Julie Dawn Fox overlooking the Mondego River in Penacova, Portugal
Meet Julie Dawn Fox, your outsider on the inside. Award-winning Portugal blogger and contributor to DK EyeWitness Travel Guides to Lisbon, Portugal and Europe plus publications like the Huffington Post and Ritz-Carlton Magazine.

How I came to know and love Portugal

Originally from the UK, I lived in several countries including Spain, Tanzania and Venezuela and travelled to over 30 others before making Portugal my home in 2007.

After moving to Coimbra in Central Portugal I quickly fell in love in more ways than one. I met Mike, who is now my husband, adopted a dog and put down roots in a tiny village in central Portugal.

Finally settled in a place I adore, my wanderlust and curiosity remained so I began exploring Portugal in earnest.

Travelling Portugal

Over the past 16 years, I’ve spent time exploring every region in Portugal, although I am forever adding to my wish list and revisiting old favourites.

Much as I enjoy Portuguese cities, I get a real kick from searching out the hidden treasures and try to avoid touristy places and experiences. I am quite at home in the traditional hillside villages of ancient stone cottages, medieval towns with fascinating histories and crumbling castles, walking trails through unspoilt countryside and wild swimming at river beaches.

I’ve spent countless days and weeks researching destinations and logistics and creating itineraries for travelling alone or with my husband, relatives and friends as well as for my clients and readers.

In doing so, I quickly realised how tricky it can be to find reliable, practical information. Sharing my findings on my blog is my way of making it easier for you to get off-the-beaten-track and maximise your precious time in Portugal.

Thanks for your wonderfully informative website on Portugal.  My husband and I just arrived back in Australia after having spent 3 weeks in Portugal.  And it was a fabulous! A mix of National Parks, cities, small villages, mountains and the ocean.

From your website we included the following places in our itinerary:

  • A highlight was staying in the Peneda Geres National Park at Pitoes das Junias for 2 nights and Braga which was very beautiful.
  • 5 nights in the Douro Valley – absolutely wonderful. 
  • Aveiro – loved the painted houses at Costa Nova.  Life was great at the beach at Barra.
  • Piodao and Foz d’Egua – wonderful scenery to interesting locations.
  • Sortelha – the castle and preserved medieval village – another highlight.

So just wanted to email to say thank you for a terrific website – we had a wonderful time because of it!” – Theresa Goodman

Writing about Portugal

When I began sharing my Portugal experiences on my blog and writing about Portugal for other publications back in 2011, my trips gained purpose. I made detailed notes, learned how to take better photos and researched local history and facts so that I could be confident that the information I was sharing was accurate and up to date at the time of publication.

I published my first ebook, Money Saving Tips For Travel In Portugal in 2015 and have contributed to other major guidebooks such as the DK EyeWitness Travel Guides to Lisbon, Portugal and Europe and been contracted to write destination pieces and itineraries for various print and online publications.

I’ve also created a self-guided walking tour of Porto and a GPS audio guided tour of Lisbon.

Over the years, I’ve got to know the country, its people, food and customs well and am on a constant quest to learn more. Some of my Portuguese readers say I know their country better than they do!

Award-winning Portugal travel blog!

In 2018, my blog was voted Best Travel Blog in Portugal in the annual travel blogging awards organised by BTL, Portugal’s largest travel industry event.

Winner Best Travel Blog Chosen By The Public. BTL Blogger Travel Awards 2018
“Best Travel Blog Chosen By The Public”, BTL Travel Blogger Awards 2018

Speaker at WITS Europe

I was proud to have the opportunity to share my experiences of building a successful destination specific travel blog at the Women In Travel Summit in Riga, Lativa in November 2019.

Julie Dawn Fox WITS presenter badge
Presenter at WITS Europe in Riga, Latvia


What does this mean for you?

Portugal has so much to offer beyond the obvious tourist destinations and I want to encourage you to see for yourself what makes it special.

That doesn’t mean I’m going to wax lyrical about unworthy experiences. I take a “tell it like it is” approach so while I don’t go out of my way to find fault or focus on negatives, my aim is to be candid with you. My reputation is at stake here, too!

Most of my experiences have been fun and rewarding although there have been disappointments and mistakes along the way. I’ve learned from these and can help you avoid wasting your limited time when planning a trip to Portugal.

Help with your Portugal trip planning

If you need support with your Portugal itinerary, I can help in several ways, from carefully designed, fully managed itineraries to customised advice and tours.

I know which places are worth visiting and which could be skipped if time is limited.

My understanding of the logistics involved in getting from A to B can lead to a more efficient itinerary. Why waste time in transit when you could be enjoying spectacular views or exploring a charming old town?

If you’re looking for a special place to stay, a cosy restaurant for a romantic meal or a winery with the personal touch, chances are I can recommend the perfect spot.

As well as the 300+ articles and other resources on my blog, I’ve amassed a vast library of information about travel in Portugal.  I’ve also built a network of contacts in the tourism sector in Portugal so I know who to ask for help or advice, in English or Portuguese.

If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, I probably can.

“Julie, I have thoroughly enjoyed all of your emails and your links to various posts and blogs on your website. I find your website and your many different writings to be very well written, very insightful and above all just entertaining to read. There is a wealth of useful information in them as well. I have to admit your emails are one of the few things that I subscribe to that I love see in my inbox. I am very impressed with your site.” – Michael Guest

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