Destinations & Things To Do
Top travel books to transport you to faraway places
Writing that reminds us just how beautiful and vast our world really is
Freelance reporter
During the pandemic, when the world shrank to the size of my living room, I started to crave adventure again, as I did when I was younger. Physically unable to travel, I found comfort in travel writing and books that transported me to distant places, where I wandered alongside the author through vibrant markets and found quiet in remote mountain villages.
Within those pages, I reawakened a part of myself that yearns for discovery. The words reminded me of just how beautiful and vast our world really is.
Here are five of my favourite travel reads that will transport you to a faraway place. Not all of these are typical travel destination books, but they do offer insights into people and cultures.
Red Sands by Caroline Eden
Caroline Eden is one of the most creative travel writers today, combining reportage with recipes and beautiful photography. Red Sands, the second of her colour trilogy, covers all five countries of central Asia: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. She transports readers to bustling markets, remote tearooms, Soviet-era canteens and the warmth of everyday kitchens, offering a rich tapestry of regional dishes and the human stories behind them.
Red Sands includes dispatches from a trip to a mare milk factory in Karaganda, central Kazakhstan, a visit to a plov and shashlik cafe in Rishton with one of Uzbekistan’s master ceramicists and a reunion with her friend Imenjon in Osh, where they discuss Soviet mountaineering on a tapchan. Being from central Asia myself, I appreciate that Eden avoids the usual exoticism that so often colours portrayals of the region, and instead uncovers authentic and captivating stories.
In My Mother’s Footsteps: A Palestinian Refugee Returns Home by Mona Hajjar Halaby
The daughter of Palestinian refugees, Mona Hajjar Halaby grew up in Geneva and later settled in California, where she worked as an educator. In My Mother’s Footsteps is the story of the year she moved to the West Bank to teach conflict resolution at a local school in Ramallah. Alongside vivid observations of her classes — where she witnesses the trauma inflicted on these children by the Israeli occupation — is Halaby’s own journey into her Palestinian roots and the home her mother was forced to leave.
Throughout the year she spends in Ramallah, her mother writes her letters, woven into the book, rich with family history, memories of love and loss. The letters guide Halaby, helping her retrace the world her mother had left behind. In a beautiful conclusion, Halaby’s mother eventually joins her in Palestine, but this time, it is the daughter leading the mother through the rapidly changing landscape.
Amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza and escalating violence in the West Bank, this book will transport you to the region through words, to learn about Palestinian history and life under Israeli occupation.
Minarets in the Mountains by Tharik Hussain
When Tharik Hussain first heard about indigenous Muslim communities in Europe, he decided to go on a journey through the western Balkans to learn more about them and in doing so, challenge the myth that Islam is foreign to the continent.
Minarets in the Mountains is a search for a Muslim Europe that has always existed. “This is what made the Muslims of the Balkans so important,” he writes. “They were not the result of immigration nor were they converts to Islam or been forged in and of Europe. It was an identity entrenched fully in local society. They were European as they were Muslim.”
Hussain sets off with his wife and family to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro, following in the footsteps of the Ottoman explorer Evliya Çelebi. They visit historic mosques, tombs and mystical Islamic lodges, Unesco heritage sites, and meet local people who show them generous hospitality. It’s fascinating how culturally diverse Muslim communities are in this region, so much so that the author is taken aback when a Muslim local in Albania offers him a beer. When Tharik explains he doesn’t drink beer, he’s offered something stronger.
While the travelogue leans heavily on Ottoman history — sometimes more than I would have preferred — it opened my eyes to the layers of conflict and change that have shaped the Balkans today, making me want to plan a similar trip in the near future.
Around the World in 80 Trains by Monisha Rajesh
Monisha Rajesh’s Around the World in 80 Trains is a witty and honest memoir capturing seven months of train travel with her fiance, complete with long days spent confined to the same carriage, meals that range from uninspired to downright stale and the inevitable bouts of illness that leave the couple stationary. Rajesh provides a vivid account of what it’s like to travel the world by train, passing through Russia, Mongolia, North Korea and Vietnam along the way.
Beyond the destinations themselves, what I enjoyed most was the glimpse into the chaotic and unpredictable rhythm of this kind of trip. From getting ripped off by laundromats and taxi drivers to experiencing moments of hospitality that go above and beyond, Rajesh’s stories paint a rich picture of life on the rails. One thing becomes clear quickly: every stop feels too brief and every departure is tinged with bittersweet farewells, knowing that most of the people you meet, you will never see again.
Karachi Vice by Samira Shackle
Karachi Vice is a gripping portrait of a city located at the southern tip of Pakistan, along the Arabian Sea coast. Following the lives of Safdar, an ambulance driver, Parveen, an activist and street school teacher, Siraj, a community organiser, Jannat, a Sindhi village woman with children and Zille, a crime reporter, we learn about the metropolis inhabited by 20 million people, where inequality is stark and violence a daily reality.
What impressed me most about Shackle’s writing was how she retells the major events that have shaped Karachi through the eyes of the people we are introduced to, skillfully weaving their personal stories and connecting them. From the outbreaks of gang warfare and terror attacks on Shia Muslims to development projects that displace communities, and the government’s Karachi Operation aimed at cracking down on crime and the city’s powerful groups, we get a real sense of how these forces leave their mark on each individual and their ambitions.
Karachi Vice is a thoroughly engaging, fast-paced work of narrative nonfiction that exposes how corruption and power crush the dreams of ordinary people. It paints a picture of a city that is rapidly changing and captures the beautiful resilience of communities and those who dare to go against the grain. Even in the most troubled quarters, history and beauty remain, if you know where to look.
Destinations & Things To Do
France, Spain, The United States, Italy, And Other Top Travel Destinations Welcome Millions Of Tourists, Reinforcing Their Global Status As The Most Admired And Revisited Countries
Published on
August 7, 2025 |
By: TTW News Desk
France, Spain, the United States, Italy, and other leading destinations continue to attract millions of tourists year after year, reaffirming their status as the world’s most admired and frequently revisited countries. Their enduring appeal lies in a powerful combination of cultural richness, world-renowned landmarks, culinary excellence, modern infrastructure, and consistent safety and service standards. Whether it’s the romantic charm of Paris, the sun-soaked coasts of Spain, the historical depth of Rome, or the vast attractions across the U.S., these nations have mastered the art of tourism — offering both first-time travelers and returning visitors unforgettable experiences that keep them coming back.
As travelers cross borders in record numbers, the world’s most visited destinations continue to inspire fresh journeys. Based on data from global tourism boards and compiled by Go2Africa, the top countries in 2024 attracted millions of international visitors—and each one offers a unique blend of history, scenery, and unforgettable experience. These countries don’t just welcome tourists; they leave lasting impressions that shape how people see the world.
Below are ten destinations that captivated the world in 2024 and now stand ready to welcome even more adventurers in 2025.
France
France enchants with its balance of charm and sophistication. Visitors wander through the boulevards of Paris, sip wine in sunlit vineyards, and ski the pristine slopes of the Alps. The country presents layers of culture in every region—from Gothic cathedrals in the north to the rustic beauty of Provence in the south. France invites travelers to slow down and indulge—whether with flaky croissants in a quiet patisserie or local cheeses in a bustling market. Along the Mediterranean coast, the Riviera shines with seaside glamour, while alpine towns offer adventure all year round. Every journey in France becomes a celebration of taste, elegance, and discovery.
Spain
Spain pulses with color, flavor, and rhythm. Visitors flock to its vibrant cities, explore its coastal beauty, and take in centuries of history through architecture and art. In Barcelona, bold buildings line the streets, while Madrid mixes grand museums with lively plazas. Southern cities like Seville and Granada bring passion to life through flamenco, gardens, and glowing lanterns. Spain’s coastline, from the Costa del Sol to the shores of Ibiza, invites sunseekers and swimmers. Festivals light up every season, and regional dishes—from fresh seafood paella to cured ham—create memories that linger long after the trip ends.
United States
The United States stretches across diverse landscapes and cultures, offering something for every type of traveler. From the skyscrapers of New York to the waves of California, the country invites exploration on every level. In the west, national parks provide epic hikes and awe-inspiring views. In the south, music flows through cities where blues, jazz, and country shaped entire generations. The east blends colonial history with modern energy. Visitors ride scenic byways, experience urban nightlife, and enjoy everything from food trucks to fine dining. Whether it’s nature, culture, or entertainment, the U.S. delivers variety in every direction.
Italy
Italy moves to a rhythm all its own. Travelers walk among ancient ruins in Rome, float along Venetian canals, and gaze at Tuscan hillsides lined with vineyards. Florence brims with artistic wonders, while Milan brings sharp style and fast-paced energy. In the countryside, locals share handmade pasta and bold wines in family-run trattorias. On the coast, Amalfi’s cliffs and Sicily’s beaches beckon sunseekers. Italy blends beauty, tradition, and joy into every corner. Its villages, cities, and mountains speak a language of passion that visitors carry home with them.
Turkey
Turkey bridges continents and centuries with its stunning mix of culture and geography. In Istanbul, historic mosques and bustling bazaars sit alongside modern skylines. Visitors cross from Europe to Asia in minutes and explore ancient sites like Ephesus and Troy. In Cappadocia, hot air balloons rise above stone chimneys at dawn. Along the coast, turquoise waters lap at beaches in Bodrum and Antalya. Travelers relax in traditional hammams, sample rich kebabs, and sip strong tea while watching the world pass by. Turkey greets each visitor with warmth, flavor, and wonder.
Mexico
Mexico surrounds travelers with texture, tradition, and life. Its pyramids and temples offer a glimpse into civilizations long gone, while colorful towns showcase colonial artistry. The Yucatán Peninsula invites swimmers to turquoise cenotes, and the Pacific coast draws surfers and sunbathers. Mexico City delivers both heritage and innovation, while Oaxaca and Chiapas offer local culture in its most vibrant form. Street vendors serve sizzling tacos, hand-pressed tortillas, and smoky mezcal. Across every region, hospitality welcomes guests into a story that feels personal and powerful.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong impresses with a skyline that rises above a sea of tradition. Ferries glide across Victoria Harbour, while trails wind through green hills and along quiet beaches. Markets buzz in Mong Kok, and temples exude calm in neighborhoods just minutes from luxury towers. Travelers sample dim sum in bustling teahouses, explore museums, and shop in districts where new trends emerge daily. Beyond the city, nature calls with hiking paths and peaceful islands. Hong Kong delivers fast-paced excitement and hidden serenity—all in one.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom invites travelers into a world where past and present intertwine. In London, iconic landmarks blend with diverse neighborhoods and cutting-edge galleries. Beyond the capital, the countryside rolls through England, Wales, and Scotland in shades of green and stone. Castles rise above cliffs, while quiet towns tell stories of poets and warriors. Northern Ireland offers striking landscapes like Giant’s Causeway, while the Lake District and Highlands lure hikers with raw beauty. Afternoon tea, pub meals, and rain-swept adventures all form part of the journey.
Greece
Greece draws travelers with sun, sea, and story. In Athens, ruins tower over a city alive with music and food. Islands like Santorini glow at sunset, while Crete offers wild mountains and deep myths. The monasteries of Meteora balance atop stone spires, and beaches stretch across the Ionian and Aegean seas. Travelers dine under grapevines, stroll along cliffside paths, and dive into waters that shimmer blue. Greece invites visitors to experience time slowly—surrounded by history, joy, and Mediterranean light.
Japan
Japan blends ancient rituals with futuristic wonder. In Tokyo, bright towers meet tranquil gardens. Kyoto provides peace through bamboo forests and centuries-old temples. Bullet trains race past blooming cherry trees and snow-capped peaks. Travelers soak in natural hot springs, watch the dance of cranes, and explore towns where craftsmanship still thrives. Each meal, shrine, and street corner tells a story of detail and respect. Whether scaling Mount Fuji or shopping in neon-lit districts, visitors find beauty in balance—and in contrast.
France, Spain, the U.S., Italy, and other top destinations continue to draw millions due to their unmatched cultural appeal, iconic landmarks, and world-class tourism experiences—cementing their place as the most admired and frequently revisited countries on the planet.
Editor’s Note: this is the post that disappeared from my drafts that I thought was gone forever!! This should have been published back in the Shenandoahs. Consider it a retrospective that highlights Fail’s incredible generosity and friendship on this trail.
He was a good hiker and will be missed.
(He’s not really dead, he’s just off the trail now. Sad day for us all.)
—
Imagine this: you’re hiking with your friend in the woods. You’re dead tired because you’re rounding out a 15 mile day after hiking until midnight the night before, but at least you’ll make it to town in time for a nice meal and a beer at a local restaurant before getting picked up to be taken to the most luxurious place you been to in quite some time. Tonight, you won’t be sleeping in a hostel with a dozen or more other hikers. No, tonight, you’ll be sleeping in the quiet and air-conditioned, privately owned, personally cared for and known, beautifully manicured… Friend’s house!
We have finally made it. Fail’s loving wife’s parents live a short drive away from trail, and we are finally in that driving distance. We have been invited (with the exclusive perks of being friends with Fail) to enjoy the Good Life off trail for a few days, and for at least the moment, Cheese and I are able to take them up on the offer.
While Cheese and I were indeed dead tired from the most monotonous and arduous day of hiking yet (are we getting bored of hiking every day in the green tunnel of Virginia yet? Maybe!), we were happy to see Fail and his wife as they pulled up in Fail’s in-laws’ van. Fail has been recovering from the Noro that hit him hard a few weeks ago, and to catch up to us he’s been utilizing all the support he can get to make bigger miles days without hurting himself. This involves some light slack packing at staying at his in-laws to recoup when he can. As such, he’s been trying to get the tramily to visit the in-laws’ place for weeks now to partake in the wonders of showers and beds and AC.
It was sad that this particular opportunity wouldn’t be a place the whole tramily would get to experience together. Stoker has finally jumped up to New Hampshire, Gaslight is two days ahead of us pushing long days to make it to the next town North to meet up with his partner, and Roadhog is 100 miles behind from his week off last month. For now, it would be me, Mr Cheese, and Fail – still a good group, and I was still happy to be going to a comfortable house for a day or two while I could, but I was definitely feeling sad that the long awaited In-Laws’ House Fail had been hyping up wouldn’t be the tramily get together that we had planned for.
So, Cheese and I finished our beers at the restaurant, settled up the bill, and gathered ourselves for dinner number two at the in laws as Becky and Fail pulled up in the van. Becky leaned out of the driver’s side window, smiling and waving coyly, asking us to put our packs in the trunk. No problem, packs in the trunk is standard operating procedure for shuttles – but this van was special. With a press of a button, the van trunk started opening automatically, and we heard music playing.
Was that… John Cena’s theme music?
There in the trunk, someone I hadn’t seen for weeks and thought I wouldn’t see for weeks more yet, (which feels like forever on the trail)…
ROADHOG !!!!
I screamed. I was absolutely floored, elated, and a bit tipsy from the beer I’d had earlier, and I 100% screamed like Lucille Bluth discovering Gene Parmesan in disguise (Arrested Development references, anyone? Anyone?).
I hope readers of the blog will understand two things here from my previous posts: on the trail, the people you meet become like family very quickly, and the time is so concentrated that a week spent with someone on trail can mean you’re bonded for life. I have written some of my thoughts about tramily in the past, and have struggled with the concept and questioned the importance before I had found “my people”. As of now, I am a firm believer that tramily is a hugely important factor to both enjoying your hike and completing it. Roadhog is someone that I have only hiked with a couple of times, but those times were highly impactful, and the rest of the tramily has kept up with him and we all keep talking about him being a part of our group even if we haven’t seen him in weeks. With how much ground there is between him and us, it is hard to say if we will hike with him again before we reach the Northeast, but we’ve all talked about holing up to work at a hostel in Harper’s Ferry to let him catch up, and we have all tried our hand at convincing him to skip miles to be with us again sooner. To see him again here, in the trunk of a van on the way to the In-Laws’… Of course I screamed. It was the best surprise I could never have asked for. I believe Cheese was too stunned to scream, and just isn’t the type anyway, but he was just as blown away and excited to see Roadhog as I was.
Of course, Fail was recording the whole exchange from the front seat of the van, and caught my scream on camera. I think it’s a scream best kept in the tramily, however, and won’t be sharing it here. I’ll let you imagine the most excited and silly reaction someone could have with their friend surprising them with another friend in the trunk of a car.
Suffice to say, my mood had turned around pretty quick from tired, drained, and exhausted from the day’s hike, to pure excitement and joy. We finally piled into the van and started heading to the In-Laws’, and I immediately texted Gaslight to tell him that we had won. We had Roadhog in the car, and we were about to have the best zero ever, and he wasn’t going to be there because he had a town to catch. Aw man, I made myself sad again. It was a beautiful thing to see Roadhog so unexpectedly, but Gaslight wasn’t here to enjoy the little reunion (Roadhog is his favorite person), and Stoker wouldn’t be joining either. I missed my absent friends and felt like they should be here to enjoy this with us.
The In-Laws
Now, imagine the house of your friend’s retired parents, who have lived full lives as an engineer and a physicist, who “have it made”. The house is immaculate, in a brand new neighborhood in the hills of Virginia, with a yard and two cats and two dogs (Fail and Becky’s dogs). And since the grandkids live nearby and visit often, Grandma (the engineer) built bunk beds for them, which double as bunk beds for freshly showered thru-hikers. Now imagine that this matriarch is also a great cook, not to mention that she’s the kindest, most generous host you’ve experienced in months even while you’ve been surrounded by some of the most kind and generous angels along the trail.
Now imagine that you were once a student of physics and engineering and maintain a love of learning and a huge respect for people who build the things they need themselves, and you also love a good library. Imagine being welcomed into a home full of expert craftsmanship and books on physics and philosophy, and two wonderful people who will talk about their passions and their life stories with you as long as you like. I think I personally died and went to heaven. At least, I did a happy dance when I saw Becky’s dad’s shelves of physics books and her mom’s workshop.
(If my phone’s camera wasn’t broken, I would have a lot more pictures from the last few weeks, but alas, the trail giveth and the trail taketh away. Not a lot of pictures to share here.)
The first night at the In-Laws’ was uneventful – we simply had the best food and best beds we had had access to in weeks, surrounded with our friends (except Stoker and Gaslight). We watched a movie together, laughed, and caught up about our time on the trail that we had been separated.
The next morning, after an absolutely delightful breakfast – I had 6 pancakes, 5 slices of bacon, and 2 bowls of homemade yogurt – so a light meal, Becky had to run an errand. We all joked about how we missed her whenever she left us, and un-jokingly stated that she’s absolutely a part of our tramily. I knew that just sitting around the house would be too much of doing nothing for me after such an amazing meal, so I offered to walk the dogs with Becky’s mom after cleaning up the kitchen. Soon enough, Becky returned, and I was diverted from my dog walk as we were all corralled downstairs. Naturally, I thought that we would be taking a group photo while we were all together to send to Gaslight to make him jealous – the most obvious conclusion I think I could have come to. Of course I didn’t notice Fail filming us all with his phone again as Becky opened the curtain to the patio to reveal….
GASLIGHT !!!!
I screamed again! Less screaming this time, since I hadn’t had any beer with my breakfast and was stone cold sober, but once again I found myself with the best surprise ever of an unexpected friend. I had been duped! I had texted Gaslight the night before about how he should get picked up and brought to the house for just one night to hang out and see his good friend Roadhog again, and he had given a number of excuses for why he couldn’t. Why do I keep trusting everything this guy named Gaslight says?? Well, good thing I didn’t question it, because the surprise was worth the initial disappointment.
We were assured that Stoker wouldn’t be the next surprise, that this was everyone, and that we could finally relax all together.
Right after Sunshine showed up later in the morning!
She tried to surprise me after hearing about the first two, but I had finally caught on, and while I didn’t scream when I saw her, I did give her a big hug. We were all so happy to be in one place together (except for Stoker, who I tortured with pictures of all of us together without her), and spent the day playing video games, watching more movies, and eating lots of food.
At some point, Cheese, Fail, and I went to Costco to resupply, which was a terrible idea financially, but it was fun to go to a Costco again after so many shopping trips at grocery stores like Ingles, Food Lion, Food City, etc. We obviously bought way too much food, and said that the excess would be used for trail magic for other hikers when Becky took us back to trail.
This wouldn’t be the last we saw of the in-laws, since Fail was still behind us and using all his resources to slow us down while he hiked to catch up. We will be forever grateful to Fail, Becky, and Becky’s mom for the hospitality and generosity that brought us all together for a night. Watching movies and sitting on the couch with your friends is sometimes better than hiking all day every day, as it turns out.
Sun, Surf, and Sandstone: Day 8 on Portugal’s Fisherman’s Trail
Hiking from Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo
Distance: 16 km
Trail Section: Carrapateira → Vila do Bispo
Conditions: 10/10. Pure sunshine. No wind. Zero rain. Coastal magic from start to finish.
If you’re planning to hike the Fisherman’s Trail from Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo, this post breaks down exactly what to expect—trail conditions, elevation changes, must-see scenery, and personal reflections from my day on this stunning section of Portugal’s Rota Vicentina.
Coastal magic in full bloom. The Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo section might be my favorite yet—flowers, cliffs, and ocean views that stopped me in my tracks.
1. Starting the Fisherman’s Trail from Carrapateira: Slow Mornings and Agave Fields
After a restful night in our cozy apartment together in Carrapateira, we had the slowest, dreamiest morning. We started off with some coffee from the local cafe and we didn’t leave the house until nearly 11 a.m., which felt like such a treat. We wandered into town to stock up on trail snacks—grabbing breakfast pastries, ingredients for lunch, and even some Brazilian artisanal chocolate!
As we set off, we passed fields of towering agaves—seriously, these things were massive. We noticed that their tall flower stalks looked a bit like asparagus… and after a quick Google, we found out they’re actually in the same plant family. Nature is full of surprises.
BTW – if you missed my blog from yesterday on the Fisherman’s Trail, I’d recommend checking it out!
Stocked up for the trail at this little mini mercado in Carrapateira. Pastries and chocolate made for a sweet start to the day.
These agaves were giant. And fun fact—those tall stalks? They’re actually from the same plant family as asparagus!
Elevation, Finally!
For the first time on this trail, it actually felt like a proper hike. Today had significantly more elevation gain than the earlier days, which have been mostly flat. We hiked down into valleys, up steep cliffs, and navigated rockier terrain that gave the whole day a more adventurous feel.
It still wasn’t overly strenuous—very accessible and rewarding—but it was satisfying to feel my legs working a little harder. The views made every step worth it.
Down we go—finally some real elevation on the Fisherman’s Trail! The climbs were worth it for views like this.
Coastal Cliffs, Beaches, and Full-Circle Moments
The landscape today was unreal! Even after a week of hiking on the Fisherman’s Trail, I’m just blown away by the varied scenery. We followed the coastline for most of the day, stopping often to soak it all in. The cliffs were red sandstone, glowing against the bright green vegetation and dotted with wildflowers. Below, the beaches looked like they had been painted—soft sand, turquoise waves, and long stretches where surfers and swimmers danced with the ocean.
At one point, we passed a beach that stopped me in my tracks. I realized I had been here before—seven years ago, on a yoga and surf retreat in Sagres. It was the exact beach where I learned to surf. A full-circle moment I didn’t see coming.
A full-circle moment—walking past the beach where I learned to surf seven years ago. This coastline just keeps getting better.
Climbing up the trail and looking down at the beach life below—surfers riding waves, swimmers splashing in the sea. Pure coastal joy.
A Cliffside Cave and Wild Gooseneck Barnacles
Later in the day, we discovered a small cave tucked into the cliffs. Orion, Sandra, and Oliver coaxed me to explore it, and even though my claustrophobia kicked in, I followed—with a little encouragement.
Inside, the waves crashed in below us, and to my absolute delight, I spotted wild gooseneck barnacles clinging to the rocks. Percebes, as they’re known here in Portugal. These weird little delicacies are not only delicious but also dangerous to harvest—they grow in wave-pounded crevices, and only a handful of people are trained (and brave enough) to collect them. Seeing them in the wild gave me a whole new appreciation for the dish.
We spotted these wild on trail today. Percebes (gooseneck barnacles) are a Portuguese delicacy, and seeing them in the wild gave me a whole new appreciation for this unique dish.
A Pack I Actually Love
Side note: I’ve been loving carrying a lighter load this week. My Gossamer Gear G4-20 has been the dream pack for a trip like this—super comfortable, just the right amount of space, and refreshingly simple. I’ve felt so much freer and lighter on trail, especially with all the elevation changes today. Highly recommend for anyone looking to hike with less bulk and more ease.
Lighter pack = happier hiker. The Gossamer Gear G4-20 has been a total win for this trip—simple, comfy, and exactly what I needed.
Arrival in Vila do Bispo
We arrived at our Airbnb in Vila do Bispo around 6 p.m. Sandra and Oliver stayed just outside the village, so it was just Orion and me for dinner. We grabbed burgers in town and absolutely devoured them. I’ve officially entered full-on hiker hunger mode. I packed out a bag of chips and they disappeared in about 10 minutes.
I can feel the shift: my body’s adjusting, craving more fuel, and settling into trail rhythm.
Made it to Vila do Bispo, a cute little village where hiker hunger kicked in hard. Burgers, fries, and full-on trail bliss.
Today’s Vibe: Stillness, Sun, and Simplicity
This day had everything—quiet cliffs, vibrant colors, a little physical challenge, good company, and wild beauty. Each stretch of the trail has its own personality, and today’s felt warm and soft, like a deep exhale.
We moved slowly, paused often, and fully soaked up the moment.
Every day out here feels different. The landscapes shift so much—red sand dunes, crazy rock formations, wide-open beaches. And today? Today was everything I could have hoped for. Sunshine, sea air, slow joy, and a full heart.
Big smiles, full hearts, salty air. This day had everything—sunshine, stillness, and sweet, slow joy
3 Things I’ll Remember from Day 8:
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Seeing wild percebes in their natural habitat (and how intense it would be to harvest them).
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That full-circle moment at the surf beach where I first learned to surf.
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Real elevation change! Hiking down, hiking up—it finally felt like a trail with some bite.
See you tomorrow for Day 9 on the Fisherman’s Trail—from Vila do Bispo to Cabo de São Vicente!
(Sharing more photos below, because today was just too amazing not to share with you!
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