A first-time wander to Portugal

Traveling to a new country always comes with lots of excitement for this wanderer, and my first trip to Portugal did not disappoint. Since I was abroad for a travel industry meeting, I didn’t have a lot of time to explore, but I set out to make some wonderful memories with the time I had. While most people visit Lisbon, I had the opportunity to visit the southernmost region known for its mild climate, beaches, golf and cliffs – the Algarve.

One of my top picks of this trip was a visit to Quinta dos Vales to satisfy my inner wine passion. The estate is located on 44 hectares and produces red, white and rose wines from primarily Portuguese and French grape varieties. Be sure to take your glass along as you explore the estate. There are hundreds of original and unique pieces of art placed throughout the gardens, the trees, and even in the wine making area.


One of my favorite memories of the trip was a long walk on a secluded beach followed by (you guessed it) a glass of rosé while listening to the waves crash on the rocks. Sitting in the sun and listening to the sound of the waves made my heart happy. How could it not? Having time to take a few deep breaths and appreciate the beauty surrounding me always leaves a peacefulness in my soul.
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Wherever you wander - whether for work or pleasure - carve out time to truly appreciate your surroundings, enjoy something authentic, and make memories that will propel more adventures in the days ahead.