Reagan Keller

Budapest was the starting point for my train travels through Central Europe, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. This city is full of charm, and it has an incredibly accessible public transportation system, delicious food, and just all around plenty to see and do. If Budapest is not currently on your list, let me change your mind.

It’s no secret that the southern region of Portugal, known as the Algarve, is most celebrated for its beaches. If you’re doing it right, you have rented a car and you’re bee-bopping your way along the coast. This guide is for your time in Lagos, one of the Algarve’s most popular destinations. Rather than getting overwhelmed by the amount of beaches that pop up on Google Maps, let me be your guide.

Traveling to the Portuguese island of Madeira allowed me to experience one of the most beautiful destinations I’ve ever been to. Popularly referred to as the “Hawai’i of Europe” by Americans, Madeira is made up of lush, jaw-dropping nature that must be seen for yourself. If you are seeking a stay that allows you to feel the island’s history, relax and unwind, and be centrally located, look no further than Quinta da Casa Branca.

If traveling to Vietnam is in your future, Halong Bay is a destination that cannot be missed. Just a two hour drive from Hanoi, trading the busy city for serene and stunning nature is likely a welcome adjustment to your trip. My husband and I experienced this cruise while on our honeymoon, but it was truly an experience that I would recommend to any traveler.

Just when you thought Portugal couldn’t get any more magical, you visit one of their islands—Madeira. Only an hour and a half flight from Lisbon, located closer to the coast of Africa than Portugal, this was one of the most special places I have ever traveled to. If you enjoy nature, meeting kind locals, and a go-with-the-flow pace, this destination is for you.

Only an hour’s drive from Lisbon, Ericeira is everything you want when you envision spending a few days in a “beach town”. Everything is walkable, the ocean is turquoise, and the açai bowls are fresh. Whether you are solo, with your partner, or with your entire family, Ericeira has something for everyone.

I’m going to assume that if you’re reading this, Singapore is on your bucket list, just as it was on mine. My husband and I decided to spend our honeymoon in Vietnam, Thailand, and Bali, but while planning we had the daunting realization of “who knows if we will ever be back on this side of the world.” So we decided to squeeze in one more stop and end our honeymoon with 24 hours in Singapore. Here is how we spent our time!

Portugal has so much to offer - stunning beaches, a historic culture, delicious food and incredible architecture. If you find yourself in Portugal during the winter months, like we did, and you’re not quite ready to head south to the Algarve, then I highly recommend embarking on this road trip through Northern Portugal. This journey allowed us to see a whole region of this beautiful country that we otherwise wouldn’t have experienced. If you feel like stepping outside the box and seeing as much of Portugal as possible, follow along!

After spending three nights in the city center of Porto, being able to experience a beachside stay (not even 15 minutes away from the hustle of the city) was the perfect way for my husband and I to end our Porto vacation. Vila Foz Hotel & Spa is the perfect balance of character and history, matched with a new and fresh design. If you’re seeking a luxurious stay that excels in the areas of hospitality, food and beverage, aesthetics and location, look no further.

I knew I wanted to do more than just float through the Douro Valley on a rabelo boat; I wanted to wake up in the rolling vineyard-covered hills, and that is exactly why my stay at Casal dos Capelinhos was so special to me. This family-owned quinta made me feel right at home, leaving no detail unthought of. If you are heading to Portugal to admire (and sip through) the Douro Valley, then I cannot recommend this experience enough!