Europe Trip Report
See Europe through our eyes—no epic promises, just real travelers sharing real stories and travel tips learned from our first hand experiences as we explore Europe. From the sunlit streets of Lisbon to Faro’s coastal charm, Barcelona’s buzz, and Paris’s iconic boulevards, we’ve wandered, savored, and maybe gotten a little lost. We’ve embraced England’s mix of bustling London life and the quieter corners of Oxford, Derby, Plymouth and Southampton ( a few places in between). Every city and town tells its own story, and we’re here to share the good, the quirky, and the downright delightful moments that make Europe, well… Europe.
👋 New Here? We’re Jeff and Sandra, American expats exploring affordable places to live around the world. We share our experiences visiting destinations across the globe and the real costs, honest reviews, and practical tips for living abroad on a budget, one country at a time.
Please Note: We’re real people, just like you, and we’re still out here living the full-time travel life. Sometimes that means it takes us a bit longer to share all our stories and insights from each place we visit. But don’t worry, we’re working on it! Stay tuned for more as we continue our journey and bring you the inside scoop from every corner of the world.
Portugal
Does it Snow in Portugal?
Portugal! The very name conjures visions of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant cultural experiences, and culinary delights that tantalize the taste buds. We’re wrapping up our month-ish long stay in…
Where to stay in Lisbon for budget travelers like us – 6 Best!
Figuring out where to stay in Lisbon, especially for budget travelers, can be a daunting task. It’s a big city, with unfamiliar neighborhoods. We’ve been there! Our first…
Taking a Tuk Tuk Tour of Lisbon – Cost, Itinerary and was it worth it?
Our month long visit to Portugal began in Lisbon; we had scheduled a three day layover there just in case we had a bit of jet lag after…
A Day Trip to Praia de Faro: Golden Sands and Local Charm
In this post, we’ll share our experience of a day trip to Praia de Faro (Faro Island Beach), including how to get there, what to expect on the…
Authentic Portuguese Sandwich Recipe: Bringing Lisbon’s Flavors to Your Kitchen
Lisbon 2024. I’ll never forget the first time I tried a Bifana, the traditional Portuguese sandwich. It was love at first bite—the tender, marinated pork, the slight crunch…
Lisboa Card Review: A First-Timer’s Guide to Saving Money in Lisbon.
we went all in with the 72-hour Lisboa Card, the official Lisbon tourist card. Here’s what we learned while using it
Best Times to Visit Lisbon: Weather & Prices for Budget Travelers
Understanding the best times to visit Lisbon can make your trip more enjoyable. Sun-drenched and wallet-friendly. Exactly why we landed there for a little over a month. I’m…
Things to do in Faro, Portugal – Catedral de Faro
Located in the old town of Faro, Faro Cathedral – Igreja de Santa Maria or Se de Faro – is an amazing display of craftsmanship. We found Faro’s…
Lisbon – National Tile Museum
Museu Nacional do Azulejo – Portugal’s National Tile Museum Is Lisbon’s National Tile Museum worth visiting? National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo) is ranked #8 out of…
Our DIY Walking Tour of Belem: How We Explored 15 Historic Sites in One Day
To say that Belem is a historic district of Lisbon is sort of misleading since most of Lisbon’s districts are ‘historic’. Belém, Lisbon’s stunning riverside district, stands as…
Spain
Exploring Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter Walking Tour: Our Experience with the GPSMyCity app
Our visit to Barcelona was very short, just three nights passing through on our way from Portugal to England. We arrived late Tuesday night, spent Wednesday marveling at…
France
Coming Soon! – Stay Tunes
England
Our 29-Day Detour to Derby, England
Our Budget Travelers’ Itinerary for Museums and More Nestled in the heart of the English countryside, Derby is a charming city that often flies under the radar for…
Our Local-Paced Guide to Oxford England Museums
or “how we explore Oxford’s Museums slowly….” When we landed in England as part of our international quest to find our perfect retirement, Oxford wasn’t just another stop…
Accio disappointment! Our not-so-magical Harry Potter walking tour in London
Looking for the real-life magic of Harry Potter in London? We’ve got you covered! Except, maybe not in the way you think. Here’s our experience with a Harry…
Our List of the Top 8 Affordable Places to Stay in London England (2024)
We are often asked how we can afford to travel full time. Well, a lot of it boils down to research. Finding a decent, affordable place to stay,…
Is Harry Potter Studio Tour Worth The Time And Money?
We are Jeff and Sandra, senior nomads, retired and traveling full-time as ‘citizens of the world’. Which is to say, we’re homeless but in a socially acceptable way….
40 BEST Things To Do In Southampton For Every Traveler
Wondering what to do in Southampton as a tourist? You’ve come to the right place. We actually lived in England for four years back when our kids were…
If it’s not one thing…..
As we wind down our time here in Panama we we find ourselves reflecting on the intricacies of a nomadic lifestyle planning because yet again we are making…
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