Rediscovering joy through travel: My summer adventure in Portugal and the south of France

This summer, I embarked on an incredible journey to Portugal and the south of France, a trip that has left an indelible mark on my mental health and overall well-being. The experiences I had were nothing short of amazing—each moment infused with beauty, culture, and the joy of exploration. Yet, returning home has felt like waking from a beautiful dream, and I sometimes struggle to accept my new reality of being back home.

The way I travel

Travel has always been an intense experience for me. If you have ever traveled with me (or even just know me), you’ll know I can’t resist doing all the things! I thrive on adventure and walking everywhere (lots of walking!), which often means I prefer to explore alone because I know it’s a lot to ask someone to keep up with that.

Therefore, although people often ask me about itineraries, I really don’t feel comfortable providing them, as I usually just go everywhere. I know this isn’t typically what people look for when traveling, and it also depends on each person’s tastes and interests.

I also find it difficult to give specific recommendations because I love too many things and enjoy such a wide variety of experiences. What captivates me might not resonate with everyone, and I’m always drawn to new places and activities, which may not suit everyone’s travel style.

Challenges of returning home

Coming back has brought its own set of challenges. The responsibilities of daily life quickly piled up, and I found myself overwhelmed. In an attempt to process the whirlwind of my travels and the emotions tied to them, I’ve been using my spare time to edit my travel videos. These videos serve as a personal travel journal—an homage to the places I’ve visited and the memories I’ve made.

Join me on YouTube

While I’ve been figuring out the direction for this blog, I want to share my travel videos on YouTube with you every Wednesday and Saturday. These videos are not just documentation; they are an invitation to experience the fuzzy feelings I felt while wandering through Portugal and France.

I also think of the people in my life who can’t travel right now, and I hope these videos offer them a glimpse into the beauty of these destinations. I want them to feel the warmth of the sun on their skin, the vibrancy of the local culture, and the thrill of exploration through my eyes.

Connect with me

As I continue to navigate my responsibilities and the transition back to everyday life, I encourage you to join me on this journey. Your support means the world to me, and I hope you find joy in my travel videos, just as I found joy in my travels.

If you’d like to dive deeper into my travel adventures, be sure to check out my YouTube channel, where you can find all my videos.

I’d love to hear from you, so feel free to visit my Contact Me page if you have any questions, comments, or just want to connect!

Here’s to new adventures

Let’s explore the wonders of Portugal and the south of France together, one clip at a time. Here’s to the beautiful memories made and the adventures yet to come!

Although my future is uncertain at the moment, I’m still planning to embark on more travel adventures this year, so stay tuned for even more exciting destinations. Whether it’s discovering hidden gems or revisiting favorite spots, I can’t wait to share these experiences with you.

Keep following along for updates on where my next journey will take me. The adventure is just beginning!

By the way, if you’re curious and want a sneak peek, you can check out this Airbnb tour of where we stayed in Portugal for most of the trip.

It’s a beautiful spot in Consolação that added so much to the experience!