Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
First Time Portugal
For more information, see
Survival Guide
Top Tips for Your Trip
»
Portugal's
mercados
(markets) are a great way to
sample the country's culinary bounty. You'll find
breads, cheeses, olives, smoked meats, fruits and ve-
getables - all ideal for picnics.
Checklist
»
Check whether you can use your phone
in Portugal and ask about roaming charges
»
Book your first night's accommodation
»
Check the calendar (
Click here
) to see
which festivals to visit (or avoid!)
»
Organise travel insurance (
Click here
)
»
Get off the main highways and take to the back-
roads. Sleepy villages, roadside fruit stands and tiny
roads leading to remote beaches are a few reasons to
get off the beaten path.
»
Check airline baggage restrictions
»
Inform your debit- and credit-card com-
pany of your travel plans
What to Wear
Portugal is a fairly casual destination, though most
Portuguese tend to wear trousers (rather than shorts)
outside of resort areas. For upscale dining, smart cas-
ual is all that's required - no restaurant will insist on
jackets or ties, and nor will any theatre or concert
hall.
Nights can get windy or chilly, so bring a light-
weight jacket in the summer, and be prepared for rain
and cooler temperatures in the winter.
What to Pack
»
Phrasebook
»
Travel plug
»
Good walking shoes
»
Earplugs for thin-walled guest houses
and noisy weekend nights
»
Sunscreen
»
Swimming towel
»
Rain jacket (especially in the winter)
»
English-language reading material
Sleeping
Although you can usually show up in any town and find a room on the spot, it's worthwhile
booking ahead. You'll find more charming options, and better rooms in guesthouses by re-
serving in advance. For summer months, especially July and August, plan well ahead.
»
Guesthouses
For a local experience, stay in a
pensão
or
residencial
. These are small, of-
ten family-run places, and some are set in historic buildings. Amenities range from simple
to luxury.
