Hi, I’m Mariana — a travel content creator from Portugal, passionate about crafting detailed travel itineraries and sharing insightful travel planning tips to help you explore the world with confidence.
But my love for travel didn’t hit me right away — it started as a small spark and slowly grew into a full-blown flame.
There’s something magical about stepping into the unknown — exploring new places, immersing myself in different cultures, and tasting dishes I can’t pronounce (but end up loving). That thrill? It became addictive.
Soon enough, I found myself craving that rush, planning trip after trip, and constantly dreaming about where to go next.
With so much of the world waiting to be explored, my travel list just keeps growing.
I’ve always been the kind of person who writes everything down — perfectly planned, and organized to the minute. So it’s no surprise that I quickly became the go-to person whenever someone needed help planning a trip.
While most people dread the logistics — flights, routes, timing, budgets — I love it. For me, planning a trip isn’t just part of the process… it’s part of the joy.
Friends and family started asking for my ready-to-go itineraries.
After hearing “you should start a blog” more times than I can count, I decided to go for it. That’s how A Ticket to Take Off was born — a space where I could share my passion for planning and help other travelers turn ideas into real, meaningful adventures.
My blog isn’t just about inspiration. It’s about making travel easier, smoother, and more intentional.
Here’s what you’ll find around here.
From weekend getaways to longer adventures, all packed with tips, maps, and transport info.
As a local, I share my favourite places in Portugal — from iconic sights to hidden gems that most travellers miss.
Budget tricks, packing hacks, and essential tools for smart travel planning.
Want to make sure you never miss a new itinerary or planning tip?
Join my travel community to receive exclusive itineraries, insider tips, and behind-the-scenes stories delivered straight to your inbox.
Want a closer look at my travels? Come say hi on Instagram @atickettotakeoff — I share behind-the-scenes moments, trip previews, and real-time travel tips.
