I recently had the opportunity to travel to Portugal on a training tour organized by Education First (EF), designed to prepare educators for future student travel. While Portugal itself was a delightful surprise, the experience was elevated by the professionalism, organization, and thoughtful planning of the company behind the journey.Portugal was not always on my bucket list. In fact, when choosing destinations for a summer training tour, it simply stood out as the one place I had not yet explored. With travel planning aligning more easily in the summer, I set off without grand expectations, just a hope that I would uncover one key insight to help me prepare for future student travel.What I found was far more than just a takeaway. I discovered a country that quietly charmed me with its warmth, beauty, and ease.Lisbon surprised me. Its laid-back rhythm, friendly locals, and sun-drenched streets made it instantly likable. But it was Sintra that truly stole my heart. Nestled in the hills and brimming with fairytale architecture, Sintra felt like stepping into another world. I could have spent days wandering its palaces and gardens, and I know I will be back.One unexpected delight was the pastel de Belém. I savored every bite of this creamy, flaky custard tart and talked about it all summer long. It is rare to find a dessert that lingers in your memory like that - Portugal gave me one.I had been looking forward to visiting Pink Street, especially seeing the bright umbrellas overhead. Ironically, I completely forgot about it while I was there. But that is just another reason for returning and next time, I will not miss it.One of the more amusing moments came during a walk along the eastern edge of the Atlantic Ocean. A fellow traveler from Ontario remarked how cold the water was and would not go swimming. As someone from the Atlantic provinces, I could not help but smile - Portugal’s waters were balmy compared to home.The locals were incredibly welcoming. One shopkeeper was genuinely curious about Canada and struck up a lovely conversation while I browsed. That kind of openness and warmth was a theme throughout the trip.Portugal’s calm energy, manageable traffic, and relaxed pace made it feel like a place where time stretches gently. It is not just a destination; it is a mood.Would I go back? Absolutely. In fact, I am seriously considering spending a couple of winter months there, exploring more of the countryside, connecting with locals, and revisiting the places that made this trip so special: Sintra, Cascais, and Lisbon.From the moment we arrived, everything ran smoothly. The accommodation was comfortable and well-located, transportation was timely and efficient, and the itinerary struck a great balance between structured activities and free time. It was clear that the company had deep experience in managing group travel, and that gave me confidence in their ability to oversee student tours with care and precision.As a training tour, the experience was incredibly valuable. I appreciated the opportunity to see firsthand how student travel might unfold, from navigating group dynamics to managing schedules and safety. The company provided useful insights and practical tips throughout the trip, helping me think more critically about how to support students while abroad.The itinerary was not about sightseeing—it was curated to offer meaningful cultural experiences. Whether it was exploring the historic charm of Sintra, tasting local delicacies like pastel de Belém, or engaging with locals, the tour encouraged genuine connection with the destination.The tour leaders were knowledgeable, approachable, and always available to answer questions or offer guidance. Their passion for travel and education was evident, and they created a welcoming environment that made the experience enjoyable and stress-free.Traveling with EF was a positive and enriching experience. Not only did I come away with a deeper appreciation for Portugal, but I also gained confidence and clarity about leading my future student trips. I would absolutely recommend this company to other educators considering international travel programs and I look forward to collaborating with them again.One area I felt could be improved was group connection. While we had many shared experiences, I would have appreciated a dedicated moment early in the tour for everyone to formally introduce themselves. A simple group icebreaker or welcome session focused on introductions would have helped foster stronger connections from the start, especially for a training tour where collaboration and shared learning are key.Smooth, enriching, well-planned an inspiring prep for future student travel.
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