Getting the chance to visit Portugal, enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you explore this beautiful sun kissed country, is an opportunity that should never be missed. Which makes planning a trip to Portugal an important task. Fortunately, this handy guide contains some of the best recommendations to ensure you and your fellow travellers can plan the most amazing Portugal trip ever. So, what are you waiting for? Read on to discover more and start organizing your dream vacation today.
Be Prepared
It’s absolutely essential to ensure you’re well-prepared for a trip to Portugal. Make sure you have your passport and visa up-to-date, and research whether your country is eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. You can read common faqs here. This program allows citizens of certain countries to enter Portugal without needing a prior visa. However, it only applies for stays of 90 days or less.
It’s also important to check if you need any vaccinations, purchase comprehensive travel insurance and make copies of important documents in case of theft or loss. Additionally, it’s strongly recommended that travellers take out some local currency before they arrive in Portugal as it may be difficult to find ATMs in more rural areas.
Getting There
Situated between the vibrant country of Spain and the vast open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal isn’t always the easiest place to get to. Especially if you’re traveling from far away. So it’s best to look into your options well in advance in order to plan your trip accordingly. If you plan on visiting Portugal’s mainland, then it’s easy to find a flight into one of the many airports that dot this country’s land mass. However, if you would like to visit one of the much smaller breakaway islands that maintain such unique and diverse cultures, then the chances are you’re going to have to add a boat ride or two onto your itinerary to reach your destination. Try to book your journey from your front door at home right up until your hotel or accommodation, as this way you won’t have to worry about airport transfers and other travel when you should be enjoying yourselves!
Finding A Place To Stay
There are so many different places for you to stay when you visit Portugal, so it totally depends on your budget and preferences. If you’d like to go for a more cost-effective accommodation that allows you to get involved with other young travellers who are adventuring the local surroundings, then booking into a hostel is your best bet. Here you can meet lots of new people, while also providing you with a place to stay that usually costs less than a couple of drinks in a local bar. However, if you’d like a more luxurious experience for your trip to Portugal, then you can book into a top hotel or even rent out your own villa! From large villas in the algarve to picture perfect traditional hotels inland, you’ll no doubt be able to find accommodation that takes your breath away.
Plan Some Fun Activities
Last but by no means least, you have to make sure you can plan some fun activities if you want to make the most of your trip to Portugal! Start off your day by enjoying some infamous Portugal tarts (or ‘pasteis de nata’) and stroll down to your nearest clearwater beach to swim with the fishes and bask in the sunshine. Take a sightseeing tour, or even hire out a boat if you’d like to witness the open ocean in all its glory. Visit markets and try some local cuisine. You’ll never want to leave!
