Many Americans are still feeling the sting of a cash-strapped economy. This can render the notion of a yearly vacation something of a pipe dream. And when the would-be vacationer factors in the woefully undervalued dollar as compared to the robust Euro, well, most folks simply cross Europe right off their “places to visit” list. But this isn’t necessarily wise. Because while many foreigners dream of visiting Gay Paree, there are plenty of other equally beautiful destinations that won’t break the bank like that juggernaut of a tourist destination. Portugal is just one of them.
Yes, Portugal is the land of stunning windswept beaches, pristine volcanic islands and modern cities with a touch of the old world. Whether it’s Algarve, the Azores or Lisbon, there is no shortage of sights and attractions in this small but rich country. And it can all be experienced on a shoestring. So with that in mind, here are some practical tips and tidbits of info that should help even the most frugal of travelers play that exchange rate to his or her advantage.
When to go
Obviously, the high season (mid June-August) is the premium time to visit Western Europe, including Portugal. Tourists bask in the nice weather and enjoy the long days as well as the myriad festivals and attractions. But this time is also when prices are at their highest. That said, there’s no reason to visit during the frigid and drizzly low season (mid November – Easter). Tourists can opt to visit Portugal during the shoulder season (mid September – late November/ Easter – mid June) and enjoy decent weather at discount prices.
Where to visit
First-timers to Portugal are going to want to see as much as possible. That means visiting both cities as well as the coast. Lisbon is a thriving metropolis, but tourists can also get lost in the backstreets and be transported to Old Europe, and it is in these less well-worn areas of the city that they will be able to find cheaper prices on food and accommodations. As for the coast, tourists may want to veer off the beaten path and avoid the major beach areas, such as the Costa de Lisboa and head to Porto or the Silver Coast instead.
As for eating out, shoestring travelers can get their daily budgets down to around $15 dollars by shying away from high-end eateries and focusing on street food or cafes in less touristy areas. Also, many restaurants in major cities and larger towns offer a “business lunch” deal that includes multiple courses for not very much cash.
Getting around
Visitors to Portugal are going to save quite a bit of cash by opting for public transport, such as buses, for their travel needs. That said, there are a number of rental car agencies all in competition with one another and offering great daily deals. For example, some car companies have deals and rates as low as $10 per day. And it is well worth it, as the best way to experience the majesty of an area like Algarve is behind the wheel with wind in the hair.
Here is a list of major car rental companies in Portugal.
These are just a few things to keep in mind when thinking about a budget trip to Europe. By following these guidelines, there’s no reason tourists can’t get by comfortably on around $50 per day including food, transport and accommodation.
Brice Nolan is a professional blogger that informs travelers and customers on where to tour, eat and get a rental car in Portugal. He writes for Car Rental Portugal, where you can find the best deals for a car rental in Portugal.
