About
Me
Greetings, fellow travellers!
My name is Marga, an explorer who has travelled the globe for over two decades. Throughout my journey, I've embarked upon awe-inspiring trips, visiting extraordinary destinations and immersing myself in diverse cultures.
Ah, but then fate intervened, as it so often does. Perhaps you, too, are familiar with that whimsical sensation when love comes a-knocking. It happened to me during my first visit to Portugal. The fabulous cuisine, the friendly locals, and the stunning beaches all conspired to cast an enchanting spell upon me. It was an affair that simply couldn't be denied.
And so, in 2021, I took the plunge and made Portugal my newfound home. Discover Portugal was born the year after as I slowly started discovering Portugal. I love unknown places away from tourist sites, and on this blog, you'll find the must-see attractions and many hidden gems I encounter. So if you travel to Portugal, I hope you'll find your inspiration here!
How it all began
The story
I come from a charming city in Friesland, nestled within the flat landscapes of The Netherlands (hello, lakes and bicycles!). Even in my childhood, my curiosity about the world ignited my desire to explore. And thus, the travel bug within me was born! After a study in tourism in Amsterdam, I embarked upon a chapter as an international flight attendant. For a span of eight years, I spread my wings, both in The Netherlands and the United Kingdom, discovering the world and embracing diverse cultures.
It was during this period that my love affair with photography started. Armed with my first camera, I wanted to capture the world’s beauty. I started working as a wedding photographer in Ireland, worked for several tech companies and moved to Germany after seven years. But slowly, I began crafting the life of my dreams, as an office job never felt suitable for me.
After capturing weddings for several years, I established photoshoots with tourists in Berlin (now in Lisbon), a venture allowing me to capture vacationers’ joyous moments. Additionally, I started writing content for travel companies. After six years in Berlin, I moved to Portugal, where I continued to write and work as a photographer.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities to venture far and wide. In essence, my journey has been a kaleidoscope of experiences! I’ve been fortunate enough to have experienced over 65 countries firsthand. And this background fuels my ability to share captivating tales of diverse destinations for my clients. With all this in my pocket, I started my own travel website Discover Portugal in 2022.
My travel philosophy
I once flitted from place to place at the speed of light. The physical time on location was limited, especially when I was working as a flight attendant. Nowadays, I relish the art of savouring every moment, embracing a more unhurried pace. Also, as an introverted extrovert, I prefer nature over busy cities and jam-packed attractions.
I enjoy discovering hidden treasures, street art and forgotten places on my trips. Nothing beats hanging out with locals and finding quirky shops, coffee bars, lively local markets and restaurants. Each journey is an opportunity for adventure, and I am particularly drawn to lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path spots that remain uncharted by the masses. Slow travel is terrific if you’re in the position to do so, and sustainability holds a prominent place in my travel ethos. Whenever feasible, I opt for eco-conscious modes of transportation such as buses or trains, aligning my journeys with a more significant commitment to minimising environmental impact.
Work life
Since 2012 I have worked as a professional photographer, and I’ve worked mainly in the wedding and tourism industry. I love capturing special moments and creating memories for my clients. Want to know more about the tours in Lisbon? Please have a look here, and maybe we’ll meet when you visit the city!
In 2019 I started working as a travel writer, and I work primarily with other bloggers and businesses in the tourism field.
I help service-based businesses and creative entrepreneurs with blog posts, case studies, email marketing and website content. This allows companies to grow a business, generate sales, inspire an audience and generate more organic website traffic. If you’d like more information or if you need some help? Please have a look at my writing work and send me a message.
Values
When we embark on the magnificent travel journey, we unlock profound opportunities for self-discovery and a deeper understanding of the world around us. Travelling is an excellent opportunity to learn from other people, different cultures and traditions. It creates a new awareness and appreciation, a transformative experience. The world really is like a classroom!
Though it may sound cliché, my approach to travel centres around leaving behind nothing but footprints and capturing moments through the lens of my camera. I strive to minimise any disruptive impact and support local establishments, including restaurants, guides, and hotels.
In essence, my travel philosophy weaves together the threads of sustainability, cultural appreciation, and responsible exploration. By embracing this conscious mindset, we can leave a legacy of enriched experiences for generations to come.
Some things I try to live by:
✓ Trying to learn from travels and experiences
✓ Respect the locals and immerse in new cultures
✓ Support local businesses and locally made handicrafts
✓ Leave only footsteps behind
✓ Experiencing a place rather than seeing it
✓ Travel is not a competition
✓ Give back where possible
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover."