About Queluz Located in the Municipality of Sintra, and only 20 minutes from Lisbon, the Palácio Nacional de Queluz and its gorgeous gardens are one of the most remarkable examples of palatial architecture and landscaping in Portugal. Queluz National Palace reflects the environment and lifestyle of the Portuguese Royal Family in the late 18th and […]
Visiting Sintra: Beyond Pena Palace
When we first visited Portugal back in 2011, our host told us we had to visit Sintra, specifically Pena Palace. As it is always wise to follow the advice of locals, we took the train to Sintra and had a fabulous day touring Pena Palace, Sintra Palace, and Castelo dos Mouros. We also did some […]
A Week In Mo’orea, French Polynesia
We spent a glorious 8 days in French Polynesia in the Spring of 2022. This trip was originally planned for August 2020, but we all know what happened then. We are so glad we didn’t completely cancel the trip, but postponed it instead because French Polynesia, specifically the island of Mo’orea, quickly became one of […]
What To Do In The Algarve With (or Without) Kids
Our family has been living in Portugal for over a year now. Our first summer in Portugal was a bit of a whirlwind as we were still in the midst of settling into our new home, didn’t have a car, and were still figuring things out. This summer, on the other hand, we had the […]
Madeira Travel Guide With (or Without) Kids
We hadn’t planned on visiting Madeira at all. In fact, this trip started with a cancelled getaway to the Austrian Alps after the forecast promised nothing but rain. Searching for a last-minute alternative from Lisbon, Madeira popped up as the best deal—and what a lucky twist that turned out to be. With its gorgeous hiking […]
Hiking from Cabo da Roca to Praia da Ursa
Ever since I first learned about Praia da Ursa I’ve been wanting to visit! I’ll be honest, when reading descriptions about the hiking trail leading to this beautiful beach, I was a bit hesitant about whether it’d be a good hike to do with children. The trail is described as steep, with some scrambling required […]
Near Lisbon: Castelo de Almoural
I’ve been having a great time writing these post about what to do near Lisbon. It’s really amazing how many beautiful and historic places are just a short trip from the Portuguese capital. Most of these gems lack the crowds of the more popular sites, which is also nice! One of the most magical places […]
Palácio Nacional da Ajuda
Nestled atop Ajuda hill in Lisbon, the Palácio Nacional da Ajuda is a beautiful neoclassical palace that tells a fascinating story. After the devastating 1755 earthquake and tsunami, the royal family first lived in a temporary wooden structure here. In 1796, construction began on a grand stone palace. The palace was originally designed in Baroque‑Rococo […]
Near Lisbon: Sesimbra
Sesimbra is a charming coastal town in Portugal, known for its stunning beaches, fresh seafood, and laid-back atmosphere. Nestled between the Arrábida mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, this lovely town is less than an hour drive from Lisbon. We visited Sesimbra for the first time in late 2024 because a friend of our suggested we […]
What To Do In Lisbon With (Or Without) Kids
As our one year anniversary of living in Lisbon approaches, I thought it was about time I wrote a blog post on what to do and see in Lisbon. I know there are a ton of posts out there telling you what you should see when visiting this amazing city, but on this post I […]

