Adventures by Lydia

24/12/2024

Happy Holidays from Adventure by Lydia! 🌍🎄 This year, I’ve had the incredible joy of helping over 270 amazing travelers create unforgettable memories—from a dreamy honeymoon in Japan and serene escapes to Bali, to scenic road trips through England, anniversary getaways to a tropical beach, milestone birthday celebration cruise in the Mediterranean, an 80th birthday hike to the breathtaking Machu Picchu, and so much more! The world was our oyster to explore, and I appreciated your trust to guide you!

Your support mean the world to me, and I feel truly blessed to be a part of your adventures. Here’s to more journeys and lifetime memories in the year ahead. Thank you for supporting my small business—wishing you a season full of love, laughter, and wanderlust!

23/11/2024

Don't ignore South America! Put it on your list and be amazed by the vast beauty!

Let’s talk about South America’s jaw-dropping natural topography, a stunningly diverse playground that puts most places to shame. From the towering peaks of the Andes that scream “look at me!” to the sprawling Amazon rainforest, a vibrant heartbeat of biodiversity, this continent is a dazzling spectacle of extremes. You’ve got the arid beauty of the Atacama Desert, the world’s driest, where life somehow clings on against the odds. Then there's the lush Pantanal, a wetland so rich, it should be illegal. South America doesn’t just host landscapes; it flaunts them like trophies. Each region is a bold statement—wild, untamed, and fiercely unapologetic. Who needs a travel guide when the ground itself tells a story of awe and wonder? This isn’t just geography; it’s a masterpiece waiting for you to explore.

12/11/2024

"The military 🪖 was how I explored the world 🌎." - Lt. Commander Mann

My dad's service last three decades taking our family often to remote base locations exposing us to new cultures, traditions and people.

Veterans Day honors those who served and sacrificed for our freedom.

I'd also like to extend gratitude to the families who also sacrifice their comfort, their time with loved ones, and adjust to living, moving, and adapting to new places to create a home.

Our freedom is provided by the sacrifice of others. Thank you to all who serve and their loved ones who support them.

07/11/2024

Art captures the reality of time. Transforming the present to remind future viewers of those who came before, their trials, and their contribution to the very existence lived.

Off the beaten path of the tourist area of Lisbon is a quiet neighborhood filled with corner cafés, family-run restaurants, and laundry hung outside the window, signaling clues of which lives here, with baby clothes to adult sweaters. The alleyways between homes serve as a tribute: walking art gallery, sharing the testimony to those who watched over these streets.

Around 50 years ago, the Carnation Revolution occurred, often described as a near-bloodless military takeover ending a 42-year-long dictatorship, that had brought the economy to its knees, and led to multiple colonial wars. During this timeframe, it was the elders of the neighborhoods watching and protecting the next generation from harm.

These protectors are immortalized as a permanent exhibit. The exhibit is a collaboration between British photographer Camilla Watson and the elderly residents of Beco das Farinhas and the surrounding area. The exhibit features at least 25 images of the elderly, printed on wood and mounted on the walls. The residents chose the photos that best represented them as individuals.

Lisbon also has a citizen-led project called "Neighbourhood Lives and Memories" that aims to preserve and share the stories of the city's elderly. The project collects materials such as interviews, photographs, journals, and videos, and shares them through weekly workshops.

The elders of our past pave our future. Take time to listen to their stories, their experiences, and learn of their resilience before it's too late.

The beauty of travel.

04/11/2024

Choosing the ideal honeymoon 💕 can be a journey filled with excitement amidst the whirlwind of wedding planning. I was thrilled to guide newlyweds Cory and Allison in discovering their perfect getaway 🌴, a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Not all resorts are created equal; partnering with a travel advisor 🧳 empowers you to explore unique options that resonate with your style, preferences, and needs, ensuring your stay is nothing short of extraordinary! ✨

How can I help you with your next adventure?

01/11/2024

To honor his remarkable 80th birthday 🎉, Don set out on a journey to Machu Picchu 🏔️, fulfilling a long-held dream from his bucket list. His two sons orchestrated the trip 🎁, transforming aspirations into reality. “It was breathtaking, and we couldn’t have smiled more while being up there! 😊”

It was a pleasure to help assist with fulfilling this dream trip, and memories that will last between father and sons!

24/10/2024

It was a joy to help organize this trip 🌍, serving as a beautiful reminder of the value of family adventures 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦. As Enya's children began their careers 🎓, she realized that quality time together was becoming rare. This journey could be one of their last great experiences as a family of four before they embraced adulthood 🌟. From the enchanting streets of Rome 🇮🇹 and Florence 🇮🇹 to the canals of Venice 🇮🇹 and the charm of Paris 🇫🇷, they cherished every moment ❤️.

21/10/2024

📍Lisboa, Portugal 🇵🇹

My time in this city was short (7 hours), but it's beauty already embraced my heart, demanding a longer, more intimate stay. The vibrant colors around each color, art-filled corners, and of course the delicious food.

In my short time there, I know the food trip with me next year will be a memorable time. I hope you can join me, October 2025!

21/10/2024

Travel tip: How to lessen the smell in your 👞 shoes after long walking days.

Use the black tea bags (usually complimentary) in your room and let them sit overnight. Tea bags work by absorbing moisture to fight the growth of bacteria.

For shorter time frame- steep your tea bags in hot water (like when you make your own cup of tea), cool the bag, then let sit for a few hours.

19/10/2024

"Have fun on your vacation!", they say. This is no vacation, my friends, this is work. While the work destinations are beautiful, the focus is not one of relaxing, but engaging and networking with suppliers, vendors and other professionals from all over the globe.

We go, so you know! I had the pleasure of connecting with various wineries in Tuscany, and Porto, tourism boards from Saxony region of Germany, Latvia and Spain, and service companies from all over Italy. I'm ready for my next trips, who wants to go??

16/10/2024

Meet some of the historical figures of Terceira.

Statue of Portuguese King Dom Afonso VI, the man with the hat and cane, was king when the Azores became part of Portugal. The statue commemorates five centuries of settlement on Terceira island.

Vasco da Gama (c.1460-1524), the first navigator to sail directly from Europe to India. His statue is placed overlooking the same pier where his ships arrived back home.

15/10/2024

It's been a week - time to freshen up! Laundry time- yes even when traveling. Doing laundry the ole fashion way.

I packed 4 pairs of pants for a 13 day trip and a few shirts to get me through the first legs of the journey. I had to pack extra smart since the second leg of this trip was professional casual, and a few dress up. All those clothes are vacuumed seals and my every day clothes were very minimal. So this means - laundry day half way through. 🤪

When I travel Europe, the hustle and bustle of public transportation, the cobblestone streets, the steps all mean the weight of your luggage can feel explontional heavier. I try to pack with a purpose, cross match outfits and keep the looks classic.

15/10/2024

A month before attending a wedding💍 in England, Aubrey and her husband decided to extend their trip for some exploration. With the wedding ceremony in the Cotswold, we focused on ways to make the most of it. A few days in London🎡 to see the sites and grab a rental car🚗 to experience the beauty of the British countryside. With their trust, I was able to help put together a plan that worked with their timeline and budget.

09/10/2024

A stunning view from a room. provided a spectacular view of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage site, and an ideal location for anyone wanting great tourist stops within walking distance. Steps away from Tower Bridge, Boroughs Market, Shakespeare Global Theatre and so much more!

Cheers for the great view!

02/10/2024

It was a pleasure helping Steven and Kiersten with their European Adventure. 🚗 With goals of attending the opening day of Oktoberfest🍺, visiting Prague, and driving the isles of Ireland🍀, we could also take advantage of layover flight programs to fit in Iceland 🇮🇸 and make all the others a reality!