If you want to get away from it all, and let’s face it, after the year we have had, who would not, then you should seriously consider spending time in Portugal. With over a thousand miles of shoreline, some of the best beaches in Europe, great weather all year round, charming historic cities, great food, great wine and, the list goes on, Portugal is an incredible place to get a fresh outlook on life and recharge the batteries. the. This country has something for everybody, so here are some tips to help you have a memorable visit, without breaking the bank.
Avoid the peak season July and August
For most of us, our opportunities to travel are dictated by school holidays, but if you can avoid peak travel times, you will enjoy the benefits of cheaper flights and accommodations in addition to fewer tourists and you will avoid the summer heat. The best time to visit Portugal is March-May and September and October, you’ll still enjoy warm sunny days, but you’ll also get a much cheaper and fewer hectic experience. Winter temperatures in central Portugal can get chilly, but in the cities, it does not really drop below 10 degrees celsius, making it an ideal location for a winter city break.
Use the city’s tourist card
You’ll save a ton of money and do far more if you invest in a city tourist card. Porto Cardfor example, will get you free public transport and free access to six museums in addition to around 150 other discounts, all for just 13 euros per person.
Don’t just depend on your card, use cash
If you buy euros before departure, you’ll likely get a far better exchange rate than buying on arrival. If you use your card to pay for each transaction, you’ll pay an administration fee every time, so it makes financial sense to all the time have cash with you. Check with your insurance company so you understand how much money your policy covers in the event of loss or theft and keep your card in reserve.
Walk, do not climb
Make sure you have comfy footwear, a hat, and a map, and walk rather than drive if you can. Outside of peak season, it will not be as hot, and you will find every kind of things you should not have missed.
Research your accommodations
Vacation rental accommodation in Portugal, is cheaper this year than last year in some areas, so do not rush to order, shop around. Do some research and ensure you get a location that works for you. Cheap accommodation that requires you to take an everyday taxi or bus ride to get where you want to go is not really cheap accommodation. There are tons of fantastic places to stay, so ensure you choose wisely.
