Here’s what you need to think about: your transmission (manual or automatic), size of car (think small), highway tolls (yes, get the transponder), a GPS (especially in villages).

Yes, people visit the Majestic Café for the stunning art nouveau interior, but for many it has more to do with J.K. Rowling drinking and writing at these tables. How about you?

Start with loads of sunshine, add the friendly people, great food (especially the custard tarts), bargain-priced wine and overall affordability, and you have lots of reasons for visiting Lisbon.

Two concepts to help you plan your travel: the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku or “forest bathing”, and “blue mind” which promotes the benefits of being near water. Are they for you?

We’ve been to Paris many times. Take advantage of our experience and connections to have a wonderful time in the City of Light. Maybe it will become one of your favorites too.

Planning your next trip? Use Pinterest to help you uncover insider websites you won’t find using Google. Then save them in Evernote for handy reference.

We were tired coming into Valladolid. But a great hotel perked us up. Also, the Casa de Los Venados house and Ek Balam ruins were spectacular – not to be missed.

Uxmal is one of the Yucatan’s most beautiful Mayan sites. Even better, within a short drive are another four Mayan ruins. Come along. We visited them all.