Thoughtful Portugal itineraries, luxury hotel reviews, experiences, and family trips from someone who lives here.
Latest from the blog
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Luxury Travel in Portugal: The Ultimate Guide
Luxury travel in Portugal starts with choosing the kind of trip you actually want. A palace in Lisbon, a quiet hotel beside the…
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Vila Vita Parc vs Pine Cliffs: Which Algarve Resort Fits Your Family?
When comparing Vila Vita Parc vs Pine Cliffs, I would choose Vila Vita Parc for a special family celebration with beautiful meals, spa…
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Martinhal Sagres vs Vila Vita Parc: Which Algarve Resort Should You Book?
Martinhal Sagres would be my first choice for a trip organized around young children. Vila Vita Parc would be my choice when I…
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New Year’s Eve in Lisbon: Fireworks, Cruises, and Family Plans
For New Year’s Eve in Lisbon, I would choose between three very different plans: the big celebration around Praça do Comércio, a nighttime…
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Octant Evora Review: Our Private-Pool Villa and Family Escape in the Alentejo
Octant Évora is the kind of place where I could happily spend an entire afternoon deciding between my own swimming pool and another…
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Vinha Boutique Hotel Review: A Beautiful Douro River Retreat Near Porto
Vinha Boutique Hotel is the kind of place I want to come back to after a busy day of sightseeing in Porto: a…
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The Best 4 Day Lisbon Itinerary: City Sights, Sintra, and Time to Slow Down
Four days in Lisbon gives you time for the historic neighborhoods, a proper Belém day, a trip to Sintra, and a slower day…
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Christmas Tours in Lisbon: Festive Experiences Worth Booking
The Christmas experiences I would build a Lisbon trip around are a lights tour, a festive river cruise, and plenty of time for…
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Christmas Dinner in Lisbon: Where to Eat on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Looking for Christmas dinner in Lisbon without spending your holiday wondering which restaurants are actually open? Start by deciding whether you want Christmas…
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Ericeira, Portugal: The Best Coastal Day Trip
Ericeira is the Portugal day trip I recommend when you want ocean views, excellent food, and a beautiful place that feels far more…
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The Perfect 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
If you have three days in Lisbon, spend your first day getting the full city overview, your second day enjoying the version of…
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The Best Restaurants in Lisbon With a View: 11 Tables Worth Booking
Find the best restaurants in Lisbon with a view, from Tagus River terraces and castle rooftops to family-friendly marina dining and a Michelin-starred tower.
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The Best Luxury Hotels in Lisbon at Christmas
The best luxury hotels in Lisbon at Christmas do more than give you a beautiful room. The right one can put you close…
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Where to Stay in Lisbon: Ultimate Guide to the Best Areas
If you are trying to decide where to stay in Lisbon, my strongest overall recommendation is Príncipe Real. It is central, beautiful, full…
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Christmas in Lisbon: Your Best Guide to Markets, Lights, and Christmas Day
Christmas in Lisbon feels less like a frantic shopping season and more like an invitation to slow down, eat well, and enjoy the…
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The Best Christmas Markets in Lisbon 2026
The best Christmas market near Lisbon is Cascais if you want a full day that works for both adults and children. But, the…
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Porto vs. Lisbon: Which City Is Worth Visiting?
Porto vs Lisbon: which Portuguese city is right for your trip? A real comparison from an expat who lives here, covering costs, hotels, food, and day trips.
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The Best Day Trips From Lisbon: Your Ultimate Guide
The 12 best day trips from Lisbon, ranked by a local: Sintra, Cascais, Évora, Arrábida and more, with real costs, transport tips and private tours.
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The Best 5 Star Hotels in Lisbon: An Ultimate Guide
The best 5 star hotels in Lisbon from an expat who lives here, including palace stays, riverfront spas, and the family hotel I keep going back to.
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Things To Do in Lisbon: The Ultimate Expat Guide
I moved my family of four to Lisbon in August 2024, and I have been embarrassingly, unreservedly in love with this city ever…
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Penha Longa Resort: Honest Review of a Luxury Escape
Living in Portugal means I have zero excuses not to explore it properly. I retired at 42 after moving my family of four…
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The Best Port Wine Tasting Porto Has to Offer
We’ve been living in Portugal since August 2024. Living here has given us the chance to go back to Porto over and over…
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The Best Luxury Hotels in Porto, Portugal
Let me give you some context. A couple of years ago, I packed up my family of four, said goodbye to the American…
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How Many Days in Porto? The Complete Breakdown of the Perfect Length
I live in Portugal, and the question I get asked most about Porto is: how many days in Porto do I actually need?…
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The Best Day Trips from Porto, Portugal: 9 Incredible Places
These are the best day trips from Porto, Portugal from a now local and Porto LOVER! I moved to Portugal in 2024 with…
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The Best Porto Private Tours (From a US Expat Who Actually Lives Here)
I live in Lisbon, but when I visit Porto, private tours are the best way to see the city. There’s a moment that…
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I’m J.B.
Hey there! I’m J.B.—lawyer, creative entrepreneur, mother of two, wife, and Etsy print-on-demand coach. I’m on a mission to help people like you create thriving businesses that generate real income and open the door to: location freedom, time freedom, financial freedom, and flexibility.
