Wandering Works for Us

Shelley Rohm
  • 5.0 (8)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Wandering Works for Us is a travel and lifestyle podcast that explores life in Portugal, European adventures, and LGBTQ+ experiences abroad. Hosted by Shelley and Beth, a married couple who traded the U.S. for Portugal, each episode offers practical tips, cultural insights, and honest stories about expat life, slow travel, and making a home in a new country. Whether you're planning a move, dreaming of life abroad, or seeking authentic LGBTQ+ travel content, this podcast helps you navigate the journey with humor, heart, and real-world advice. Subscribe for weekly episodes filled with travel tips, cultural deep dives, interviews, and reflections on what it really means to live differently—and why wandering works for us.

  1. Lisbon: Chapter 2--Other things we love!

    22H AGO

    Lisbon: Chapter 2--Other things we love!

    Wandering Works for Us Podcast Date: 21 February 2026Title: Lisbon: Chapter 2–some other stuff to do Summary of Episode Planning a trip to Lisbon? In Part 2 of our Lisbon travel series, we’re diving deeper into the history, food, and culture that make Portugal’s capital unforgettable. In Part 1, we covered Lisbon neighborhoods and what to do if you only have two days. In this episode, we go beyond the highlights and explore iconic sites like São Jorge Castle, the Carmo Archaeological Museum, and the National Pantheon (formerly the Church of Santa Engrácia). We talk about how the 1755 earthquake shaped the city, what you’ll experience at the immersive Quake Museum, and whether these historic landmarks are worth your time. We also share our experience on a Lisbon food tour in Rossio Square, exploring markets in Alfama, and spending time at LX Factory,  plus tips for navigating Lisbon’s hills and planning your days geographically. If you’re building a Lisbon itinerary and want to move beyond the postcard spots, this episode will help you plan smarter and experience the city more deeply. 👉 Don’t forget — we offer free Lisbon itineraries on our website to help you organize your days, maximize your time, and avoid unnecessary backtracking. Whether you have 2 days in Lisbon or a full week, this episode will help you plan a meaningful, well-paced trip. Key Topics [01:30] Intro: Lisboa part 1 podcast, what’s covered, and planning your days in Lisbon easily. [04:20] São Jorge Castle [07:35] Carmo Convent and Museum [11:25] National Pantheon and Feira da Ladra in Alfama [16:40] Quake Museum (interactive earthquake museum) [22:45] Food tours in Lisbon→ Link for food tour (Oh My Cod tour), One we took which is a good mix, Food and Wine small group tour [26:20] The LX Factory   [28:45] Seasonal, other stuff: Christmas, Expo area in Oriente, Ikonik Hotel (great place to stay), Street art, Sao Bento neighborhood, rooftop bars [36:25] What’s coming up next Important Links  To follow all of our antics and adventures, please visit our social media pages and our website at wwforus.com! You can send us a message at any of these places and feel free to email us at wandering@wwforus.com Like what we are doing? Buy us a gin and tonic and help us keep going! InstagramFacebookTiktokYouTubeLooking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!Blog post for this episode: What to do in Lisbon in 2 days (there is more to do in this post!) RESOURCES & LINKS Planning a trip to Lisbon or Portugal? Check out our guides and Itineraries! Lisbon Itinerary7-Day Portugal ItineraryPorto ItineraryDay Trips from LisboaEssentials for traveling Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wandering-works-for-us/donations

    41 min
  2. Alcobaça, Portugal: Monastery History, Medieval Love Stories, & Wine Traditions

    FEB 5

    Alcobaça, Portugal: Monastery History, Medieval Love Stories, & Wine Traditions

    Wandering Works for Us Podcast Date: 6 Feb 2026 Title: Alcobaça, Portugal: Monastery History, Medieval Love Stories & Wine Traditions Summary of EpisodeIn this episode of Wandering Works for Us, we explore Alcobaça, Portugal, a historic town known for its rich cultural heritage, medieval architecture, and deep ties to wine production.  Our visit begins at the Monastery of Alcobaça, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s most important Gothic monuments, founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks. We share our experience walking through its vast stone halls and reflect on the legendary love story of Pedro and Inês de Castro, whose tombs rest inside the monastery. We then visit the Wine Museum of Alcobaça (Museu do Vinho de Alcobaça), the largest wine museum in Portugal, housed in a former 19th-century winery. Here, we learn how the monks of Alcobaça shaped agriculture and winemaking in the region and how wine became central to the town’s identity. Although the Ceramics Museum of Alcobaça was closed during our visit, we discuss its importance and Alcobaça’s long tradition of Portuguese ceramics, known throughout the country for their craftsmanship and everyday beauty. To end the day, we take a walk up to the castle ruins above Alcobaça, where we’re rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the monastery and town, one of the best photo spots in the area. This episode is perfect for travelers interested in Portuguese history, cultural travel, wine tourism, UNESCO sites, and off-the-beaten-path destinations in Portugal. Key Topics [00:30] Welcome back to us! A recap of the holidays, etc. [01:40] Intro to Alcobaça [02:10] Why we wanted to visit Alcobaça  [05:10] Alcobaça Monastery, history of the Monastery, architecture  [08:00] Parts of the Monastery and the importance of the monks [11:35] Inês and Pedro Graves → Link to our podcast of this story  [13:30] Tour of the Monastery→ private tour here! [13:45] Across the road from the monastery are restaurants and cafes to people-watch and have lunch.  [14:15] Wine Museum–a wine memorabilia museum [19:40] Wine tasting at the museum [21:30] The ceramics Museum (it was closed…) [22:35] Castle Ruins at the top of the hill   [23:55] Other cool things in Alcobaça: the river walk, shopping, fun parks [25:05] Make sure you visit the Atelier do Doce for pastries What’s up next? Lisboa part 2, Portugal day trips, England and Scotland (again)   Important Links  To follow all of our antics and adventures, please visit our social media pages and our website at wwforus.com! You can send us a message at any of these places, and feel free to email us at wandering@wwforus.com Like what we are doing? Buy us a gin and tonic and help us keep going! InstagramFacebookTiktokYouTubeLooking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!Blog post for this episodeMonasteries of Portugal blog postInês and Pedro Blog post   Thanks to Everyone!Special thanks to all of you who have listened, subscribed, followed us on social media and just took the time to say hello and tell us how much you enjoy our podcast and blog. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!! RESOURCES & LINKS Did you know we have a newsletter? Click here to sign up for updates, tips, and tricks!---> Wandering Works for Us Newsletter PS--booking a trip soon? Here are some resources we use. ​Get your Guide​​Viator​​Trip Advisor​​Booking.com​​VRBO​Expedia.comAiralo.com Like what you read? We have a Ko-Fi set up, so you can tip us or buy us a gin and tonic. Anything helps to keep the content coming! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wandering-works-for-us/donations

    30 min
  3. Tomar, Portugal: City of Templars

    10/13/2025

    Tomar, Portugal: City of Templars

    Wandering Works for Us Podcast Date: 13 October 2025 Title: Tomar, Portugal: City of Templars Summary of EpisodeJoin us as we wander through the enchanting medieval city of Tomar, Portugal — one of our favorite destinations in Central Portugal! Steeped in history, Tomar is best known for its fascinating connection to the Knights Templar and the magnificent Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this episode, we go beyond the famous Templar Castle and explore the many other gems that make Tomar so special — from the Tomar Synagogue and the scenic Nabão River Park to the city’s delicious local cuisine and the colorful Festa dos Tabuleiros, one of Portugal’s most unique traditional festivals. We wrap up our journey with a visit to the stunning Almourol Castle and the Contemporary Art Museum in Vila Nova da Barquinha, rounding out an unforgettable adventure through Portugal’s Templar Route. Key Topics How far is Tomar from Lisbon? Headquarters of the Templars A short history of the Templars as we know it Tomar’s Templar Castle and Convent of Christ [10:55] Nabão River Park [14:02] Le P’tit fraçais–(a little French) is the pastry shop [15:20] Synagogue and Jewish Museum [17:15] Igreja São João Baptista  [18:45] Taverna Antiqua [20:00] Insensato Café and Livraria [21:30] Festa do Tabuleiros or festival of trays–correction– it is every 4 years, not every year  [23:40] Almoural Castle [Museum in Vila Nova Barquinha What Tomar feels like  What’s up next Important Links To follow all of our antics and adventures, please visit our social media pages and our website at wwforus.com! You can send us a message at any of these places, and feel free to email us at wandering@wwforus.com Like what we are doing? Buy us a gin and tonic and help us keep going! Instagram FacebookTiktokYouTubeLooking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!Blog posts for this episode: Tomar, Convent of ChristGoogle Map of all places listed Thanks to Everyone who has been so supportive!Special thanks to all of you who have listened, subscribed, followed us on social media, and just took the time to say hello and tell us how much you enjoy our podcast and blog. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!! RESOURCES & LINKS We love discussing our adventures on our podcast, but we also share personal travel experiences on our Substack, and we're now also on Flipboard.  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wandering-works-for-us/donations

    33 min
  4. UK Trip Part 2: Strathaven, Glasgow, and Dunblane

    09/27/2025

    UK Trip Part 2: Strathaven, Glasgow, and Dunblane

    Wandering Works for Us PodcastDate: 27 September 2025 Title: UK Trip Part 2: Strathaven, Glasgow, and Dunblane Summary of EpisodeIn this episode, we continue our trip in Scotland. We travel to Strathaven to stay, then to Glasgow, and take an overnight trip to Dunblane. While in Strathaven, we experienced the Balloon Festival, visited local pubs, toured a fully automated farm, and spent time with family and friends. We were also able to head down and see New Lanark, a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Glasgow was very cool! We rode the hop-on hop-off bus, the Kelvingrove, and the Pot Still. Dunblane was a charming surprise! We loved visiting the cathedral, the Leighton Library, the Dunblane Museum, and Doune Castle! Key Topics Part I : Staying in Strathaven, Scotland [02:20]Thanks to Margaret for housing us! [03:15] Balloon Festival of Strathhaven [06:30] Nether Lathame Farm – a fully automated farm [11:35] Party for Liz [13:15] Strathaven Balloon Festival glow-up [14:50] Great pubs: Weavers, The Strathaven, and the Drumclog Inn [17:10] New Lanark UNESCO World Heritage Site  [21:45] Part II: Glasgow [22:30] Hop on Hop off bus [24:00] Kelvingrove Museum–Mackintosh exhibit and the Dali painting [26:00] Willow Tea Room [28:00] The Pot Still [31:00] Part II: Dunblane [32:15] Dunblane is known for… [34:00] Cromlix Hotel [35:00] Dumblane Cathedral–Drummond Sisters [37:20] Leighton Library [41:30] Dunblane Museum [42:30] The Tappit Hen [43:00] Doune Castle [47:00] Bridge of Allen [50:20] What’s up next?  Important Links To follow all of our antics and adventures, please visit our social media pages and our website at wwforus.com! You can send us a message at any of these places, and feel free to email us at wandering@wwforus.com Like what we are doing? Buy us a gin and tonic and help us keep going! Instagram FacebookTiktokYouTubeLooking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!Blog posts for this episode: Glasgow, Strathaven, and Dunblane (all different posts). Thanks to Everyone who has been so supportive!Special thanks to all of you who have listened, subscribed, followed us on social media and just took the time to say hello and tell us how much you enjoy our podcast and blog. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wandering-works-for-us/donations

    53 min
  5. UK Trip Part 1: London and Edinburgh

    09/16/2025

    UK Trip Part 1: London and Edinburgh

    Wandering Works for Us Podcast Date:  17 September 2025 Title: UK Trip Part 1: London and Edinburgh Summary of EpisodeThis August, we decided to try to escape the tourists in our village and went to places where there were more tourists! We’ve become so European (ha!).  We spent three lovely days in London with our niece, Katey, and seeing Buckingham Palace, Saint Paul’s Cathedral, walking around the Black Friars, and saw Sean Hayes at the Barbican Theater in his award winning role, Good Night, Oscar. We then headed north to Scotland, where we spent the rest of our time exploring new cities and villages and meeting some amazing people. Check out below what we did while we were there! Key TopicsPart 1 London:  [03:30] Dinner at Slaughtered Lamb  [04:38] Walked around Mayfair in London, ate at Popina, met a dog [06:08] Buckingham Palace State Room Visit –Beth loves to talk about the Royals [16:45] Beer drinking at Bag O’Nails   [18:15] Dishoom Indian Restaurant–loved!!! High-quality Indian food [19:35] Staying in the Black Friars [20:35]  Saint Paul’s Cathedral, Christopher Wren, The Old Bell Tavern, Winston Churchill gates in the crypt. [25:25] Good Night, Oscar at the Barbican Theater [28:45] Cross, Platform 9 ¾, train travel and bus travel. Part 2 Edinburgh–30:55 [32:00] Dinner at Makars Mash –highly recommend [33:30] Edinburgh Military Tattoo–check out our YouTube video. [42:40] Writers Museum–Highlights Scotlands best: Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns, and Sir Walter Scott [44:45] Howies Restaurant For more info on Edinburgh, check out our first podcast on the city on Spotify or where ever you like to listen. Important Links To follow all of our antics and adventures, please visit our social media pages and our website at wwforus.com! You can send us a message at any of these places and feel free to email us at wandering@wwforus.com Like what we are doing? Buy us a gin and tonic and help us keep going! InstagramFacebookTiktokYouTubeLooking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!Blog post for this episode–Both blog posts are updated –3 Days in Edinburgh and First Trip to London Thanks to Everyone who has been so supportive!Special thanks to all of you who have listened, subscribed, followed us on social media and just took the time to say hello and tell us how much you enjoy our podcast and blog. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!! RESOURCES & LINKSSpecial shout outs to AL and Leanne of A Sideways Life that has given us so much help and support for the move. To Gal and Mayaan at Smoozitive with their love and support. Please check out their podcasts on Apple Podcasts  A Sideways Life website and podcastSmoozitive website (if you are moving abroad, these women are experts and will help you out!) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wandering-works-for-us/donations

    49 min
  6. Northern Portugal Road Trip: Aveiro, Braga, Barcelos, Guimarães, and the Douro Valley.

    08/23/2025

    Northern Portugal Road Trip: Aveiro, Braga, Barcelos, Guimarães, and the Douro Valley.

    In this episode, we head north on a road trip through Portugal, exploring some of the most beautiful spots in Northern Portugal. With our niece Katey, we visited Aveiro, Braga, Barcelos, Guimarães, and the stunning Douro Valley wine region. Along the way, we enjoyed incredible Portuguese food, local wine, and the unique charm of historic cities in the North—so different from the laid-back vibe of the South. A big thank you to Katelyn Boyd for joining us on this Portugal travel adventure! She’s currently looking for a new opportunity in human resources, so if you—or someone you know—are hiring, you can reach her at Katelyn.ee.boyd@gmail.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wandering-works-for-us/donations

    59 min
  7. Portugal in the Summer

    08/09/2025

    Portugal in the Summer

    Wandering Works for Us Podcast Date: 9 August 2025Title: Portugal in the Summer Summary of Episode In this episode, we let you know what Portugal is really like in the summer! We offer practical tips and tricks to beat the heat so you can see Portugal in all her best glory. From long summer days perfect for exploring historic cities like Lisbon and Porto to sunny afternoons on golden beaches along the Algarve coast, we share why this season can be a magical time to visit. We talk about fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables at local markets, lively summer festivals such as São João in Porto, and the warm Atlantic Ocean waters that make beach days irresistible. We also cover the challenges—like extreme summer heat, crowded coastal towns, and high-season prices—plus how to navigate them for the best experience. Whether you’re planning a Portugal summer holiday filled with water sports on the southern coast, a road trip through central Portugal, or wine tasting in the Douro Valley, this episode will help you decide if a Portuguese summer is the perfect time for your trip. Key Topics[01:00] Intro to summer in Portugal and why we love it [04:00] Why come to Portugal in the summer [06:30] Festivals in Summer (São António, São Pedro, Medieval Festivals) [15:30] The Douro Valley  [16:50] The Lionel Ritchie concert in Lisbon [18:00] the pros and cons of air conditioning [20:45] Daylight savings is great…in the summer [21:45] Cons of summer in Portugal –parking, more people because of reunions, some places closed,  [24:15] Tips for coming in Summer  Important Links  To follow all of our antics and adventures, please visit our social media pages and our website at wwforus.com! You can send us a message at any of these places and feel free to email us at wandering@wwforus.com  Like what we are doing? Buy us a gin and tonic and help us keep going! InstagramFacebookTiktokYouTubeLooking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!Blog post for this episode: Summer in Portugal: What to expect during peak season Thanks to Everyone who has been so supportive!Special thanks to all of you who have listened, subscribed, followed us on social media, and just took the time to say hello and tell us how much you enjoy our podcast and blog. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!! RESOURCES & LINKS Special shout-outs to AL and Leanne of A Sideways Life, that has given us so much help and support for the move. To Gal and Mayaan at Smoozitive for their love and support. Please check out their podcasts on Apple Podcasts  A Sideways Life website and podcastSmoozitive website (if you are moving abroad, these women are experts and will help you out!) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wandering-works-for-us/donations

    34 min
  8. Dingle and Galway, Ireland

    07/18/2025

    Dingle and Galway, Ireland

    Wandering Works for Us PodcastDate: 19 July 2025 Title: Dingle and Galway, Ireland  Summary of EpisodeIn this episode, we continue our amazing road trip from Dublin to Dingle and Galway, Ireland. We discover that driving in Ireland can be harrowing, but the countryside is beautiful, the pubs are fantastic, and the baby lambs are just adorable! Key Topics[02:45] Suitcase fiasco, learning to drive on the left/right. [06:00] Connor Pass (aghhhhh!) [12:00] Dingle Town  [13:00] Ring of Kerry–The Irish Road Trip (map and guide) Kenmare is where the stone circle is, Torc Waterfall is what we missed, and Ladies View  was amazing (Derrycunnihy) [19:30] Hold a baby lamb, and sheep herding demonstrations  [25:00] Slea Head  Drive [31:20] Drive to Galway and ferry ride and the meltdown in Galway [13:15] Cliffs of Moher [41:25] Hop on Hop off bus  [42:35] Long Walk [44:00] Eyre Square, local markets  [45:00] Salt Hill [45:55] Latin Quarter and the pubs, buskers, shopping [47:00] Galic football in a pub  [48:08] What we loved [49:39] What we did not love (narrow roads) [51:40] What we want to do next time   Important Links To follow all of our antics and adventures, please visit our social media pages and our website at wwforus.com! You can send us a message at any of these places and feel free to email us at Wandering@wwforus.com Like what we are doing? Buy us a gin and tonic and help us keep going! InstagramFacebookTiktokYouTubeLooking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!Blog post for this episode: Driving the West of Ireland: Dingle and Galway Thanks to Everyone who has been so supportive!Special thanks to all of you who have listened, subscribed, followed us on social media and just took the time to say hello and tell us how much you enjoy our podcast and blog. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!! RESOURCES & LINKSSpecial shout outs to AL and Leanne of A Sideways Life that has given us so much help and support for the move. To Gal and Mayaan at Smoozitive with their love and support. Please check out their podcasts on Apple Podcasts  A Sideways Life website and podcastSmoozitive website (if you are moving abroad, these women are experts and will help you out!) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wandering-works-for-us/donations

    57 min
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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Wandering Works for Us is a travel and lifestyle podcast that explores life in Portugal, European adventures, and LGBTQ+ experiences abroad. Hosted by Shelley and Beth, a married couple who traded the U.S. for Portugal, each episode offers practical tips, cultural insights, and honest stories about expat life, slow travel, and making a home in a new country. Whether you're planning a move, dreaming of life abroad, or seeking authentic LGBTQ+ travel content, this podcast helps you navigate the journey with humor, heart, and real-world advice. Subscribe for weekly episodes filled with travel tips, cultural deep dives, interviews, and reflections on what it really means to live differently—and why wandering works for us.

Information

  • Creator
    Shelley Rohm
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Wandering Works for Us

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