Making Lemonade: Our Unexpected Portugal Adventure
@drartithangudu · Spring 2026
Sometimes the trip that falls apart is the one that puts you back together. This is the story of how Portugal taught me — and my kids — that we are more resilient than we ever knew. 🍋
Our original spring break trip was cancelled when the conflict with Iran escalated. Honestly? I was crushed. We'd planned it, dreamed about it, the kids were excited. But within days, we pivoted — booked flights, found an Airbnb, and pointed ourselves toward Portugal. Spontaneous, last-minute, a little chaotic. Exactly the way real life works.
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When the bottom drops out — mid-trip
What I haven't shared until now is this: on Day 1 of our vacation, my husband got the call that no one ever wants to get. A family emergency back home. He had to turn around — fly all the way back to Houston — leaving me alone in a foreign country with our two kids.
I won't sugarcoat the moment I watched him leave. I stood there with two little ones looking up at me, wondering what we were going to do. I had a choice: fall apart, or show them what it looks like to keep going.
We kept going. And it became one of the most meaningful trips of my life.
If you're a mom reading this who has ever had to hold it together when everything felt uncertain — I see you. You are so much stronger than you think. Sometimes the moments that feel impossible become the ones your kids remember forever as proof of what their mother was made of.
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Getting There (The Wild United Routing)
We flew out of Houston IAH to Lisbon — but United booked us on an itinerary I still laugh about: Houston → Washington National (DCA) → transfer to Washington Dulles (IAD) → Lisbon. Two different airports in the same city on one ticket. I only figured it out when I checked our bags and the tags read DCA, not LIS. I double-checked with the agent and yes — we really did have to change airports between connections. I've traveled a lot, and I had never seen anything like it. Fair warning if you're booking through United!
Thankfully, our driver Lino met us at Lisbon airport and got us smoothly into the city. That seamless arrival after a long, already-complicated travel day meant everything.
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Where We Stayed in Lisbon
We rented a three-bedroom Airbnb in Chiado — an absolutely wonderful central neighborhood. Having a washer and dryer with kids is non-negotiable for me, and it delivered. If I went back, I'd probably stay at Memmo Príncipe Real, where we'd stayed on a previous trip and loved. Our Airbnb had one unforgettable moment though: the hot water broke on our last morning, and all of us took cold showers before heading out into the chilly Lisbon air. The kids thought it was hilarious. I did not. 😂
For our last night, we stayed at Martinhal Lisbon Oriente near the airport and it was absolutely phenomenal for families — two-bedroom suite, indoor and outdoor pools, great restaurant, washer and dryer. 20 minutes to the city center. I would stay there in a heartbeat again.
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What We Did (The Highlights)
Day 1 — Belém with guide Rodrigo:
The Jerónimos Monastery was breathtaking. And the Pastéis de Belém? The famous custard tarts originally created by monks who used leftover egg yolks after starching laundry with egg whites. History has never tasted so good. We explored Lisbon's historic neighborhoods, though honestly Lisbon is incredibly walkable and safe — Uber is widely available, so you could absolutely do this without a guide.
Day 2 — Sintra & Cascais:
Sintra's palaces felt like something out of a fairytale — exactly the kind of magic that makes kids believe the world is bigger and more beautiful than they imagined. In Cascais, we stopped at Santini's for what I genuinely believe is the best pistachio ice cream on earth. We also loved Time Out Market — touristy, yes, but so fun with so much variety. And the four-story Zara? We did not leave empty-handed. 😅
Day 3 — Lisbon Oceanarium:
Largest aquarium in Europe, and the kids were absolutely mesmerized. A perfect half-day activity.
Day 4 & 5 — Porto:
We drove 3.5 hours north to Porto. Our first guide there was disappointingly quiet — Porto honestly doesn't need one. We visited Livraria Lello, the gorgeous bookstore often linked to J.K. Rowling's inspiration (more myth than confirmed fact, but the Hogwarts-style university uniforms worn by students throughout Portugal almost certainly influenced her). It's beautiful but small — budget 15–20 minutes max.
The true Porto highlight was our full day in the Douro Valley with Thelma from Oporto Sensations Tours. The scenery was breathtaking — rolling vineyards, a private river cruise through the valley, a beautiful lunch in the warm sunshine. Thelma was warm and wonderful with my kids, and made the whole day feel effortless and joyful. I cannot recommend her enough.
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Douro Valley Tour
Thelma is magic. River cruise, vineyard, incredible scenery. The best day of our trip.
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Lisbon Vintage Car Tour
The tour Sri was absolutely obsessed with. Charming, unique, and so fun for the kids.
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Money Tips for Portugal
Practical Tips from Someone Who Forgot Her Debit Card 😅
Most places take credit cards, especially Visa
Amex is not accepted everywhere — bring Visa as your primary
Still carry some cash for street vendors, small cafes, and some tour operators
I forgot my debit card (FML) and had to convert cash there — it worked out, but have a backup plan
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Making Economy Actually Survivable
My Long-Haul Travel Essentials
A foot hammock (game changer for overnight flights)
My favorite underseat bag — keep everything you need at your feet
Always carry a change of clothes for every person, face wash, deodorant, and toothbrushes — arriving fresh makes the whole trip start better
Even our trip home had its unexpected twist — a delay in Lisbon meant an overnight in Washington D.C., which we spent with cousins. The kids were thrilled. Another lemon turned into lemonade. 🍋
"Travel rarely goes as planned. But those unplanned moments — the pivots, the cold showers, the goodbyes you didn't expect — are often where the real magic lives."
To every mama who has ever held it together when she wanted to fall apart — you are the adventure. Your kids are watching, and they will carry your strength with them forever. 💛
With love, Dr. Arti · @drartithangudu
