Blog - Wandering Works for Us

A Regional Guide to Portugal’s Monasteries and Convents

by Shelley Rohmtravel October 15, 2025October 15, 2025No Comments

Step inside a Portuguese monastery or convent, and you’re stepping into centuries of history, devotion, and incredible architecture. These sacred places weren’t just homes for monks and nuns; they were centers of power, culture, and learning, shaping Portugal’s religious and political landscape. From the 12th century onward, religious orders influenced the development of Portuguese history, …

Portugal In the Winter: Why travel during the off-season?

by Shelley Rohmtravel October 13, 2025October 13, 2025No Comments

When people think of Portugal, they often picture sun-soaked beaches, golden cliffs, and bustling summer streets. But what happens when the temperatures drop, the tourists thin out, and the coastal breeze carries a crisp chill? Winter in Portugal is a season of hidden charms—quieter, more intimate, and brimming with unexpected delights. Whether you’re considering a …

Must see sights in Tomar, Portugal: A day trip guide

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel October 6, 2025October 15, 2025No Comments

On the banks of the Nabão River sits the city of Tomar, a charming medieval town in the heart of Portugal that often flies under the radar of many travelers. Yet, this small town offers a perfect blend of rich Portuguese history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty that makes it a true hidden gem. Founded in the late 12th century by the Order of …

Pedro and Inês: Portugal’s Tragic Love Story

by Shelley RohmBlog, Living in Portugal, Portugal, travel October 1, 2025October 1, 2025No Comments

Some stories of love withstand time, echoing across centuries as both a warning and a wonder. Few tales capture the imagination like the story of Pedro and Inês, two souls whose love defied convention, politics, and even death itself. Known as the “Juliet of Portugal,” the love story of Pedro and Inês is a tale …

Exploring the history of the town of Dunblane, Scotland

by Shelley Rohmtravel, United Kingdom September 26, 2025October 13, 2025No Comments

There’s something magical about stepping into a small Scottish town like Dunblane. Nestled along the Allan Water, Dunblane is one of those places where history lingers in the streets, and modern life blends seamlessly with centuries-old tradition. For travelers searching for Scotland’s most iconic places, this town offers fascinating insights into the past while welcoming you with warmth and charm. …

Discovering Strathaven: Scotland’s Historic Town

by Shelley Rohmtravel September 24, 2025October 13, 2025No Comments

When we planned our Scotland trip, we knew we wanted to spend time in the countryside, and the town of Strathaven turned out to be the perfect base. Tucked into rolling hills in South Lanarkshire, Strathaven (pronounced “Stray-ven”) is a historic market town with layers of history, scenic walks, and plenty of character. It is located just a short …

Glasgow, Scotland: What to do and see on your day trip

by Shelley Rohmtravel September 22, 2025September 24, 2025No Comments

When we planned a day trip to Glasgow, we knew we wanted to experience a mix of the city’s rich history, vibrant local culture, and stunning architecture. As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow has a reputation for great places to explore, from grand Victorian buildings in the city centre to the leafy paths of Kelvingrove Park. With only a short time, we focused on a few highlights while …

Our first trip to London: A complete guide for First-time visitors

by Shelley Rohmtravel, United Kingdom September 10, 2025September 10, 2025Comments are Disabled

This past December, we took our first trip to London together. Beth has been several times, but not in the past 10 years. I had never been, so it truly felt like a first visit and quite the adventure. We had five full days to get acquainted with this capital city in the United Kingdom. We were there to visit our niece, …

Making the Most of 3 Days in Edinburgh, Scotland

by Shelley RohmBlog, travel September 6, 2025September 26, 2025One Comment

We did A LOT in 3 days in Scotland.

Barcelos: A Guide for the Heart of Northern Portugal

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel September 2, 2025September 2, 2025Comments are Disabled

Tucked into the lush landscape of northern Portugal, the city of Barcelos offers a blend of folklore, tradition, art, and historical charm that captivates visitors from the moment they arrive. Most famous for its colorful rooster, Barcelos is much more than just a legend; it’s a living, breathing expression of Portuguese identity. With a rich 15th-century heritage, thriving ceramic workshops, …

What to do on Your Best Day trip to Guimarães

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel August 14, 2025August 14, 2025Comments are Disabled

Known as the “Cradle of Portugal,” Guimarães isn’t just another picturesque European town—it’s the birthplace of a nation, a living museum where medieval charm meets modern vibrancy. Unfortunately, Guimarães is often considered a city for a day trip from Porto. It’s combined with Braga and is a full-day trip. Personally, I don’t think you can …

What to see and do in Braga: Visiting Portugal’s gem

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel August 6, 2025August 6, 2025Comments are Disabled

**Wandering Works for Us contains affiliate links and is part of Viator, Get Your Guide, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Amazon Services Associates Program LLC. If you make a purchase using one of the links, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Nestled in the heart of northern Portugal, Braga is a …

Summer in Portugal: What to Expect During Peak Season

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel August 3, 2025August 3, 2025Comments are Disabled

Portugal’s summer months bring sunshine, festivals, and an undeniable energy that draws travelers from around the world. With long days, warm temperatures, and a coastline stretching over 800 kilometers, it’s easy to see why this season is considered the best time to explore this beautiful country. From outdoor activities in the mountains and natural parks …

Aveiro Portugal: What to do and see on your day trip

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel July 31, 2025July 31, 2025Comments are Disabled

**Wandering Works for Us contains affiliate links and is part of Viator, Get Your Guide, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Amazon Services Associates Program LLC. If you make a purchase using one of the links, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. The first time we visited Aveiro, we didn’t expect to fall …

The Best Day Trips from Porto: Discover Northern Portugal

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel July 22, 2025July 22, 2025Comments are Disabled

If you’re staying in Porto for more than a day or two—and you definitely should—you’re in the perfect spot to explore the best day trips in northern Portugal. From charming towns to UNESCO World Heritage sites, lush wine regions, and rugged natural wonders, these destinations make for an amazing day trip from Porto. Whether you’re …

Driving the West of Ireland: To Dingle & Galway

by Shelley RohmIreland, travel July 15, 2025July 31, 2025Comments are Disabled

When we set out on our Ireland trip, the plan was simple: explore the best places from Dingle to Galway in the Republic of Ireland at our own pace with a rental car, soak in the landscapes, and get a feel for the real, lived-in corners of the country. Of course, the plan also involved Beth doing most of the driving—until …

Dublin in 4 Days: The perfect itinerary

by Shelley RohmIreland, travel June 11, 2025June 14, 2025Comments are Disabled

Welcome to the Emerald Isle, fellow wanderers! If you’re planning your first Irish adventure, look no further than the vibrant capital city of Dublin as your starting point. This charming metropolis, with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and modern allure, offers the perfect introduction to the wonders of Ireland. Why is Dublin the ideal …

Epic sites and things to do in Sintra for a day

by Shelley RohmBlog, Portugal, travel June 2, 2025June 2, 2025Comments are Disabled

For those of you looking for day trips from Lisbon, Sintra is the perfect place to spend the day. There are loads of things to do in Sintra including palaces, castles, and historic charm. Located just a short drive from the vibrant city of Lisbon, Sintra emerges as a captivating tapestry of history, culture, and …

Best things to do and see in Lisbon for two days

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel May 28, 2025June 30, 2025Comments are Disabled

Lisbon, or Lisboa, is one of the oldest cities in Europe and is steeped in history, coastal beauty, delicious cuisine, and a mild climate, which makes it the perfect place to explore in Europe. Plus, compared to other major European capitals, Lisbon offers exceptional value for accommodation, food, and attractions, and the relaxed, laid-back Portuguese …

Epic Waves and Coastal Charm: Nazaré, Portugal in 2024

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel February 20, 2025Comments are Disabled

For those of you who have watched 100 Foot Wave on HBO/MAX, you know about Nazaré. If you haven’t watched it, I encourage you to so you can see some of the biggest waves in the world and the crazy people who surf them. But Nazaré is more than a big wave surfing destination. It …

A quick guide to the Town of Óbidos, Portugal

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel February 11, 2025February 11, 2025Comments are Disabled

Whenever someone visits us here in Portugal, we can’t help but take them to Óbidos. It’s one of those places we just have to share. Óbidos sits right outside of Caldas da Rainha about an hour from Lisbon and it is easily one of Portugal’s most beautiful destinations. The medieval walls, the winding cobblestone streets, …

Top things to do in the amazing Algarve, Portugal

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel February 6, 2025July 31, 2025Comments are Disabled

When travelers think of Portugal, three destinations often come to mind: Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. However, unlike Lisbon and Porto, the Algarve isn’t a single city– It’s an entire region brimming with diverse experiences. Whether you are seeing golden beaches, thrilling water sports, charming villages, historic sites, or world-class cuisine, the Algarve has something …

The Ultimate Packing guide for a Trip to Portugal

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel February 1, 2025February 1, 20253 Comments

Packing for your Portugal trip is probably one of the easiest trips to plan for. Its sunny days, beautiful beaches, and amazing seafood are just a few reasons Portugal is the perfect travel destination. But anyone unfamiliar with the cobblestones, stairs, and many hills might find themselves spending more time handling luggage than enjoying their …

Festivals in Portugal: A great way to connect to the culture and community

by Shelley RohmLiving in Portugal, Portugal, travel January 23, 2025January 23, 2025Comments are Disabled

Portugal is known for its strong cultural heritage. One of the first things we learned in Portuguese class was the 3 F’s: Fatima (religion), Família (family), and Football (that’s soccer to all our American friends). However, I think the festa should be added since it is an integral part of Portuguese culture. You can find …

Douro Valley Wine Tour: Calling all wine lovers

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel January 13, 2025July 31, 2025Comments are Disabled

The Douro Valley is Portugal’s most renowned wine region, celebrated for its exceptional wineries and breathtaking landscapes. If you are visiting Porto or traveling through Portugal, a Douro Valley Wine tour should be at the top of your list. Discover Unique Douro Valley Wines Douro Valley wines are distinguished by their unique grape varieties, making …

Best Port Wine Cellars in Porto for Tastings and Tours

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel January 6, 2025January 13, 2025Comments are Disabled

Across the Douro River from the old city of Porto is Vila Nova de Gaia, where some of the oldest and best port wine cellars are located. Most of these port wine houses have tasting rooms for you to enjoy the best port that the Douro wine region has to offer. If you are a …

Porto, Portugal: Best things to see and do on your visit

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel January 2, 2025July 31, 2025Comments are Disabled

Porto is undoubtedly one of the coolest cities in Portugal, not to mention Europe, and should not be missed. The second-largest city’s combination of historical charm, wine culture, friendly locals, and vibrant atmosphere makes it a truly special destination for travelers. We love Porto for many reasons. For one, it has the best wine in …

What we did our first time visiting Amsterdam

by Shelley RohmNetherlands, travel November 25, 2024November 25, 2024Comments are Disabled

As we were walking through Schiphol Airport at the end of our trip, I said to Beth “We did a lot but I don’t feel like we did everything.” She laughed and said, “Amsterdam is a city you keep coming back to.” And I agree with this! Although this was our first trip to Amsterdam, …

São Martinho Day: Celebrating Magusto with the locals

by Shelley RohmLiving in Portugal, Portugal, travel November 1, 2024November 1, 2024Comments are Disabled

It’s November and the growing season has ended here in Portugal. All the vegetables have been harvested, the olives shaken from the trees, and the grapes picked, stomped, and processed. So the only thing left to do is celebrate! São Martinho Day or Saint Martin’s Day is celebrated as the last day of the harvest …

Unique Places to Visit in Portugal

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel November 1, 2024November 1, 2024Comments are Disabled

Portugal is becoming a very popular destination for tourists, travelers, and even digital nomads due to the D8 visa. But there is more to Portugal than the usual suspects regarding the top attractions. Portugal has a rich history with many historical sites, but if you are looking for something that is not usually on the …

All Saints Day: A Popular Tradition in Portugal

by Shelley RohmLiving in Portugal, Portugal October 31, 2024October 31, 2024Comments are Disabled

Halloween is my favorite time of year because it is a spooky season. The weather is a little cooler, leaves are turning to a rainbow of colors, and pumpkin ale begins to fill the shelves in the store—well, in the United States, that is. At the beginning of October, a few stores began to put …

Day trip to Mafra Palace: is it worth visiting?

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel October 28, 2024October 28, 2024Comments are Disabled

When you hear about palaces in Portugal, most think of Sintra and Pena Palace. It is the famous castle on the hill that (some say) inspired Disney’s castle. But if you want an alternative that is easier to get to, has fewer crowds, and is grander than Pena, we recommend Mafra Palace. This incredible 18th-century …

The Perfect 2-Week Itinerary for Portugal

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel October 15, 2024October 16, 2024Comments are Disabled

For the past few years, Portugal has ranked pretty high for tourism and vacations, especially among Americans (and Brits although they have been visiting Portugal for years). Portugal has a great deal to offer in terms of affordability, beauty, fantastic food, and the people are incredibly nice. Most people coming from North or South America …

A day in the Alfama District: Lisbon’s historic neighborhood

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel September 24, 2024September 24, 2024Comments are Disabled

The first time my wife and I visited Lisbon, our tutuk driver took us into Alfama. She asked if we had tried ginjinha yet. We had only been in the country about 24 hours and didn’t even know what ginjinha was. She parked the Tuktuk up on the sidewalk close to a small and very …

Águeda, Portugal: The colorful city of Umbrellas

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel September 3, 2024September 7, 2024Comments are Disabled

Águeda is not one of those well known towns that are visited by thousands of tourists every year. It sits quietly to the east of Aveiro, a quick drive or 30 minute train ride into the town where its narrow cobblestone streets and traditional architecture make it just as enchanting as other Portuguese towns. But …

12 Incredible Day trips from Lisbon by train or bus

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel July 12, 2024August 17, 2024Comments are Disabled

Picture yourself stepping off a train into a fairy-tale town, where pastel-colored palaces peek through misty forests. Or imagine wandering through sun-drenched medieval streets, where history whispers from every weathered stone. These aren’t far-off fantasies – they’re the reality of day trips from Lisbon, the enchanting Portuguese capital. Some of the best day trips from …

Why Peniche, Portugal is the best for coastal fun

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel June 24, 2024April 15, 2025Comments are Disabled

One of the best-kept secrets and hidden gems is along Portugal’s Silver Coast. The fishing village of Peniche has become one of the best landing spots for water sports, beaches, seafood, and great options for a relaxing vacation. It’s as close as you can get to the Algarve without all the tourists. Whenever we have …

A guide to the Convent of Christ in Tomar, Portugal

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel June 24, 2024June 25, 2024Comments are Disabled

Located in the center of Portugal is the lovely town of Tomar. This medieval town is the perfect place to emmerce yourself in Portugal’s rich history. And what better way than to visit the Convent of Christ and the Tomar Castle. This vast monumental complex built in the late 12th century is now a UNESCO …

A Day trip to the Berlengas Islands in Portugal

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel June 17, 2024June 17, 2024Comments are Disabled

Imagine a hidden paradise just off the coast of Portugal, where crystal-clear waters lap against rugged cliffs, rare seabirds soar overhead, and a lone lighthouse stands sentinel over a landscape untouched by time. Welcome to the Berlengas Islands, a natural wonder that feels worlds away from the bustling streets of Lisbon, yet is easily accessible …

Visiting The Batalha Monastery: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel June 10, 2024June 12, 2024Comments are Disabled

The Batalha Monastery (Mosteiro de Batalha) in central Portugal is a magnificent Dominican monastery and one of the finest examples of Late Gothic architecture in the country. The intricate stone carvings, soaring naves, and exquisite chapels showcase the pinnacle of Gothic style. It symbolizes this critical point in Portuguese history as it was built to commemorate …

Exploring the Schist Villages of Central Portugal

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel June 3, 2024June 10, 2024Comments are Disabled

In the center of Portugal, off the beaten path of the big cities, beaches and tourist spots, sits a pure treasure. The schist villages of Portugal dot the mountain sides and breathtaking landscapes of this region and are a great place to take a break from the normal tourist destinations. These historic villages were created …

Private tours and expert tour guides in Portugal

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel May 4, 2024September 8, 2025Comments are Disabled

Those of you planning to take that dream vacation to Portugal this year should consider taking a day or two to experience a private tour with an expert tour guide. Sounds kind of strange coming from us who love to wander around, yes? But sometimes, we enjoy a great tour, especially with a knowledgable guide. …

Journey to Évora: Ancient City of the world

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel April 17, 2024June 3, 2024Comments are Disabled

Located 1 hour and 40 minutes outside of Lisbon in the heart of the Alentejo region is Évora, an incredibly well-preserved medieval city, one of the oldest cities in Portugal. Évora has one of the best-preserved and most atmospheric towns in Portugal, with winding narrow streets and historic monuments that make this an easy day …

From Panic to Relief: A story of kindness in Portugal

by Shelley RohmLiving in Portugal March 4, 2024April 2, 2024Comments are Disabled

Embark on a heartening journey as we recount an unexpected act of kindness in Portugal. Lost wallets, friendly strangers, and a genuine sense of community redefine our experience abroad. While we were standing in the beer isle in Lidl, an employee approached my wife and said “be careful of your phone.” He pointed to her …

Uncovering Conímbriga: Roaming the Ruins of a Roman City

by Shelley RohmBlog, Portugal, travel February 3, 2024February 3, 2024Comments are Disabled

Just outside of Coimbra, sits one of the most well-preserved Roman archaeological sites on the Iberian Peninsula, the Conímbriga Ruins. From intricately designed mosaic floors to remnants of residential quarters and public spaces, Conímbriga paints a vivid picture of daily life in a Roman city during the 1st and 2nd centuries. We were rather captivated …

Best of 2023 and Ready for 2024!

by Shelley RohmLiving in Portugal, Portugal, travel January 8, 2024January 8, 2024Comments are Disabled

This past year was quite a year. We thought we’d share what we considered to be some of the bests in 2023. Well, as you well know, 2023 was a big year for us. We sold everything and moved across the Atlantic Ocean to Serra D’El Rei Portugal and began all new lives! Community makes …

Our First Christmas In Portugal

by Shelley RohmBlog, Living in Portugal, Portugal December 29, 2023December 29, 2023Comments are Disabled

Our first Christmas in Portugal turned out to be one of the best and definitely most different we have had. Last year, we spent the season in a whirlwind because we knew it was our last in the states for awhile. We attended all of the parties, went to many different light shows, saw all …

Discover the quirky magic of Zagreb, Croatia

by Shelley RohmBlog, travel December 17, 2023December 17, 2023Comments are Disabled

We’ll admit, the Balkan countries were not high on our list for a visit. Croatia is an up and coming location for tourism, especially the beaches. But Zagreb? Why Zagreb? This past fall, some friends of ours were interested in visiting the Christmas Markets of Zagreb since they were voted best Christmas Market in 2016, …

Take a Tuscany Wine Tour in the heart of Italy

by Shelley RohmItaly, travel November 18, 2023May 15, 2024Comments are Disabled

Greetings fellow wine enthusiasts! We have yet another wine tour to talk you into. A Tuscany wine tour specifically in the Chianti wine region. Of all the things we did while we were in Florence, this was our favourite day. Not only did we taste and buy some amazing wine, we had great tours of …

The Uffizi Gallery: A Glimpse into the Renaissance Era

by Shelley RohmBlog, Italy, travel November 16, 2023November 16, 2023Comments are Disabled

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links for services. We may receive a commission from the company at no extra cost to you if you purchase from the link. If you are visiting Florence, the Uffizi Gallery is a must-see. The Uffizi is one of the most famous art museums in the world and for a …

Summer Festas: Celebrating the heart of Portuguese Community

by Shelley RohmBlog, Living in Portugal, Portugal October 17, 2023October 17, 2023One Comment

Summer in Portugal means beaches, vacations and festas! These festas are popular parties that each village has during the months of July through September. Some last for a weekend, some go through the week. This years festas for Serra d’el Rei was four nights of a grand party. Last may, our town had a festa …

A Week in the Algarve is not enough time

by Shelley RohmBlog, Portugal, travel October 3, 2023March 28, 2024Comments are Disabled

This summer, we had a chance to spend a week in the Algarve, me for the first time and Beth for the second. Our friend, Carrie, was coming to visit us for a few days and then head to Faro to meet up with an old friend and we decided to join her. The Algarve …

Living in a small village in Portugal: Is our life really any different?

by Shelley RohmBlog, Living in Portugal, Portugal September 6, 2023September 9, 2023Comments are Disabled

Since we moved to Serra D’EL Rei, you can say our life is pretty different. After all, we live in a totally different country with a different culture and language. We don’t work a 9-5 job anymore so our days are slower and more flexible. And this has also allowed us to be more social …

19 Weeks Living in Portugal. Have we found Paradise?

by Shelley RohmBlog, Living in Portugal, Portugal August 13, 2023May 15, 2024Comments are Disabled

In case you haven’t heard, we sold everything, moved and are now living in Portugal! We loved it so much that we decided to sell everything and move. But since we’ve been here, the blog has sort of been on hold. But we’re back!! And we are back with a podcast! Wondering Works for us …

Professional Cycling and Domingão makes for a big weekend in Serra D’EL Rei

by Shelley RohmBlog, Living in Portugal, Portugal July 20, 2023October 18, 2023Comments are Disabled

We might have been on Portuguese TV this weekend. But will probably never know. It was a big weekend in Serra d’El Rei. This July marks the 20th anniversary of our parish reaching village status. Our mayor or more accurately called the President the Council, has planned many parties and events to commemorate the event. …

The Journey to Portugal is much better on a Chartered Plane

by Shelley RohmBlog, Living in Portugal, Portugal, travel April 14, 2023October 18, 2023Comments are Disabled

Getting to Our New Home in Portugal was a grand adventure If you ever have the chance to fly on a privately chartered plane, DO IT. It is more than worth every penny. When we first decided to make the move to Portugal, we didn’t have any idea what sort of adventure just getting there …

Need a unique Christmas gift? Ceramics from Caldas Da Rainha

by Shelley RohmPortugal November 18, 2022May 15, 2024Comments are Disabled

Caldas da Rainha is a beautiful city in Portugal. It is not one of those that many people flock to on vacation, but it does offer beautiful parks, great architecture and very unique ceramics. Caldas is known for a few things though. The town translates to the Queen’s Bath since it holds the hot springs …