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Wandering Works for Us

Wandering Works for Us

Written by: Shelley Rohm
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About this listen

Wandering Works for Us is a travel and lifestyle podcast that explores life in Portugal, European adventures, and LGBTQ+ experiences abroad. Hosted by Shelley and Beth, a married couple who traded the U.S. for Portugal, each episode offers practical tips, cultural insights, and honest stories about expat life, slow travel, and making a home in a new country. Whether you're planning a move, dreaming of life abroad, or seeking authentic LGBTQ+ travel content, this podcast helps you navigate the journey with humor, heart, and real-world advice.

Subscribe for weekly episodes filled with travel tips, cultural deep dives, interviews, and reflections on what it really means to live differently—and why wandering works for us.

All rights reserved. Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • Lisbon: Chapter 2--Other things we love!

    Lisbon: Chapter 2--Other things we love!
    Feb 20 2026
    Wandering Works for Us Podcast


    Date: 21 February 2026Title: Lisbon: Chapter 2–some other stuff to do


    Summary of Episode


    Planning a trip to Lisbon? In Part 2 of our Lisbon travel series, we’re diving deeper into the history, food, and culture that make Portugal’s capital unforgettable.

    In Part 1, we covered Lisbon neighborhoods and what to do if you only have two days. In this episode, we go beyond the highlights and explore iconic sites like São Jorge Castle, the Carmo Archaeological Museum, and the National Pantheon (formerly the Church of Santa Engrácia). We talk about how the 1755 earthquake shaped the city, what you’ll experience at the immersive Quake Museum, and whether these historic landmarks are worth your time.

    We also share our experience on a Lisbon food tour in Rossio Square, exploring markets in Alfama, and spending time at LX Factory, plus tips for navigating Lisbon’s hills and planning your days geographically.

    If you’re building a Lisbon itinerary and want to move beyond the postcard spots, this episode will help you plan smarter and experience the city more deeply.

    👉 Don’t forget — we offer free Lisbon itineraries on our website to help you organize your days, maximize your time, and avoid unnecessary backtracking.

    Whether you have 2 days in Lisbon or a full week, this episode will help you plan a meaningful, well-paced trip.

    Key Topics


    [01:30] Intro: Lisboa part 1 podcast, what’s covered, and planning your days in Lisbon easily.

    [04:20] São Jorge Castle

    [07:35] Carmo Convent and Museum

    [11:25] National Pantheon and Feira da Ladra in Alfama

    [16:40] Quake Museum (interactive earthquake museum)

    [22:45] Food tours in Lisbon→ Link for food tour (Oh My Cod tour), One we took which is a good mix, Food and Wine small group tour

    [26:20] The LX Factory

    [28:45] Seasonal, other stuff: Christmas, Expo area in Oriente, Ikonik Hotel (great place to stay), Street art, Sao Bento neighborhood, rooftop bars

    [36:25] What’s coming up next


    Important Links


    To follow all of our antics and adventures, please visit our social media pages and our website at wwforus.com! You can send us a message at any of these places and feel free to email us at wandering@wwforus.com

    Like what we are doing? Buy us a gin and tonic and help us keep going!


    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Tiktok
    • YouTube
    • Looking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!
    • Blog post for this episode: What to do in Lisbon in 2 days (there is more to do in this post!)



    RESOURCES & LINKS


    Planning a trip to Lisbon or Portugal? Check out our guides and Itineraries!

    • Lisbon Itinerary
    • 7-Day Portugal Itinerary
    • Porto Itinerary
    • Day Trips from Lisboa
    • Essentials for traveling





    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wandering-works-for-us/donations
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • Alcobaça, Portugal: Monastery History, Medieval Love Stories, & Wine Traditions

    Alcobaça, Portugal: Monastery History, Medieval Love Stories, & Wine Traditions
    Feb 5 2026
    Wandering Works for Us PodcastDate: 6 Feb 2026Title: Alcobaça, Portugal: Monastery History, Medieval Love Stories & Wine TraditionsSummary of EpisodeIn this episode of Wandering Works for Us, we explore Alcobaça, Portugal, a historic town known for its rich cultural heritage, medieval architecture, and deep ties to wine production. Our visit begins at the Monastery of Alcobaça, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s most important Gothic monuments, founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks. We share our experience walking through its vast stone halls and reflect on the legendary love story of Pedro and Inês de Castro, whose tombs rest inside the monastery.We then visit the Wine Museum of Alcobaça (Museu do Vinho de Alcobaça), the largest wine museum in Portugal, housed in a former 19th-century winery. Here, we learn how the monks of Alcobaça shaped agriculture and winemaking in the region and how wine became central to the town’s identity.Although the Ceramics Museum of Alcobaça was closed during our visit, we discuss its importance and Alcobaça’s long tradition of Portuguese ceramics, known throughout the country for their craftsmanship and everyday beauty.To end the day, we take a walk up to the castle ruins above Alcobaça, where we’re rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the monastery and town, one of the best photo spots in the area.This episode is perfect for travelers interested in Portuguese history, cultural travel, wine tourism, UNESCO sites, and off-the-beaten-path destinations in Portugal.Key Topics[00:30] Welcome back to us! A recap of the holidays, etc.[01:40] Intro to Alcobaça[02:10] Why we wanted to visit Alcobaça [05:10] Alcobaça Monastery, history of the Monastery, architecture [08:00] Parts of the Monastery and the importance of the monks[11:35] Inês and Pedro Graves → Link to our podcast of this story [13:30] Tour of the Monastery→ private tour here![13:45] Across the road from the monastery are restaurants and cafes to people-watch and have lunch. [14:15] Wine Museum–a wine memorabilia museum[19:40] Wine tasting at the museum[21:30] The ceramics Museum (it was closed…)[22:35] Castle Ruins at the top of the hill [23:55] Other cool things in Alcobaça: the river walk, shopping, fun parks[25:05] Make sure you visit the Atelier do Doce for pastriesWhat’s up next? Lisboa part 2, Portugal day trips, England and Scotland (again) Important Links To follow all of our antics and adventures, please visit our social media pages and our website at wwforus.com! You can send us a message at any of these places, and feel free to email us at wandering@wwforus.comLike what we are doing? Buy us a gin and tonic and help us keep going!InstagramFacebookTiktokYouTubeLooking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!Blog post for this episodeMonasteries of Portugal blog postInês and Pedro Blog post Thanks to Everyone!Special thanks to all of you who have listened, subscribed, followed us on social media and just took the time to say hello and tell us how much you enjoy our podcast and blog. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!RESOURCES & LINKSDid you know we have a newsletter? Click here to sign up for updates, tips, and tricks!---> Wandering Works for Us NewsletterPS--booking a trip soon? Here are some resources we use.​Get your Guide​​Viator​​Trip Advisor​​Booking.com​​VRBO​Expedia.comAiralo.com Like what you read? We have a Ko-Fi set up, so you can tip us or buy us a gin and tonic. Anything helps to keep the content coming!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wandering-works-for-us/donations
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    30 mins
  • Tomar, Portugal: City of Templars

    Tomar, Portugal: City of Templars
    Oct 13 2025
    Wandering Works for Us Podcast


    Date: 13 October 2025

    Title: Tomar, Portugal: City of Templars

    Summary of Episode

    Join us as we wander through the enchanting medieval city of Tomar, Portugal — one of our favorite destinations in Central Portugal! Steeped in history, Tomar is best known for its fascinating connection to the Knights Templar and the magnificent Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    In this episode, we go beyond the famous Templar Castle and explore the many other gems that make Tomar so special — from the Tomar Synagogue and the scenic Nabão River Park to the city’s delicious local cuisine and the colorful Festa dos Tabuleiros, one of Portugal’s most unique traditional festivals.

    We wrap up our journey with a visit to the stunning Almourol Castle and the Contemporary Art Museum in Vila Nova da Barquinha, rounding out an unforgettable adventure through Portugal’s Templar Route.

    Key Topics


    How far is Tomar from Lisbon?

    Headquarters of the Templars

    A short history of the Templars as we know it

    Tomar’s Templar Castle and Convent of Christ

    [10:55] Nabão River Park

    [14:02] Le P’tit fraçais–(a little French) is the pastry shop

    [15:20] Synagogue and Jewish Museum

    [17:15] Igreja São João Baptista

    [18:45] Taverna Antiqua

    [20:00] Insensato Café and Livraria

    [21:30] Festa do Tabuleiros or festival of trays–correction– it is every 4 years, not every year

    [23:40] Almoural Castle

    [Museum in Vila Nova Barquinha

    What Tomar feels like

    What’s up next

    Important Links

    To follow all of our antics and adventures, please visit our social media pages and our website at wwforus.com! You can send us a message at any of these places, and feel free to email us at wandering@wwforus.com

    Like what we are doing? Buy us a gin and tonic and help us keep going!

    Instagram

    • Facebook
    • Tiktok
    • YouTube
    • Looking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!
    • Blog posts for this episode: Tomar, Convent of Christ
    • Google Map of all places listed



    Thanks to Everyone who has been so supportive!

    Special thanks to all of you who have listened, subscribed, followed us on social media, and just took the time to say hello and tell us how much you enjoy our podcast and blog. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!


    RESOURCES & LINKS


    We love discussing our adventures on our podcast, but we also share personal travel experiences on our Substack, and we're now also on Flipboard.



    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wandering-works-for-us/donations
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
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