This company assists Americans in exploring the expat lifestyle.

Ikiah McGowan travels abroad to find a place that feels like home outside the U.S.

Recently, McGowan, 39, embarked on a 10-day scouting trip to Portugal with a group of Americans who aspire to relocate abroad.

McGowan was part of the first group of people to travel abroad with Expatsi, a company that assists Americans in relocating overseas through community networks and comprehensive scouting excursions.

The March trip included a discounted rate of $1,000 for 10 days in Portugal and $1,200 for 12 days in Spain. Some travelers opted to attend only one leg of the trip, while others stayed for the entire 22-day excursion.

These trips are more than just a vacation; they include a half-day seminar in each city, led by experts, covering the logistical aspects of immigrating, including financial planning, visas, health care, real estate, and other legal matters.

A local tour guide and realtor will accompany travelers on the remaining days, showing them neighborhoods with a growing American expat community or other locations of interest, and presenting properties for sale or rent.

More Americans could soon be exploring their options abroad.

According to a CNBC analysis of U.S. Google search data, there was a surge in searches for terms related to "how to move to X country" starting in mid-June. This increase occurred after the first 2024 presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump on June 27.

Jen Barnett, co-founder of Expatsi, reports a 800% increase in site traffic following the debate.

After significant political events, there is typically an increase in Americans' interest in applying for visas to relocate and work abroad, according to Masha Sutherlin, the head of immigration at Deel, as previously stated in a CNBC Make It interview.

"The digital nomad lifestyle and the availability of digital nomad visas have given Americans a new way of working, as some people in the U.S. express their desire to leave their current environment and explore other options."

A 'cheat sheet' for finding a new home abroad

Since 2019, McGowan has been captivated by the concept of digital nomad living. She secured a remote job in the nonprofit sector, a rare opportunity just five years ago, and embarked on extended solo travels while working.

She has spent a considerable amount of time traveling in the U.K., Malta, Guatemala, and Colombia.

"Growing up in this country, I've always been fascinated by different cultures and have a strong desire to explore the world. As I've witnessed the country's development, my interest in moving abroad has intensified," she explains.

McGowan plans to relocate abroad in the near future, but has yet to discover a place that truly feels like home.

She had never considered Portugal until she discovered Expatsi on Tiktok. She began with their online test, which determines your top international cities based on your budget, ideal weather, work or retirement plans, important laws and policies, and cultural preferences.

McGowan booked her ticket to join the group tour in the spring after the test revealed Portugal as one of her top matches. She states that the cost was justified due to the convenience of travel planning and access to local experts on various topics, including finance, dining, and attractions.

""Having someone else plan the logistics was incredibly helpful for quickly getting to know Portugal, as it served as a cheat sheet for discovering the cool places to hang out and neighborhoods to explore," she remarks."

Among Black Americans, Portugal is a highly popular destination, which is also an attractive factor for me.

According to Deel's data, both Portugal and Spain are popular destinations for digital nomads and expats, and they rank as the top two countries where Americans are applying for visas to reside and work.

The expatriate fees cover seminars, tours, and one group meal, but do not include travel or accommodations. They are willing to provide suggestions or facilitate people grouping together to book a place to stay.

Barnett advises looking into longer-term stays, but she notes that people can find accommodations that suit their budget, ranging from hostels to 5-star hotels.

""Staying in an Airbnb or VRBO is recommended because it allows you to experience the neighborhood you might want to live in, walk to the grocery store, cook a meal, and envision your future life," she advises."

She estimates she spent approximately $2,300 on her trip, including airfare and lodging.

The travel group can foster a stronger sense of community by using the choose-your-own-stay model.

McGowan shared living quarters with four other women aged between 22 and 65. She was inspired by the discussions they had about leaving the U.S., which frequently revolved around "family dynamics, health issues, politics - a lot about politics," McGowan recalls. "It was truly incredible to have that intergenerational time with others who shared similar aspirations."

'They want out' for 'adventure and personal growth'

The initial group of travelers consisted mainly of women aged between 22 and 80, with a concentration around 40 to 65. The majority of the group were solo travelers, although there were also some men and couples present. Most of the travelers were either digital nomads who could work remotely or were exploring their options for retiring abroad.

Barnett states that most travelers share similar desires: "They yearn for escape," he says, and "overwhelmingly, it's not due to negative reasons; rather, it's for adventure and personal growth. They recognize the need for more in life."

Many travelers, particularly retirees, prioritize finding a destination with a high quality of life at a low cost.

"Barnett adds, "They're not just looking for a way of life; they're seeking something special, like walkable cities, a glass of wine, and music in the park.""

She explains that while those things can be found in the U.S., they are often reserved for the wealthy or those of a certain leisure class.

In Lisbon, it's impossible to ignore the beauty of every building and the abundance of viewpoints. A glass of wine costs only $3, and this high quality of life is accessible to all.

McGowan relished her Portugal trip despite having minimal knowledge of the country prior to her visit.

""The locals and residents were incredibly friendly and open to sharing their personal political views, opinions on immigrants, and personal anecdotes," she recalls."

She claims to maintain friendships with some individuals she encountered during her scouting expedition while exploring independently and thrift shopping, which is both her hobby and source of income.

The fact that English is widely spoken and displayed on official signs, instructions, etc., demonstrates the welcoming nature of the Portuguese.

In the end, the trip helped McGowan determine what she's seeking in a new residence. Specifically, she desires a city outside of the U.S. that is similar to Austin, but with a smaller population, a relaxed atmosphere, and an abundance of walkable areas. Additionally, she is looking for a city with excellent thrift stores.

More trips on the horizon

Expatsi will conduct its second tour, which will include Portugal and Spain, in September. Barnett states that the company aims to organize eight trips in 2025 and expand to new markets such as Mexico, France, and Italy.

Barnett states that the travel company typically attracts individuals who are interested in being considerate immigrants, who value being respectful of the new country they are settling in, and avoid establishing a miniature America in a foreign land.

Despite her first trip to Portugal not being perfect, and her reservations about moving there, McGowan still enjoyed her time there, even though it rained most of the time.

She hasn't ruled out the country yet and plans to go back as soon as October, she says: "I still have some exploring to do."

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