10 September 2026

What is it really like to leave the United States, walk away from a corporate career, and start over with your family in Valencia, Spain? In this episode of The Immigrant Chronicles, I sit down with my friend Artie, who moved from the United States to Valencia, Spain with his wife and their two kids. Together, they made the huge decision to leave behind their careers in the cruise industry and build an entirely new life in Spain. Looking for your next adventure? Check out The Bougie Travel Club and discover curated group trips designed around great people, great experiences, and unforgettable destinations. ✈️ Check out Bougie Travel Club here: https://bougietravelclub.com/ We talk honestly about what it's been like adjusting to life in Spain, why they decided to move abroad, what surprised them after making the move, and what it's actually like starting over in a completely different country with kids. We also talk about how their children have adjusted to living in Spain, the challenges of changing your lifestyle, the things that have helped them feel more comfortable, and why, despite all of the challenges that come with moving abroad, they feel happier here. One of the biggest reasons I wanted to have this conversation is because moving to Spain isn't just about the beautiful weather, food, beaches and relaxed lifestyle. It's about rebuilding your routines, making new friends, adjusting to a different culture, raising your kids in a new environment, and figuring out who you are when so much of your old life has been left behind. Artie's story is a really interesting look at the reality of starting over in Spain as an American family. If you're thinking about moving to Spain, considering leaving the United States, wondering what expat life in Valencia is really like, or simply curious about what it's like to start over in another country, I hope you'll enjoy this conversation. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:43 Where is he from 1:22 What made him move 2:32 Why Valencia 3:37 Is it how he imagined it would be? 5:30 How have the kids adjusted 7:03 Whats been hard about the move 9:40 Bougie Travel Club! 10:50 who adjusted best 13:10 Crime? 13:27 Has your lifestyle improved? 13:40 Mindset change 15:20 Fortune favors the bold 16:20 Make tomorrow tomorrow 16:30 Do you miss home 18:20 A good life lesson 19:25 What advice would you give 20:20 Branching out 23:02 Would you do it again? 25:42 Outro