The Survey Says...
Insights revealed and your questions answered from my recent feedback survey.
Dear Readers,
On April 5, 2025, I published a special post asking subscribers and followers of Our Portugal Journey to participate in an anonymous feedback survey. I closed the survey on April 20th and thought I would share with you, in this issue of Our Portugal Journey, highlights of the survey insights and answers to some of the questions and feedback that were specifically asked.
The last time I asked for feedback was two years ago in May 2023. A lot has changed since then including the number of subscribers (which has nearly tripled) as well as the types of topics that you’re most interested in. Some comments were very flattering; others not so much, but that’s what I was looking for – honest feedback, good or bad.
Even though the response rate was lower than I was hoping for (but as a marketing professional, I always aim high), I truly appreciate the time participants took to help me out. Your feedback will help to shape the future of this newsletter. Of course, any time you have feedback or suggestions, you are welcome to get in touch with me. I’m always happy to hear from you!
So, here are some highlights of what the survey says…
What country do you currently reside in?
Two years ago, most respondents were living in the United States. This time around, Portugal takes the majority with the United States ten points behind.
What is your age group?
This has not changed since the survey two years ago.
What is your gender?
Two years ago, I did not ask this question, but since I am actively seeking collaborations and sponsorships and have recently updated my media kit, I thought I should ask the question this time around (plus I was curious).
I asked survey participants how they rate the value of the content of Our Portugal Journey.
While I am flattered that most respondents find the value of my content excellent or very good, two respondents indicated that the value is fair or below average. I appreciate the feedback, but I also wonder…if my content value is that lousy, why are you still reading it??
How often would you like to receive Our Portugal Journey?
Two years ago, most respondents said twice a month was good. This time around, it looks like weekly is the preferred amount. Currently, I publish content twice a month with occasional bonus posts. Increasing to weekly is something I will consider.
I asked about the types of topics readers were most interested in (there were many). Here are the top 5:
Daily living in Portugal
Carol & Paul’s personal experiences in Portugal
Portuguese culture, people, and festivals
Government and politics in Portugal
Portuguese food, wine, and spirits
There were a few write-in topic suggestions including:
Traveling within Portugal and Portuguese industry and products/producers.
My answer: I am working on a “Made in Portugal” series that will live within the newsletter as a possible separate section. If anyone has any suggestions for this section, please let me know.
Off the beaten path - rural Portugal
My answer: I have a few rural, village road trips planned and just recently returned from Santar in the center of Portugal (I’m working on an article about that visit). Check out my article on the village of Cabeça.
Volunteering in Portugal
My answer: Thanks for this suggestion! I will be researching and writing about this in a future post.
All aspects of a single, introverted, senior woman considering a solo move to Portugal.
My answer: I am an introvert, too, so I get it. I’m fortunate that Paul is an extrovert and so I can ride on his extrovert “coattails” so to speak. You might want to read Barbara Grassey’s Substack, My Expat Golden Girl Life. She writes about being a solo introverted woman of a certain age living in Portugal.
I’m interested in general vacation info. But here’s a very niche topic: my husband and I don’t drink anymore for health reasons. Is there any way to fit into a Mediterranean society (or even enjoy a vacation there) without alcohol?
My answer: This may be an interesting topic for a future post. But, to answer, yes, I think you can still enjoy Mediterranean society without alcohol. Not everyone here drinks and they all seem to be living happy lives. In Europe, coffee and tea are also popular beverages.
The last question required a write-in answer:
Please provide any comments, suggestions, or feedback you may have to help improve Our Portugal Journey.
I appreciate the time respondents took with this question. I have read these responses multiple times and take this feedback seriously. While most respondents said they enjoyed reading about my personal point of view on a variety of topics, and enjoy reading Our Portugal Journey, there were some with specific questions and feedback. Here are just a few of those along with my answers:
These three+ comments pertained to American politics:
I would consider becoming a subscriber if it was free of American politics. One of the reasons I moved from the U.S. to Portugal was to escape the toxic and divisive American politics. There are so many other places where people can get that kind of content, I would gladly pay to have a politics-free source. Reading about American politics increases my blood pressure. If there is content with American politics, I would need to stop reading “Our Portugal Journey.” Thanks for the good work!
I appreciate when your focus is on life in Portugal. While I agree with you politically most of the time, I look for places where I don't have to be constantly reminded of the sad political situation the world is in at the moment. For that reason, I usually do not read your politically oriented posts.
Keep politics out of it.
My answer: Many of my readers have indicated an interest in Carol & Paul’s personal experiences. Living in Portugal as an American immigrant/expat means that American politics is a part of our personal experience moving to and living in Portugal, and I occasionally include this topic when appropriate. Many of our expat and Portuguese friends living here discuss current American politics - sometimes a lot. And although I do not dwell on politics and am not particularly interested in being a politically-focused writer, like it or not, the political situation in America affects the world. It’s not my goal to constantly remind my readers of this, but I also don’t want to be the writer who ignores it just because it’s unpleasant or unpopular. I think in the last 4 years, I have perhaps published 3-4 articles that had a political tone, so it’s not a regular occurrence.
Most of what I've seen from you seems to be unoriginal - things I've seen elsewhere or things that seem very high level without any unique insight. Maybe it's just me but I'm at a point in my personal Portugal Journey where I'm looking for events and places that expand my knowledge and understanding of this country's history, language, culture and people.
My answer: My work cannot be all things to all people and that is not my goal. Having said that, the majority of my topics come from questions I am asked, either personally or through comments and emails to me (I receive many). My goal in that endeavor is to present information in a concise, easy-to-read format - often with resource links included for further information - so that readers can form their own opinions. In my view, learning about Portugal’s history, language, culture and people needs to be experienced on an individual, personal level and not just from a newsletter or video clip. My unique insights-which I feel are original in thought and perspective-will be different than someone else’s. If you’re interested in expanding your knowledge of life in Portugal other than from my newsletter, I can suggest Maria Anderson’s Substack, The Perennial Immigrant, Sandra Stephens’ Substack, Under the Jacarandas, Araci Matos’ Substack, Letters from Portugal, Diogo’s Substack, Portugal Decoded, and LaDonna Witmer’s Substack, The Long Scrawl.
I love podcasts but have more than I can listen to lately. But I’d definitely be interested if you did some short sightseeing videos of towns and landmarks and restaurants, etc!
My answer: I do like this suggestion! Although I’m not a great videographer, I do have a video program that I occasionally use and will do my best to include some of these in future posts. In the meantime, if you’re looking for travel video content, I can suggest POV Tours – Portugal on YouTube. Great video content on a variety of areas throughout Portugal. Paul and I still check out these videos, especially before we take road trips.
And a few flattering comments:
Thank you for your insights and unvarnished enjoyment and appreciation for another culture and country.
I very much appreciate your informed point of view and information about life in Portugal for expats from all over the world. I like your style.
Keep growing.
I am very interested in Portuguese news, politics, and culture but I subscribe to other Subtacks for those things. What I appreciate about “Our Portugal Journey” is Carol and Paul’s U.S. to Portugal perspective of building a life in Portugal. Other Substacks and websites can give me the news and the facts related to travel and immigration, but the emotional aspect of migration and experiencing/touring Portugal as a migrant, navigating bureaucracy and Portuguese culture as a migrant (including advice/recommendations based on hard lessons learned), and staying connected to America and Americans while building a home with new friends and loved ones in Portugal is part of what I value most from "Our Portugal Journey". Thank you!
I really enjoy the personal observation and your sharing small details of your relationship!
I enjoy your variety of post topics and hope you continue to focus on all things Portugal. I started reading your blog because I am interested in eventually moving to the EU, with Portugal one of my main countries of interest, and these are the things that speak to me. I enjoy learning as much as I can about the country, culture, language, and life as an immigrant there. However, I have also enjoyed your other posts. I appreciate this blog and enjoy your writing and photos.
Living in the U.S. currently, I like your honesty and openness about your feelings. It's a good perspective.
I enjoy reading everything - your travels, local experiences, advice, dining (we have gone to a few places you have mentioned!). And I love your photos.
I enjoy every issue, especially since my brother and his wife have moved to Portugal from the U.S. and I have visited them - which makes reading your newsletter interesting. I have also sent to friends who are interested in moving to Portugal. Your realism is very refreshing!
So, there you have it.
“You cannot help but learn more as you take the world into your hands. Take it up reverently, for it is an old piece of clay, with millions of thumbprints on it.” — John Updike
Thanks for being on this journey with me!
Thank you for reading Our Portugal Journey. My newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber to help keep this publication independent.
You can also buy me a coffee or a glass of wine, anytime right here.
Thank you to Stephanie B. for supporting Our Portugal Journey through Buy me a Coffee. I truly appreciate it!
One more thing…tomorrow, April 25th is a significant day in Portugal.
The Carnation Revolution was a pivotal moment in Portuguese history, marking the end of authoritarian rule and the beginning of democracy. No matter where you live on this planet, freedom and democracy are gifts. Never take them for granted.
5 Key Facts about the Carnation Revolution
I admit that I didn’t know much about the governing history of Portugal before we moved here. I knew that during the time my grandparents lived in Portugal (early 1900’s), the country was ruled by a monarchy and in 1910, a dictatorship, but at some point, it became a democracy. Aside from that I really didn’t know much else. However, with my own country of origin currently in political turmoil, I have started to pay closer attention to the politics and governments of both my home country and my adopted country. This is how I came to learn about Portugal’s Carnation Revolution.
Until next time…
Obrigada!
Carol.
Overall, I am happy to hear that the results were helpful to you. Thanks for including in your analyses, names and lists of other substacks that cover others aspects of the Portugal experience. You should not feel compelled to be all things to all people. But, what I like the most is that for those people who are not your key audience, you provided alternatives (assuming they read this post). And, I look forward to purusing some of the other Substacks you mentioned when I have some more down time. But, don't worry, I am staying here too.
Very interesting results Carol! I have enjoyed it all and it has altered my perspective in that it has given me insight into daily life in a country other than the country of my birth. Always I look forward to your posts as they are interesting, informative, honest and intelligent. Thank you for expanding my world, for showing me some things I might never have seen without you and for making my life a little richer. It is always a pleasure!