play it safe and book a cruise. The idea of flying to a foreign country and taking charge of own itinerary was quite franckly a bit stressful. Winter in Calgary can be long and having turned 65 I realize time is too short to spend 4 months waiting for winter to end. Well, we did it. Thanks to you and your video's I took to plunge and booked a month in Portugal. I am in Salema writing this comment. Yesterday we we spent the day in Lagos. Monday we plan on a day trip to Albufeira. Traffic on the N125 is not bad at all and the weather has been quite pleasent. I'm already taking notes and thinking about where we should stay in the Algarve next year.
Good for you and your wife for trying something new. There were a lot of ederly on our tour of Italy. They had difficulty walking and climbing steps. 2 of them ended up in the hospital. So we realize that our traveling years are numbered and we’re trying to see as much of Europe as we can. Then we’ll probably get an RV and focus on the states.
@@LindaDelsniderIt’s the one opposite Continente in the centre of Albuferia. I only know this as I went there with my family after watching Tina and Norm's previous videos. I got an Uber to Continente and walked across the road.
My wife and I are very experienced travelers (having visited over 70 countries) journeying abroad for 7 or so months each year. You have given some excellent points for choosing Portugal but, in our opinion, you have overlooked THE MOST IMPORTANT positive point by far. That is CLEANLINESS ! Whenever we step off a plane, train, bus or boat, cleanliness is what we immediately look for - streets, public buildings, toilets, groceries, etc. When the streets are as clean as Portugal's, we know there we will be safe. In all our travels, we thought Croatia was the most clean until we came to Portugal and probably the biggest reason we will be stopping over again early this April (warm, but before the bulk of the Brits arrive for the real heat). Just review the pics you have posted in Portugal and notice the streets - really clean: translation, no crime, every time. Enjoy your adventures!!
I am in agreement that Portugal is a very safe place for all ages. As an introvert and a solo traveller Portugal is ideal place for me to explore on my own. Last year I spent my 71 bday travelling all over the country. During my stays in Lisbon, Coimbra, Obidos Porto and the Algarve, I would walk back from having dinner after 9:00 pm to my hotel and felt very comfortable doing so. Some of my favourite meals were from the traditional Portuguese cuisines including their infamous grilled sardines.
This was great! We really liked Lisbon, Lagos and the smaller towns around Lagos. We are thinking of spending 3 months in Portugal next winter. Cheers from Canada.
Seafood cataplana is one of the Algarve's best dishes. It's called cataplana because it's prepared in a special pot which is where the name comes from and includes various types of fresh seafood, including prawns, mussels and clams. The seafood is accompanied by tomatoes, garlic, potatoes, onion, coriander and white wine.
I second that. Please try seafood cataplana. I became such a fan that even bought the cataplana pot to take with me to Estonia and cook here the Portuguese way 😊
Hey … I lived most of my entire life on the beach .. not the shore , the beach ! Our home was practically on the sand . That salt air is GOOD FOR , not just your mental health, but YOUR physical HEALTH!
As a fellow Canadian traveller frequenting the Algarve I love your commentary and hope others follow your lead. The difference between your videos and others is that you guys are genuine and speak from the heart. Keep up the good work. Just a couple of comments or additions I have started to come mid Feb as I find the rain has ended and the temperature is quickly rising. By late March you can go into the ocean and lounge on the beach. You forgot to mention the wine and how good it is for such a reasonable price. Also for many timid first time travellers there is no problem with language as just about everyone speaks English.
Thanks Cliff yes each month gets warmer for us being away January through Mid March gives us a great break from Winter 🥶 the rain ☔️ isn’t very much enjoy your weekend Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
We’re Americans who’ve lived in nearby Spain 39 years. When our kids were small we discovered the Algarve and spent many wonderful vacations there, specifically Ohlas de Agua which is between Faro and Albufeira. In March our entire family of 3 kids, their spouses and our 6 grandchildren are coming to visit from the US. We’ll spend four days in the Algarve revisiting their favorite spots. Can’t wait! Hubby and I try to get over once a year as we love it so much and it’s only a four hour drive! You might enjoy the Benagil caves tour! Love your videos!
I love Portugal. I understand why you make repeat visits. You inspire me to live my next chapter with longer stays. Thank you for your channel and stories.
8:56 is this your first stay at Aparthotel? I stayed in one in the Gracia neighborhood of Barcelona. They had parking, lockers, hats, umbrellas, guidebooks, cafeteria - indoor or outside patio seating. Coffee /tea. Foot massagers & room laundry line in the shower. Really quite a practical hotel. Susan
I’d say Portugal has been having a moment for years now. There’s nothing not to love about Portugal. It’s been over 20 years since I was there but thought it was amazing, and back then super cheap. And charming in a raffish way. That and the language is gorgeous.
I'm so glad for you! Once a long time ago, I was hired in Lisbon to go and work for a couple of Months in Albufeira. It was my first time going to the Algarve. It was 10 times smaller than it is now maybe! No escalators, no elevators, but magic it was. I love that place too. Going there in March maybe, even if only to drink a couple of beers at a viewpoint and a short walk on the wet sand. Keep it up!
I am glad you mentioned safety. One of our adult children visited Paris recently and said they did not feel safe. We do have a few more years before retirement but your videos are giving us some good food for thought - from moving out of your mortgage free home to traveling abroad at length. Thank you so much!
Thanks so much for this video. We love the Algarve as well. I saw you get emotional there Norm, we feel the same way you both do about the Algarve and the ocean. We are one year out from retirement and plan on spending a few months a year in the Algarve, possibly Lagos. It’s been great to see the evolution of your channel we have been watching from the start. Cheers from Nova Scotia. I’m so happy you were able to return to Portugal.
I stay in Tavira over the winter, as a single woman. I have to agree with the comment about safety. I feel comfortable walking about alone, without a concern. I decided to spend a few days in Seville, and arrived late afternoon. I checked into my usual hotel and looked forward to a tapas crawl that evening, as I usually do. Well, after being harassed by so many hawkers and beggars and being cat called by sleazy desperate men, I was back in my room by 8:30 - unheard of in the past. Next morning, I wanted to enjoy my usual wandering to enjoy the sites, and again was made to feel uncomfortable. I ended up cutting my trip short and leaving Seville to scurry back to Tavira after just 2 days. Yes, Tavira is a safe haven for solo travellers in my experience.
So sorry to hear you had to cut your trip short Sharon it didn’t sound good at all , we were in Seville maybe 5 years ago but obviously things have changed glad you are safe back in Tavira .Hope you enjoy the rest of your stay Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
The Algarve especially Albufeira, generally experiences a peaceful atmosphere, even at night. While there are occasional reports of petty crime such as pickpocketing, the majority of areas, especially the tourist zones, are typically safe and regularly patrolled by police. This is comforting to know. Stay safe and enjoy the ½ and ½ in your coffee and the bacalhau.
I first visited the Algarve a year ago after seeing your recommendation videos. It was my first time in Europe! It was a great first country to visit in Europe. I look forward to visiting Portugal again in the future. I think about the food almost every day.
Hi Norm and Tina, just wanted to say that I have been watching your videos since you started and they are very well done and very informative. I am pleased that you are living your best retired life! Enjoy the food and culture in Portugal! My wife and I will be there in October and are really looking forward to visiting the country.
How lovely, we have been visiting Portugal for about 25 years! WE jump on public transport & see where the day takes us.. Go north to the little villages on market days. It has changed so much in the past few years though. Still pleasant but watch out for the pickpockets..
Glad you are both having a good time. Portugal is a wonderful country my husband and I are planning to go back in a couple of years after I retire. Can't wait to see it again.
Hello lovelies, bom dia. Am so enjoying catching up with you. Your videos are so inspiring, and calming. I can feel all the goodness 'vibe' coming my way and you know I have a very stressful life caring for my disabled son, so you are a refreshing change from my routine. Much love X:)
Good morning Tina and Norm, just an observation. In Portugal, there are 365 ways to prepare salted cod, one for each day of the year not just 3 or 4 ways as you alluded to. Thanks for the video, stay safe and take care of each other.
Bom dia, Tina e Norm. 😊 So happy to hear and see that you are enjoying your time in Portugal. Of course we won’t disagree with you on your reasons for vacationing there. We know all too well, how wonderful it can be, as well. 😆 ☀️ 🏖 🚗 🚂 🏨 ⛪️ 🏰 ☕️ 🍲 🐟 🥐 🍷 🍇 🍊 🌳 Take care and be safe. Boas férias! 🇵🇹 🇨🇦 🌷Sam and Pedro
Bom dia, Sam and Pedro, Weather has been good, food and drink awesome and hotel great! We just our seniors bus pass for the Albufeira local Giro bus starting Feb 1, for a month, no stopping us now 😂😂🚌 Thanks so much for stopping by, always love hearing from you! 💕🇵🇹
Great advice ! We are looking forward to our first trip to Portugal on the 25th of February and your videos are certainly helping us plan our days there. Thanks for doing them !
Guys, thanks for the effort with this video. We moved to the Algarve from the UK in 2005; lived first in Sao Bras and then bought a house near the beach in Altura which is 15 minutes East of Tavira. With respect, Albufeira is the last place I would want to be in the Algarve. All you had to do in Tavira (where the beach is only accessable via boat) is travel East towards Spain where probably the best beach in Portugal (from Manta Rota to Vila Real) is there to enjoy, all 12 kilometres of it......just don't go there in the Summer!
With respect Michael we only visit Albufeira in Winter 🥶 would never come in the summer 😱we did take the ferry ⛴️ to the beach in Tavira it was cold and everywhere was closed .Remember we are just escaping Canadian winters and these last few weeks have been wonderful blue skies and gorgeous beaches to walk on Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Hi Tina and Norm, another very interesting and informative video. Great to see you both looking so relaxed and in great health. 👍 Enjoy your stay. I always look forward to catching up with you each Saturday, especially now as we're in the same time zone ! 😉
All of the above + not to forget, the Coffee tastes so delicious every where. At some places, you can get coffee with Pastel de Nata for less than $ 1.50. Really missing it!
I just spent the month of January in Albufeira. First time visit. Loved it. Decided to go after watching your videos. Thanks for your tips, on Portugal, Norm and Tina. We visited Lagos, Faro, Olhoa, Travira. Weather was like May here in Canada. Our third week actually saw 22 degrees. You need to pack for a variety of temperatures. You are right Norm, the evenings do get chilly. Direct flight to and from Faro. Lovely, easy to get through airport. Only bad thing about our time away, is my luggage didn't arrive until 8 days after me, but at least it made it. Will diffinitely return. Thanks so much for your very informative videos. ❤
Glad you had a great time sorry for the delay with your luggage, yes the weather these last two weeks has been great in the low 20° all in all just great Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Good 2 see you like Pingo doce for lunch Lunch time is popular for everyone so the best time to go is when they start serving up from 11:30 and you'll have the dining room 2 urselves .A word of warning : In the dining area they sell sodas & water at inflated prices we're as before you go to the dining area go & purchase in the main shop & you'll save big time E.G. regular Coke sells for 85 cent 33cl can In the dining area you'll pay 1.39 . Have a good one ! Christy 🇮🇪/🇵🇹 👍
You are so right about keeping yourself occupied in retirement! Personally, barely have time for everything! 2 hours walking in the morning, no excuses! Doing a little bit of consulting, but only when I feel like it. Writing and recording music, small projects around the house, planning travel, etc. Sometimes I need to set up priorities 😊. Good to see you being busy, and, please, continue making these videos!
I did something similar in 2018 in preparation for retirement. I bought a 675 sq ft condo in a hotel in Waterville Valley, NH, USA for $64,500. I retired a few years later. Such units now sell for around $200k. I don’t get all those perks but I live in a beautiful resort community with property taxes well below 2k a year even after the real estate market went insane.
Have you considered a train ride to Monaco. Very expensive to stay but a buck list item for sure. Monaco has lowest crime rate in Europe and it's beautiful.
Thanks for your info. I also love Albufeira been there 3 times and would love to stay there longer next time. Especially for the winter season. I also felt very safe there. I am envious of you both. Enjoy your stay……….🤗🇨🇦
North Western Ontario here.......Just wanted to say, my Wife and I really enjoy your video's. I am near retirement and realize I have MUCH, WAY TO MUCH to catch up on in regards to learning about the process of retirement......RRSP's....TFSA's.....etc....We have them all but now, so close to retirement I wondering what the hell do I do with them ! Watching your video's eases my nerves and gives me inspiration that maybe, if I pay attention to your advice and others, we just may be OK. Loooking forward to your next video.....take care and stay safe.
Thank you so much for sharing your reasons for spending your Canadian winters in Portugal. We haven’t had a chance to explore potential places for our winter getaway upon my retirement but listening to your videos inspires us to consider what seems to be a lovely place. Another RUclips couple I follow ‘Our Rich Journey’ had chosen Lisbon to call their permanent home.
We preferred Lagos to Tavira for the same reasons. Love Pingo Doce! We used the machine they have and made fresh orange juice….delicious! Also purchased the small Sagres beers there….we called them our lunch beers 😂 Enjoy your trip. Can’t wait to return next year.
So glad you are having a good time! Speaking of restaurants and the beach, the best meal we ever had with the best view is a restaurant on the cliff called "La Pineda". You need to try the prawns. Spectacular views. Can't wait!
Hey Guys. We are long term fans who are living the Norm and Tina dream. We have arrived in Albufeira for the first time and will spend 15 days. That beach is just as wonderful as you describe. We have already been to the Pingo Doce and we are regulars at the Continente. We are making lists of places to explore (visited Praia da Rocha near Portimao), things to do (would like to do a boat to the Bengali caves next week), and places to eat(tried unbelievable awesome tapas at Platinum today). Nothing disappoints so far. Thank you both for your inspiration. Maybe we will see you!!
Its been great watching your videos so many good tips. We will be arriving in Albuferia on feb 1st from Detroit spending the entire month traveling the Algarve.
If you like ocean and good walking you would love portimao. Just amazing beach and boardwalk. We stayed right on beach 1 bedroom with beautiful balcony so cheap and could walk everywhere
We love Alburfeira and feel really safe you are right the food is great, and we have always been able to fine food at any time during the day because all restaurants don’t close at three. If you like walking and looking at the sites it is amazing. Last year we probably walked the whole city during our stay. We go in March and the weather is marvellous. Five more weeks and we will be there too. Thanks for your channel we picked Portugal and the algarve.
@@ThisIsOurRetirement I don’t blame you. We went almost every day during our stay as it was so delicious and economical and nice to hang out with the locals and not just the other ex pats.
Portugal is all about the food. My wife was born in Loule and came to Canada as a child. We visit on occasion and have plans to retire soon and travel to Portugal frequently as we have access to apartments with family. We will be in the Loule & Villamoura areas mostly. We are considering moving to Portugal and then coming to Canada in the summer months to live on our sailboat in the summer months. The food is absolutely great and always fresh and need to control my eating in fear of gaining weight. Enjoy your stay.
Norm and Tina, I have been fooling you guys for a while now. Sounds like a great retirement retreat for sure. My wife and I are going to Albufeira in May and are looking forward to our first trip. We are touring Lisbon and Porto then 3 weeks in Albufeira. We already have our AirBnB but we are impressed with your location, looks very interesting. You mentioned the Luna Group in a previous message. I’ll check it out. We are located in Ottawa! Hello fellow Canadians!
Love this video. it's so true what you said. It truly is a very good comfort level there. Miss a beer with my big Mac lol. Looking forward to the next video.
Hi Norm and Tina, That new t-shirt on Tina is beautiful the colour is nice and fresh on her. Thank you for the awesome information on Portugal. Can you please let us know which apt hotel with the communal space that you stayed at in The Algarve? Look forward to more of your videos.
Hallo, wij zijn voor de 7e keer in de Algarve , nu voor het eerst in Monte Gordo omdat we willen fietsen , voor 3 weken fietsen gehuurd, prachtig gebied hier aan de grens met Spanje. Je kan met de veerboot naar Ayamonte , groeten van Marcel en Jessica
You have to be aware regarding food, depending in the region you are, the same dish, like Bifana has a different aspect. Try one Bifana in the North and other in the south.
We love your channel. We are fans of Portugal, and have been there several times (from home in UK) It is interesting to hear of a retired couple doing long term travel , using Aparthotels, rather than many who use AirBnB. That is more our style. We laughed at your pronunciation of the supermarket. Continente is not pronounced continent, that sounds like bladder problems. It is pronounced Con- tin- En-tay Mind you I probably could not pronounce Canadian words correctly.
Hi Tina & Norm great to see you both looks like you are having a great time good video it’s a bit blustery in the uk at the moment lol😂keep the good work up . Thanks. Christopher Barker 🥂
well we did it, retired in sept sold the house moved to somthing much smaller and now booked our trip to lisbon then cascais estrel then off to the algarve. for one month who knows if we enjoy it maybe we will stay longer or just go back. thanks for all that you do.. let us know which part of portugal you love the best? p.s my husband now watches .
Sounds great! We loved Lisbon but it’s very hilly , Cascais is gorgeous the Algarve is our favourite over Winter so many lovely towns , blue skies , gorgeous beaches hope you have a great time Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Great video. We wish we were there too. Anyway you can post which hotel apartments you stayed at or liked? This would help us in planning our trip out or at least give us a good starting point. Keep the excellent videos coming.
We retired last year and decided to spend the winter in Portugal too. As much as we miss family and friends in NS, we are loving being in Albufeira. However, we were disappointed to learn that O Jorge is no longer there 😥and was apparently taken over by new owners 4 months ago. However, we did discover a place called O Costa which had the most delicious bifanas.
We used to take the kids there years ago. We didn't have a lot of spare cash so we used to eat where the locals go. Verde Minho. It was self service from a smougersboard of everthing you could imagine. The food was amazing and they used to weigh your tray at the till. Needless to say we filled up. Great memories of Albufeira. 😂
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
I don't normally leave comments but I thought I would this time. I started watching your videos about a year ago, mainly because I had turned 65 and was looking for retirement advice. Along the way you made a few video's about your winter stays in the Algarve. Well..., that got me thinking. My wife and I are not frequent travellers and when we do travel we usually play it safe and book a cruise. The idea of flying to a foreign country and taking charge of own itinerary was quite franckly a bit stressful. Winter in Calgary can be long and having turned 65 I realize time is too short to spend 4 months waiting for winter to end. Well, we did it. Thanks to you and your video's I took to plunge and booked a month in Portugal. I am in Salema writing this comment. Yesterday we we spent the day in Lagos. Monday we plan on a day trip to Albufeira. Traffic on the N125 is not bad at all and the weather has been quite pleasent. I'm already taking notes and thinking about where we should stay in the Algarve next year.
Love this as I lament my lack of plans this winter. Haven’t seen sunshine since January 4th here in southwestern Ontario 😢
Good for you! I am in the states. Finding the gray and gloom a bit much to take now that I am retired. Florida is just to $$$$.
Would u mind sharing which Pingo your referring to? Thanks🇨🇦
Good for you and your wife for trying something new. There were a lot of ederly on our tour of Italy. They had difficulty walking and climbing steps. 2 of them ended up in the hospital. So we realize that our traveling years are numbered and we’re trying to see as much of Europe as we can. Then we’ll probably get an RV and focus on the states.
@@LindaDelsniderIt’s the one opposite Continente in the centre of Albuferia. I only know this as I went there with my family after watching Tina and Norm's previous videos. I got an Uber to Continente and walked across the road.
My wife and I are very experienced travelers (having visited over 70 countries) journeying abroad for 7 or so months each year. You have given some excellent points for choosing Portugal but, in our opinion, you have overlooked THE MOST IMPORTANT positive point by far. That is CLEANLINESS ! Whenever we step off a plane, train, bus or boat, cleanliness is what we immediately look for - streets, public buildings, toilets, groceries, etc. When the streets are as clean as Portugal's, we know there we will be safe. In all our travels, we thought Croatia was the most clean until we came to Portugal and probably the biggest reason we will be stopping over again early this April (warm, but before the bulk of the Brits arrive for the real heat).
Just review the pics you have posted in Portugal and notice the streets - really clean: translation, no crime, every time. Enjoy your adventures!!
Very true thanks for sharing 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
I am in agreement that Portugal is a very safe place for all ages. As an introvert and a solo traveller Portugal is ideal place for me to explore on my own. Last year I spent my 71 bday travelling all over the country. During my stays in Lisbon, Coimbra, Obidos Porto and the Algarve, I would walk back from having dinner after 9:00 pm to my hotel and felt very comfortable doing so.
Some of my favourite meals were from the traditional Portuguese cuisines including their infamous grilled sardines.
This was great! We really liked Lisbon, Lagos and the smaller towns around Lagos. We are thinking of spending 3 months in Portugal next winter. Cheers from Canada.
We love the Algarve! Visited it twice last year! Portugal you have my heart!
It’s a lovely place Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹❤️
Thanks for saying that about my beautiful little country ❤️
No problem 😊
Seafood cataplana is one of the Algarve's best dishes. It's called cataplana because it's prepared in a special pot which is where the name comes from and includes various types of fresh seafood, including prawns, mussels and clams. The seafood is accompanied by tomatoes, garlic, potatoes, onion, coriander and white wine.
Sounds delicious 😋 Mike thanks for sharing Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
I second that. Please try seafood cataplana. I became such a fan that even bought the cataplana pot to take with me to Estonia and cook here the Portuguese way 😊
Hey … I lived most of my entire life on the beach .. not the shore , the beach ! Our home was practically on the sand .
That salt air is GOOD FOR , not just your mental health, but YOUR physical HEALTH!
Totally agree
I’ve often thought about spending time in Portugal during the winter. Having watched your videos, I’m getting closer and closer. Thank you!
Your welcome it’s lovely and quiet yet we can walk the beaches and look at those lovely blue skies 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
As a fellow Canadian traveller frequenting the Algarve I love your commentary and hope others follow your lead. The difference between your videos and others is that you guys are genuine and speak from the heart. Keep up the good work. Just a couple of comments or additions I have started to come mid Feb as I find the rain has ended and the temperature is quickly rising. By late March you can go into the ocean and lounge on the beach. You forgot to mention the wine and how good it is for such a reasonable price. Also for many timid first time travellers there is no problem with language as just about everyone speaks English.
Thanks Cliff yes each month gets warmer for us being away January through Mid March gives us a great break from Winter 🥶 the rain ☔️ isn’t very much enjoy your weekend Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Suggestion for another video to do one on the great wines of Portugal😄🍷
Safety is the number 1 thing I look for as I love to walk around and explore wherever I go.
Yes Carol and The Algarve in winter feels safe! Enjoy your weekend.
Safety is paramount. Wish I was there !!
Portugal looks like a lovely place to stay. It’s so important to feel safe and comfortable
Yes it is have a great week guys and thanks for watching Cheers 🇺🇸☕️🇵🇹🇨🇦
We’re Americans who’ve lived in nearby Spain 39 years. When our kids were small we discovered the Algarve and spent many wonderful vacations there, specifically Ohlas de Agua which is between Faro and Albufeira. In March our entire family of 3 kids, their spouses and our 6 grandchildren are coming to visit from the US. We’ll spend four days in the Algarve revisiting their favorite spots. Can’t wait! Hubby and I try to get over once a year as we love it so much and it’s only a four hour drive! You might enjoy the Benagil caves tour! Love your videos!
Thank you have a great time 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Enjoying this adorable couple ❤
Thanks so much Rosa 🌺🙂🍷
I love Portugal. I understand why you make repeat visits. You inspire me to live my next chapter with longer stays. Thank you for your channel and stories.
Your very welcome Simone have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
8:56 is this your first stay at Aparthotel? I stayed in one in the Gracia neighborhood of Barcelona. They had parking, lockers, hats, umbrellas, guidebooks, cafeteria - indoor or outside patio seating. Coffee /tea. Foot massagers & room laundry line in the shower. Really quite a practical hotel. Susan
We have stayed in a few in different countries and like that extra security and being able to cook our food Cheers🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
I’d say Portugal has been having a moment for years now. There’s nothing not to love about Portugal. It’s been over 20 years since I was there but thought it was amazing, and back then super cheap. And charming in a raffish way. That and the language is gorgeous.
We too enjoy visiting here Murray it’s very relaxing Cheers 🇨🇦🇵🇹☕️
I'm so glad for you! Once a long time ago, I was hired in Lisbon to go and work for a couple of Months in Albufeira. It was my first time going to the Algarve. It was 10 times smaller than it is now maybe! No escalators, no elevators, but magic it was. I love that place too. Going there in March maybe, even if only to drink a couple of beers at a viewpoint and a short walk on the wet sand. Keep it up!
Wow it would of been a very different place , we love coming in Winter 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
I am glad you mentioned safety. One of our adult children visited Paris recently and said they did not feel safe. We do have a few more years before retirement but your videos are giving us some good food for thought - from moving out of your mortgage free home to traveling abroad at length. Thank you so much!
Your welcome 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Been there 3 times and safe everywhere and peoples are just nice and welcoming, food , prices, transport easy Good choice!
It really is! thanks for watching 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Thanks so much for this video. We love the Algarve as well. I saw you get emotional there Norm, we feel the same way you both do about the Algarve and the ocean.
We are one year out from retirement and plan on spending a few months a year in the Algarve, possibly Lagos. It’s been great to see the evolution of your channel we have been watching from the start.
Cheers from Nova Scotia. I’m so happy you were able to return to Portugal.
Lovely update guys-enjoy your break.
Thank you! Will do! 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
I stay in Tavira over the winter, as a single woman. I have to agree with the comment about safety. I feel comfortable walking about alone, without a concern. I decided to spend a few days in Seville, and arrived late afternoon. I checked into my usual hotel and looked forward to a tapas crawl that evening, as I usually do. Well, after being harassed by so many hawkers and beggars and being cat called by sleazy desperate men, I was back in my room by 8:30 - unheard of in the past. Next morning, I wanted to enjoy my usual wandering to enjoy the sites, and again was made to feel uncomfortable. I ended up cutting my trip short and leaving Seville to scurry back to Tavira after just 2 days. Yes, Tavira is a safe haven for solo travellers in my experience.
So sorry to hear you had to cut your trip short Sharon it didn’t sound good at all , we were in Seville maybe 5 years ago but obviously things have changed glad you are safe back in Tavira .Hope you enjoy the rest of your stay Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
The Algarve especially Albufeira, generally experiences a peaceful atmosphere, even at night. While there are occasional reports of petty crime such as pickpocketing, the majority of areas, especially the tourist zones, are typically safe and regularly patrolled by police. This is comforting to know. Stay safe and enjoy the ½ and ½ in your coffee and the bacalhau.
Can see you're living it up in the Algarve. Well done! Enjoy your time there. Carry on!
Thank you we will 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
I'm in Alberta and am looking at the Algarve this year. You are fortunate to be departing from Toronto.
Yes it’s nice being able to fly direct , you might be better flying to Toronto staying overnight then to Faro just a suggestion Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
I first visited the Algarve a year ago after seeing your recommendation videos. It was my first time in Europe! It was a great first country to visit in Europe. I look forward to visiting Portugal again in the future. I think about the food almost every day.
Great to hear! glad you enjoyed it Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
You should try Praia Da Rocha! The beach & sea is amazing & a lovely walk to Alvor which has fabulous restaurants.
We have been those places and we do like them , the boardwalk at Alvor is great Thanks Helen 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
You have really sold the location I can smell the salt in the air listening. I love how problems are never actually problems - that’s life!
It’s just wonderful 🌊 Cheers Steve 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
In the 1960's my grandparents used to spend winters in Portugal. All their friends went to Florida but they loved how inexpensive it was.
Have a great weekend Sandi 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Hi Norm and Tina, just wanted to say that I have been watching your videos since you started and they are very well done and very informative. I am pleased that you are living your best retired life! Enjoy the food and culture in Portugal! My wife and I will be there in October and are really looking forward to visiting the country.
Awesome! Thank you! we hope you have a great time in October we certainly like coming here Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
How lovely, we have been visiting Portugal for about 25 years! WE jump on public transport & see where the day takes us.. Go north to the little villages on market days. It has changed so much in the past few years though. Still pleasant but watch out for the pickpockets..
We just got our senior bus 🚌 pass starts Feb 1 so no stopping us now LOL 😂😂
Glad you are both having a good time. Portugal is a wonderful country my husband and I are planning to go back in a couple of years after I retire. Can't wait to see it again.
You should! 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Heading to Portugal next week, thanks to you guys!!
Hope you enjoy it! have a great time Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Hello lovelies, bom dia. Am so enjoying catching up with you. Your videos are so inspiring, and calming. I can feel all the goodness 'vibe' coming my way and you know I have a very stressful life caring for my disabled son, so you are a refreshing change from my routine. Much love X:)
We are so glad you enjoy our videos and that they give you pleasure we hope you have a nice weekend 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
I am considering some sole travel so thank you for mentioning the safety aspect. Sounds like I need to put Portugal high on my list!
I am so happy that it is safe to travel to the Algarve.
Good morning Tina and Norm, just an observation. In Portugal, there are 365 ways to prepare salted cod, one for each day of the year not just 3 or 4 ways as you alluded to. Thanks for the video, stay safe and take care of each other.
Thanks Mike 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
It looks like a lovely place
It really is Eva have a great weekend Cheers ☕️🇵🇹🙂
It all sounds wonderful! Enjoy your visit and thank-you for all the terrific & informative videos🥰
You are so welcome! Cheers Julie 🇺🇸🇵🇹🇨🇦☕️
Don't forget that the pensioner monthly bus pass is per calendar month in Albufiera.
We just got it ready for the month of February great deal🚌Cheers Michael 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Bom dia, Tina e Norm. 😊
So happy to hear and see that you are enjoying your time in Portugal.
Of course we won’t disagree with you on your reasons for vacationing there. We know all too well, how wonderful it can be, as well. 😆
☀️ 🏖 🚗 🚂 🏨 ⛪️ 🏰 ☕️ 🍲 🐟 🥐 🍷 🍇 🍊 🌳
Take care and be safe.
Boas férias! 🇵🇹 🇨🇦
🌷Sam and Pedro
Bom dia, Sam and Pedro,
Weather has been good, food and drink awesome and hotel great! We just our seniors bus pass for the Albufeira local Giro bus starting Feb 1, for a month, no stopping us now 😂😂🚌
Thanks so much for stopping by, always love hearing from you! 💕🇵🇹
Great advice ! We are looking forward to our first trip to Portugal on the 25th of February and your videos are certainly helping us plan our days there. Thanks for doing them !
Your very welcome 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Guys, thanks for the effort with this video. We moved to the Algarve from the UK in 2005; lived first in Sao Bras and then bought a house near the beach in Altura which is 15 minutes East of Tavira.
With respect, Albufeira is the last place I would want to be in the Algarve. All you had to do in Tavira (where the beach is only accessable via boat) is travel East towards Spain where probably the best beach in Portugal (from Manta Rota to Vila Real) is there to enjoy, all 12 kilometres of it......just don't go there in the Summer!
Totally agree. I love this part of Portugal. I can't wait to get back.
With respect Michael we only visit Albufeira in Winter 🥶 would never come in the summer 😱we did take the ferry ⛴️ to the beach in Tavira it was cold and everywhere was closed .Remember we are just escaping Canadian winters and these last few weeks have been wonderful blue skies and gorgeous beaches to walk on Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
You pick the perfect location Altura is absolutely beautiful the beach the best.
Hi Tina and Norm, another very interesting and informative video. Great to see you both looking so relaxed and in great health. 👍 Enjoy your stay. I always look forward to catching up with you each Saturday, especially now as we're in the same time zone ! 😉
Wonderful so glad you enjoy our videos Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
All of the above + not to forget, the Coffee tastes so delicious every where. At some places, you can get coffee with Pastel de Nata for less than $ 1.50. Really missing it!
And that is delicious 😋☕️ enjoy your weekend Suleman Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Thanks, those were excellent reasons to visit Portugal!👍😁
Glad you enjoyed it! 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Great info as usual! Love the new Tshirt!
Thanks so much 🍷❤️
I just spent the month of January in Albufeira. First time visit. Loved it. Decided to go after watching your videos. Thanks for your tips, on Portugal, Norm and Tina. We visited Lagos, Faro, Olhoa, Travira. Weather was like May here in Canada. Our third week actually saw 22 degrees. You need to pack for a variety of temperatures. You are right Norm, the evenings do get chilly. Direct flight to and from Faro. Lovely, easy to get through airport. Only bad thing about our time away, is my luggage didn't arrive until 8 days after me, but at least it made it. Will diffinitely return.
Thanks so much for your very informative videos. ❤
Glad you had a great time sorry for the delay with your luggage, yes the weather these last two weeks has been great in the low 20° all in all just great Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Good 2 see you like Pingo doce for lunch
Lunch time is popular for everyone so the best time to go is when they start serving up from 11:30 and you'll have the dining room 2 urselves .A word of warning :
In the dining area they sell sodas & water at inflated prices
we're as before you go to the dining area go & purchase in the main shop & you'll save big time E.G.
regular Coke sells for 85 cent 33cl can
In the dining area you'll pay 1.39 .
Have a good one !
Christy 🇮🇪/🇵🇹 👍
You are so right about keeping yourself occupied in retirement! Personally, barely have time for everything! 2 hours walking in the morning, no excuses! Doing a little bit of consulting, but only when I feel like it. Writing and recording music, small projects around the house, planning travel, etc. Sometimes I need to set up priorities 😊. Good to see you being busy, and, please, continue making these videos!
Glad you are enjoying them have a great weekend Cheers 🌺🙂
@@ThisIsOurRetirement I meant to leave a comment for your new video! :) I guess it jumped to an older video, while I was thinking about the comment 😂
I did something similar in 2018 in preparation for retirement. I bought a 675 sq ft condo in a hotel in Waterville Valley, NH, USA for $64,500. I retired a few years later. Such units now sell for around $200k. I don’t get all those perks but I live in a beautiful resort community with property taxes well below 2k a year even after the real estate market went insane.
Have you considered a train ride to Monaco. Very expensive to stay but a buck list item for sure. Monaco has lowest crime rate in Europe and it's beautiful.
Hi Christopher, we have been to Monaco many times and do love it. Didn’t know about a train trip, we will look into it. Have a lovely weekend.
Nice video. Thank you so much.
Thanks for your info. I also love Albufeira been there 3 times and would love to stay there longer next time. Especially for the winter season. I also felt very safe there. I am envious of you both. Enjoy your stay……….🤗🇨🇦
North Western Ontario here.......Just wanted to say, my Wife and I really enjoy your video's. I am near retirement and realize I have MUCH, WAY TO MUCH to catch up on in regards to learning about the process of retirement......RRSP's....TFSA's.....etc....We have them all but now, so close to retirement I wondering what the hell do I do with them ! Watching your video's eases my nerves and gives me inspiration that maybe, if I pay attention to your advice and others, we just may be OK. Loooking forward to your next video.....take care and stay safe.
Thanks so much
Hi Norm and Tina: Have a fantastic time! Just back from a wonderful trip to Grenada. Happy Birthday to me today! Cheers!
Happy Birthday Paul 🥳have a great weekend Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
I love both of you! I feel like you’re family 💕I can’t wait to go to all your hot spots in Portugal❤
Thank you so much for sharing your reasons for spending your Canadian winters in Portugal. We haven’t had a chance to explore potential places for our winter getaway upon my retirement but listening to your videos inspires us to consider what seems to be a lovely place. Another RUclips couple I follow ‘Our Rich Journey’ had chosen Lisbon to call their permanent home.
Our pleasure! we hope you put it on your list we enjoy coming here Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Our pleasure! we hope you put it on your list we certainly like coming here Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
WONDERFUL. PLEASE INCLUDE WEATHER IN DEC JAN ETC
Hi Tina and Norm, enjoy the video, can you show us a little about the town. The beach looked beautiful. Enjoy and stay well.
Glad you enjoyed it we will be doing some more of the town Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Hi we saw you yesterday in Lara’s in Portugal we had no idea who you were but you were so love and how nice to meet you xc
Thanks, we don’t try and make a fuss, have a wonderful time in Albufeira
We preferred Lagos to Tavira for the same reasons. Love Pingo Doce! We used the machine they have and made fresh orange juice….delicious! Also purchased the small Sagres beers there….we called them our lunch beers 😂 Enjoy your trip. Can’t wait to return next year.
Thanks for sharing! glad you had a great time Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
So glad you are having a good time! Speaking of restaurants and the beach, the best meal we ever had with the best view is a restaurant on the cliff called "La Pineda". You need to try the prawns. Spectacular views. Can't wait!
Sounds delicious yes you are on the countdown for your trip very soon have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Hey Guys. We are long term fans who are living the Norm and Tina dream. We have arrived in Albufeira for the first time and will spend 15 days. That beach is just as wonderful as you describe. We have already been to the Pingo Doce and we are regulars at the Continente. We are making lists of places to explore (visited Praia da Rocha near Portimao), things to do (would like to do a boat to the Bengali caves next week), and places to eat(tried unbelievable awesome tapas at Platinum today). Nothing disappoints so far. Thank you both for your inspiration. Maybe we will see you!!
It was great meeting you both ,we hope you have a wonderful stay Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹🍻
Its been great watching your videos so many good tips. We will be arriving in Albuferia on feb 1st from Detroit spending the entire month traveling the Algarve.
Have a wonderful time Cheers 🇺🇸☕️🇵🇹🇨🇦
If you like ocean and good walking you would love portimao. Just amazing beach and boardwalk. We stayed right on beach 1 bedroom with beautiful balcony so cheap and could walk everywhere
I enjoy your videos. They are just so naturally delivered without the felling of a infomercial
Glad you like them! ☕️🙂
Just found out tha you are back in Europe. I hope you are enjoying your time in Portugal.
I crave vegetables. Enjoy all meats but I must have the veggies.
We love Alburfeira and feel really safe you are right the food is great, and we have always been able to fine food at any time during the day because all restaurants don’t close at three. If you like walking and looking at the sites it is amazing. Last year we probably walked the whole city during our stay. We go in March and the weather is marvellous. Five more weeks and we will be there too. Thanks for your channel we picked Portugal and the algarve.
PS It was find food,but it is fine also.
Wonderful we hope you have a great time too Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
I had to say Hi to Rob Tuck. That's my brother's name. Cheers!
Wonderful video! Very informative and I loved the information about beverages!
Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹🍷🍻
I'm a great fan of the Pingo Doce restuarant!
Isn’t it a great place our Pizza 🍕 was really good , and we have been back for lunch 🏴🇨🇦🇵🇹☕️
@@ThisIsOurRetirement I don’t blame you. We went almost every day during our stay as it was so delicious and economical and nice to hang out with the locals and not just the other ex pats.
Portugal is all about the food. My wife was born in Loule and came to Canada as a child. We visit on occasion and have plans to retire soon and travel to Portugal frequently as we have access to apartments with family. We will be in the Loule & Villamoura areas mostly. We are considering moving to Portugal and then coming to Canada in the summer months to live on our sailboat in the summer months. The food is absolutely great and always fresh and need to control my eating in fear of gaining weight. Enjoy your stay.
You’ve convinced me! Love your channel.
What a lovely place! You look very happy😎
Thank you we are very happy
Norm and Tina, I have been fooling you guys for a while now. Sounds like a great retirement retreat for sure. My wife and I are going to Albufeira in May and are looking forward to our first trip. We are touring Lisbon and Porto then 3 weeks in Albufeira. We already have our AirBnB but we are impressed with your location, looks very interesting. You mentioned the Luna Group in a previous message. I’ll check it out. We are located in Ottawa! Hello fellow Canadians!
We hope you have a great time 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Tina and Norm
For a reason 70% tourists visit portugal they got in mind to return.
Enjoy.
Love this video. it's so true what you said. It truly is a very good comfort level there. Miss a beer with my big Mac lol. Looking forward to the next video.
Hello Tina and Norm. I love your channel and the shirts.
Thanks so much enjoy your weekend 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Hi Norm and Tina, That new t-shirt on Tina is beautiful the colour is nice and fresh on her. Thank you for the awesome information on Portugal. Can you please let us know which apt hotel with the communal space that you stayed at in The Algarve? Look forward to more of your videos.
Hallo, wij zijn voor de 7e keer in de Algarve , nu voor het eerst in Monte Gordo omdat we willen fietsen , voor 3 weken fietsen gehuurd, prachtig gebied hier aan de grens met Spanje. Je kan met de veerboot naar Ayamonte , groeten van Marcel en Jessica
Veel plezier met fietsen 🚴🚴♀️🇵🇹
Can you do a video on how and what you pack for your winter get aways please 😊
Thanks for the suggestion 😂😂
.love watching you two always so informative ❤❤
Thanks so much! 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
You have to be aware regarding food, depending in the region you are, the same dish, like Bifana has a different aspect. Try one Bifana in the North and other in the south.
We love your channel.
We are fans of Portugal, and have been there several times (from home in UK)
It is interesting to hear of a retired couple doing long term travel , using Aparthotels, rather than many who use AirBnB. That is more our style.
We laughed at your pronunciation of the supermarket.
Continente is not pronounced continent, that sounds like bladder problems.
It is pronounced Con- tin- En-tay
Mind you I probably could not pronounce Canadian words correctly.
Thanks for watching have a great weekend Brian 🇬🇧🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Hi Tina & Norm great to see you both looks like you are having a great time good video it’s a bit blustery in the uk at the moment lol😂keep the good work up .
Thanks. Christopher Barker 🥂
Thanks so much Christopher have a great weekend Cheers 🇬🇧☕️🇵🇹🇨🇦
Just a perfect review of winter in the Algarve. Glad you are safe and well it really is a beautiful area 🇵🇹🇵🇹🍺🍺🏖🥂😻
Thanks Mark have a great weekend Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹🍻
well we did it, retired in sept sold the house moved to somthing much smaller and now booked our trip to lisbon then cascais estrel then off to the algarve. for one month who knows if we enjoy it maybe we will stay longer or just go back.
thanks for all that you do.. let us know which part of portugal you love the best? p.s my husband now watches .
Sounds great! We loved Lisbon but it’s very hilly , Cascais is gorgeous the Algarve is our favourite over Winter so many lovely towns , blue skies , gorgeous beaches hope you have a great time Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Im glad you are enjoy Albufeira have a licor beirão it’s very yummm🇨🇦🥰🇵🇹
I wanna go to Portugal!
It’s really nice Kathy Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Great informative video Te and Norm. Love the T Shirt The, it's your turn 😂 xx
Glad you enjoyed it thanks Lesley 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Enjoy every moment. ❤️💜💚🇨🇦much love to you both.
Great video. We wish we were there too. Anyway you can post which hotel apartments you stayed at or liked? This would help us in planning our trip out or at least give us a good starting point.
Keep the excellent videos coming.
We retired last year and decided to spend the winter in Portugal too. As much as we miss family and friends in NS, we are loving being in Albufeira. However, we were disappointed to learn that O Jorge is no longer there 😥and was apparently taken over by new owners 4 months ago. However, we did discover a place called O Costa which had the most delicious bifanas.
thanks for sharing it with us
Funny thing I lived in Tavira for 3 years and now lived Full time RV in Albufeira (for now).Hope to see u guys one of this days.
Sounds great! maybe our paths will cross 🇵🇹☕️🇨🇦
We used to take the kids there years ago. We didn't have a lot of spare cash so we used to eat where the locals go. Verde Minho. It was self service from a smougersboard of everthing you could imagine. The food was amazing and they used to weigh your tray at the till.
Needless to say we filled up. Great memories of Albufeira. 😂
That’s great Martin thanks for sharing Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Enjoy Portugal!
Tavira has a lovely beach with warmer water than Albufeira but as it also happens in Faro the beach is out of the town, in an island.