The Joy of Adventure: A Family Trip to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Lisbon

Exploring Lisbon's Wonders

A plane ticket, a few thousand friendship bracelets, and one very confused husband.

When Taylor Swift announced the European leg of the Eras Tour, I didn’t just jump online and grab tickets. I launched a full-scale research operation. Cities, dates, venues, prices—every variable was on the table. After some strategic sleuthing, Lisbon emerged like a rhinestoned cowboy boot in a sea of black boots. Not only was it one of the smallest venues in Europe, but the ticket prices were also a fraction of what you’d pay to sit in the rafters of a U.S. football stadium. Plus, I had been wanting to visit Portugal for years. In one perfectly logical, slightly impulsive decision—we were off to Lisbon.

Experiencing the Heart of the City

I can honestly say that it was one of the best experiences I’ve had, not just as a parent, but as a human being.

We spent our days immersing ourselves in the beauty of Lisbon. We wandered through its sun-soaked alleys, admired tiled facades, and took in scenic overlooks. We savored fresh seafood and indulged in more custard tarts than I care to admit. Navigating the winding hills was exhausting, but the breathtaking views made every breathless step worth it.

One of our adventures took us to Sintra. Its storybook castles perched on misty mountains could captivate anyone. We also spent an afternoon in Belém, marveling at the Jerónimos Monastery. Of course, we couldn’t resist snacking on pastéis de nata from the original bakery, which I’m still dreaming about.

In a moment of generous compromise, we even visited the Lisbon Oceanarium. This was lovingly planned by my husband, who had read about it and was determined to see the fish. Let’s just say, unless you have toddlers or a strong passion for marine life, you might feel free to skip that attraction.

The Concert: A Night to Remember

But then came the concert—the main event.

The electricity in the air that night was unreal. Thousands of fans filled the stadium, singing, crying, dancing, and exchanging bracelets in every direction. My daughter traded with girls from Germany, Italy, Argentina, and France. None of them spoke the same language, but they connected through their shared excitement, glitter, and lyrics. Watching her light up in that moment, surrounded by joy and a global community, was a feeling I’ll never forget.

Meanwhile, my sweet, slightly shell-shocked husband stood in the middle of it all. He was absolutely bombarded by the sound of thousands of teenage girls screaming the words of Cruel Summer directly into his ears. He didn’t know the lyrics, but he clapped at the right moments and beamed proudly at his daughter’s excitement. What a true MVP.

A European Adventure Awaits

Just when we thought this trip couldn’t get any better, we remembered: we were already in Europe.

So obviously, we had to keep going. That’s what you do when you’re across the Atlantic—you make the most of it. Off we went to explore more cities and more countries, turning one concert into an unforgettable multi-stop adventure. We hopped on trains, tasting local delicacies and exploring markets. Each new city added layers to our experience, enriching our memories together.

The Beauty of Adventure

That’s the beauty of saying “yes” to these kinds of opportunities.

It wasn’t just about Taylor. It was about bonding, discovery, spontaneity, and building shared memories. These experiences don’t come wrapped in boxes or posted on a to-do list. They become the stories we tell for years, the inside jokes we laugh about over dinner, and the priceless time spent together.

If you’re ever debating whether to dive into something that feels a bit wild but meaningful—do it. Whether it’s a concert, sporting event, food tour, or anything that brings your loved ones joy, take the leap. Get the passports. Buy the tickets. Say yes to the detours.

Because life moves fast. And moments like this? They don’t just happen. You make them. I promise—they're always worth it!

Remember, each adventure is a step into a world of excitement and joy. Embrace it!