Why Portugal, Spain & Morocco Are at the Top of My Bucket List ✨

Travel has always been about more than just checking places off a list for me — it’s about soaking in the cultures, the food, the little everyday moments that make each place come alive. That’s why I am beyond excited to finally bring three destinations together that have been on my personal bucket list for years: Portugal, Spain, and Morocco.

🇵🇹 Portugal: Brunches, Charm & Coastal Living

Everyone talks about Lisbon’s charm — the tiled streets, the historic trams, the golden light on the river — but you know what I keep hearing about most? The brunch culture. 🥐☕

Lisbon is known for its cozy cafés and modern brunch spots, where you can linger over coffee, fresh pastries, and plates piled high with eggs, avocado, and seasonal fruits. It feels like the perfect mix of European tradition with a laid-back, family-friendly vibe. Add to that the day trips to Sintra’s storybook castles and Cascais’ coastal beaches, and I can already picture it: mornings filled with food and conversation, afternoons spent wandering and exploring.

And Porto? Don’t even get me started. That riverside charm, the Douro Valley, the vintage trams — it’s the kind of city that feels like a step back in time, with plenty for adults and kids to enjoy.

Where Families Feel at Home

Lisbon’s cozy cafés, Porto’s riverside charm, and warm, welcoming locals make Portugal one of the most family-friendly destinations in Europe.

🇪🇸 Spain: Tapas, Plazas & Flamenco Nights

If Portugal is about brunch, Spain is all about tapas. 🥘

I can’t wait to savor plates of patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, olives, and seafood, hopping from spot to spot the way locals do. Food in Spain is as much about the social experience as it is about the flavors, and I love that.

But beyond the food, I’m excited for the plazas — those big open squares in cities like Seville and Barcelona where families gather, kids run and play, and music floats through the air. Seville especially feels like a city that dances to its own rhythm, with flamenco shows and Moorish architecture making every corner feel like a celebration.

Living History in Every Stone

From Gaudí’s whimsical creations in Barcelona to the Moorish arches of Seville, Spain’s architecture blends centuries of culture into one breathtaking canvas.

🇲🇦 Morocco: A Culture We Already Love, in a Whole New Way

After our time in Egypt, I know just how much I adore the warmth, vibrancy, and hospitality of Arab culture. And every single person I’ve talked to who’s been to Morocco has said the same thing: they fell in love with it.

From the souks of Marrakech to the ancient medinas of Fes, Morocco promises an atmosphere that feels both familiar and brand new. I’m excited for the colors, the crafts, the call to prayer echoing in the air, and the chance to share this experience with my family and with future Cultured Compass travelers.

It feels like a natural extension of what I already love about travel — that blend of history, hospitality, and sensory experiences that stick with you long after the trip is over.

A World of Color and Craft

From Marrakech’s vibrant souks to Fes’s ancient medina, Morocco is a sensory journey of intricate design, rich traditions, and unforgettable hospitality.

Why I Saved These Trips for After Kids 👶✈️

I’ll be honest: I could have gone to Spain and Portugal earlier in life, but I intentionally saved them for post-kids travel. Both countries are known for being incredibly family-friendly — from late-night plazas where children play alongside locals, to casual dining where little ones are welcome at the table. They just fit our family’s travel style perfectly.

Of course, like any bustling European city, they come with a friendly reminder: watch out for pickpockets 😉 — but even that feels like part of the adventure!

Counting Down to 2027 🌍

Brunch in Lisbon, tapas in Spain’s plazas, and souks in Morocco — these three destinations feel like they belong together, like pieces of a puzzle I’ve been waiting to put in place.

That’s why I’m so thrilled that Portugal, Spain, and Morocco are officially part of our Cultured Compass Collective Trips in 2027. I don’t just want to visit — I want to experience them, and I want you to be there too.

Because travel isn’t just about where we go — it’s about how we go, and who we share it with. 💛

✨ Ready to Join Us?

Are you going to join us in 2027? ✈️ Pre-register your interest now for the trips that spark your wanderlust and start building your own travel “village.” 💛

With Cultured Compass Collective, you don’t just book a trip — you join a community. Families, couples, and friends come together to share meals, explore new cultures, and create memories side-by-side. It’s travel made easier, richer, and more connected.

Click here to pre-register your interest and be the first to hear when spots open up!