ABOUT

Woman with long dark hair smiles while holding a cup of coffee in a light blue mug. She is wearing an off-the-shoulder orange top and sitting by a window.
A mother and her two children stand at the entrance of a historic church, Church of Souls in Porto with ornate blue and white tiled facade.

Hi there!

I’m Anh – your guide to Portugal!

Planning your family’s first trip to Portugal? You’re in the right place.

I live in a small town north of Porto full-time, not just visiting for a week and calling myself an expert. I was a clinical pharmacist for over a decade before this, so I still can’t help double-checking every detail before I hand it to you.

And nothing goes on this site until my own kids have tried it first.

My husband Chris and I moved here from the DC suburbs in 2023. But that’s not really what this site is about. This site is about you, and getting your family to Portugal without wasting your trip on the stuff that only looks good in photos.

Read on, and let’s plan your trip.

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My Top Picks

Portugal Destinations

A person sits near the water with boats docked nearby, overlooking the riverside town of Porto with many buildings and a hill in the background along the Douro River.

Porto

  • Port Wine
  • Douro River
  • Azulejos Tiles

Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is a must-visit destination for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. Wander through the historic Ribeira district with its winding streets and colorul buildings. The Dom Luὶs I Bridge offers breathtaking view of the Douro River. And definitely tour and taste port wine in the famous cellars of vila Nova de Gaia.

Two colorful boats docked in a quiet canal beside a cobblestone path and lined with buildings at sunset in the charming town of Aveiro. A distinctive looping bridge is visible in the background.

Aveiro

  • City of Canals
  • Salt Pans
  • Colorful Costa Nova

Aveiro is renowned for its picturesque canals and charming moliceiro boats. Enjoy a boat ride through the city’s waterways, admiring the beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. The region is also famous for its salt pans and the delicious ovos moles, a local sweet treat. With its stunning coastal scenery and vibrant fish market, Aveiro is a definite must-visit.

Aerial view of Lisbon's cityscape with red-roofed buildings, a river, and a red suspension bridge under a clear blue sky.

Lisbon

  • Capital City
  • Alfama District
  • Old-Fashioned Trams

Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, seamlessly blends historic charm with modern flair. Explore the narrow streets of Alfama, marvel at the grandeur of Belém, and enjoy the contemporary vibe of LX Factory. Take in stunning city views from São Jorge Castle and ride the iconic Tram 28. With its rich culinary scene, lively nightlife, and warm locals, Lisbon offers an unforgettable experience.

A colorful, multi-towered castle with red, yellow, and gray sections stands against a bright blue sky, surrounded by lush green trees and foliage. This breathtaking vision is none other than Pena Palace in Sintra.

Sintra

  • Historic Castles
  • Fairy-Tale Charm
  • Enchanting Village

Sintra, a magical town near Lisbon, is renowned for its fairytale palaces, lush forests, and stunning landscapes. Visit the colorful Pena Palace or wander the mystical gardens of Quinta da Regaleira. With its rich history, captivating architecture, and serene natural beauty, this picturesque town is an ideal destination for creating unforgettable memories!

My Story

Exploring Portugal

Our New Adventure in Portugal

Our adventure began in the bustling DC metro area, where I worked as a clinical pharmacist and my husband as a software engineer. In 2023, we decided to retire early and embark on a new chapter in our lives, driven by our love for travel and exploration. Our scouting trip to Portugal in May 2022 was a turning point. The country’s rich culture, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes captivated us. By the fall of 2023, we had moved our family, including our 5-year-old and 3-year-old, to this beautiful country.

A mom and child in baby carrier stands in front of a large tiled wall mural depicting historical scenes at Porto's São Bento Train Station.
São Bento Train Station, 2022

How Pass to Portugal Started

Our personal journey moving to Portugal and extensive travels across the country have equipped us with valuable insights and experiences. As Americans who have been warmly welcomed by the Portuguese, we offer a unique perspective on immersing in the culture and exploring lesser-known destinations. Our children attend Portuguese school, deepening our connection to the community and culture.

We want to share our passion for Portugal and the Portuguese culture with you and the world!

This Blog’s Mission

  • Provide Practical Travel Trips: Offer valuable advice and share firsthand experience for visitors planning their trips to popular and lesser-known destinations in Portugal.
  • Foster Cultural Immersion: Help travelers immerse themselves in Portuguese culture, enhancing their travel experience through personal stories and local insights.
  • Promote Ethical and Sustainable Travel: Encourage travelers to respect and preserve the local culture and environment of Portugal.

My Experience with Travel

My passion for travel has taken me around the world, creating unforgettable memories along the way. I’ve explored the vibrant streets of London, where my husband and I got engaged, and wandered through the romantic charm of Paris. Our adventures have led us to the stunning islands of Fiji, the bustling cities of Sydney and Melbourne, and the breathtaking landscapes of Icelance, which we visited with our then 18-month-old child. These experiences have deepened our love for exploring new cultures and inspired us to ahre our travel insights with others.

Where Am I Now?

Our family lives in a seaside neighborhood of Porto, just 25 minutes north of the city center. We love being able to enjoy surfing, fresh seafood, and cultural celebrations!

We are beyond grateful to call Portugal home. 💙

What to Expect

What will you find here?

Portugal Travel Inspiration

Discover popular and hidden gems in Portugal!

Portugal Travel Tips

Find the best neighborhoods to stay during your visit.

Transportation Guides

Learn the best way on how to get around Portugal.

Travel Resources

Gain access to travel itineraries and checklists for Portugal!