February 2026
Your sassy slurp of travel intel, deals, and insights from your solo European immigrant.
Welcome
As a traveler and immigrant, my inbox overflows with tips, trends, and “you-need-to-know-this” intel. Not all of it deserves a full post — but some of it is simply too good not to share. And since many of you asked (persistent bunch, I love you), Pearls was born.
Every third Thursday, expect short, punchy insights on travel, solo adventures, immigration realities, pet sitting, and news hotter than a Portuguese cobblestone in August. All with a dash of attitude… obviously.
Now here’s your part: hit Comment. Share. Forward to a friend who’s plotting their a new life abroad. Let’s make this a conversation — not just another email.
Shucking Travel News!
With remote work now officially “a thing,” individuals and families are packing up — kids, dog, sourdough starter — and heading abroad on Digital Nomad Visas. So where are they going?
In short? Places that offer strong infrastructure, lower cost of living, welcoming visa programs — and a lifestyle upgrade that makes the old routine feel… optional.
The real shift isn’t just geography. Families aren’t “taking a gap year.” They’re staying, raising adaptable, culturally fluent kids. More couples, solo professionals, and entrepreneurs are building global roots, allowing them to save more money for an earlier retirement. Yes, I can personally speak to the advantages.
When hitting the bottle makes sense. Check out this report, which evaluated major airlines over three years for their onboard water quality, including:
Contamination
Federal safety violations
Hidden bacteria risks
Which airlines ranked highest for water safety, and which ones crashed and burned? How can you protect your health at 35,000 feet?
The Silver Lining Discounts
The snow, the grey days, the walls closing in. February is an excellent time to take day trips or long weekends to cure your cabin fever.
Get Your Guide offers unique and fresh adventures (many in your own region) up to 40% off! How about a foodie tour in San Francisco, a moonlight Tahoe snowshoe, or a sunny weekend in Sedona?
Juicy Morsel Tips
The Global Cost of Living Index for 2026 has landed! If you’re considering a long-distance or international move, it’s worth bookmarking.
Powered by Numbeo, the site compares quality of life, crime, healthcare, pollution, property prices, and everyday costs — right down to a liter of milk, rent, and the essential copo de vinho. The best part? You can compare two cities side by side — say Denver and Lisbon — to see what your lifestyle might actually cost.
Because before you list the house and announce your “Eat, Pray, Move Abroad” chapter… It’s nice to know what your new gym membership may cost you.
Never store your suitcase on the floor of your accommodations. You´re asking for tag-along critters to hitch a ride back home on your red-eye flight. Yes, I have listened to horror stories from both luxury and budget hotels. Store your luggage in the bathtub, on an upper shelf in the closet, or on a handy luggage rack.
From The Archives
60 Questions Mature Travelers Ask: How to know if a travel companion is right for you! Download the questionnaire, grab a glass of goodness, and discuss these important travel questions before you launch. Your relationship will thank you!!
Turn The Page
Do you love to read, or haven´t picked up a book since college? Kindle loyalist, paperback purist, or married to both? While Kindle wins for a travel lifestyle, I still return from the States with books aggressively wedged into my carry-on.
Nonfiction is my true love: memoirs, history, travel, a little grit, and real life. Yet, I’m open to page-turning fiction recommendations (ahem!). I aim to read 24 books a year. Last year? 30. Blame dreary Portugal winters and 13-hour flights.
In a world of scrolling and skimming, read something. Learn. Laugh. And please, let’s have something better to discuss than the weather… or Netflix.
Sorry I´m Late, I Didn´t Want To Come: An Introvert´s Year of Living Dangerously
Part autobiography, part humor, Jessica Pan delivers a hysterical look at getting out of our comfort zone. This was a book I happily stumbled upon and will re-read.
The Restaurant
If you love to eat, cook, or explore cuisine, William Sitwell takes you through the history of dining out. Starting in Pompeii and working his way forward, he educates, enlightens, and answers many “why” questions foodies always ask.
Pearls
What risk will you take in 2026?