Porto is one of Europe’s most exciting cities, but some of the best experiences in northern Portugal are just a short train ride, bus, or drive away. Whether you’re looking for the best day trips from Porto for families, a solo adventure into wine country, or easy day trips from Porto without a car, you’re …
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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 …
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 …
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 …
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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, …
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 …
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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, …
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 …
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 …
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. If you’re planning your time in Lisbon and want to make sure each neighborhood …
Read more “A day in the Alfama District: Lisbon’s historic neighborhood”