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

**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 …

Driving the West of Ireland: To Dingle & Galway

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

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 Waves and Coastal Charm: Nazaré, Portugal in 2026

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 …

Top things to do in the amazing Algarve, Portugal

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 grand baroque facade of Mafra Palace under a deep blue summer sky in Portugal, with two visitors crossing the cobblestone square

Day trip to Mafra Palace: is it worth visiting?

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 crenellated walls of São Jorge Castle crown a hill above Lisbon's dense terracotta rooftops

Portugal 2 Week Itinerary: Porto to the Algarve

Planning a Portugal 2 week itinerary? You’re in the right place. Portugal has been climbing the ranks for tourism over the past few years, especially with Americans (and Brits, who’ve been coming for ages). The food is fantastic, the people are some of the friendliest you’ll meet, and it’s still affordable compared to most of …

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

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 …

Águeda, Portugal: The colorful city of Umbrellas

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 …