Rethinking the Dream in 2026

As I look out over the streets of Valencia this January, I am struck by how much life can change in a single year. When my husband and I moved here in the fall of 2024, I was finally fulfilling a dream I had carried for over thirty years. I chose not to wait for retirement because I knew firsthand that life can change on a dime. After watching my father navigate early-onset Alzheimer’s and losing a dear friend before she turned 50, I knew that life is meant for living right now.

If you are starting this year with a "someday" dream of your own, I want to share three reflections from my first year in Spain. These lessons have changed how I see the world, especially as we look at the emerging 2026 travel trends that are redefining how we all explore and settle abroad.

1. Curiosity is better than certainty

When I first arrived, I was braced for the complexities of Spanish bureaucracy. I had done my research, but I also made a conscious choice to drop my expectations of how things should work. I stopped expecting the medical processes or administrative steps to mimic the U.S. system.

Once I understood that the Spanish lifestyle is built on a human-centered pace, my frustration turned into curiosity. One of the major 2026 travel trends we are seeing is a shift toward purpose-driven travel, where people want deep cultural immersion rather than just a checklist of sights. I have learned that leaving what you know doesn't just change your location, it opens you up to a world of growth that only happens when you are willing to be a beginner again.

2. Design your days, not just your vacations

There is a common misconception that moving to Europe means being on a permanent holiday. The reality is that you still have to do laundry and answer emails. However, the joy of living abroad is about creating a routine that allows for the lifestyle you actually want.

In Valencia, I am still building the Cheryl Worldwide brand, but I have designed a life where a mid-morning coffee or an evening walk through the park is just as important as a meeting. This aligns with the 2026 travel trends focusing on slow stays and depth over distance. Whether you move to Spain or explore a new corner of the world, the goal is not to escape your life, but to design one you do not need a vacation from.

3. The freedom of having less

Living in a city apartment has taught me that less is truly more. In the U.S., we often collect things as a form of security. Here, I have much less stuff to worry about, which means I have more space to discover new foods, build deep friendships, and say yes to spontaneous adventures.

By choosing a simpler environment, you gain the mental freedom to actually experience the world around you. We see this reflected in the rise of the "destination dupe," where travelers are skipping the crowded, expensive hubs for authentic, smaller cities where life feels more manageable and connected.

Why 2026 is the year for your bold step

The world is more accessible than it has ever been. Spain remains a top destination for those seeking a balance of health and community, but countries like Portugal, Italy, and Costa Rica are also making it easier for expats to find a home.

You do not have to wait for a specific age or a retirement date. More people are realizing that the best time to take a leap is while they still have the energy to enjoy the results. If my first year in Valencia has taught me anything, it is that the "right time" is a myth. Life moves fast, and the best way to honor it is to live it fully.

What is the bold step you are taking this year?

Cheryl Schuberth is an American expat who made the bold move to Valencia, Spain in the Fall of 2024. Her move was the culmination of a 30-year dream when she decided she could no longer wait. Cheryl now inspires other expat-curious women to take bold steps and embrace the new life they've always dreamed of. She shares her adventures and insights to demystify the process of creating a life abroad.