About Us
Olá! We’re Carol and Paul.
Originally from the United States, we packed our lives into 13 suitcases and moved to Portugal in August 2021 in search of something quieter, slower, and more connected to everyday life. I’m Carol, a writer and publisher with a background in marketing and communications, and alongside me is my husband Paul, a digital artist whose creative work captures Portugal’s atmosphere, landscapes, and changing light.
Together, we created Our Portugal Journey, an independent travel and lifestyle publication exploring Portugal through culture, slower travel, thoughtful living, and reflective storytelling.
Our Approach
Portugal is often reduced to headlines, checklists, relocation guides, or social media snapshots. But life here — and meaningful travel here — is far more layered than that.
At Our Portugal Journey, we focus on the quieter details that shape a place:
small villages, regional traditions, everyday conversations, local food and wine, seasonal rhythms, changing landscapes, craftsmanship, atmosphere, and the emotional realities of building a life abroad.
Some stories are practical. Others are deeply personal. Many fall somewhere in between.
Rather than rushing from destination to destination, we are drawn to places that reveal themselves more slowly over time.
What You’ll Discover Here
Our work includes:
Cultural travel features and regional storytelling across Portugal
Thoughtful reflections on life abroad, identity, and the evolving idea of home
Slower travel experiences that value atmosphere over checklists
Independent hotels, guesthouses, wineries, museums, and local businesses with a strong sense of place
Portuguese food, wine, craftsmanship, and everyday culture
Essays exploring change, uncertainty, belonging, and meaningful living
Occasional practical insights from our own experiences navigating life in Portugal
While Portugal remains at the heart of our work, we are equally interested in the broader questions surrounding travel, place, community, and how people choose to live.
Who Reads Our Portugal Journey
Our readers come from around the world including all 50 U.S. states and more than 70 countries, but they tend to share something in common:
A curiosity about Portugal beyond the surface.
Some are travelers seeking more meaningful experiences. Others are considering life abroad, returning visitors, creatives, food and wine lovers, or simply readers drawn to thoughtful storytelling and cultural depth.
Many tell us they value the quieter, more reflective tone of the publication, one that makes space for both beauty and complexity.
Our Growing Community
What began as a personal leap across the Atlantic has gradually grown into a global community of readers interested in Portugal, slower travel, and thoughtful living.
The conversations that emerge through comments, emails, and shared experiences have become one of the most meaningful parts of this publication. We’re continually grateful for the generosity, insight, and kindness our readers bring here.
Join Us
Our Portugal Journey publishes new stories at least twice monthly, along with occasional reflections, notes, and travel observations throughout the year.
If you enjoy thoughtful travel, cultural storytelling, and independent publishing, we’d love to have you join us.
For editorial inquiries, collaborations, or partnership opportunities aligned with our publication’s values, please feel free to reach out.
Obrigada, e até breve!
Carol (and Paul too)
