The Power of Collaborative Planning
Remember the good old days when family vacations meant packing up the station wagon and hitting the road, kids happily singing along in the backseat? Yeah, me neither. Fast forward to vacationing with teenagers, and the soundtrack is more likely to be a constant loop of earbuds and the occasional eye roll.
But fear not, fellow parents of teens! Our recent Portuguese escapade proved that family vacations with teenagers don’t have to be a recipe for disaster. In fact, they can be downright amazing (dare I say, even relaxing?) with a bit of planning and a whole lot of flexibility.
So, buckle up as I spill the beans (and the pastel de nata crumbs) on how we navigated the cobblestone streets, sandy beaches, and occasional teenage mood swings to create unforgettable memories in Portugal.
From a family brainstorm session to an unforgettable adventure
Gone were the days of us simply announcing, “Kids, we’re going to…”. This time, vacation planning started with a family summit. We wanted everyone invested, so forget dictating an itinerary – this was a collaboration.
We dedicated two family meetings to this topic. The first question we needed to agree on was “what kind of trip did we actually want?” – Was it trekking through breathtaking landscapes, our boots dusty and spirits high? Lounging on pristine beaches, the only agenda a good book and the ocean breeze? Maybe a city-hopping spree, soaking in art, culture, and enough quirky shops to make our wallets weep? Or perhaps… a glorious mix of it all?
Maya, with her artistic soul, was all about soaking up history and charm. Think cobblestone streets, hidden cafes, and maybe sketching some grand architecture. Lia, our resident adventurer, wanted kayaking, hiking, anything that got her heart pumping. At least both of them agreed on a good amount of shopping… My husband, bless his organized soul, was already drafting spreadsheets (yes, really!), while I craved a balance of exploration and those blissful moments of simply being in a new place.
We scrolled through photos, debated the merits of various activities, and even endured a spirited debate about the importance of reliable Wi-Fi (teenagers, am I right?).
Parent Tip – We created an “Activity Bank” – a master list of potential adventures, categorized by location. Want to kayak in Lagos? Got it. Craving a scenic hike in Sintra? Boom. Feeling a museum day in Lisbon? Done. This way, we had options to pick from (the night before), but wouldn’t feel pressured to cram everything into one day.
After much deliberation, a healthy dose of Pinterest inspiration, and maybe a few (okay, several) rounds of “compromise,” our two-week Portuguese adventure began to take shape. We settled on a mix of vibrant cities, charming towns, and yes, those picture-perfect Portuguese beaches everyone dreams of.
Welcome to Lisbon! A Feast for the Senses (and a Vegan’s Paradise, Surprisingly!)
Lisbon welcomed us with open arms, sunshine, and a captivating blend of history whispering from every cobblestone. We’d snagged a spacious two-bedroom Airbnb in the heart of the city – the girls were thrilled to have their own space (and two double beds!) to sprawl out after a day of exploring.
Three days flew by in a flurry of vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Alfama, a labyrinth of narrow alleys and colorful houses, stole our hearts. We wandered aimlessly, stumbling upon tiny cafes and breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the Tagus River. Bairro Alto, with its trendy boutiques and buzzing nightlife, was a hit with Maya, while Lia was captivated by the street art scene.
Parent Tip: Lisbon is built on hills! Save your energy (and sanity) by embracing the city’s iconic tuk-tuks. Zipping through the narrow streets, wind in our hair, was a highlight for the whole family. Another option is the (old but still working) tram. The appeal of Lisbon’s tram 28 is not just its historic appearance, but also its route, which passes through some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods, like Alfama, Baixa, and Chiado.
Food, glorious food! Lisbon is a foodie’s paradise, and we were determined to sample it all (or at least the vegetarian options). Pastel de nata became a daily ritual (don’t judge, those creamy custard tarts are irresistible!), and we had to sample almost every ice-cream/gelato shop.
Finding vegan options for Maya, however, proved to be a bit more challenging. While Lisbon isn’t traditionally known for its vegan cuisine, we were pleasantly surprised by the growing number of plant-based eateries popping up across the city. Don’t be shy and ask the host if they have vegan alternatives on their menu (which most of the time are not listed).
Parent Tip: Download the Happy Cow app! It became our vegan savior, leading us to hidden gems like Ao 26 Vegan Food Project, where Maya devoured a delicious vegan francesinha (a Portuguese sandwich usually piled high with meat and cheese).
One evening, we decided to embrace our inner chefs and recreate a Portuguese feast in our Airbnb’s cozy kitchen. We sipped local wine, laughed our way through chopping vegetables (some more successfully than others!), and savored the fruits of our labor.
Beyond Alfama and Bairro Alto:
LX Factory: This former industrial complex is now a hipster haven, with trendy shops, art studios, and restaurants housed in converted warehouses.
Time Out Market Lisboa: A food hall extraordinaire! From Michelin-starred chefs to local favorites, there’s something to tantalize every taste bud.
Sintra: A short train ride from Lisbon, Sintra is a fairytale escape, complete with colorful palaces (we visited Palácio da Pena), whimsical gardens (Quinta da Regaleira is simply beautiful), and breathtaking views. We recommend taking Uber there (~15-20 Euro each direction), to save time and parking fees.
Lisbon, with its vibrant energy, captivating history, and surprising vegan delights, stole a piece of our hearts. It was the perfect blend of exploration, relaxation, and those spontaneous moments that make family trips so special.
Trading Cobblestones for Argos’ Coastlines (and Narrow Streets for Sandy Toes)
After the vibrant energy of Lisbon, Argos promised a change of pace. We packed our swimsuits, grabbed some road trip snacks (pastel de nata leftovers, anyone?), and hit the road for the scenic drive south. The two and a half hours flew by as we soaked up the Portuguese countryside, the landscape shifting from rolling hills to vineyards to glimpses of the sparkling Atlantic.
Arriving in Argos felt like stepping into a postcard. Whitewashed buildings basked in the sun, the air was thick with the scent of salt and sunscreen, and the turquoise waters of the Atlantic beckoned.
Parent Tip: Argos is charming, but those streets are narrow – even narrower than Lisbon! Do yourself a favor and park outside the city center. We found a convenient spot near the marina and enjoyed a leisurely stroll into town.
We swapped our city shoes for flip-flops and embraced the laid-back beach life. Days were spent visiting different beaches, splashing in the waves, and exploring the hidden coves and grottoes that dot the coastline.
Parent Tip: Renting kayaks or paddle boards is a must! We spent an unforgettable afternoon kayaking through caves, marveling at the rock formations, and taking must-have Instagram photos. It was an adventure the girls still haven’t stopped talking about.
One of our favorite memories was simply strolling along the Praia da Marinha, consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The dramatic cliffs, golden sand, and crystal-clear water were simply breathtaking.
Argos was the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The girls, usually glued to their phones, were fully present, their laughter echoing across the water as they soaked up the sun and the simple joy of being together.
Where History Flows Like Port Wine (and the Prices are Easier on the Wallet)
Porto welcomed us with a slower pace, and a refreshing break from Lisbon’s parking fees (our wallets breathed a sigh of relief!). This city, draped along the Douro River, exuded a charm all its own – a blend of grand history and down-to-earth grit.
The Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stole our hearts. We wandered through narrow, winding streets, past colorful buildings adorned with intricate tilework (azulejos, we learned to call them). Street musicians filled the air with soulful Fado music, and the scent of grilled sardines wafted from tiny restaurants tucked into ancient alleyways.
One evening, we stumbled upon a hidden gem – The Thailander. This restaurant, tucked away on a side street, served up some of the most flavorful and authentic Thai food we’ve ever had. Even Maya, with her vegan restrictions, was in culinary heaven.
Parent Tip: Don’t miss the Mercado do Bolhão! This bustling market is a feast for the senses, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce and seafood to local cheeses, olives, and pastries. We stocked up on picnic supplies for a leisurely lunch along the river.
Of course, no trip to Porto is complete without a taste of its namesake port wine. We ventured into a traditional cellar for a tasting (the girls were perfectly content with grape juice and the stunning views of the Douro River).
Later, we strolled across the Dom Luís I Bridge, its iconic iron arches soaring above the city. The views from the top were simply breathtaking, offering a panoramic perspective of Porto’s jumbled rooftops and the sparkling river below. We highly recommend getting there close to sunset (or sunrise, if you’re an early bird…); the view is breathtaking.
Parent Tip: Book a river cruise along the Douro River! It’s a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective and learn about the six bridges that connect Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, the birthplace of port wine.
And for a touch of literary magic? We couldn’t resist a visit to the Livraria Lello, a stunning bookstore said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s depiction of Hogwarts. Even Lia, our resident non-reader, was captivated by the ornate staircase and stained-glass ceiling.
Porto, with its laid-back charm, affordable prices, and captivating blend of history and modernity, left an imprint on our souls. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable travel experiences are found not in grand landmarks, but in the simple pleasures of wandering, exploring, and savoring the flavors of a new place.
Slow Down and Enjoy Folgosa da Douro
After the vibrant energy of Porto, Folgosa da Douro was a breath of fresh air – literally. Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Douro Valley, this tranquil village promised a slower pace, breathtaking views, and a chance to reconnect with nature (and each other!).
We’d booked a charming house through booking.com, perched high on a hill overlooking the majestic Douro River. The view from our terrace was simply breathtaking – a tapestry of terraced vineyards, quaint villages, and the river winding its way through the valley.
Days were spent exploring the region’s renowned vineyards, indulging in wine tastings (the girls, as always, opted for the non-alcoholic versions, but the views were intoxicating enough!), and simply soaking up the tranquility of our surroundings.
Parent Tip: The Douro Valley can get quite hot, especially in the summer months. Luckily, there are several water parks in the area that offer a welcome respite from the heat. We spent a fun-filled afternoon at one, splashing around on water slides, floating down lazy rivers, and indulging in ice cream cones (a vacation essential!).
Evenings were spent back at our little slice of paradise. We’d fire up the grill, enjoying leisurely dinners on the terrace as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple.
From Market Finds to Family Fun in the Kitchen
One of the unexpected joys of our trip was the quality time we spent together outside of the usual tourist attractions. Grocery shopping became an adventure in itself, as we navigated foreign aisles, deciphered labels (thank goodness for Google Translate!), and discovered new-to-us ingredients.
Our rental house’s kitchen became a culinary playground, where we’d gather to create delicious meals together. We’d sip local wine, laugh our way through chopping vegetables (some more successfully than others!), and savor the fruits of our labor.
Parent Tip: Embrace the opportunity to involve your teenagers in the everyday aspects of travel. Not only does it help them appreciate different cultures and try new things, but it also creates lasting memories and strengthens family bonds.
Folgosa da Douro, with its breathtaking scenery, tranquil atmosphere, and the simple pleasures of shared meals and laughter, was the perfect ending to our Portuguese adventure. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful moments are found not in crowded tourist spots, but in the quiet spaces, where we can simply be present with each other and appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
The Verdict: Teenagers, Travel, and Triumph!
As our Portuguese adventure drew to a close, we were exhausted, exhilarated, and, dare I say, even a little bit closer as a family. We’d navigated bustling cities, relaxed on sun-kissed beaches, and created memories that will last a lifetime.
The key to our success? Embracing flexibility, involving our daughters in the planning process, and finding joy in the everyday moments. Because sometimes, the most cherished memories are made not in front of iconic landmarks, but in the shared laughter, impromptu dance parties, and stolen moments of connection that happen when you least expect them.
