Whenever I travel, I like to bring you along with me — not just for the destination, but for the quiet little routines and rituals that happen before the trip even begins.

In this vlog, I was getting ready for a late flight to mainland Portugal. This time, we were heading south to the Algarve, a region I love for its long coastline, dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear water. On this trip, Joen and I also planned to look at farmhouses, since we’ve been dreaming about owning a farm one day.

But before we could board the plane, there was a full day of preparation: coffee and cuddles with Lara, laundry, packing, errands, and of course, making sure Lara was travel-ready too.

Morning Rituals Before Travel

The day started as usual, even though a late flight was waiting for us. First came the most important part: coffee and cuddles with Lara. This time Joen joined too, which made it even cozier.

One of my pre-travel rituals is always making sure all the laundry is finished before leaving. It probably stems from the OCD I used to struggle with, but now it simply feels like a way to leave home with peace of mind. Having clean clothes drying in the sun means returning to a fresh start.

After Lara’s morning stroll, I gave her paws a quick clean and rewarded her with a “good girl” snack — another small routine that sets the tone for her day as well.

Then it was time for me to shower and do my hair. Many of you have asked about my hair routine, and honestly, I don’t do much. I wash twice, add conditioner, and once a week use a mask and purple conditioner to keep my highlights cool. Most days I let it air dry since it’s healthier that way, but before travel I usually style it so it looks neat for days.

Laundry, Hair Care, and Packing Light

With Joen taking Lara to the groomer, I could focus on packing our bags. I always make sure Lara doesn’t see the suitcases — she has a bit of separation anxiety and gets nervous if she thinks we’re leaving her behind.

This trip was just a week, with three different stops along the way, so we decided to pack light: only two small suitcases. Honestly, it’s more than enough. The biggest challenge is usually cosmetics, but most of my products are already in travel size, and the rest I planned to transfer into small containers.

I love packing — it feels like a game of Tetris, making everything fit just right. I even pack Joen’s suitcase too, which somehow makes me even more satisfied when it all comes together.

Meanwhile, I kept an eye on the last load of laundry. With the sunny weather, I was hoping it would dry before we left, so the house would feel fresh and tidy when we returned.

Errands Around Town

With the last laundry drying in the sun, I hopped on my scooter to run a few errands. It’s the easiest way to get around quickly and park anywhere.

My first stop was Lara’s vet to pick up her special kibble. She usually eats chicken and veggies, but ever since a bad food poisoning, her stomach has been a little sensitive. Mixing in the right kibble helps keep her balanced and healthy. Even though my Portuguese isn’t great, I always try to speak it at the vet — for me, it’s a matter of respect since we live in Portugal.

Next, I went looking for travel-sized versions of my hair products, but since the salon didn’t have them, I came up with a Plan B: buying small refill containers at Flying Tiger. I have to admit, I love that store — maybe because it’s Danish, and it feels a little like home.

I also treated myself to a quick coffee and a piece of chocolate before heading back. Along the way, I picked up a linen shirt and some chocolate as a small gift for the friends we’d be staying with in the Algarve.

Packing for Lara

Of course, Lara has her own travel bag. She may be small, but she comes with plenty of essentials. Into the bag went her snacks, passport, water bottle, ball, poop bags, and her favorite teddy bear. I also prepped seven portions of food so that mealtimes would be easy while traveling.

The bag itself is a little broken by now, but it’s practical — and most importantly, Lara loves it. For now, I kept it out of sight so she wouldn’t notice we were preparing to leave. She’s clever, and the sight of bags always makes her uneasy.

Final Touches at Home

Before closing the suitcase, I transferred my essentials into the new travel containers — my Elizabeth Arden body lotion (a favorite since I was 15), plus shampoo and conditioner.

With Lara still at the groomer, I had time to throw together a quick lunch by emptying the fridge. The result was a fresh feta and quinoa salad — simple, but just right before a travel day.

By then, my hair was finally dry, so I styled it into large waves. I love doing this before a trip, since the waves flatten out slowly and stay neat for days. Day one always looks the best.

I also watered the plants, giving them some love before leaving. I keep crystals in the pots and sometimes even talk to them — a little habit I inherited from my grandmother. It may seem silly, but to me, it feels grounding.

A bit of light cleaning followed — nothing big, just enough to make sure the home felt fresh for when we came back. And finally, it was time for chai tea, a daily tradition. Joen worked nearby while Lara and I snuggled, sharing a little biscuit together.

Heading to the Airport

As evening arrived, we changed clothes, grabbed our bags, and called an Uber for the 20-minute drive to the airport. Lara came along, of course, but before checking in, I took her for one last walk outside.

At check-in, Lara wasn’t too happy about being weighed on the belt, but otherwise she seemed to enjoy the airport. This particular airport is one of her favorites, and I can see why: it has a lovely outdoor area where dogs can play and humans can relax. Lara chased her ball happily while Joen, the airplane geek, tracked flights on his FlightRadar app.

I also stopped by a shop inside where the clothes on display reminded me of Women’s Golf Day — a little unexpected moment of déjà vu.

Being able to sit outside at an airport felt like a rare luxury. It made the wait for boarding so much easier, and it gave Lara time to burn some energy before the flight.

Flying to the Algarve

Before long, it was time to board. Lara had settled down so well she even dozed off in the back before takeoff. Once we were in the air, I felt that familiar sense of awe I always get when flying.

There’s something magical about watching the plane break through the clouds into open skies. The idea that humanity made this possible never fails to fascinate me. Looking out at the soft white clouds below and the glowing horizon ahead felt like a moment suspended in time.

Joen was just as happy — though his excitement was more about the technical side of aviation. He never misses a chance to check aircraft details and spot planes midair.

Lara soon made her way back onto my lap, perfectly calm and curious about the journey. And before we knew it, we had officially landed in the Algarve — ready to start a new chapter of this trip.

Closing Reflections

That wraps up a full day of pre-travel routines and flying from Madeira to southern Portugal. From laundry and packing games of “Tetris,” to chai time, errands, and Lara’s travel bag, these small rituals are what make travel days feel both grounding and exciting.

Thank you for coming along with me. I hope this glimpse into my travel day gives you both inspiration and comfort if you’re planning a trip yourself — especially if you’re traveling with a dog.

Until next time — hugs x