In this Voices of Kinship episode, Paula Alves of Portugal by TravelTailors shares the story behind her Lisbon based DMC and why Portugal's living traditions sit at the heart of every journey her team designs. She explains how advisors can help clients meet the people behind Portugal's crafts, food and festivals, and go beyond the obvious.

What you will learn

• Paula's story, from childhood summers in her grandparents' villages in rural northern Portugal to building Portugal by TravelTailors

• What defines Portuguese culture, and why so much of it lives outside the big cities

• The traditions of the North, including Porto, the Douro Valley and Viana do Castelo

• What "touristy" really means, and how to help clients tell the popular apart from the inauthentic

• Why working with family run businesses and artisans matters, and why, in her words, "things cost what they need to cost"

• Experiences such as grape treading at harvest time, filigree workshops and cooking with local hosts

• The regions she would send clients to next, from the Minho and the interior centre to the Alentejo and the islands

Who is speaking

Paula Alves was born in Portugal, raised in the United States and studied at the University of Coimbra. She is interviewed by Kelly Tolliday, Managing Director of Travel Kinship.

About Portugal by TravelTailors

Portugal by TravelTailors is a Lisbon based boutique DMC creating tailor made journeys across mainland Portugal, Madeira and the Azores, built on long standing relationships with local artisans, producers and hotels. Travel Kinship represents Portugal by TravelTailors to travel advisors. Discover Portugal by TravelTailors or contact Travel Kinship for an introduction.