Hey everyone! I hope you enjoy this week's video all about Portugal. As usual, feel free to chime in w/ additional tips and experiences in the comments, and be sure to check out the written version here for more tips: happytowander.com/portugal-travel-tips/
Just got back from a 10 day trip to Portugal. Porto / Lisbon / Evora (highly recommend) / Lagos in the Algarve. Your advice is 100% on the money for new travellers.
As a Brit from LA who also has a second home in the Algarve. I would say your comments are spot on. I would encourage all American visitors to please if you have enjoyed a meal to tip 10%. So many Portuguese friends of mine who own restaurants say that they have visitors from all over the world but the only people who don’t tip are Canadians and Americans. I know that this does not apply to all but if you have enjoyed your meal please tip as the wages here are very low and your tip can make a big difference. Also I have had American friends tell me that they have got angry when they have had to wait 30mins or even 40mins for there food to arrive. This can happen as they are using fresh ingredients and good food can sometimes take longer to prepare. Just have another glass of wine and relax.
This is great info because I remember watching another video saying that another location not in Portugal I think Paris or somewhere they don’t accept tips so I think maybe some Americans may get confused or they’re just rude
I've read reviews that TAP Portugal flights were badly managed with loss of baggage and watching a few youtubers claiming otherwise. But watching your video seems it is legit. Thnx for the enlightenment
I flew TAP this summer (July 2024) to Lisbon, with a connecting flight onward to Porto, and back again. One checked bag on the way over, two on the way back. All the bags accompanied me to my East Coast USA final airport without any problems. TAP is no worse than any other international state airline.
Portugal looks beautiful I have never driven outside US been to scared of accidents or car problems and not knowing what to do I definitely think having a car in most countries allows you to really see and explore the country outside of tourist areas great information.
Apart from the Algarve, having a car in Portugal is sort of like carrying around a baby grand piano with you. Sure, it is great for those rare times when you need it, but the rest of the time, it is a huge burden. You will see and explore a LOT more in most parts of Portugal by walking and using public transport. Renting a car is generally a really bad idea here.
Driving in the big cities is not to be recommended. Some of the city roads in the older parts of the city are very narrow and it is easy to get stuck. Driving on the main roads out of the city and on the freeway is a real joy. However, almost all Portuguese drivers tail gate which can make driving uncomfortable if you are not use to it.
I'm portuguese, I've driven all over the country for over 3 decades and our drivers are neither in a league of their own nor even in the major leagues when it comes to bad driving.
I'm Portuguese and I confirm many Portuguese aren't particularly civilised drivers. I don't know if they just forgot the traffic rules, or they're just in a hurry... But whatever the case it's probably a cultural thing because I recall even as a kid when we had to go on a car trip the idea of getting on the road was a little daunting. Even my grandfather who was a good driver and actually enjoyed driving, he used to say "it's not myself I don't trust, its the other drivers".
Great video very informative. One thing I would recomend, is, any region you go, be it in Portugal or anywhere else. Always try the local wine and food. Because they are meant to be together. The pairings evolved in that specific way. And its always a hit
Christina, your videos are amazing!! ❤So much content that I need a notebook to take notes. You are sharing so much great information that I’m a little lost 😅 I’m trying to plan my first Europe trip and the more videos I watch, the more indecisive I become! I sent you an email yesterday, I really hope you see it and responde 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💕 Regardless, thank you so much for what you do!
Hi Christina, thanks for the information. Is December- January/ New years a good time to travel to Portugal? We have heard so much about the Christmas markets. Are they worth a visit ?
Hi. I am the first time on your channel and watched this video about Portugal and I loved it! It is so concise and a lot of good tips and advice. Just what I need. Thank you for this. +1 subscribe. ❤
I like your videos. It would be helpful if you added links to purchase things like tickets to attractions. I like your Tourist Maps. It would be great if you had them for every location. I'm not sure if there is something I need to do but when I try to look at the printed version of your videos on my laptop it is a nightmare. All the ads and garbage that pops up in the text. It is very hard to read. Is there something I can do to get only your text?
I took TAP Portugal to Lisbon but I didn’t understand when you mentioned that you can go to Lisbon and Porto for the price of one. I would love to see Porto.
Hey Janet, so I was talking about their free stopover program, which allows you to schedule a long layover in either Lisbon or Porto for free, meaning you could book a flight from A to B, then schedule a free stop in Lisbon or Porto for 1-7 days in between so you basically get to fly to two cities for the price of one. You can learn more here: www.flytap.com/en-gb/stopover hope that clears things up!
Hi Christina! First, thank you for your wonderful videos. We have just come back from portugal and loved it and now we’re looking for another destination to visit from Canada to Europe. I know that Portugal was one of your favorites. I ask you what was another favourite of yours? We have been to Greece, Italy and France so far but I would say Portugal and Italy was my favorite. Would you be able to recommend another country. We may only be able to visit for 10 days … thank you in advance , if you can help ? greetings from Canada 🇨🇦 SG
Hello. Just found your channel. Can you provide some insight on weather in May? Planning on walking Camino Portuguese and want know if it’s rainy, cold or just right 😂. For reference, coming from Sunny California and don’t own much cold rainy clothing as we don’t need them much 😅. Don’t want to overpack. TIA!
Can’t wait to go…my best friend and I booked our trip and we’re going in October so these tips will definitely come in handy . One thing you stated about cash. I always bring cash with me and I do have some small denominations but I also have quite large bills as well. You stated they don’t or will not give you change? That would suck if I run out of small bills. I don’t like using ATMs while in Europe, so I usually always bring currency with me this way I have it readily available.
Out of everything only one I think its wrong, "cash" is definitly not king in Portugal. Its quite the opposite. You can use NFC to pay in most places or use card. Only the most rural or touristic places tend to avoid ATM (Multibanco version of ATM) because of the fees associated with it. Some places will require cash but not many.
so true. Though I have seen some places in the Algarve who don't want to deal with MultiBanco fees or tax accountability insist on cash. I've seen these hand-written signs on pieces of cardboard at bars and cafes claiming that their Multibanco terminal is down, and the sign is clearly very old and weathered :) But in most places, contactless is the way to go, nearly universal.
i suggest you Check out this travel guide on [A-m-a-z-o-n]“portugalUnlocked" by JoseDickson for loads of tips and recommendations on must dos, what to eat,day trips,best restaurants,must sees,hotels ,and many more.
Now I'm afraid I made a mistake in booking a trip for the last half of April, after some other people said that April worked well for them weatherwise on multiple trips. Last year I was in Spain in the first half of April, and I had read that I should expect rain maybe 1 out of 3 days, but got rain only once, in the early morning before I went out for the day. Of course, Portugal is different, but I was thinking maybe not hugely different. Oh well, maybe I'll be lucky.
You'll be fine. If you're visiting up north, you might get some rain, on and off, but very low risk of steady rain. The further south you go, let less you have to worry about rain in April. So Lisbon and further south will likely be fine. Even if you do see some rain, it likely won't be heavy and will pass pretty quickly. Pack a light rain jacket or light umbrella, just in case.
one new problem for tourists in Portugal and several other countries is the new creation of local Visa cards systems , which only accept local visa cards , not even other EU ones . The visa system is becoming useless in many countries and many shops as they refuse all non local visa cards for payment .
loved your guide to Portugal. the only comment is that you speak a little slower. sometimes hard to keep up with what you are saying. other than that excellent.
i suggest you Check out this travel guide on [A-m-a-z-o-n]“portugalUnlocked" by JoseDickson for loads of tips and recommendations on must dos, what to eat,day trips,best restaurants,must sees,hotels ,and many more.
moi j'ai été super déçu par votre pays ! en tant que étranger! on nous prends pour des vaches à lai!!!!t et tellement d’autres déceptions TELLEMENT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pourtant en tant qui pianiste, j'ai même joué de la musique Portugaise . Mais une chose est sure pour moi J A M A I S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! je n'y remettrais les pieds de toute ma vie
Nope, that's the only one. too bad you've been forced to watch all these videos, too. Some day, hopefully soon, someone will invent the ability to scroll past videos you are not interested in, and maybe, if we are super lucky, we will soon have the ability to search for topics that are of interest to us. For now, though, I guess our only option is to whine and complain like a spoiled child.
You talk a lot and fail to mention Cristiano Ronaldo the GOAT footballer and the biggest attraction of Portugal? Americans you need to do your research about a country before
Breathe and slow down when you speak…and yes I know I can slow down the video duh…I shouldn’t have to. Yes I know I don’t have to watch…but I chose to watch her because she is informative. Now additional comments needed for my comment.
Hey everyone! I hope you enjoy this week's video all about Portugal. As usual, feel free to chime in w/ additional tips and experiences in the comments, and be sure to check out the written version here for more tips: happytowander.com/portugal-travel-tips/
Just got back from a 10 day trip to Portugal. Porto / Lisbon / Evora (highly recommend) / Lagos in the Algarve. Your advice is 100% on the money for new travellers.
How are the grocery stores there?
Excellent info. I just reduced the speed of your voice to 75%
& your talk was perfect. I can’t wait to visit!
As a Brit from LA who also has a second home in the Algarve. I would say your comments are spot on. I would encourage all American visitors to please if you have enjoyed a meal to tip 10%. So many Portuguese friends of mine who own restaurants say that they have visitors from all over the world but the only people who don’t tip are Canadians and Americans. I know that this does not apply to all but if you have enjoyed your meal please tip as the wages here are very low and your tip can make a big difference. Also I have had American friends tell me that they have got angry when they have had to wait 30mins or even 40mins for there food to arrive. This can happen as they are using fresh ingredients and good food can sometimes take longer to prepare. Just have another glass of wine and relax.
This is great info because I remember watching another video saying that another location not in Portugal I think Paris or somewhere they don’t accept tips so I think maybe some Americans may get confused or they’re just rude
Thanks!
Thanks for watching and contributing 🙏 I really appreciate it!!
I've read reviews that TAP Portugal flights were badly managed with loss of baggage and watching a few youtubers claiming otherwise. But watching your video seems it is legit. Thnx for the enlightenment
I flew TAP this summer (July 2024) to Lisbon, with a connecting flight onward to Porto, and back again. One checked bag on the way over, two on the way back. All the bags accompanied me to my East Coast USA final airport without any problems. TAP is no worse than any other international state airline.
Going to Portugal next month. Fingers crossed we have good weather! 🤞🏼
How was the weather?
Going next month in November. Fingers crossed for me too!
Portugal looks beautiful I have never driven outside US been to scared of accidents or car problems and not knowing what to do I definitely think having a car in most countries allows you to really see and explore the country outside of tourist areas great information.
It really such a gorgeous country!! And quite easy to get around with public transport / taxis :) Hope you get to see it for yourself sometime soon!
Apart from the Algarve, having a car in Portugal is sort of like carrying around a baby grand piano with you. Sure, it is great for those rare times when you need it, but the rest of the time, it is a huge burden. You will see and explore a LOT more in most parts of Portugal by walking and using public transport. Renting a car is generally a really bad idea here.
Driving in the big cities is not to be recommended. Some of the city roads in the older parts of the city are very narrow and it is easy to get stuck. Driving on the main roads out of the city and on the freeway is a real joy. However, almost all Portuguese drivers tail gate which can make driving uncomfortable if you are not use to it.
Love your videos with tons of info and no "blah blah blah"
Great video! Very informative. I'm heading there in March for the first time.
Thank you so much for sharing this information.
Fabulous information! Thanks for sharing ❤😊
You’re very welcome! Thanks for watching :)
Great information and tips!
Thank you for this video, planning to visit there next year
Best dreams comes to those who r persistant about their dreams indeed life happens very very fast be diligent in pursuing them.
I drive in Boston, I can't imagine driving anywhere else could even more challenging.
I'm portuguese, I've driven all over the country for over 3 decades and our drivers are neither in a league of their own nor even in the major leagues when it comes to bad driving.
@@module79l28 we just came back from Lisbon on a vacation. Yeah it’s pretty crazy there.
@@tpmarkham - How crazy, compared to Boston?
I'm Portuguese and I confirm many Portuguese aren't particularly civilised drivers. I don't know if they just forgot the traffic rules, or they're just in a hurry... But whatever the case it's probably a cultural thing because I recall even as a kid when we had to go on a car trip the idea of getting on the road was a little daunting. Even my grandfather who was a good driver and actually enjoyed driving, he used to say "it's not myself I don't trust, its the other drivers".
Very useful video. Thank you so much for sharing 🤍
I like that she speaks fast 💨 more info on limited time 😊
Great video very informative. One thing I would recomend, is, any region you go, be it in Portugal or anywhere else. Always try the local wine and food. Because they are meant to be together. The pairings evolved in that specific way. And its always a hit
Christina, your videos are amazing!! ❤So much content that I need a notebook to take notes. You are sharing so much great information that I’m a little lost 😅 I’m trying to plan my first Europe trip and the more videos I watch, the more indecisive I become! I sent you an email yesterday, I really hope you see it and responde 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💕
Regardless, thank you so much for what you do!
Hi Christina, thanks for the information. Is December- January/ New years a good time to travel to Portugal? We have heard so much about the Christmas markets. Are they worth a visit ?
Thank you for the useful tips!
Excellent presentation, hitting all the many points. Only would like a longer or slower because it is good.
Hi. I am the first time on your channel and watched this video about Portugal and I loved it! It is so concise and a lot of good tips and advice. Just what I need. Thank you for this. +1 subscribe. ❤
Great video as always! Does Portugal use the Euro currency?
I like your videos. It would be helpful if you added links to purchase things like tickets to attractions. I like your Tourist Maps. It would be great if you had them for every location. I'm not sure if there is something I need to do but when I try to look at the printed version of your videos on my laptop it is a nightmare. All the ads and garbage that pops up in the text. It is very hard to read. Is there something I can do to get only your text?
Wonderfull 😊
Im a street photographer, besides Porto and Lisbon, what’s one more town you suggest I visit? Thanks!
Alexandria Egypt
@@WillStephensArt in Portugal lol
Sorry for the late reply; I am portuguese and in my opinion , Amarante is the most beautiful city in portugal, small but so romantic
I took TAP Portugal to Lisbon but I didn’t understand when you mentioned that you can go to Lisbon and Porto for the price of one. I would love to see Porto.
Hey Janet, so I was talking about their free stopover program, which allows you to schedule a long layover in either Lisbon or Porto for free, meaning you could book a flight from A to B, then schedule a free stop in Lisbon or Porto for 1-7 days in between so you basically get to fly to two cities for the price of one. You can learn more here: www.flytap.com/en-gb/stopover hope that clears things up!
Hi Christina! First, thank you for your wonderful videos. We have just come back from portugal and loved it and now we’re looking for another destination to visit from Canada to Europe. I know that Portugal was one of your favorites. I ask you what was another favourite of yours? We have been to Greece, Italy and France so far but I would say Portugal and Italy was my favorite. Would you be able to recommend another country. We may only be able to visit for 10 days … thank you in advance , if you can help ? greetings from Canada 🇨🇦 SG
Well said Thanks
Hello. Just found your channel. Can you provide some insight on weather in May? Planning on walking Camino Portuguese and want know if it’s rainy, cold or just right 😂. For reference, coming from Sunny California and don’t own much cold rainy clothing as we don’t need them much 😅. Don’t want to overpack. TIA!
Hello, am wondering did you do the Camino? I'm hoping to do it in September.
Visiting from Canada Jan-April. Do I need to carry health insurance or can I pay out of pocket if something arises?
Can you post the link to the high speed trains ?
Can’t wait to go…my best friend and I booked our trip and we’re going in October so these tips will definitely come in handy . One thing you stated about cash. I always bring cash with me and I do have some small denominations but I also have quite large bills as well. You stated they don’t or will not give you change? That would suck if I run out of small bills. I don’t like using ATMs while in Europe, so I usually always bring currency with me this way I have it readily available.
The ATMs in Porto dispense cash in 20 and 50 Euro denominations. I only had one ATM that gave me 10 Euro notes.
Out of everything only one I think its wrong, "cash" is definitly not king in Portugal. Its quite the opposite. You can use NFC to pay in most places or use card. Only the most rural or touristic places tend to avoid ATM (Multibanco version of ATM) because of the fees associated with it. Some places will require cash but not many.
so true. Though I have seen some places in the Algarve who don't want to deal with MultiBanco fees or tax accountability insist on cash. I've seen these hand-written signs on pieces of cardboard at bars and cafes claiming that their Multibanco terminal is down, and the sign is clearly very old and weathered :) But in most places, contactless is the way to go, nearly universal.
Hi i noticed a lot of graffiti on the walls is Portugal pretty safe? Thanks
i suggest you Check out this travel guide on [A-m-a-z-o-n]“portugalUnlocked" by JoseDickson for loads of tips and recommendations on must dos, what to eat,day trips,best restaurants,must sees,hotels ,and many more.
O inglês não é tão falado em Portugal como em outros países europeus? E Espanha e França...?
Now I'm afraid I made a mistake in booking a trip for the last half of April, after some other people said that April worked well for them weatherwise on multiple trips. Last year I was in Spain in the first half of April, and I had read that I should expect rain maybe 1 out of 3 days, but got rain only once, in the early morning before I went out for the day. Of course, Portugal is different, but I was thinking maybe not hugely different. Oh well, maybe I'll be lucky.
You'll be fine. If you're visiting up north, you might get some rain, on and off, but very low risk of steady rain. The further south you go, let less you have to worry about rain in April. So Lisbon and further south will likely be fine. Even if you do see some rain, it likely won't be heavy and will pass pretty quickly. Pack a light rain jacket or light umbrella, just in case.
How do you get cash once you are there? What's the best way to get the local currency?
ATM, preferably NOT at the airport.
one new problem for tourists in Portugal and several other countries is the new creation of local Visa cards systems , which only accept local visa cards , not even other EU ones . The visa system is becoming useless in many countries and many shops as they refuse all non local visa cards for payment .
Maam can u help me to make itinerary for Portugal
Can you get takeout from restaurants easily?
definitely. And many restaurants will deliver by Uber Eats or Glovo
9:15 you forgot the FRIES!!!!!
I need help to get there
If you’re from San Diego California driving in Portugal is a breeze.
loved your guide to Portugal. the only comment is that you speak a little slower. sometimes hard to keep up with what you are saying. other than that excellent.
i suggest you Check out this travel guide on [A-m-a-z-o-n]“portugalUnlocked" by JoseDickson for loads of tips and recommendations on must dos, what to eat,day trips,best restaurants,must sees,hotels ,and many more.
Nervous because we are planning for a late July trip, yikes!
Apparently coffee isn't weak! Next video, smoke a bowl first 😂
funny lol
SIU
Cristiano Ronaldo ❤
Holy crap slow down!!!
Could you please speak a little bit slowly? thanks
You can slow the speed of the video down yourself.
just what came to my mind..little slow will be better
You can change the speed of the video in the playback speed to make it slower
She sounds perfectly normal to me…actually very lovely voice. Love the video❤️❤️ thanks!
Right! The same thing I noticed as soon as the video started.😂😂
It’s more so that it’s rude to speak Spanish because of the history between Spain and Portugal. They really don’t like it!
Top Tip: Scream out: Messi is better than Ronaldo in crowded areas & the locals will give you free money 🤑😘
Girl, please you talk to fast, it's hard to get your information, to digest it correctly.
moi j'ai été super déçu par votre pays ! en tant que étranger! on nous prends pour des vaches à lai!!!!t et tellement d’autres déceptions TELLEMENT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pourtant en tant qui pianiste, j'ai même joué de la musique Portugaise .
Mais une chose est sure pour moi J A M A I S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! je n'y remettrais les pieds de toute ma vie
Any reason you have to speak so fast?
So she can say more!
Please. Show more Portugal and less yourself
You speak too fast! Giving up watching, I can’t cope.
Please slow down when talking
talk little slow..we are not going anywhere!
It’s will be nice if you speak slower.
Too fast talking
I'm so tired of hearing about Portugal. Are there any other countries out there?
Nope, that's the only one. too bad you've been forced to watch all these videos, too. Some day, hopefully soon, someone will invent the ability to scroll past videos you are not interested in, and maybe, if we are super lucky, we will soon have the ability to search for topics that are of interest to us. For now, though, I guess our only option is to whine and complain like a spoiled child.
@@grizfan93 🤣🤣🤣
Lol why does she speak like on some drugs? Did she edit to make it 2x fast??
Talk way too fast...slow down.
Why do you have to speak so fast? Can you not speak a little slower so one can follow you better?
Yes cant understand couldnt watch why speak so fast you spoiled it
You talk a lot and fail to mention Cristiano Ronaldo the GOAT footballer and the biggest attraction of Portugal? Americans you need to do your research about a country before
Girl, slow down on talking. You speak way too fast!
You speak too fast,
You talk way too fast. I'm out
Breathe and slow down when you speak…and yes I know I can slow down the video duh…I shouldn’t have to. Yes I know I don’t have to watch…but I chose to watch her because she is informative. Now additional comments needed for my comment.
Excellent tips!!
very good tips! thank you