All posts filed under: Beyond Madeira

Travels that take you beyond Madeira. From city breaks and cultural escapes to beach adventures and solo trips, this category features destinations across the world, always with a personal twist and local insight.

One night at WC Beautique Hotel Uma noite no WC Beautique Hotel

Published by From Madeira to Mars

[:en] WC by The Beautique Hotels People who are risking new ideas fascinate me. The first time, the first concept and in this case, WC Beautique Hotel was the first hotel that… Nini Andrade Silva “does not follow trends, she creates them”, and she was the designer who risked this brilliant idea. Fortunately for us, the Beautique Hotels chain embraced this project, devoid of prejudice. Have you ever considered sleeping in WC Beautique Hotel? It is located in the Intendente, a trendy district. If this neighbourhood is a trend in Lisbon, the WC Beautique Hotel is a trendsetter! This is the first and only hotel inspired by a luxury bathroom! How did I sleep at the WC Beautique Hotel? I can tell you that it was great and that I slept beautifully. The bathtub, right at the foot of the bed, reminded me of the pleasures of a long bath. The water-coloured tiles on the walls combined with the velvet curtains and the stainless steel lamp in the shape of a drop of water formed …

Paris for Kids | A Travel Guide (without the obvious, like Euro Disney)

Published by From Madeira to Mars

[:en] So this Xmas we went to Paris. Why Paris? First of all, it’s a city my sons had never visited before, I’ve studied there for a few months, and I absolutely love it. Second, they’re starting to learn French at school, so an excellent way to get familiar with the language and culture. And finally, because it’s PARIS, the city that makes believe in love, so that’s more than enough reasons for me. Here’s a few tips for romance in Paris for two. (Ok, I also found an affordable direct flight from Funchal and with Xmas coming soon why not “offer something different this year”, so the Eiffel Tower was my gift for the 3 of us.) Altough I don’t like to admit it, I still find it scary to go on holiday alone with my kids. I say to myself “you can do this”, and I try to transmit as much confidence as one possibly can, but sometimes it’s not that simple. As a parent, you know how stressful it can be to …

Tivoligarden

Copenhagen on a budget for families COPENHAGA – GUIA PARA FAMÍLIAS

Published by From Madeira to Mars

[:en]  http://budgettraveller.org/copenhagen-on-a-budget-for-families/ [:pt] COPENHAGA – GUIA PARA FAMÍLIAS Jardins de Tivoli No início deste verão,  visitei Copenhaga com minha família. Embora a Dinamarca seja um destino caro, Copenhaga é o “tipo de miúda” que queremos conhecer seja lá a que custo. Dizem os rumores que esta cidade destaca-se de todas as outras cidades europeias, por ser vibrante, interessante e feliz. Então, fomos conhecê-la com a esperança de satisfazer esse desejo e passar umas ótimas férias. No ano passado escrevi um guia familiar para a cidade de Aarhus, Aalborg, Skagen e Billund, a capital do Lego. Copenhaga era a peça que faltava no puzzle. Este artigo aborda onde ficar, o que ver / fazer e comer em família. Leiam e decidam por vós mesmos se vale a pena ou não. Como se deslocar em Copenhaga? Adquira um cartão Copenhaga (CPH) Adquirimos um cartão válido por 72 horas. Este cartão oferece acesso GRATUITO a 70 atrações e todas as formas de transporte público (autocarro, comboio, metro e barco) além de descontos em alguns restaurantes.  Note-se que 2 crianças menores …

Mother-Daughter getaway to Lisbon Um fim de semana “Mãe e filha”, em Lisboa

Published by From Madeira to Mars

[:en] Mother-Daughter getaway to Lisbon This year for my mum’s birthday, I prepared a special gift — a getaway in Lisbon. When I was studying at Lisbon University and she came to visit me, I remember we always had such a great time together. I wanted to recreated those days again. Plus, Lisbon makes my mother happy, she has always great stories and memories about this city, specially from those days before and after the revolution 25 April 1974, when she was visiting her sister, who used to live there. “Stories…the testimony of human contact.” Whenever she speaks about Lisbon, her eyes light up, she puts a funny smile on her face and while walking those streets together, I can always imagine her like a young girl, singing Fado and wandering on the hills of Lisbon.  It is true what they say, life is made of memories. I want to share these thoughts with my mother and remember the places we were together, alive and happy. Lisbon was a gift to both of us. This is …

[:en]Family Guide to Denmark – Legoland[:pt]Guia de Viagem à Dinamarca para famílias – Legoland![:]

Published by From Madeira to Mars

[:en] We finally made it to Legoland! The excitement was in the air … After spending years playing with legos, idealizing houses, cars, people, animals, planes and imaginary worlds … we were now in Billund, where it all started in 1935. The word Lego comes from the Danish words “leg” and “godt” which means “to play well.” The concept of this toy is to combine pieces, forming different structures, stimulating concentration and creativity. It was created by a carpenter from Billund, Ole Kirk Christiansen, who created these pieces (first made of wood and later of plastic) to offer toys to his son. Europe’s leading Lego factory is located in Billund, and produces around 72 million pieces daily! Here you can also discover the amazing Legoland Hotel and Legoland Theme Park. Hotel Legoland Arriving in Hotel LEGOLAND was an amazing experience. At the reception, we were greeted by Star Wars team … This 4 star hotel has needs no introduction. It is the official Lego Brand Hotel and has a private entrance to the theme park. All …

[:en]Family guide to Denmark: Skagen and Farup Sommerland[:pt]Guia de viagem à Dinamarca para famílias – Skagen e Farup Sommerland[:]

Published by From Madeira to Mars

[:en]Explore Skagen’s scenic beauty and enjoy thrilling family fun at Fårup Sommerland! This travel guide shares top tips for visiting northern Denmark with kids.[:pt]”Descubra as paisagens encantadoras de Skagen e a diversão em família no Fårup Sommerland! Um guia completo para viajar com crianças no norte da Dinamarca.”[:]

[:en]Family Guide to Denmark: Aalborg[:pt]Guia de viagem à Dinamarca para famílias: Aalborg[:]

Published by From Madeira to Mars

[:en] Aalborg – art, vikings, beer and friends. We visited Aalborg, on the 4th day and 5th day of our stay in Denmark. We took the train from Aarhus and the journey took us about 1 hour. Aalborg is a developed, industrial and lively city by the sea. Among its many attractions, you’ll find an outstanding collection of urban art. When walking through the city streets, we could hear the clinking of beer mugs on the terraces and see people with white foam mustaches turning into smiles. There’s a young and vibrant atmosphere in the air. Bicycles are always present and cool shops too.   As in Aarhus, summer is the time to enjoy life outdoors, to attend concerts in the city squares, to relax and feel the blessed sun. We enjoyed the ambience and beers too! One of the breweries,  we visited was called Sogaards Bryghus. It is located in a cozy square called ‘C. W. Obels Plads’. The restautant and pub are on the top floor, the brewery is in the basement. “Missing …

[:en]A family travel guide to Denmark – Aarhus[:pt]Guia de viagem à Dinamarca para famílias – Aarhus[:]

Published by From Madeira to Mars

[:en]Discover the best family-friendly activities in Aarhus, Denmark! From museums and parks to cozy cafés, this guide shares top tips for a fun, stress-free trip with kids.[:pt]Descubra Aarhus em família! Um guia completo com atividades infantis, museus, cafés e dicas práticas para viajar com crianças na Dinamarca.[:]

Costa Brava guide

One week in Costa Brava – a guide for families

Published by From Madeira to Mars

  One week in Costa Brava – a guide for families I disagree when people say that having kids and travelling are two opposite choices in life. I actually think that these are the best parts of my life. Having both, at the same time, feels like winning the lottery. Add to this happy mix , the perfect family holiday destination and you realise that happiness and perfection exists. Ever since I was a child, no matter what happened, my parents would always save money throughout the year to make sure we would have a family holiday. Sometimes for one week. In good years for two. Our annual ritual would always observe the following four acts; getting on an airplane, relaxing under the sun, eating good food and having fun. Lots of it. My best memories of my childhood were created during summer holidays. I want my kids to have these same memories. Memories. Simple act of packing our bags. Entering the airplane and feeling like the luckiest girl in the world for bagging the …