The Azores

Dear Fellow Thrill Seeker,

Where to start? Wow! The largest of the nine islands, Sāo Miguel (often dubbed as "the Green Island") truly has something for everyone. Teeming with breathtaking hiking trails, rejuvenating hot springs, dramatic cliffs and black sand beaches unique cuisine and so many ways to witness rare marine life up close, it's no wonder why these islands have been dubbed the "Atlantic's best kept secret!". Travelers are witness to an idyllic wonderland filled with volcanic craters, natural hot springs, 600-foot waterfalls, mountains, cerulean lagoons and dense forests. The Azores are easily accessible: just a two-hour flight from mainland Portugal, a four-hour flight from Boston and less than 4.5 from NYC. My first and most recent trip to The Azores was in March of 2019 and it was such a fun trip, I am certain, I must return.

Have a fantastic trip!

Erik

Beyond Your Backyard: The Azores

Season 2 Episode 9 | 26m 15s
In this episode, Erik travels across the Atlantic Ocean to learn what all the fuss is about in this undiscovered, island paradise. He learns more about the history and culture by talking with the locals, exploring on foot through the terrain and shows you how viewers can explore for themselves.

THE AZORES - A LITTLE LIGHT READING

FAST FACTS
Country: Portugal
Time Zone: UTC
Currency: Euro
Continent: Europe
Primary Language: Portuguese

Passport: Yes, Americans need a valid passport to enter Portugal
Visa: American citizens do not need a visa if traveling for vacation

More information on passports & visas can be found here.

I love traveling abroad as much as I love traveling within my home country of the United States. However, I want you to be safe and be an excellent representative of your home country. Even in places that are very friendly to visitors, remember that you are in a foreign country and understanding local customs is critical. So, here are a few tips as you prepare for your adventure.

Before you depart from your home country, call The US Embassy (or your home country embassy) and tell them you are leaving your home country. That way they are aware of your whereabouts in case of emergency.
Carry only the credit cards you are using to charge expenses. Call those credit card companies before you leave. Do not travel with your debit cards.
Clean out your wallet or purse and carry only what you need.
Solve your mobile phone situation before you depart. Usually a phone call to your provider will get you started.
Keep all medications with you in your carry on.
Leave a photo copy of all your travel documents (passport, itinerary, copy of your credit cards) with a friend or at your home.
Do not travel with expensive jewelry.
Make sure you travel with a valid passport or visa (if required). Also, bring another valid form of photo I.D., and photocopies of both I.D.s. in case of loss or theft.
Read up on local laws and practices before you get here.
Be a respective guest of the local customs and obey the local laws.
If English is not the primary language, then familiarize yourself with key phrases and make attempts in the country's primary language. Locals usually appreciate the effort.
Keep luggage, handbags or backpacks in view at all times.
Keep possessions close to your body.
Don’t take around large amounts of cash.
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry on road trips or excursions.

For US citizens, visit the US State Department's website (for American citizens) before you travel abroad. Her'e's a direct link to get started.

TRANSPORTATION
Airport(s):
João Paulo II Airport is the largest airport. Azores Airlines is the main carrier, TAP Air Portugal, and in 2018, Delta launched the first-ever nonstop flight from JFK (seasonal, from late May to early September).

Car:
Renting a car at the airport is one of the best ways to explore and get around the island. Public buses are available but do not run frequently. Taxis are an alternative but carry cash as most don't accept credit cards.

THE WEATHER
Temperamental - summer is the most popular time of the year for visitors, but the mild temperatures exist throughout, so there's no such thing as an 'off season' in this destination. In the winter, temperatures sit comfortably at around 55 Fahrenheit and in the summer, around 75. You can experience all four seasons in a day so be prepared for anything - a light jacket and a trusty umbrella is certainly needed to combat the elements.

WHERE TO STAY
Azor Hotel, Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico, Nostradamus Garden Hotel and Furnas Boutique Hotel

WHERE TO EAT
Coming Soon

HELPFUL LINKS
The Azores has an official tourism bureau. Learn more by watching this video. In addition, here are links to the official bureaus for this destination, the state and the USA.

The Azores Official Tourism Site
Portugal Official Tourism Site

Azores Getaways Official Site

MEET ERIK THE TRAVEL GUY

Erik Hastings, a.k.a. Erik the Travel Guy is an EMMY award-winning television personality who speaks directly to consumers who can't afford to "get their vacations wrong". He is the host and managing editor of the internationally syndicated television series "Beyond Your Backyard" for public broadcasting stations (PBS) and other networks/VOD platforms. Erik The Travel Guy is also host of the new podcast, Erik The Travel Guy - The Podcast. He leads an incredibly talented team of industry pros and is the editorial driving force of his platform. While the travel industry directly supports millions of families worldwide, Erik believes travel makes the world a better place. Through exploration and discovery, he has learned that travel brings cultures together and he eagerly shares that spirit with his viewers. Read Erik's Full Bio.