Travel Blogs



Yellow tram on narrow Lisbon street with historic buildings and river view, near Golden Mermaid Villa

From the Azores to the Capital: A Speaker’s Journey to Lisbon



Having only spent half a day in Lisbon previously during a European cruise, I packed my bags for a five-day immersion into the city's cosmopolitan heart.



Historic astronomical clock tower in Ribeirinha, Portugal at night

Prague on the Page: Two Books That Shaped My Trip



Planning a trip to Prague meant more than just scouting hotels and landmarks—it meant diving into the city’s history and atmosphere through literature. My research...
Baroque church with illuminated dome overlooking Ribeirinha at dusk, near Golden Mermaid Villa

A Fairytale Christmas Market Trip, Rooted in Prague



What started as a spontaneous three-day dash to Disney Paris quickly morphed into an unforgettable six-day deep dive into the enchanting Christmas markets of Prague—and...
Prague Christmas market at night with snow, Church of Our Lady before Týn illuminated

Prague Bound: Travel, Writing, and Christmas Markets



The crisp, lingering warmth of Madeira this past month has inspired more than just relaxation—it’s sparked a spontaneous adventure! My friends Fred and Linda, catching...
Yellow fortress-style villa with white dome tower overlooking sea in Ribeirinha, Portugal - Golden Mermaid Villa

Madeira Trip: A Dose of Hormesis and Happiness



Travel, especially as we get older, isn’t just a treat—it’s a necessary boost for the mind and body. It jolts us out of routine, activating...