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  • Discover Portugal: Your next vacation destination

    Discover Portugal: Your next vacation destination

    Portugal is a country steeped in history, culture and natural beauty. From bustling cities to picturesque landscapes, there is no shortage of great places to visit. Here are the top 4 places to add to your itinerary when traveling to Portugal. Lisbon – the capital of Portugal is a must-see. Its charming streets, historic buildings and delicious seafood make it a top choice for travelers. Don’t miss the chance to ride the tram through the city and visit the famous Belem Tower.

    Whether you’re a budget traveler or just looking for a more authentic experience, staying in a hostel in Portugal is a great option. Here are some of the best hostels to stay in Lisbon.

    Lisbon Hostels

    Goodnight Hostel – This city center hostel offers a great location and a friendly atmosphere. The hostel has a variety of room options ranging from dormitories to private rooms. All with comfortable beds, lockers and free WiFi. The staff are friendly and always happy to help with recommendations and reservations. YES!

    Lisbon Hostel – This hostel is perfect for travelers who want to experience the city’s nightlife. It is located in the trendy Bairro Alto district, known for its bars, clubs and restaurants. The hostel has a variety of room options and even features a roof terrace where guests can relax and enjoy the city views.

    Lisb’on Hostel – Perfect for budget travelers, this hostel offers clean, comfortable and affordable accommodation. The hostel is located in the historic center of Alfama, ideal for exploring the city’s historic sites. The hostel also has a communal kitchen where you can prepare your own meals and a patio area where you can relax and unwind.

    Porto Hostels

    Porto – Often referred to as ‘the gateway to the Douro Valley’, Porto is a city that blends old-world charm with modern flair. The Ribeira district is particularly impressive with its colorful houses and river views. Visitors can also take a tour of the famous Port He Wine Cellar and sample local varietals.

    Porto, Portugal’s second largest city, is a destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty. Known for its quaint streets, historic buildings and famous Porto wine. The city is a must-see for any traveler. For lodging on a budget I love to stay at hostels when visiting Europe especially Portugal.

    Porto Spot Hostel – This hostel offers a prime location in the heart of Porto’s historic centre, close to many of the city’s top attractions. The hostel offers a variety of room options. From dormitories to private rooms, all with comfortable beds, lockers and free WiFi. The staff are friendly and always happy to help with recommendations and reservations.

    Yellow House Hostel – This hostel is perfect for travelers who want to experience the city’s nightlife. It is located in the trendy Galleria de Paris district, known for its bars, clubs and restaurants. The hostel has a variety of room options and even features a roof terrace where guests can relax and enjoy the city views.

    No matter which hostel you choose, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience in Porto. Its unique blend of culture, history and natural beauty makes it a must-see city for travelers.

    Algarve Hostels

    Algarve – This southern region of Portugal is known for its beautiful coastline, picturesque beaches and bustling seaside towns. Travelers like Albufeira for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches. Located in southern Portugal, the Algarve is known for its beautiful coastline, picturesque beaches and bustling seaside towns. It is a popular destination for travelers seeking sun, sea and sand. In order to get the maximum value from sightseeing Portugal I like to stay at hostels since I love blending in with the local culture. Here are the top hostels I’ve visited in Algarve.

    Algarve Surf Hostel – This hostel is perfect for travelers who want to ride the waves. Located in the town of Sagres, you have easy access to the best surf spots in the area. The hostel has a variety of room options ranging from dormitories to private rooms. All with comfortable beds, lockers and free his WiFi. The staff are friendly and always happy to help with recommendations and reservations.

    The Yellow Hostel – This hostel offers an excellent location in the historic city center of Tavira. The hostel offers a variety of room options, including private rooms and dormitories, all with comfortable beds, lockers, and free WiFi. The hostel also has a terrace area, perfect for enjoying the city view while having a drink or meal.

    Regardless of your choice, you’re sure to have an amazing time in the Algarve. The region’s stunning coastline, picturesque beaches and bustling seaside towns make it a must-see for travelers.

    Sintra Hostels

    Sintra – Located just outside Lisbon, Sintra is a small town of cultural and historical importance. The city has several impressive palaces and castles, including the Sintra National Palace and the Pena Palace. Visitors can also explore the city’s charming streets and gardens.
    A small town just outside Lisbon, Sintra is a destination of cultural and historical importance. The city has several impressive palaces and castles, including the Sintra National Palace and the Pena Palace. I love traveling on the frugal side which is why I usually stay at hostels.

    Sintra Hills Hostel – This hostel offers a prime location in the heart of Sintra’s historic centre, close to many of the city’s top attractions. The hostel offers a variety of room options. From dormitories to private rooms, all with comfortable beds, lockers and free WiFi. The staff are friendly and always happy to help with recommendations and reservations.

    Sintra Dream Hostel – This hostel enjoys an excellent location in the charming city of Sintra. Providing easy access to major attractions such as Pena Palace, Moorish Castle and Sintra National Palace. The hostel offers a variety of room options, including private rooms and dormitories. All with comfortable beds, lockers, and free WiFi. The hostel also has a terrace area, perfect for enjoying the city view while having a drink or meal.

     

     

     

  • Orlando’s best kept secrets for the entire family

    Orlando’s best kept secrets for the entire family

    The Orlando Science Center is a popular destination for families looking to have fun while learning. My family and I recently had the opportunity to visit this interactive museum and were blown away by the interactive exhibits and fascinating displays.

    We are the center’s main exhibit, ‘Our Bodies:

    The Universe Inside.” This exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the human body, revealing the complex systems and processes that sustain our life and health. I was blown away by the detailed models and interactive displays that let you learn about everything from your digestive system to your brain.

    Next we headed to the “Science Park” area, which was a lot of fun to browse through the various interactive exhibits. We built towers out of foam blocks, launched air rockets, and rode giant pendulums to explore the principles of physics. One of the highlights of our visit was the “Dino Digs” exhibit. Here we got to see some of the most fascinating creatures to ever roam our planet up close. We learned about different types of dinosaurs, their way of life and evolution, and even got to touch real fossils. We also had the opportunity to catch a show in the center’s state-of-the-art cinema dome, where we watched a fantastic film about the beauty and wonder of the universe.

    All told, the experience at Orlando Science Center was truly unique. The exhibits and demonstrations were educational and entertaining, and we were inspired and amazed by the world around us. If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for your family, the Orlando Science Center is a MUST see.

    “We built towers out of foam blocks, launched air rockets, and rode giant pendulums to explore the principles of physics.”

    If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Orlando, a local farmers market is a must. Farmers markets are a great place to sample local flavors and meet the people who grow and make the food. I recently had the opportunity to visit the Winter Park’s local farmers markets in Orlando and it was a really enjoyable experience.

    The market was held in a warm and welcoming atmosphere in a scenic outdoor location surrounded by lush greenery. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by the sights and smells of fresh produce, handicrafts and delicious food. I started by browsing various vendors. Each offers a variety of fresh produce and homemade products. The vendors were all very friendly and happy to talk about their products. We were impressed with the high quality of the products on offer, we purchased fresh locally sourced fruits, vegetables and herbs and they were incredibly fresh and delicious.

    “I had a bite of freshly made empanadas and it was one of the best ever.”

    Alongside the produce, there were also vendors selling handcrafted jams, jellies, and other jams, artisan breads, pastries, and other baked goods. I picked up a jar of homemade canned peaches and homemade bread and both were very delicious. We also had the opportunity to try some of the tasty food on offer at the market. From freshly squeezed juices and smoothies to homemade tacos and sandwiches, there’s something for everyone. I had a bite of freshly made empanadas and it was one of the best ever.

    Walking through the market, I was blown away by the sense of community and connection there was. There was genuine pride and passion among the vendors, and it was evident that great care was taken in growing and manufacturing their produce. Overall, my experience at the local Orlando Farmers Market was really enjoyable. The market was a great place to sample local flavors and meet the people who grow and make the food. If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Orlando, a local farmers market is a must. It’s a great place for families to learn about local products and connect through experiences like shopping and trying new things.

    OllieM Rating:

    Price Value: Worth Every Penny  *****
    Proximity: Close ***
    Safety: Safe *****
    Cleanliness: *****
    Hospitality: *****
    Fun Factor: Woohoo *****
    Great for Kids and Adults: Kids and Adults *****
    Will we return: YES! *****
    blog contributor and travel extraordinaire Ollie D
    Ollie D is the leading contributor at OllieM
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