We're taking #thevanlifecouple international! We're hoping to rent the VW T-6 California from this campervan rental company in Portugual, then travel all over Europe for the summer: https://www.siestacampers.com/campervans/vw-t6-california/

While traveling the globe for the next 16 months, we'll need to stay connected. It's how we work to pay for our adventures, how we navigate the globe, find cool things to do, and let our friends/family know we're alive with instagram posts. For $99/month we can get unlimited use which will be crucial to our trip!

We've learned the importance of keeping our bodies and minds healthy while we travel. We're committing to taking yoga classes around the globe as a way to balance all of the delicious food and wine we'll be consuming. We also see it as a fun way to keep exploring and trying some of the crazy yoga variations out there. We've tried Aerial Yoga, SUP Yoga, and Laughter Yoga, and we have really enjoyed these variations to traditional Hatha. Next on our list we'd like to try Beer Yoga (pictured), Goat Yoga, Rave Yoga, Karaoke Yoga, Goat Yoga, and maybe even Naked Yoga ;-)

These travel underwear are easy to hand wash and dry very quickly, perfect for us backpacking around the world. (Ray is a size M in case you don't purchase through Zola).

So we can dry our clothes while we travel the world!

Perfect for keeping us plugged in and working while traveling the world.

We'll be working as we travel so we'll need to stay connected. This wifi hotspot works in over 130 countries so we can be online wherever we are in the world!

On this private full day tour our driver/guide will pick you up at your Hotel and will show you one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world. The Douro Valley is an outstanding example of a traditional wine-producing region, primarily associated with its fortified Port Wine and, most recently, with its amazing table wines. It is marked by two great mountains of schist that protect it from the Atlantic winds and the superb Douro River and its tributaries draw a scenery of rugged beauty with terraces full of vineyards of white and red grapes.Here you will admire impressive landscapes and taste the typical and delicious wines. We suggest Amarante as our first stop. This pretty town is immaculately located along the banks of Tâmega River. Appreciate its incredible bridge, the Church of St. Gonçalo and its gorgeous streets. Then we will proceed to Peso da Régua, the center of this beautiful region. Here we will visit a famed Winery (named “Quinta”), where we will learn more about the wine production and taste its pleasant wines. Free time for lunch.In the afternoon, we will visit another celebrated Winery, plenty of secrets, History and with outstanding wines. Then our journey will continue along one of the most gorgeous roads in Portugal, side by side with Douro River, to the small village of Pinhão. Here you will have time to explore its wonderful Railway Station, probably the most beautiful station in this country. Its exterior walls are decorated with tile panels, depicting the Port Wine theme. Return to Porto. End of our services.https://www.ecotoursportugal.com/en/tours/1-day-private-tours-3/douro-valley-private-tour-51

Wine + Massage = Awesome! The Yeatman, where we plan to stay for our honeymoon, is one of the few places in the world to offer Vinotherapy massages. More details on why we love this below:Vinothérapie combines natural active ingredients from the grapevine and grapes with exceptional treatment rituals to provide facial and body treatments that are completely unique.https://us.caudalie.com/spas-boutiques

Enjoy an exquisite dinner in The Orangerie Restaurant paired with stunning wines from our award winning wine list. Take a tour of the Taylor’s Port cellars, one of Porto’s oldest Port firms, followed by traditional lunch at the Taylor’s restaurant, Barão Fladgate.The stunning panoramic views of the River Douro and the city of Porto from your bedroom and private terrace will both mesmerise and delight.

To help us photograph our travels

As foodies and adventurers, Dinner in the Sky has been on our bucket list for a while. Turns out it started in Belgium so we want to get the experience from the originators!https://www.dinnerinthesky.be/en/

We love cooking and feel that learning to cook in other countries brings you closer to the culture. It also is a skill you can bring with you wherever you go. We love to share our travel adventures with friends over some authentic food from the places we've visited. Who knows, maybe we'll cook for you someday ;-)

Fado is Portugal's homegrown folk music and Clube de Fado is regarded as the best place to see live fado music in Portugual. We start the night off with dinner, followed by a candlelit serenade.

The Gili Islands are one of the most beautiful places to dive in the world. We really want to go scuba diving there while we travel through Southeast Asia.

We've heard that when visiting New Zealand we must visit the Hobbiton.

In some cities we're going to need to get around. Public transportation doesn't always go everywhere we want to explore, and sometimes shuts down late when we've had too many drinks to drive home. Help us explore safely with some Uber credit :-)

We love to see live music and theater as we travel. We'll use this StubHub credit to get super cultured and see a show!

To stay dry while we travel

For two years during the Second World War, the Secret Annex served as a hiding place for Anne Frank and the other people there. After the war, it fell into disrepair. The Anne Frank House was established in 1957 and its main purpose was to preserve the hiding place. We tried to visit on our last trip to Amsterdam but we didn't plan ahead. This time we'll be purchasing the tickets in advance to ensure we get to see this powerful piece of a dark history.

Winter is coming...This tour covers all of the important things you want to see from GOT:- The Red Keep- The Gates of King's Landing- Little Finger's Brothel- The Walk of Shame - and more!https://www.gameofthronestours.com/dubrovnik-walking-tour/

The only other place besides the Westvleteren brewery where you can have "the best beer in the world." In June 2005, the Westvleteren 12 was voted ‘Best Beer in the World’ by RateBeer.com. This has become a reoccurring theme, with the Westvleteren 12 taking the number one spot multiple years in a row and the Westvleteren 8 appearing on top 100 charts as well. The Westvleteren 12 once again took the win on RateBeer’s 2015 list of best beers in the world.

Cases are limited to one per person for this popular beer - and Melissa's favorite! Now that they're married, it's important that Ray taste and enjoy the magic that is Westvleteren. Read more about this famous beer below!In June 2005, the Westvleteren 12 was voted ‘Best Beer in the World’ by RateBeer.com. This has become a reoccurring theme, with the Westvleteren 12 taking the number one spot multiple years in a row and the Westvleteren 8 appearing on top 100 charts as well. The Westvleteren 12 once again took the win on RateBeer’s 2015 list of best beers in the world. These Trappist monks have been brewing the best beer for centuries and continue to keep the tradition of monastic breweries alive and thriving. Pulling beer lovers from around the world to its hidden home in Belgium, Westvleteren Brewery remains a unique and integral part of Belgian history as well as their passion for beer.https://theculturetrip.com/europe/belgium/articles/westvleteren-belgiums-most-secretive-brewery/

Traveling around Europe can work up an appetite. What better way to satiate our hunger with a dragon sausage in a baguette from our favorite place to eat in Stockholm!

An epitome of elegance, luxury, romance, and world-class dining, Casa do Alentejo is considered as one of the most favorite hotspots for a romantic dining experience. Casa do Alentejo, a palace turned into a classy and chic restaurant offers best of décor, privacy, and food to all.

The Castelo dos Mouros (The Moors Castle) is a ruinous castle that is set amidst the lush forests of the Serra De Sintra and is a popular tourist attraction of Sintra. The Castelo dos Mouros was established during the 9th century by the North African Moors to guard the town of Sintra, but it fell into disrepair after the Christian conquest of Portugal.The castle was restored in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II, who transformed it into a romantic ruin and a major feature of the gardens of the Pena Palace. The castle retains the charm of an ancient ruin, with dense forest surrounding the crumbling battlements that offer spectacular views over the Sintra region. The Castelo dos Mouros is a highly recommended attraction in Sintra and is very different to the other palaces and stately homes of the town.

Discover Aveiro, the “The Venice of Portugal”, a harmonious city crossed by four incredible canals.In this half-day tour, explore the canals of Aveiro on a traditional Moliceiro boat, and behold the colorful fishermen’s houses along the Costa Nova beach. Have the time of your life in one of Portugal's most beautiful cities!

In some cities we're going to need to get around. Public transportation doesn't always go everywhere we want to explore, and sometimes shuts down late when we've had too many drinks to drive home. Help us explore safely with some Uber credit :-)

Have you ever seen anyone frown on a jet ski? Us neither. We love jet skiing and would love to do so on our honeymoon in Portugal!

https://www.passeiosacavalomelides.com/en/#sobre-nos

We'll be on a tight budget while traveling the globe, so it will be nice to escape the hostel life once in a while to stay in a cool house.