How to Plan a Trip to Portugal

Portugal is one of the few countries left in Europe that has not been overly exploited or spoiled by the tourism industry. It is unique in that you can experience a huge range of climates and cultures--from the beaches in the Algarve to the mountains in the Centre and back again to the desert landscapes of Alentejo--all in one amazing country. The people are friendly and the wine is from some of the oldest wineries in the world, so go ahead and pack your bags and plan your trip to Portugal.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Apply for a passport. Every passenger flying to Europe from outside those countries included in the European Union (EU) must have a passport to enter the country. You'll spend about $100 and will need to wait about 4 to 6 weeks unless you choose the expedited services, which will cost an additional $60. The United States Passport Services Office website has more details about the process and even has an application form available for download (see Resources below).

2. Plan your itinerary for your trip to Portugal. You'll need to know the basic plan once you get into the country in order to select the most appropriate airport for your entry. Explore Portugal's official tourism website to determine which sites and attractions you would like to see and which airport is in the area (see Resources below). Lisbon, the capital city, is the most popular destination.

3. Book your flight to Portugal. Your travel agent should be able to find you the best deal for your money, but if you prefer to plan your trip to Portugal without the help of a travel agent you'll want to check out discount ticket brokers like Travelocity or Orbitz (see Resources below). Be sure you've selected the appropriate airport to land in the country before committing to the tickets.

4. Travel in spring or autumn for the best experience. Summer is the busiest tourist season, but visitors generally find that the slightly milder temperatures of the cooler months are more pleasant than those of summer. Tickets are also cheaper this time of year.

5. Exchange your dollars for euros. Since Portugal is in the Eurozone, they have completely converted their currency to the euro. It's best to exchange your money while still in the States to get the best rates, but if you find yourself in a bind you find local exchange services just about anywhere there are a large influx of tourists. You can also exchange your money online through the Travelex money exchange (see Resources below).

6. Consider including day trips to Spain or France, or weekend trips to other European countries via train. Europe is much smaller than many expect it to be, and short trips to other countries are common and easily accomplished. Spain sits just on the other side of the Duoro river in Miranda do Douro.

Tips & Warnings

• The rainy season in Portugal extends from November to January, so you'll probably want to avoid traveling to the country during these months.

Resources

• U.S. Passport Services Office to apply for a passport.
• Portugal's official tourism website to explore the country.
• Travelocity to find airfare.
• Orbitz to book airfare.
• Travelex for money exchange.