Wanderlust Chronicles: Conversations with Adventurers

Rita and Luís are a dynamic couple from Portugal with an insatiable passion for travel. Alongside them on their adventures is their adorable three-year-old daughter, Luz Alegre. Together, they form a trio of explorers with a unique and ambitious dream: to take Luz to every country in the world before she turns ten.

Meet the World4locals Family: A Journey Around the World

Rita and Luís have always been passionate travelers. When Luz was born, they knew they wanted her to grow up with a broad perspective of the world. “Traveling exposes her to different cultures, languages, and ways of life, which we believe is invaluable,” says Rita. This belief has driven them to embark on countless adventures, ensuring Luz experiences the world’s diversity firsthand.

Despite their extensive travels, there are still places Rita and Luís dream of visiting. “We are both passionate about Asia and would love to discover Bhutan because it only opened its doors to tourists a few years ago, so it’s still pretty raw. Also, Tibet because of Buddhism. We also want to discover Australia and New Zealand because of their nature and landscapes,” Rita explains. These destinations are high on their bucket list, promising new adventures and discoveries.

Rita and Luis encourage other parents to take the plunge and travel with their children. “Start with shorter trips to get a feel for it,” they advise. The World4locals family’s journey is a testament to the enriching experiences that travel can offer, even for the youngest of adventurers.

Nicaragua and El Salvador pleasantly surprised them with their captivating charm. Despite their reputation for being dangerous, they found both countries to be incredibly inviting. The raw nature, friendly people, delicious food, intense landscapes, volcanoes, waterfalls, islands, and beaches left a lasting impression on them.

One of the most memorable moments of their travels was in Peru, at Machu Picchu. Rita recalls, “It was the day Luís surprised me and proposed. It was a very emotional and unexpected day. We walked almost all the way from Cusco to Machu Picchu, with Luz on our backs, so it was intense. We were delighted with the final view of Machu Picchu at sunrise, and all of a sudden, he proposed.” This magical moment was the culmination of a two year-journey along the Panamericana, from the USA to Argentina, which they had just completed a month prior.

According with Rita and Luis travel has profoundly changed their perspective on life:

It has made us enjoy each day more, respect everyone and every culture, and appreciate the blessings and opportunities we were born with. We’ve witnessed many different realities, from people struggling to those living in poverty. Travel is our fuel for life; experiencing new places, engaging with different cultures, and embracing their customs and food is our oxygen. There’s nothing like the freedom of traveling and discovering the world. Our favorite place so far has been the Amazon forest, where we felt most alive and connected with nature, Pachamama, and the indigenous people. It was the most wonderful and emotional moment of our travels.

The Dream

The World4locals family’s ultimate goal is to visit every country on the globe before Luz’s tenth birthday. It’s a lofty ambition, but one that they are determined to achieve. They believe that this journey will not only create unforgettable memories but also instill in Luz a deep appreciation for the world’s diversity and beauty.

The World4locals family’s story is one of love, adventure, and the pursuit of dreams. Their journey around the world is not just about visiting new places but about creating lasting memories and instilling a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world’s diversity in their daughter, Luz.

Stay tuned for more updates from the World4locals family as they continue their quest to see the world through the eyes of their young daughter, Luz. They share their tips and tricks on their Instagram account, offering advice to other families who dream of traveling the world with their little ones.

What do you think of their journey so far? Would you like to follow their adventures?