​Hello! 

My last trip to Portugal was to The Azores and it was such a fun trip, I am certain, I must return. Portugal is an amazing place! Charming coastal towns, beautiful landscapes, Portuguese culture...wow, just wow!  

Have a fantastic trip!

Erik 

PORTUGAL - A LITTLE LIGHT READING

 

FAST FACTS
​Destination: Portugal
Capital: Lisbon
Continent: Europe
Primary Language: Portuguese, English
Timezone: UTC 
Currency: Euro

PLACES OF NOTE
The Azores
Porto
Lisbon
Aveiro
Faro

​Passport: Yes, Americans need a valid passport to enter Portugal by air
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.

1. 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.
2. 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. 
3. Clean out your wallet or purse and carry only what you need. 
4. Solve your mobile phone situation before you depart. Usually a phone call to your provider will get you started.
5. Keep all medications with you in your carry on.
6. Leave a photo copy of all your travel documents (passport, itinerary, copy of your credit cards) with a friend or at your home. 
7. Do not travel with expensive jewelry.
8. 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.
9. Read up on local laws and practices before you get here.
10. Be a respective guest of the local customs and obey the local laws.
11. 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.  
12. Keep luggage, handbags or backpacks in view at all times.
13. Keep possessions close to your body.
14. Don’t take around large amounts of cash.
15. 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. Here's a direct link to get started. 

 

TRANSPORTATION
By Air​:
Generally speaking it is pretty easy to get in and out of Portugal by air from major hubs in North America to Portuguese gateways. Fly on TAP, Azores Airlines, British Airways, Air France/KLM, Lufthansa, United, American, Turkish, Emirates, Air Canada, Iberia

Car:
I would not advise renting a car in Portugal unless you speak and/or can read Portuguese road signs and navigate the cities and towns. 

 

THE WEATHER
The best time to visit Portugal is in the late Spring in March to May or after the crowded summer in September and October.  The weather is still warm, accommodation rates are a little less expensive and there are fewer crowds than in summer. You'll find hot daytime temps. in the summer months. 

 

HELPFUL LINKS
Portugal has an official tourism bureau. Learn more by watching this video. 

Official tourism bureau of Portugal

Our good friends at Azores Getaways can also plan the perfect Portugal getaway! Official site