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Travel advice for Portugal
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Portugal
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 23.09.2018
The first few years of having children takes its toll on your finances, but that doesn’t mean you have to ditch dreams of travelling. Following a family road trip through Europe with her pre-school boys, Hayley Spurway shares some experiences and tips on budget family travel.
Many families put off a ‘big trip’ before their children start school, because they haven’t been able to muster the time or money. But while the first few years of having children can be expensive and demanding, travel can be affordable and rewarding with toddlers in tow. There’s little point crossing the globe or going on safari before they’re old enough to remember it, but any adventure encompassing new languages and landscapes can be a valuable, educational experience for the whole family.
There aren’t many times during family life when you can put work on hold (or take it with you), the kids aren’t bound by school holidays and are still young enough to bed down on the front seat of a van. So, with two tots fast growing up, we seized the opportunity for a family road trip from Cornwall to Portugal before our eldest boy hit school age. Having stalled on many other trips we’d dreamt up – Oz, Cape Verde and Thailand – due to money worries, it finally dawned that we didn’t need to set our sights on such faraway places to travel. So we packed up the van and hopped on the ferry to Roscoff, from where Europe was our oyster.
With its rugged coastline, balmy climes and inexpensive sand-between-your-toes lifestyle, the west coast of Portugal turned out to be an ideal family destination: sand and surf summed up most of our days, while we also felt a little intrepid finding wild coves off the beaten track, pockets of culture in the towns and free-camping at enviable beachside locations. The children needed little in the form of toys and spoon-fed entertainment, preferring to build sand-boats, do stick-drawings on deserted beaches and hunt for treasure washed up by the sea. As well as following the map through different countries, they learnt a few words of French and Portuguese that they used on the locals in cafés and shops. By the time we were plummeted back into winter temperatures and the humdrum of the nursery routine, there was no doubt that they were happy, confident and alert little boys who’d thrived on their adventures abroad.
Here's my 10 top tips for keeping costs low on family travels:
The most effective tip is perhaps the most obvious - set limits and stick to them! Once you’ve forked out for getting there, try to keep living costs on a par with what you’d usually spend at home.
Eating out can be one of the biggest travel expenses. If you’re camping or self-catering stock up on ingredients at local markets and save your pennies for ice cream and coffee stops in cafés.
As an independent traveller in your twenties you probably sneered at all-inclusive holidays. But, as a family of four, its time to seize low-cost deals that enable you budget all your living, travel and food costs.
Kids under two pay a pittance for flights and accommodation – even if they sleep in a bed and eat their way through the buffet three times a day.
It might sound obvious, but if your children don’t have to go to school, you don’t have to suffer the inflated costs and crowds of travelling during holidays.
Where possible choose a destination you can reach by ferry – not only do you have to buy only one ticket for the whole family, but you can take your own wheels and save on car hire too.
Save on toll charges by finding alternative routes – usually you’ll end up stumbling across unusual and beautiful places off the beaten track that you would’ve missed on the toll roads.
Choose a place where your money goes further – not necessarily by steering out of the Eurozone, but by choosing somewhere you can lead a simple, outdoor life and need little money for entertainment.
Pitch a tent, get back to nature and save on expensive accommodation. If you’ve got a van there are plenty of free van-camping spots across Europe.
Save on long-distance travel by exploring the diverse and beautiful landscapes on your doorstep. If you're reading this from Britain, check out our The Best Places to Stay in Britain on a Budget book for all sorts of tips.
7 days / from3062 USD
Iberian Blend - Porto and Galicia
Neighbour countries - Portugal and Spain, different and similar at the same time, will surprise you with hospitality and loveliness. This itinerary includes the route of the Northwest part of Iberian Peninsula and offers you to meet beautiful Porto and stunning Vigo in Galicia/Spain.
view tour ⤍7 days / from3019 USD
The Real Algarvian Experience
Experience and discover the real Algarve – taste local produce, drinks and traditional dishes, visit heritage sites and participate in culinary activities. If you are passionate about the people’s culture and gastronomy and want to learn more, this itinerary is for you.
view tour ⤍11 days / from1728 USD
A self drive to Portugal's North and Center
Starting in fascinating Lisbon, this trip allows you to discover Portugal both on your own as well as with guided tours. Driving further up north you'll explore Coimbra and Porto before heading to the Douro Valley and Alentejo.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1139 USD
Porto and the North of Portugal: off the beaten track
From Porto, you'll discover the most fascinating parts of Northern Portugal: go on a hike through unique biodiversity around the Paiva river, take a jeep tour through the slopes of the Serra da Arada and taste the wonderful wines of the Douro valley.
view tour ⤍12 days / from1690 USD
The best of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve
Portugal offers many highlights but when you're short on time, this trip is ideal to cover all the highlights: the capital city of Lisbon, historic Porto, lush Douro Valley and the stunning beaches of the Algarve are all part of this trip.
view tour ⤍7 days / from2662 USD
Azores Wild Nature
Get ready to discover what the largest island of the Azores, São Miguel, has to offer in this short adventure-packed 6-day trip. You will get to swim with wild dolphins, abseil or jump down waterfalls, ride a mountain bike through the Sete Cidades and relax in a natural spa. Adventure awaits!
view tour ⤍9 days / from2916 USD
Madeira and São Miguel - guided island adventures
Visit two of Portugal's autonomous regions: Madeira, the island of eternal spring as they call it, as well as São Miguel, nicknamed the green island. Guided excursions will take you to the highlights of both islands and there's plenty of time to discover on your own or simply relax.
view tour ⤍11 days / from1771 USD
Lisbon and the South of Portugal: exploration and relaxation
Take your rental car and discover Lisbon, Sintra & Cascais before heading to Alentejo. This fascinating region features many historic gems to discover, as well as a unique cuisine to taste. Finish your trip with some beach days in Tavira on Portugal's Algarve coast.
view tour ⤍9 days / from4282 USD
The Wines of Portugal
This unforgettable trip will take you to Portugal's finest wine-producing regions, including the Douro Valley. Sample the finest local labels, and explore the exciting and stunningly beautiful cities of Lisbon and Porto, complemented by guided tours of their historical old towns.
view tour ⤍11 days / from3559 USD
Discovering the coast of Portugal
Explore the beautiful cities along the coast of Portugal. Start your journey discovering historic sites and wineries in Porto, from there you will head South to Lisbon. Along the way, you will get a chance to visit charming coastal towns, dramatic cliffs and national parks.
view tour ⤍7 days / from5989 USD
Porto's Hidden Gems
An exciting itinerary that is filled with amazing landscapes, culture, heritage and gastronomy. Stay in the most exclusive hotels and enjoy the best Portugal has to offer - unique wine tours, a private cooking class, a luxurious river cruise to Douro Valley, and much more.
view tour ⤍15 days / from5913 USD
Camino de Santiago & Portugal Deluxe
Hike the 'Way of Saint James', more precisely - the Portuguese Route, a World Heritage Site. After 5 days of beautiful hikes, it's time to say goodbye to Spain and hop on a plane to Portugal. Lisbon and Porto await before exploring the wineries of Douro Valley. A truly exceptional trip.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1577 USD
Essential Portugal: Lisbon to Porto
This exciting short break will take you to the exciting and stunningly beautiful Portuguese cities of Lisbon and Porto, with guided tours of their historical old towns, and on to the pearls of north Braga and Gamares. You will also have the opportunity to soak up the romantic atmosphere at Amarante.
view tour ⤍9 days / from2148 USD
Cultural Portugal
Beginning in Lisbon and ending in Porto, this trip will take you to the delightful wine region of Douro, the mountain range of Serra do Bussaco and the romantic town of Sintra. Relish the prospect of driving around Portugal's stunning coastline and unique cultural sites.
view tour ⤍9 days / from3154 USD
The cities of Portugal
Explore the two big Portuguese cities, Porto and Lisbon. Though you won't only be exploring the cities, this trip will take you to see the beautiful Duoro valley by bike, the Minho region (the birthplace of Portugal), learn more about winemaking, relax on the beach of Nazaré and much more!
view tour ⤍6 days / from2678 USD
Azores Adventure
Discover the traditions and natural beauty that the island of São Miguel can offer you – exciting activities such as swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat in the Atlantic Ocean, hiking in the picturesque hills and valleys, the thrills of Canyoning and much more.
view tour ⤍12 days / from5389 USD
Portugal – Cuisine and Culture from Porto to Lisbon
From Porto to Lisbon, this culinary trip offers exceptional Portuguese cultural experiences. Taste port in a prestigious winery, savour exquisite codfish and picnic in the world's oldest wine region. Hilltop palaces, medieval old towns and glamorous beach resorts complete an unforgettable trip.
view tour ⤍14 days / from7030 USD
Highlights of Portugal - Cities & Beaches
You will start this journey in Porto, the Invicta City, to then discover the landscapes of Douro Valley. Next, there is Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, a city filled with history and stories. Lastly, you will arrive to the Algarve, a place where you will connect with the sea, traditions and nature.
view tour ⤍10 days / from1836 USD
Fascinating Azores - Terceira and São Miguel
Two of the magic Azores islands await in this itinerary: drive your own rental cars across Terceira and São Miguel and join one of the many adventurous outdoor activities the islands have to offer: go whale watching or canyoning or simply enjoy the landscapes on leisurely strolls.
view tour ⤍9 days / from3159 USD
Coastal Portugal
Travel south from the beautiful cities of Porto and Lisbon, down Portugal's stunning coast, as far as the charming resort town of Albufeira. On this trip, you will also visit the historic coastal towns of Estoril, Sintra, Lagos and Sagres.
view tour ⤍7 days / from2524 USD
Discovering Portugal's Douro Valley
This unforgettable trip will take you to the beautiful city of Porto and the verdant Douro Valley. Relish the prospect of travelling to the Douro wine-making region to sample some local labels, trekking through old villages and enjoying indulgent moments in charming cafés.
view tour ⤍What tips do you have for travelling with children on a budget?
written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 23.09.2018
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Portugal