Mildred Balzac-Alvarez

Travel Advisor

She/Her

Expertise

Portugal,
Puerto Rico,
Family Travel,
Off-the-Beaten Path

About

Off-the-beaten-path enthusiast and travel guide to two curious kids. An island girl at heart, living in the DC area, daydreaming of my days exploring Portugal.

Home airports

IAD for utmost convenience. BWI for deals. DCA for anything in between.

My travel style

Living in a small town in Portugal for six years, I became immersed in their culture, first out of necessity, then out of curiosity. Soon enough, I realized that approaching family travel with each member's interest opens paths even in the most remote places. I love a culinary experience that leads to meeting people and knowing their stories. Driven by my taste buds, you'll find me finding what to do around good places to eat and finding activities to share authentic experiences with my family.

Favorite hotels

Palácio das Especiarias

Elegant property in the heart of Lisbon's historic Chiado area with luxe rooms and suites.

Senhora da Rosa

Intimate boutique hotel surrounded and inspired by nature with quaint rooms.

66 Guldsmeden

Contemporary French-colonial inspired hotel with modest rooms and suites.

Recently returned from:

Strolling in Lisbon.
Wine tasting in Middleburg, VA.
Neighborhood-hopping in DC.
Exploring Puerto Rico.

Dreaming of:

Island-hopping around Australia and New Zealand.
Beating the cold in Alaska and Iceland.
Eating my way through Portugal.
Listening to the sound of the waves in Puerto Rico.

One thing I can't travel without...

Wet wipes.

Two truths, one lie:

I saw Oscar Wilde's ghost after kissing the Blarney Stone.
I was trapped in a store and was not allowed to leave until I bought salt and pepper shakers in Jamaica.
I left my wallet at a New York City public bus and found it.

Travel Advisor