Hi, we’re Erika and Mark
We’re a 40-something, kinda-retired couple from the U.S. who packed up our lives, grabbed our pup, and moved to Porto, Portugal. No kids…just two suitcases, a lot of curiosity, and the dream of building a slower, more adventure-filled life abroad.
We travel with one goal: to find the good stuff. One day that could be a Michelin-star dinner on an oceanside cliff, and another it could be a “how-is-this-only-€3” street food find. We’re always looking for value and hunting down great deals, but when something feels truly worth it, we’re happy to splurge.
We share the real side of travel—because it’s not all sunsets and perfect itineraries. Sometimes it’s language fails, parking tickets, and missed flights, but those moments usually end up being the best stories.
Meet Erika
Planner of all things. Champion over-packer. Finder of the best pastry within a 5-mile radius.
She’s happiest wandering a market with a camera in one hand and a glass of wine in the other, hunting for experiences you won’t find in any guidebook. A devoted foodie who travels to eat, Erika has a soft spot for lively markets, boutique shopping, and anything that feels like a hidden gem.
Meet Mark
The laid-back explorer. He’s the “let’s just see where this road goes” half of the duo. Lover of anything involving water, hiking, and always game for a coffee…no matter the hour. A tech enthusiast with a mega-charger always attached to his phone, he’s also head navigator & keeps a meticulously pinned Google Maps of every restaurant we like…just in case.
What You’ll Find Here
- Tips for traveling as a couple without losing your minds (or your luggage)
- Expat life insights—from first-month wins to “we should’ve known better” moments
- Budget-friendly finds and occasional splurge-worthy blowouts
- Destination guides built on firsthand experience, not copy-paste lists
- A whole lot of food recommendations
