Wandering Works for Us cover art

Wandering Works for Us

Wandering Works for Us

Written by: Shelley Rohm
Listen for free

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
  • Day Trips Beyond Lisbon Part 2: Palácio do Buçaco, Grutas da Mira de Aire, Quinta do Cerejeiras, & Buddha Eden Gardens

    Day Trips Beyond Lisbon Part 2: Palácio do Buçaco, Grutas da Mira de Aire, Quinta do Cerejeiras, & Buddha Eden Gardens
    Jun 13 2026
    Wandering Works for Us PodcastDate: 13 June 2026Day Trips beyond Lisbon, Part 2: Palácio do Bucaco, Grutas da Mira de Aire, Quinta do Cerejeiras, and Buddha Eden GardensSummary of EpisodeWe're back with another round of day trips from Lisbon — and this batch might be our favourites yet. In this episode, Shelley and Beth head into some of Portugal's most surprising corners: a fairy-tale palace lost in an ancient forest, the largest caves in the country (that almost nobody outside Portugal knows exist), and a vast sculpture garden full of Buddhas and terracotta warriors tucked between vineyards. Yes, really.If you loved our first Lisbon day trips episode, this one goes even deeper off the well-worn path.In This EpisodePalácio do Buçaco (~2.5 hours from Lisbon) A neo-Manueline palace inside a UNESCO-protected forest — the kind of place that genuinely feels like it shouldn't exist. We talk about the centuries-old forest (planted by monks, over 700 tree species), the extraordinary palace interior, and the shadow of King Carlos I, who was assassinated just a year after it was completed. We also get into the Battle of Buçaco from the Peninsular War and why the old convent on the grounds is worth seeking out. Our honest take: this one is better as an overnight or paired with Coimbra, just 30 minutes away.Grutas de Mira de Aire (~1.5 hours from Lisbon) The largest open caves in Portugal, discovered by accident in 1947 when a local farmer noticed steam rising from the ground on a cold morning. Formed during the Middle Jurassic era (yes, dinosaur times), the caves stretch 11 km but 600 metres are open to visitors. We walk you through what the guided tour is actually like, the app you can use if your tour is in Portuguese, and that final room with the fountain show — a little kitsch, absolutely wonderful. A car is needed if you are doing it yourselves, but you can get a tour through Get Your Guide from Lisbon, and it pairs beautifully with Fátima for a full central Portugal day.Buddha Eden & Quinta das Cerejeiras (~1 hour from Lisbon, near Bombarral) This one needs to be seen to be believed. Thirty-five hectares of Buddhist statues, Easter Island heads, and terracotta warriors set among vineyards in the Óbidos wine region — created by collector Joe Berardo as a response to the Taliban's destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas. We share what the experience is actually like, why you need comfortable shoes and more time than you think, and Beth tells the story of the train. We also cover Quinta das Cerejeiras nearby — the historic home of Abel Pereira da Fonseca — and how to actually get inside (hint: you need to call ahead).Key Topics[01:10] Palácio do Buçaco–Sorry about calling Luís I, Louis. I guess we went French for a minute. Make sure you check out our episode on Braga too![09:50] Grutas Mira de Aire underground cavesQuinta do Cerejeiras and wine tasting[27:15] Buddha Eden Gardens Mãe d’Água Restaurant Important Links **Wandering Works for Us contains affiliate links and is part of Viator, Get Your Guide, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, Expedia, Awin, and Amazon Services Associates Program LLC. If you make a purchase using one of the links, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.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.comInstagramFacebookTiktokYouTubeLooking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!Blog posts for this episode: Grutas, Palácio do Bussaco, Quinta de Cerejeiras, and Buddha Eden Gardens.Want a guided day trip to Grutas de Mira de Aire? We've found a great option via GetYourGuide! Click here to see it.Head to wwforus.com for the full written guides with photos, practical details, and everything you need to plan these trips.Enjoyed this Episode?If the podcast is helping you plan your Portugal adventures, we'd love it if you'd subscribe, leave a review, or share it with a friend who's got Lisbon on their list. You can also find us on YouTube if you prefer to watch.And if you'd like to support what we do, you can buy us a gin and tonic over at Ko-fi.Until next time — keep wandering.RESOURCES & LINKSLooking to plan your next trip to Portugal? We can help! Check out our guides and Itineraries at wwforus.com
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Day Trips Beyond Lisbon: Cascais, Santa Cruz, Vimeiro, Lourinhã

    Day Trips Beyond Lisbon: Cascais, Santa Cruz, Vimeiro, Lourinhã
    May 1 2026
    Wandering Works for Us PodcastDate: 2 May 2026Title: Day Trips Beyond Lisbon: Cascais, Santa Cruz, Vimeiro, LourinhãSummary of EpisodeLooking for the best day trips from Lisbon? In this episode, we explore five destinations within easy reach of the capital — from the upscale coastal town of Cascais to the dinosaur fossils of Lourinhã, a Napoleonic battlefield at Vimeiro, and one of our favourite beaches on the Silver Coast. Three years of living in Portugal and we're still finding new places to love.In part one of their day trips series, they wander through the upscale-but-welcoming coastal town of Cascais (including a stunning seafood platter at Baía de Peixe), explore the charming beach town of Santa Cruz, uncover the little-known Napoleonic battlefield at Vimeiro, geek out over dinosaur fossils in Lourinhã, and sing the praises of Areia Branca, one of their favourite beaches on the Silver Coast. Lesser-known doesn't mean less worth visiting. Grab your car keys.Key Topics[03:10] Why Cascais deserves more than a half-day stop — and why Shelley and Beth almost missed it after three years of living in Portugal[04:35] Getting to Cascais: driving vs. the commuter train from Lisbon (both about 40 minutes)[05:40] The best bakery find in Cascais: Padaria Brunch & Specialty Coffee[06:15] Walking the Cascais waterfront — the ocean path, Boca do Inferno rock arch, and what they'd do differently next time[08:40] Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães and the gorgeous Parque Marechal Carmona (peacocks, turtles, and chickens who ignore the "do not feed" signs)[11:18] The Citadel of Cascais — repurposed as galleries, restaurants, and shops, Fortress of Our Lady of Light and the statue of King Carlos I at the marina[13:50] Lunch at Baía de Peixe: a seafood platter for two at €35 per person that was worth every euro[19:10] Santa Cruz: a beach town with great cliffs, a walkable waterfront, a Saturday market, and a small chapel worth stepping into[23:30] The accidental discovery — the river trail to Porto Novo beach that led them straight to a Virgin Mary statue on the cliffs[26:45] Vimeiro and the Battle of Vimeiro Interpretation Center: the first major Napoleonic battle in Portugal and Wellington's first significant victory [32:30] Lourinhã's surprising dinosaur heritage — and why they recommend the Museu da Lourinhã over the Dino Park (unless you have kids)[35:30] Areia Branca: one of their favourite local beaches, with restaurant recommendations including West 23 by Chakall, Alta, and Ansom BreweryImportant 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!Check out our travel guides! WWforus.comThanks 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 & LINKSLooking to plan your next trip to Portugal? We can help! Check out our guides and Itineraries at wwforus.comFree Lisbon ItineraryPacking ListEssentials for every tripRenting a car in PortugalLooking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!Transcript: Hello everyone and welcome to our podcast wandering works for us. I'm Shelley And we're finally back again We keep taking breaksAnd I'm Beth.Even though we don't, you know, we take the breaks, it doesn't mean we're just sitting around doing nothing.no, we're partially taking breaks because we're so blessed busy. And part of that is because we've now been here three years. Yes. We have more friends, we have more social stuff, we've joined a couple of card groups, you know.Where?Speaker 2 (01:05.089)We are doing things. Yeah, we're grooving over here.It's big fun.But that also means that we still get out for the occasional day trip to go explore Portugal some more. And so last month we had Eli here. Hi Eli. And we did a couple of things with him. And then we've done a couple of things before he was here. And I don't know, we did one thing after.Yes!Speaker 1 (01:22.634)Bye Eli.Speaker 1 (01:36.488)him yeah so and all of them are kind of lesser known in a way maybe yeah and so we decided we should put together a podcast with all of those things yes and it's kind of part one because we're gonna have more after our next visitorShort trips hereSpeaker 2 (01:56.13)Probably so. Well, I don't know. She's wanting to do stuff we've already done. Well, see? You never know where we might escape to. Plus, any of you out there listening have any suggestions on places, know, lesser known places we can go? Let us know. We still haven't really explored the eastern part of Portugal very ...
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • Moving Abroad and Finding Home

    Moving Abroad and Finding Home
    Mar 20 2026
    Wandering Works for Us Podcast


    Date: 21 March 2026

    Title: Moving Abroad and Finding Home

    Summary of Episode


    In this engaging conversation, Yolanda Reshemah shares her journey of living abroad, exploring what home truly means, and the cultural nuances of integrating into a new country. Discover insights on community, identity, and thriving in a foreign land. In this engaging conversation, two experienced expats share their journey of moving from the US to Portugal, highlighting cultural differences, lifestyle changes, and practical advice for those considering a similar move. Discover insights on embracing a slower pace of life, letting go of possessions, and the emotional journey of expatriation.

    Key Topics


    [01:45] Introduction to living abroad

    [03:20] Yolanda’s journey from the Caribbean to California

    [05:50] The Birth of Yolanda’s podcast “The Places We Call Home.”

    [12:30] Understanding what home means to us

    [18:00] Psychological impact of moving abroad

    [24:00] Creating a sense of belonging and community

    [33:05] Navigating cultural differences and integration

    [39:09] Thriving as an expat/immigrant, and what does that mean?

    [53:20] Why did we decide to move abroad

    [01:00:15] Advice for considering a move abroad

    [01:05:10] Reflections on adventure and regret

    [01:08;20] Closings and thank yous!


    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!
    Guest Links:
    • Instagram
    • Apple Podcasts
    • Website: The Places We Call Home


    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

    Looking to plan your next trip to Portugal? We can help! Check out our guides and Itineraries at wwforus.com

    • Free Lisbon Itinerary
    • Packing List
    • Essentials for every trip
    • Renting a car in Portugal
    • Looking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 10 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet