Suitcase Monkey

experience

“The World of Wine, or WOW Museum, is a cultural district offering multiple museum experiences, perfect for exploring Porto's heritage.”

experience

“A live Fado music show, a traditional Portuguese experience, often enjoyed with a glass of Port wine.”

experiencePartnership likely

“Without question though, it’s the Pont Luis that really makes the most notable statement of all. Open in 1886, it operates over 2 levels; the lower deck carrying cars and the upper deck, its metro line, with pedestrians crossing both. There aren’t many bridges I’ve seen in person that are not only tall in height but also placed so much higher from eye level, adding to its striking presence.”

experiencePartnership likely

“Coming from the Arabic word for polished stone, the most impressive example was this, the Chapel of Souls. Unlike some churches in the city, this one is free to enter whereas you can sometimes expect a small fee, sometimes €2 to €5.”

cafePartnership likely

“But, even without this connection, the Majestic Cafe does live up to its name through its decoration and style, and we found it a great place for a quick bite at breakfast or lunch. It is a little pricey but its architecture and small spot in literature history made for an easy win to get the day started.”

day trip

“A genuine Douro wine tour with lunch and a river cruise, offering an immersive experience in the Douro Region for wine tasting.”

hotel

“The hotel we stayed in, rated 'Superb', offering comfortable accommodation in Porto.”

experience

“The historic Porto Cathedral, a significant religious landmark in the city.”

experience

“The famous Livraria Lello bookstore, known for its stunning architecture and literary history.”

experience

“The iconic Torre dos Clérigos, a must-visit landmark in Porto, offering panoramic views of the city.”

cafe

“Good Brunch cafe: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JY5Z2aJghsFKvA1k7”

restaurant

“a westernstyle main course will be anywhere from 60,000 up to 200,000, which was the most I spent for this steak.”

outdoor adventure

“Much more peaceful though was Moana Beach, possibly the nicest sand that we found. And this time, we had it all to ourselves.”

experience

“my all-time favorite sunset experience... What I enjoyed most about this lookout was the abundance of everyday activity happening in every direction, all on top of everchanging shadows as you move from one location to the next. We were slowly moving away from the main hotspot area, but there is also a bit of a festival vibe here. So there's a really good energy in the air. It's only a 20-minut drive from Couta, so definitely is worth a visit if you're in the area.”

hotelPartnership likely

“Alternative hotel closer to Kuta town: https://www.booking.com/hotel/id/jivana-resort.en.html”

outdoor adventure

“Salong Balanac is one of the most visited beaches in Lombok. Mostly popular for beginners learning to surf.”

restaurant

“Sharing its space with a full-on yoga retreat, this hillside restaurant not only channeled some nearby zen vibes, but gave us our best lookout yet of Couta from high above. The food here was also unique and flavorful. all locally sourced and with a constantly changing menu to keep everything fresh and in season.”

restaurant

“this pizza place is super popular. So go here if you're in need of some cheese.”

resortPartnership likely

“Our second stay, was a much larger hotel resort, and again in terms of the facilities and staff, ticked all our boxes, without the price getting too crazy for what it was.… But it was our room here that we particularly loved, easily our favourite of the entire stay.”

resortPartnership likely

“Nusa Dua luxury alternative: https://www.booking.com/hotel/id/the-laguna-a-luxury-collection-resort.en.html”

hotelPartnership likely

“The first was in more intimate, cozy villa setting. The grounds here were small but really well laid out, along with the usual top notch Bali service, and it was just so nice to finally take a breather…”

outdoor adventurePartnership likely

“This 3 hour electric bike tour was also one of our top Bali highlights. Our excellent guide Kadeck showed off various stopping points in and around Ubuds most popular local rice field - Tegallalang. It’s also here, where you can recreate THAT infamous shot… The giant Bali swing photo.”

hotelPartnership likely

“our accommodation formed part of one so it always felt like a homely return. Coupled with a nice pool for cooling off, and this peaceful balcony where breakfast was served, it was a good price for what it was. It was also nestled on this quiet street, just a few minutes from Ubuds most popular roads, and was a great base for some of the towns biggest sights…”

hotelPartnership likely

“Ubud alternative luxury hotel: https://www.booking.com/hotel/id/the-ubud-village-resort.en.html”

outdoor adventurePartnership likely

“The good news is that the main reason we were here, the Mount Batur hike, was fly free. ... After a hundred minutes of walking, 2000 feet of sometimes steep elevation gain and all done in a pair of socks and sandals, the summit did feel like a worthy achievement. The hike is difficult enough that the average person will feel tested, but still manageable enough for the vast majority. Which is why it's Balis most popular hike, and although it was busy, it never felt too crowded that it became an issue. Even though I’d still recommend this hike...”

hotelPartnership likely

“this view never gets old and was even more peaceful from our accommodation. With an incredibly kind family looking after us, again the room itself was basic, but the wake ups like a dream…”

hotelPartnership likely

“booked a stay in this pleasant, affordable hotel, right on the edge. This put us away from the noise, but still a short walk from the indulgence of trendy shops, restaurants and cafes.”

hotelPartnership likely

“Canggu Luxury alternative: https://www.booking.com/hotel/id/chesa-canggu.en.html”

outdoor adventure

“The impressive double hitter of Banang Stokal and Banang Calamu waterfalls is one of Lombok's most popular natural landmarks.”

experiencePartnership likely

“The Ulun Danu Beratan Temple dates back almost 400 years. One of Balis most iconic and scenic sights, it’s dedicated to the water goddess Dewi Danu. Although, this is undoubtedly the postcard shot, the surrounding compound will probably take up most of your time. Its high elevation not only lowers the temperature to a pleasant level, but its grounds are enjoyable enough to walk around with Balinese dance and music echoing throughout. Since this is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island, I’d say this is a must visit stop, especially if it isn’t too far from your chosen path.”

experiencePartnership likely

“If you want a free version for views, then the Jardim do Morro itself is a great place to relax and again take in some live music. Or for an even higher viewing platform, head up to this former monastery, dating back to the 1500s. Come the evening, this whole area is THE place to be though if you want to catch the suns grand finale over Porto…”