There’s a Portugal that most people never see. Not the tiled streets of Lisbon or the cliffs of the Algarve — beautiful as they are — but the quiet corners where life moves slowly.

I used to think travelling was about where you went. Then I realised it’s mostly about who you go with — or whether you go with anyone at all.

Let me tell you a story. Last year, I booked a last-minute trip to New York. Flights? Sky-high. Hotels? Even worse. But by sheer luck, I stumbled on a package deal that bundled everything – including Manchester Airport parking – and saved £200.