These Americans quit the US for new lives in Spain. Not all of them loved it

CNN - May 3rd, 2025

A recent CNN Travel feature highlights the varied experiences of Americans who have decided to leave Florida for a new life in Spain. Gail and Greg Warner, in their mid-50s, moved to Valencia and then Malaga, and they embrace the change, regretting only that they didn't make the move sooner. Laura Hamlin and Allan Amer, who relocated to Cartagena in 2022, cite the divisive political climate in Florida as a catalyst for their move. Despite challenges, they express love for their new home. In contrast, Cristina Martinez's experience in Santander was less favorable. She found Spain outdated and struggled to adapt, ultimately returning to the US with a negative impression.

This story underscores the complexities involved in relocating abroad, especially when cultural and lifestyle differences come into play. While some find rejuvenation and fulfillment, others encounter unforeseen challenges that can sour the experience. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale for those contemplating a permanent move overseas, emphasizing the importance of thorough research and preparation. Additionally, this feature is part of a broader travel roundup that includes historical insights into famous global structures and unique travel experiences.

Travel Experiences Cultural Adaptation Florida Relocation Americans In Spain Gail And Greg Warner Laura Hamlin Allan Amer Cristina Martinez Spain Lifestyle

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.0

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides an interesting mix of personal anecdotes and historical insights, appealing to readers interested in travel and cultural history. It is well-written and easy to follow, with clear language and structure. However, the reliance on personal stories without detailed sourcing or expert commentary limits its factual accuracy and source quality. The lack of transparency in methodology and sourcing further detracts from its reliability. While the article covers timely topics, its potential impact and public interest are constrained by the anecdotal focus and absence of broader analysis. Overall, the story is engaging and informative but would benefit from more rigorous sourcing and a deeper exploration of the underlying issues.

Accuracy

The story covers a range of topics, including the experiences of Americans relocating from Florida to Spain, which are largely anecdotal and lack detailed verification. The factual claims about the motivations for moving, such as political dissatisfaction, align with broader trends but lack specific data support. The narrative around cultural adaptation challenges is plausible but unverifiable without additional context or statistics. Historical details about locations like Hanoi's Metropole Hotel and Villa Tugendhat are accurate and well-documented, but the article does not provide direct citations for these claims. Overall, the article presents a mix of verifiable historical facts and personal stories that require further evidence for complete accuracy.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the experiences of Americans moving to Spain by including both positive and negative perspectives. Gail and Greg Warner's positive experience contrasts with Cristina Martinez's negative one, providing a spectrum of viewpoints. However, the focus is primarily on individual anecdotes, which may omit broader societal or economic perspectives on migration trends. The inclusion of historical and cultural elements adds depth but does not fully address the systemic factors influencing migration decisions.

Clarity

The article is well-written and easy to follow, with a clear structure that guides the reader through different sections. The language is accessible, and the tone is neutral, which aids in comprehension. Each segment is distinct, covering different aspects of travel, history, and personal experiences, contributing to a coherent narrative. However, the lack of detailed sourcing information could confuse readers seeking to verify the claims.

Source quality

The article relies heavily on personal anecdotes and does not specify the sources of its information beyond interviews with individuals. The lack of attributed sources or expert commentary on the broader trends of American relocation to Spain limits the reliability of the information. Historical claims about buildings like Hagia Sophia are well-known and credible, but the absence of direct citations or references diminishes the overall source quality.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of sourcing and methodology. It does not disclose how the individuals were selected for interviews or the criteria for their inclusion. There is no explanation of the research methods used to gather information about historical sites or migration trends. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for readers to assess the credibility of the claims or understand the basis for the article's conclusions.