How To Keep The Learning When Travelling
Following on the first days in Portugal post I had to make a point about learning when travelling.
Learning doesn’t stop just because we have swapped our kitchen table for a café in Lisbon or a trip to the nearest beach here in Portugal. In fact, I’d argue it gets richer. Geography lessons come alive when you’re literally walking the streets of a new city. History isn’t just a date in a book—it’s a castle your kids can climb. Maths? That’s working out the cost of gelato in euros before Dad eats half of it.
For us, homeschooling while travelling is about keeping it light, flexible, and fun. No heavy textbooks, no rigid timetables—just curiosity leading the way. Sometimes it’s as simple as:
👉 Following a map through winding cobblestone streets (orienteering and geography!).
👉 Tasting a custard tart in Portugal and guessing the ingredients (science and culture!).
👉 Counting seashells on the beach and turning it into multiplication practice (curiosity and maths!).
So if you’re wondering “How do homeschoolers actually keep up the learning when travelling?”, the answer is: you don’t force it. You live it. And trust me, the lessons that come from missed trains, funny food discoveries, and unexpected adventures are the ones your kids will never forget.
🏡 Settling into Lourinhã: Our Second Step in Portugal
We’ve now arrived in Lourinhã, and it already feels like the perfect spot for families. Renting a house with a private pool has been such a gift. With three kids, flexibility is everything. Not worrying about exact meal times or strict check-in schedules makes the days flow more smoothly. Plus, having a heated pool? Honestly, it’s a little luxury but one I wouldn’t trade—especially when the kids can jump in first thing in the morning without freezing!
Lourinhã itself has so much to offer. The Dino Park is a must—life-size dinosaur models, interactive exhibits, and a chance for the kids to feel like real explorers. Beyond that, the area is full of outdoor adventures: beaches for sandcastles and surfing, trails for little hikes, and plenty of local cafés where we’ve been practicing our Portuguese greetings (and enjoying pastéis de nata, of course).
📚 Learning when travelling: Some Homemade Resources
I find it very useful to have a few books laying out there for when we are unwinding or chilling by the pool or driving a little further or simply waiting to be served so to keep things fun and more structured, I’ve been creating and using a few resources that help anchor our days. I catered for these resources myself! It’s all made with love a lot of research and with my kids need and what they like in mind. So I thank you in advance for just having a look, ordering or telling me what you think or want for your children.
👉 One of my favourites is this Seasons Activity Book
It’s filled with hands-on activities that help children understand the rhythms of nature—perfect for autumn when leaves are falling in Cavan or when we’re noticing how September feels warmer and sunnier here in Portugal. It blends art, science, and observation in a way that works beautifully for homeschooling families. I love that the kids can colour, write, and reflect while also paying attention to the world right outside the window (or poolside in our case!).
👉 Another gem is this Travel Activity Book
Long flights, car rides, or just a quiet afternoon are so much easier when kids have something engaging to do. This book is packed with puzzles, drawing prompts, and travel-themed challenges that spark creativity and critical thinking. It turns “downtime” into learning time without feeling like schoolwork—exactly what you want on holidays.
👉 For adults this Gratitude Journal
I don’t know about you, but my brain never stops. Between homeschooling lessons, planning trips, keeping track of birthdays, and trying to remember if we actually packed the sunscreen, I need a space where I can dump it all out. That’s where my journal comes in—my little lifeline of scribbles, doodles, and half-baked plans.
The beauty of journaling is that it works for everyone. You don’t have to be a writer. You don’t have to have neat handwriting (mine is usually a mess). You just need the desire to capture a thought before it slips away.
✨ Here’s what makes this journal so special:
- Dream – use it to scribble down your big ideas. Family trip bucket lists, seasonal homeschooling themes, or that wild plan to build a treehouse in the garden.
- Plan – turn those dreams into action. Write daily homeschool schedules, shopping lists, or even your meal prep for the week.
- Do – track what you’ve actually accomplished. Some days that means a full maths lesson and a forest walk… other days it just means “everyone brushed their teeth.” Both are worth celebrating.
And the best part? It’s not just a notebook. It’s a space for you. A place to doodle when you’re bored, to jot down your child’s funny one-liners, or to reflect on a moment of peace while sipping coffee in the morning.
To sum up: these are my must have on this trip:
✨ What’s Next?
I’ll be pulling together our Week 6 homeschool planner by Sunday (or Monday at the latest). In the meantime, we’re making the most of our holiday rhythm: balancing learning with lounging, history with swimming, and plenty of Portuguese pastries in between. For those who missed it, here is our free week 5 planner.
Stay tuned—I’ll also share the full details of where we stayed, how much it all cost, and the little tips that made our family trip smoother. For now, we’re simply enjoying the sunshine, freedom, and joy that homeschooling on the road brings.
