Hi there! I’m Amanda, co-founder of Next Stop Valencia and a mom of two. Originally from Seattle, WA (GO STORM!), my family made the big move to Valencia in August 2023—but the journey truly began nearly a year earlier.

After an extended trip to Barcelona in September 2022, we knew we wanted to change our lives forever and make Spain our home. After arriving home to Seattle, we jumped into action, downsizing our lives in a big way. My husband and I had spent over a decade owning and operating restaurants and bars in Seattle, which meant we had accumulated a lot of stuff! Moving across the world wasn’t just about packing up our home—we also had to sell and donate years’ worth of restaurant equipment and belongings.

Our journey here was built on the resilience we developed over a decade as owners and operators of Seattle’s only Spanish restaurant and top speakeasy bars. We’re no strangers to paperwork and red tape, but Spanish bureaucracy is a whole different challenge. With determination, organization, and a lot of persistence, we successfully filed our Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) at the San Francisco consulate, opened a Spanish bank account, secured a year-long lease, and enrolled our children in Montessori school.

Once in Valencia, we tackled the complex process of obtaining our ID cards and local registration—no small feat. It took expert guidance, countless hours, and a deep dive into the system to get everything done.

But wait—our journey wasn’t as smooth as we had hoped. Due to misguidance from a recommended attorney and rapidly changing visa laws, we found ourselves having to return to the U.S. after just two months in Spain (along with our two new puppies) to apply for a different visa. Unfortunately, our story isn’t unique. I’ve met many expats and immigrants who have faced similar challenges, even when working with professionals. These mistakes can be costly and emotionally exhausting.

That’s exactly why we created Next Stop Valencia—to ensure you don’t go through what we did. After a year of working closely with immigration attorneys, accountants, sworn translators, U.S.-based courier services, school administrators, and shipping and packing companies, we’ve built a trusted network of experts. Our goal is to make your relocation as seamless and stress-free as possible, so you can start your new life in Spain with confidence.

My family and I moved to Valencia for its incredible quality of life. We were drawn to its slower pace, where connection, family time, and enjoying the moment come first. With sunny Mediterranean weather, we spend more time outdoors—walking the city, swimming in the sea, or savoring ice cream in a plaza. Valencia’s strong sense of safety, community, rich culture, and amazing food made it the perfect place to put down roots and embrace a more balanced way of living.

I'm an entrepreneur, educator, and community builder with a background in hospitality and family support. I learned how to create welcoming spaces and run a successful business + support families through life’s big transitions, which continues to inspire everything I do. I am so excited to work with you!