Some Thoughts on Travel This Week…

The Swiss Tourism Office invited me to an incredible event here in Florida the other evening. They had representatives from different cantons in Switzerland, different train experiences, Swiss Air themselves, and a few hotel chains. It was a great night out and I learned so much more about one of my top selling countries. (I also ate a lot of chocolate.) With Swiss Air, I learned about their new Swiss Senses business class product, with customized seating options.

I also met with countless hotel brands last week through an event with my host agency — that is a lot of what I do, meeting with different brands and properties, understanding their offerings so I can match them with the right client. (Remember, hotels can’t passively wait for people to book them online. They are always out marketing themselves to distribution channels. Travel agents — especially luxury travel advisors like me — are a distribution channel.) I learned so much this past week and hope to share some of what I learned in a later newsletter.

Travel of course is in the headlines this week, and things like Ebola are making travelers nervous again. Now, I am not an infectious disease expert but Ebola is not airborne like Covid. Transmission requires direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected symptomatic person. But if you are in any way uncertain, this is another one of those reasons why you should purchase travel insurance.

But now…Let’s Talk about Portugal.

I feel like I've been keeping Portugal a bit of a secret, which isn't fair to you. So here we go.

Portugal doesn't try to impress you. It just does. The food is excellent and completely unfussy. The wine is world-class and half the price of what you'd pay in France. The people are warm and Lisbon is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Here's how I'd think about a Portugal trip…when you’re ready to talk Portugal, book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

Lisbon

Give Lisbon at least three nights, ideally four. The neighborhoods of Alfama and Príncipe Real are worth your time. Lisbon is very walkable but also very hilly — comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. (I say this as someone who has made shoe mistakes on multiple trips.)

Take the yellow tram at least once, even if just for the experience.
Everyone will tell you to have the pastéis de nata (custard tarts). I personally am not a fan, but get them anyway. When in Lisbon!
The food market at Time Out Market is touristy but genuinely excellent for a first night.

For hotels, I stay out of the big chains here and put clients in smaller, well-positioned properties where the service is personal. Two Virtuoso options I like: the Bairro Alto Hotel, a 5-star boutique in the heart of historic downtown with a stunning rooftop, and the Pousada de Lisboa, a beautifully restored palace right on Praça do Comércio with some of the best views in the city. Book through me for Virtuoso perks at both — free breakfast, priority for upgrade, hotel credits, and more.

Porto

Porto is Lisbon's cooler, slightly scruffier sibling — and I mean that as a compliment. Where Lisbon feels grand and sun-drenched, Porto has a gritty charm that sneaks up on you. The azulejo tile work is stunning, the river views from the Ribeira district are genuinely gorgeous, and the food scene punches well above the city's size.

Porto is the home of port wine. You have to do a port wine lodge visit on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the river. Most lodges offer tastings and tours and they're a wonderful few hours.
The Livraria Lello bookshop is stunning — go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. (Yes, it inspired Hogwarts.)
Budget at least two nights, ideally three. Porto rewards slow exploration.

For hotels: The Yeatman is the standout — a wine hotel sitting among the historic port wine lodges with incredible views over the Douro, and the wine cellar alone is worth the stay. For something more centrally located, the InterContinental Porto – Palácio das Cardosas is a beautifully restored 18th-century palace steps from Porto's main square. Virtuoso perks apply to both through me.

The Douro Valley

This is where Portugal surprises me most. The terraced vineyards along the river are unlike anything else in Europe — they look almost unreal. This is where I want to make a pitch for a river cruise.

A Douro Valley river cruise is one of those travel experiences that you’ll talk about for years. The valley is simply too beautiful to experience only by car. Most itineraries run between Porto and the Spanish border, stopping at wine estates, mountain villages, and viewpoints you'd never find on your own. I have Douro cruise options here If you love wine or simply love beautiful landscapes, this is where I'd push you. The one caveat I’d mention is that Douro river cruises are not like the Danube. You don’t arrive in the middle of town. You will need to transfer by bus to all of your excursions. I have relationships with all the main river cruise lines if you are interested in this.

The Alentejo

The Alentejo is for the client who wants to slow down completely — think ancient cork forests, whitewashed villages, and some of the best cooking in the country. I describe it as Tuscany before Tuscany became Tuscany — and I mean that as the highest possible compliment.

Two Virtuoso properties that are exactly right for this region: São Lourenço do Barrocal is a 1,900-acre working estate in the hills above medieval Monsaraz — ancient oaks, a winery, organic gardens, and a spa carved into a former olive oil mill. It's one of those places that's hard to leave. For something closer to the UNESCO-listed city of Évora, Convento do Espinheiro is a 15th-century convent turned luxury hotel set in 80,000 square meters of Alentejo countryside. Both are Virtuoso — book through me for perks.

The Algarve

If beach time is part of your trip vision, the Algarve delivers. Dramatic cliffs, warm water, exceptional seafood. Much less chaotic than the Spanish costas like Costa del Sol and Costa Brava.

Here's something worth knowing: the Algarve has genuine 5-star all-inclusive options — a real alternative to the Caribbean or Mexico for clients who love a resort stay but want something different. The Tivoli Alvor Algarve is a nice option — six pools, multiple restaurants, a proper wellness center, and 300+ days of sunshine a year. It's the kind of place where you can completely decompress without ever leaving the property, but you're also on the Algarve coast when you're ready to explore. (Just bear in mind that the food at all inclusives is always going to be good…not great.)

For clients who prefer boutique luxury over the all-inclusive format, two excellent Virtuoso options: Vila Vita Parc, an unapologetically plush cliffside resort with direct beach access and 12 dining venues, and the Conrad Algarve, set within 2,000 acres of natural park with a Michelin-starred restaurant. Book either through me for breakfast, hotel credits, and upgrade priority.

Madeira

Most clients overlook Madeira, and that's a mistake. This is a Portuguese island in the Atlantic — closer to Morocco than to Lisbon — with a climate so mild and consistent it's called the Island of Eternal Spring. This was the last European trip I took with my mom before her Parkinson’s disease made it too difficult to travel across the Atlantic.

The scenery is dramatic: Volcanic peaks, laurel forests, and cliffs dropping straight into the Atlantic. The levadas — ancient irrigation channels that criss-cross the island — make for some of the most scenic hiking in Europe, though you don't have to be an avid hiker to enjoy them.

The capital, Funchal, is charming and walkable, with a fantastic covered market, excellent restaurants, and a cable car that takes you up into the hills above town. Madeira wine is obviously a must. And the flower festival in spring is one of those things that sounds touristy but is genuinely spectacular.

Madeira works nicely as a standalone trip or bolted onto a Lisbon itinerary. It's also a strong shoulder-season destination — because the climate is so stable, it's genuinely lovely in November, February, or March when other European destinations aren't.

Two Virtuoso properties worth knowing: Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel is the grande dame of Madeira — a legendary cliffside property with a Michelin-starred restaurant, afternoon tea on the terrace, and the kind of history that includes Winston Churchill as a former guest. For something more contemporary, Savoy Palace in Funchal has lush botanical gardens, a striking design, and excellent amenities for families. Book through me for Virtuoso perks at both.

A Few Practical Things to Know about Portugal

Portugal is still excellent value compared to the rest of Western Europe. You get a lot of trip for your money.
It pairs beautifully with Spain if you want to cover more ground — Seville or Madrid are natural complements.
The sweet spot for mainland Portugal is fall 2026 or spring 2027 — warm weather, beautiful light, and the summer crowds are gone. Madeira is good year-round.

If Portugal has been on your list, now is the right time to start talking about it. Reply to this email and let's figure out what your trip looks like.

Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

About Krista

I’m a Virtuoso travel advisor based in Palm Beach, Florida. I attended the University of Notre Dame for undergrad and I have my MBA from the University of Chicago. Before building my travel business, I spent 20 years in the investment management industry and over a decade living and working in London, England. I’ve personally traveled to 80 countries and now design thoughtful, highly customized trips for travelers who value expertise, access, and a seamless experience.

I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation for travelers considering a custom itinerary or luxury cruise.c

For travel inspiration and real-time updates, you can follow along on Instagram or connect with me on Facebook. I also share a curated list of travel products I genuinely use and recommend in my online store.

What I Offer…

Custom itinerary design for complex, multi-stop trips
VIP hotel benefits through Virtuoso and preferred partner programs (including complimentary breakfast, hotel credits, and priority for upgrades where available)
Luxury ocean, river, and expedition cruises with added onboard credits
Vetted villa rentals with concierge services worldwide
Private guides, small-group touring, and unique local experiences
Private aviation and yacht charters through trusted partners
Airport transfers, VIP arrival and departure services, and full ground logistics
Travel protection and support when plans change

I work best with travelers who want expert planning, trusted partnerships, and someone in their corner from start to finish. That’s what I am best at! Ready to talk travel? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

Portugal: The European Country I Don't Talk About Enough