Tips and Tricks to Make the Most Unforgettable Trip
To enter Portugal, you do not need a passport if you are an EU citizen. No vaccination is necessary if you already have the mandatory ones, but always check before leaving on the government website for any risks in the country.
The currency of the country is the Euro, which is easy and intuitive to change within the country. You can withdraw directly from the bank or use numerous exchange services in the cities.
Here are some last tips before you leave:
- We recommend traveling light and using a backpack to move easily in large cities and blend in with the local population.
- Be cautious, as there may be people who will try to take advantage of your naivety. If you rent a car, document its initial condition with photos and videos, and do the same when you return it to avoid any disputes. Be careful in really crowded areas
- Watch out for pickpocketer and read our article of general safety precautions
- Opt for local and typical accommodations to have unforgettable experiences with the local population.
- While it is possible to communicate in English in large cities, learning a few phrases in Portuguese can be helpful in rural villages.
We had the opportunity to visit Portugal on two different occasions, so we can recommend a city trip to the fantastic Lisbon, as well as traveling by train and renting a car from the port to Lisbon, enjoying the wonderful coast of Portugal. In the future, we would like to explore the hinterland and take a peek into the famous south coast. Although some places are disproportionately touristy, other coastal areas are very quiet, leaving room for nature.
Responsible Tourism
If you are not new to our blog, you will know that it is time to talk about responsible tourism. Although the country may change, often the issues are similar, if not the same. Excessive tourism stifles areas populated by locals, and the demand of tourists permanently changes the territory, with little respect for the individuality of the state. Too many tourists still seek a holiday as a moment of absolute rest, demanding standardization of services.
Additionally, there is a second group of tourists called “hamsters” by us because they rush from one unmissable place to another without savoring anything along the way. In their backpacks, they carry itineraries full of organized activities that little differ from the usual routine at home, ending up rushing everywhere. These activities are often organized for tourists and, if not carefully chosen, can lead to costly and poor-quality experiences. Many times, even without a detailed itinerary, you can enjoy incredible experiences, meet extraordinary people, and experience the place in a way that would never have been possible with a meticulously planned trip.
Do not forget that the best way to get to know a country is to have direct contact with the local population.
