All Travel Blog Posts

Blog posts include travels throughout the United States, France, Italy, Spain and England. We give you our advice and tips on how to make your travels more enjoyable.

We also have tips on how to improve your travel photography.

Portugal, Europe Debbie O'Boyle Portugal, Europe Debbie O'Boyle

Visiting Fatima, what you need to know

Fatima is a major Christian pilgrimage site in Portugal, drawing millions of pilgrims annually from around the world.

There are three main points of interest to visit at the pilgrimage site in Fatima: The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary,  The Sanctuary of Fatima, and The Basílica of the Holy Trinity.

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Portugal, Europe John O'Boyle Portugal, Europe John O'Boyle

Our favorite things to do in Porto

Porto is home to incredible city views, stunning architecture, amazing food, and Port wine. 

Porto is absolutely worth a visit

Among our favorite things to do are enjoying the view from the bridge, wine tasting in Gaia, and visiting the blue-tiled buildings.

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Portugal, Europe John O'Boyle Portugal, Europe John O'Boyle

A guide to Lisbon transportation for visitors

Lisbon has an abundance of transportation options. There is a modern metro system, trams (new lines and iconic old ones), affordable cabs, even more affordable Ubers, funiculars, tuk-tuks, and buses. 

While Lisbon is walkable, the city is very hilly so it’s best to use one of the many options to eliminate an uphill hike

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Portugal, Europe Debbie O'Boyle Portugal, Europe Debbie O'Boyle

Visiting São Jorge Castle in Lisbon: Is it worth it?

As the main monument to ancient Lisbon, São Jorge Castle is a very popular tourist attraction. Of course this means it can get crowded - always a bit frustrating when you’re traveling. But we think the castle is worth visiting. You just might need to apply a little strategy. 

In this post, we offer ideas and info for planning a satisfying experience at São Jorge Castle.

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Portugal John O'Boyle Portugal John O'Boyle

Great day trips from Lisbon

One of the best aspects of visiting Lisbon is the variety of great day trips nearby.

On a recent trip to Portugal, we took numerous day trips, some by train and some by organized tour. We would have had even more options if we had rented a car.

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Portugal John O'Boyle Portugal John O'Boyle

Visiting the Douro Valley, what to see and where to stay

The Douro Valley is a beautiful region about 60 miles from Porto. The terraced hills above the Douro River are the only place in the world that can produce Port wine. 

It’s a very popular day trip from Porto or you can stay a few days to visit more of the area’s Quintas or wine producers. 

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Portugal Debbie O'Boyle Portugal Debbie O'Boyle

Belem: A must see when visiting Lisbon

Belém is a famous riverside district of Lisbon, home to many of Portugal's most notable monuments and museums.

You can see the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, the Monument of Discoveries and Belém Palace, as well as tasting the original recipe for Portugal’s famous custard tarts, Pastéis de Belém.

And it’s all just a quick ride from the heart of Lisbon.

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The Art of Portugal’s Stone Pavement

One thing you’ll notice right away when arriving in Lisbon is the charming cobblestone pavements that accentuate the city.

These decorative sidewalks can be seen all over Portugal, but they originated in Lisbon and so the city takes a particular pride in them. They give the streets a unique and artistic touch.

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Portugal, Europe John O'Boyle Portugal, Europe John O'Boyle

Visiting Nazaré: what to see on a day trip

Nazaré is one of the most picturesque seaside villages in Portugal. It’s best known for its giant waves but it offers visitors a lot more. 

It is located near other destinations like Fatima, Obidos, and the Batalha Monastery so many people and tours bundle these sights into a great day trip from Lisbon.

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Portugal, Europe Debbie O'Boyle Portugal, Europe Debbie O'Boyle

What to eat when visiting Portugal

Portugal is a fishing country so it is well known for its delicious array of quality seafood.

But Portuguese cuisine doesn’t end there! A wide variety of unique dishes - from savory pork sandwiches & spicy Piri-piri chicken to sweet Pastéis de Nata - also brighten the palate in this welcoming, beautiful country.

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Traveling by train in France

Traveling by train in France is convenient, quick, safe, and relaxing. Most European countries have an extensive train network and France is no exception. 

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England Debbie O'Boyle England Debbie O'Boyle

What to do in Battersea, South London

Battersea is one of London’s latest trendy destinations.

Visiting Battersea today, it’s almost hard to believe it was once a depressed and forgotten industrial area.

At its heart is the newly renovated Battersea Power Station.

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Best spots to photograph NYC

Some of our favorite photos

Timelapse of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC