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Today was all about wandering and discovering the soul of Porto. It was to rain all day but we had much less than expected aling with some sunshine at times that lifted our spirits.
We started the morning with one of the most memorable ways to experience the city, riding the tram across the Dom Luís I Bridge. As the tram slowly rolled across the top level of the bridge, the city unfolded in every direction. The Douro River shimmered below, colorful buildings climbed the hillsides, and the early morning light made everything feel calm and almost cinematic. Feeling the gentle vibration of the tram as it crossed the iron structure was a moment we won’t forget.
Afterward, we joined one of our favorite ways to explore a new place, a free walking tour. These tours are such a great way to get your bearings and learn the story of a city without the formality (or price tag) of larger guided tours. Our guide happened to be an architect, which made the experience even better. He shared fascinating insights about Porto’s buildings, history, and the layers of design you might otherwise walk right past.
Of course, no day in Porto would be complete without trying one of its most famous culinary creations, the legendary Francesinha.
This is not a sandwich for the faint of heart. The traditional Portuguese Francesinha is a towering sandwich layered with steak, sausage, ham, and melted cheese, then completely smothered in a rich, spicy tomato and beer-based sauce. It’s usually topped with a fried egg and served with fries ready to soak up every drop of that incredible sauce. Heavy? Absolutely. Delicious? Without question. For first-timers like us, it was quite the indulgence.
After lunch we continued exploring, making our way to the Porto Cathedral, standing proudly above the city with centuries of history built into its walls. From there we wandered to the famous Clérigos Tower, rising high above Porto’s skyline and offering sweeping views of terracotta rooftops and the winding Douro River below.
The rest of the afternoon was spent doing what Porto invites you to do best, simply meandering. Through narrow streets, lively squares, hidden viewpoints, and sunlit alleyways where music, conversation, and the scent of food drift through the air.
Porto reveals itself slowly, one street at a time, and today we were happy to follow wherever those streets led us.
This morning we said goodbye to Coimbra and began our journey north toward Porto, but the day unfolded in the most beautiful and unexpected ways.
Before leaving, we started the morning at church. One of the things we love most about traveling is attending services in other countries and meeting people who share our faith. Even when the language is different, the feeling is the same. And with translation tools on our phones now, you can follow along and appreciate it in a whole new way. It’s a reminder that connection reaches far beyond language.
On the way to Porto we made a stop in the seaside town of Costa Nova, instantly recognizable by its colorful striped houses lined up along the waterfront. The red, blue, and green stripes feel almost playful against the sky and sand, giving the whole town a cheerful coastal charm that feels uniquely Portuguese.
Not far away is Aveiro, often called the Venice of Portugal. Here we climbed aboard a moliceiro, the city’s version of a gondola. These beautifully painted boats once carried molico, a seaweed harvested from the lagoon and used as fertilizer for nearby farms. Today they glide through the canals carrying visitors instead, offering a peaceful way to see the city from the water while learning a little about the region’s history.
By the time we reached Porto, the timing could not have been more perfect, just before sunset, when the city begins to glow.
Our Airbnb sits right beside the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, overlooking the rooftops and river that define this incredible city. We quickly dropped our bags and headed out, drawn by the sound of live music drifting through the evening air. The music echoed off the ancient stone walls as we climbed the stairs toward the bridge.
And then we stepped onto it.
The Dom Luís I Bridge feels alive beneath your feet, a gentle hum as trams pass and people wander across its steel arches. Standing there, looking out over the Douro River and the layered rooftops of Porto, it honestly feels like you’ve walked straight onto a movie set.
As the sun slowly disappeared, the entire city began to change. Golden light turned to deep amber, then to soft twilight blues. Every few steps we stopped again, taking another photo, because the light kept transforming the buildings, the river, the bridges, the entire mood of the city shifting minute by minute.
Some places are beautiful.
And then there are places like Porto, where the light, the music, the river, and the centuries-old streets all come together to create something that feels almost magical.
Today we slowed down and simply took Coimbra in, a city that seems to rise layer by layer up the hillside until it reaches its crown, the university.
The University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe, dominates the skyline and the spirit of the city. Founded in the 13th century, it carries centuries of academic tradition that still shape Coimbra today. The climb up through the city is part of the experience: narrow, winding streets weave between old buildings, eventually opening into quiet pedestrian paths filled with students, cafés, and echoes of history.
Inside the university sits one of its greatest treasures, the Joanina Library. This extraordinary Baroque library holds thousands of historic volumes dating back to the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Its ornate gilded shelves preserve rare works on law, philosophy, science, and theology that once shaped European scholarship. Even more fascinating, the library is famous for the small colony of bats that live inside and help protect the ancient books by eating insects that might damage the pages. It’s both a place of beauty and preservation, a living piece of intellectual history.
As if Coimbra hadn’t already surprised us enough, we stumbled upon something completely unexpected: the Coimbra Hype Market. This traveling Saturday market pops up in different unique locations around the city, and today’s event felt almost surreal. A wealthy resident had opened their grand historic home to host the market. Vendors were scattered through elegant halls and rooms as visitors wandered through the mansion discovering handmade goods, art, and creative pieces around every corner.
Then you stepped outside and it felt like entering another world. The property opened in the back to magnificent gardens filled with blooming flowers, fruit trees, and perfectly manicured paths winding through the grounds. It felt less like a market or even a home and more like walking through a private paradise. For a moment it truly felt like being inside a dream.
We ended the evening the best way possible, with a delicious Portuguese meal and a slow walk through Coimbra’s softly lit streets back to our apartment, letting the history and beauty of the day settle in.
Some cities you visit.
Others you simply experience.
Coimbra is definitely the latter.
Today felt like traveling through medieval Portugal.
Walking into Obidos is like stepping straight into a storybook. The massive castle walls surround a perfectly preserved little town filled with whitewashed houses, colorful flowers, and narrow cobblestone streets. Inside the walls, every corner feels charming and timeless, small shops selling local crafts, tiny cafe’s, and the famous cherry liqueur ginjinha (we had the kids non-alcoholic version) served in chocolate cups.
Climbing along parts of the castle walls gives you incredible views of the red rooftops and countryside beyond. It’s easy to imagine what life here must have been like centuries ago.
After exploring Obidos, we made a quick stop in Tomar, a town deeply connected to the legendary Knights Templar. Here stands the remarkable Convent of Christ, once the headquarters of the Templar Order in Portugal and later home to the Order of Christ. The complex is enormous, filled with cloisters, intricate stonework, and symbolic carvings tied to Portugal’s Age of Discovery. The famous Manueline window alone is worth the visit, an elaborate masterpiece carved with ropes, coral, and maritime imagery that reflects Portugal’s seafaring history.
From the romantic medieval charm of Obidos to the powerful legacy of the Knights Templar in Tomar, the day was a reminder of just how layered and fascinating Portugal’s history really is.
Exploring Sintra, Portugal felt like stepping into a real-life fairytale.
Our first stop was the breathtaking Palácio da Pena, perched high above the hills with its vibrant colors and whimsical architecture. From the terraces, the views stretch endlessly across the forests and out toward the Atlantic — it’s easy to see why this palace is one of Portugal’s most iconic landmarks.
Next, we walked along the ancient stone walls of the Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle). Built over a thousand years ago, the fortress winds along the mountain ridges, offering dramatic panoramas of Sintra, the countryside, and even the coastline. Every step felt like traveling back through centuries of history.
Finally, we explored the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, where gardens hide secret tunnels, symbolic architecture, and the famous Initiation Well. Descending its spiral staircase felt like entering another world — part legend, part history, and completely unforgettable.
Sintra truly blends nature, history, and imagination into one magical destination. If you visit Portugal, this place absolutely belongs on your list.
We are off in an adventure and we are doing this trip for almost the cost of a regular plane ticket.
Amazing right?
We teach people HOW to travel inexpensively and free! We coach, we speak on this subject, and we have our book on Amazon (Amazing Travel- Incredibly Cheap)!
How can we help you?
#freetravel #InexpensiveTravel #traveladventures
Love you all❤️❤️❤️
Off to an early morning flight and we won't arrive until tomorrow morning. Any guesses where?
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.A Truly Exceptional Experience — More Than Just a Tour!
Having traveled the world, we’ve met countless tour operators who take pride in what they do.
While visiting San Pedro, Belize, we wandered into Michael’s shop by chance, and what a gift that turned out to be! Rather than offering a standard “off-the-shelf” excursion, Michael took the time to listen to what we wanted and crafted a customized day that exceeded every expectation.
Our adventure included snorkeling, scuba diving, feeding tarpon, swimming with sharks and stingrays, and even enjoying a relaxing lunch and some shopping on Caye Caulker. On our way back, we made one final stop to explore a shipwreck with a 25 ft. Shark 😅the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.
What truly amazed us was how much was included, all at a fraction of what other operators charge for just one of those destinations. The value was incredible, but the experience itself? Priceless.
Still, what made the day truly special wasn’t just the activities, it was Michael and his crew, Canton and Ricardo. If you find yourself in San Pedro, skip the crowds and the cookie-cutter tours, go see Michael. You’ll leave with more than great photos; you’ll leave with new friends and memories you’ll cherish forever.
Tell him Dale and Michelle sent you, and get ready for one of the best days you’ll ever have in Belize!
Divertwome@yahoo.com
Michaelscain1972@gmail.com
#bluehavendives
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.A friend shared some great tips on what and what not to do while traveling this time of year, specifically to France!
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Southwest had a great experience and niche in an industry full of the same boring and money grubbing airlines. Yes, for a budget airline they were not the least expensive, but they got you where you needed to go without nickel and dimming you every step of the way.
They gave you one price and that price included you, your bags, your complementary drink and pretzels. You could relax knowing your bags were going to be measured and you were for the most part getting to your destination on time.
Now they’ve lost their edge. What made them stand out and be different from the others. Yes they will make a bundle off of charging for bags. But now they’ve lost their are no longer unique.
I’m sure they’ve run the numbers and they know they will lose customers like me and they are probably fine with that. But the saddest part is the end of something uniquely special in a world of conforming and profit over customers who would carry their brand and reputation of a great airline at a great price with no extras to others.
It will be interesting what they do to try and stand out now. They just did away with everything that made them Southwest.
I saw this as well as I was booking a work trip. We count on getting those two free bags to get our supplies there with us. No need to travel on Southwest anymore when they no longer have that amazing perk! Agreed.
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.I am already a solid 20 pages in and writing all over the book! 📚 Thank you so much for taking the time to write it! So needed.
Amazing Travel Incredibly Cheap : Your Guide to Inexpensive Travel Anywhere in the World - Most of it FREE a.co/d/0bVnCbb
How amazing is this?!
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Available now on Amazon, both in print and kindle. “Amazing Travel Incredibly Cheap” : Your Guide to Inexpensive Travel Anywhere in the World - Most of it FREE
a.co
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.15 places you must see 🌍
1. Christmas in New York
2. Cherry blossom season in Japan
3. Summer on the French Riviera
4. Autumn in Edinburgh, Scotland
5. Winter in the Swiss Alps
6. Whale watching in Iceland
7. The Northern Lights in Norway
8. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro
9. Sunset on the beaches of Bali
10. Safari in Kenya
11. Tulip fields in the Netherlands
12. Floating markets in Bangkok
13. The Sahara Desert & safari adventure
14. The beaches of the Maldives
15. The Great Wall of China
Tag someone you’d love to explore the world with! 🌍✈️
Follow @ironwiill so you don’t miss more inspiring content.
First footage credit: @jonnajinton
#Travel #BucketList #Wanderlust #Explore #Ironwiill
These ultra-luxury retreats look absolutely stunning! 🤯🤯
#travel #interiordesign #tiktokmademebuyit #luxurylife
And more:
We got off of our cruise ship and had the best adventures after hiring our own private tourguide!
Manny took us out in the ocean to a certain reef to swim with stingrays... literally. We held, petted and kissed the stingrays!
I never thought I would do that!!!😳
Manny and his sidekick Mikey got in the water with us and helped during the whole experience... plus helped us take photos.☀️
Then he took us to an incredible spot to snorkel surrounded by the corral reef!🐠🐟
If you are visiting the Cayman Islands, this was such an incredible day!! Don't wait to set up at tour with Manny.
Manuelborden@gmail.com
We got off of our cruise ship and had the best adventures after hiring our own private tourguide!
Manny took us out in the ocean to a certain reef to swim with stingrays... literally. We held, petted and kissed the stingrays!
I never thought I would do that!!!😳
Manny and his sidekick Mikey got in the water with us and helped during the whole experience... plus helped us take photos.☀️
Then he took us to an incredible spot to snorkel surrounded by the corral reef!🐠🐟
If you are visiting the Cayman Islands, this was such an incredible day!! Don't wait to set up at tour with Manny.Manuelborden@gmail.com
#mannyswatersport #CaymanIslands
From snuggling dolphins @dolphincove to hiking Dunns River and Waterfalls! What a great first day of adventure! #jamacia #dolphin #dunnsriverfalls
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Top 10 Even More Underrated European Cities for Your Next Trip
www.msn.com
Have you been to any of these underrated cities?Warm places to visit while it is cold at home!
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20 spectacular countries where the US dollar is worth the most
www.msn.com
Stacker ranked the top 20 travel destinations where the U.S. dollar stretches, using data from WorldData.info and State Department country travel advisories.
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.Here is a great 'shout out' for Korean Air! And Thailand.
It is awesome to hear others experiences!
Who is headed to Thailand 🇹🇭 soon?
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This castle is in China! 🇨🇳
That’s not the Neuschweinstgen castle is it? Doesn’t look like it though….
Let’s go!!!
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