👉 Check out the Level 8 Voyageur Series luggage here: Check Out Level 8 Cases Here: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101706892-15212828?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.level8cases.com%2Fproducts%2Fvoyageur-carry-on-20%3Fvariant%3D45890286584031 💸 Use code TLWH10 for 10% OFF your order! We've been living in Spain for 10 months. Was moving abroad actually the right decision? From the outside, our life in Spain probably looks pretty amazing. We moved from the United States to Valencia, bought an apartment, completely renovated it, started exploring Europe, and built a YouTube channel that has grown far beyond anything I expected. But there's another side to moving abroad that you don't always see. In this 10-month update of our life in Spain, I'm getting a little more personal and talking honestly about what the last ten months have actually felt like — the excitement, the homesickness, the uncertainty, the financial stress, the unexpected challenges, and the reality of trying to rebuild your life in another country. Moving from the USA to Spain was something we dreamed about for years. And while there have been incredible moments, it hasn't always been easy. We've had to deal with buying and renovating an apartment, figuring out Spanish bureaucracy, adjusting to a different culture, learning how things work, building new routines, being away from friends and family, and dealing with some incredibly difficult personal moments along the way. At the same time, there have been things we never expected. I've built The Long Way Home from scratch, learned how to edit videos, reached more than 12,000 subscribers and 56,000 watch hours, become monetized on YouTube, and started working with sponsors. A year ago, I never would have imagined any of that happening. But there's something strange about chasing a dream: sometimes you finally reach the milestone you've been working toward, only to immediately start wondering what's next. So in this video, I'm talking about the realities of moving to Spain, what life abroad has actually been like for our family, whether we miss our old life in America, whether we feel like we belong in Spain, and what we think the next chapter of our journey might look like. Because maybe the first ten months weren't really the dream. Maybe they were just the beginning. If you're thinking about moving to Spain from the USA, buying property in Spain, retiring abroad, becoming an expat, or simply wondering what everyday life in Spain is really like after the honeymoon period wears off, I hope this video gives you a more honest perspective. This isn't an argument for or against moving abroad. It's just our story. And if you're already somewhere in the middle of making a huge life change yourself, I hope you know that the doubt, excitement, homesickness, fear and uncertainty are all normal. Thanks for coming along with us. 🇪🇸 Chapters 0:00 Intro 1:18 Honeymoon Period 4:30 Our Sponsor, Level 8 Luggage 6:17 Dreams 10:22 Real Talk 12:09 Real Feelings 14:39 Outro ❤️ Support Our Channel If you enjoy following our journey, here are a few ways you can support us: 👉 Subscribe for honest videos about moving to Spain, raising kids abroad, and starting over as an American family. 📍 Based in Valencia, Spain 👨👩👧👦 Family life • Expat perspective • Real experiences 🎥 New videos every week about life in Spain, travel, and moving abroad with kids. 🎬 Tools We Use & Recommend Editing Software I use Wondershare Filmora for all of my video editing — it’s beginner-friendly and perfect for vloggers. 👉 https://filmora.pxf.io/qzJyWY ✈️ Resources for Moving to Spain! Nomadly! Get help figuring out Digital Nomad or Non Lucrative Visa! Book your free 30 minute consultation today! https://www.nomadly.es/?via=thelongwayhome Online Spanish Classes with Go! Go! España! Get your Spanish skills up to speed with this 6 week course. Use my link and get 10% off! https://spanishonline.gogoespana.com/courses/lae-madrid-6-weeks-spanish-beginner-online-course?ref=49dfdf 🧳 What We Used for Our Big Move BEST WAY TO MOVE MONEY!: https://wise.com/invite/ihpc/matthewraymondp6 Cat Carrier (airline approved): https://amzn.to/47mr1pI Cat Leash & Harness: https://amzn.to/4snthFu The Best Carry on ever: https://bit.ly/CheckOutLevel8CasesHere 2 Pack European Plug Adapter USB C: https://amzn.to/3N5tSwD 🎥 Our Filming Equipment Mini Mic (DJI): https://amzn.to/4rOvbiz Voiceover Mic (Fifine): https://amzn.to/4sogC5g Computer We Edit On (Acer Nitro V15): https://amzn.to/40H28S1 Camera We Film With (GoPro Hero Black 12): https://amzn.to/40co9rJ Auto Face Tracking Selfie Stick: https://amzn.to/4sNAv5M You can also shop through our general Amazon link here — it doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it helps support our channel: 👉 https://amzn.to/4aOigah As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. #MovingToSpain #LivingInSpain #Spain #ValenciaSpain #ExpatLife #LifeInSpain #SpainVlog #MovingAbroad #AmericanInSpain
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Matt, I feel so proud to be your Dad when I watch your great U tube channel. Your presentation is great, well thought out and informative. You'll probably never reach the infamy of Mr. Beast, but hey, you've made a great start. Mom and I are so proud of you and your family. I pray for Hero. Hang in there son and we can't wait to see you all. Love Pops
It's a huge difference between going to Spain on holiday vs. moving there permanently. I moved from Australia to Spain 3+ years ago, and it took me about at least a year to get adjusted to my new lfe.
Your honesty will be very helpful to others wanting to do the same thing. Anyone will be happy wherever they go if they persevere and decide to be happy. Keep up the good life over there. Muchas gracias.
I really appreciate the authenticity here. Honest breakdowns of the actual friction and operational reality of moving abroad are infinitely more valuable than the standard highlight reels people usually post. I completely agree that life is short, and you have to be willing to execute on the big moves. Keep up the good work!
I left my country many years ago, and what you’re going through is something I’ve experienced many times over the years. It’s not easy to adapt, but you do. You build a routine, watch your children grow, and discover the opportunities your new country has to offer. As you said, Europe opened its doors to your children. Try to see the glass as half full and hold on to the good things that help you move forward. You’re still very young. I’m sure you’ll do just fine. Hang in there.
We know you, love you and miss you - Mom
I left my country 45 years ago and still have days when I miss my home country, but it all worked out and it will for your beautiful family as well ! ❤❤❤❤
:09 You have a story. You are sharing it with us. You are both educating and entertaining your audience. That is why your channel is growing.
I'm in the same point than you, but trying to improve my life, and moving to a bigger House, I made a really bad decisión.Now wirh a Big mortgage, I live stresed and I miss my days in my old appsrtment
Hi! That was a very nice, honest video. Moving to a new country is never easy. Ten months is an investment. If you are happy here, stick it out. Statistics show that most Americans don't last three years in Spain. Prove them wrong!
We agree too! Matt must have had some great parents to guide him to who he is today. We always love watching and listening closely to your words and the messages you send. Praying for Hero.
You did not make a mistake...you are having a learning curve.❤❤❤regards from Massachusetts
Sois muy valientes
Love this video, thanks for being so real! My family and I are moving to Spain in January and I’m constantly back and forth between nervous and excited.
Everybody has those feelings when they move to a new country. I have had them and I know so Americans and Canadians who I sit down with enjoy some tapas now and again. One couple said they were going to go home after their five years when they get their permanent card so they could always come back if they wanted to that they were just so many things they missed about being at home. Another lady said that she was tired of going to the doctor and getting pain medicine that didn’t quite do the trick for her and Tylenol 3s we’re the only thing that worked, but of course it doesn’t exist here. You have to be prepared you have to be adaptable. There are certain things I like to eat, but I can’t get here so I have to make them myself. Or I try to see if I can buy them online. This is not a vacation. People who live here are living here. We are contributing to the economy. We are interacting with the people we are going to the doctor or the dentist or the mechanic. I really enjoy hearing your honest take on life over here.
Tienes que aprender a relajarte un poco mentalmente, o volverás a estar estresado como en tu país,un abrazo chicos
Please make some daily vlogs, ditl
I remember when you had the fantastic number of 6 suscribers. The only mistake you made is was not moving to Sweden but even I forgave you guys. Keep it as you are. Honest ❤
Sounds like you're running away, perhaps simply reducing your family's outgoings would have solved things at home. However, you'll never have the opportunities and money earning potential in Spain as you had in the US, especially as a foreigner. Meaning it's unlikely you'll ever be able to afford to move home (the US will always be your home). Sadly many expats never realise this and become trapped abroad. Best attempt to find a job before the holiday money runs out, documenting this will be the next roller coaster!
It’s so useful when folks like you, who are further along a path I’m just taking the first steps on, gets real and honest about how this adventure feels, and how it has affected them. It helps me to fully understand that when those feelings start popping up in my life that they’re perfectly normal and part of the journey. Thank you, again!