This RV Trip Nearly Broke Us

We’ve had our fair share of adventures over the years, but our three weeks in Portugal might’ve been the most beautiful—and the most challenging—yet. The trip began far out in the Atlantic on the Azores Islands, hopping between Terceira, Flores, Corvo, and São Miguel. We rented a castle with friends, explored volcanoes, and soaked up island life before heading to the mainland for a whirlwind of Lisbon, Sintra’s fairytale palaces, and the charm of Porto. Then came the part we were craving most—getting back behind the wheel. We picked up a camper van, pointed it toward the coast, and hit the road ready for adventure… but Portugal had some lessons waiting for us.

Van life overseas brought plenty of humbling moments—fueling confusion (gasolina vs. gasóleo!), nights in crowded campgrounds or grocery store parking lots, rock-hard beds, and a whole lot of decision fatigue. But it also brought pure magic: camping on seaside cliffs, cruising into the Benagil sea cave, and even renewing our vows on the beach—13 years of marriage, miles, and memories later. It wasn’t the easiest trip, but it was one of the most meaningful. Because the truth is, the hardest journeys often end up being the ones you remember most.