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2017-06-08

8 Things to Consider When Booking Your Next Adventure Holidays

So, you’ve fallen in love with Portugal’s incredible landscapes, history and weather and you’re ready to start planning your adventure holiday here right now. What do you need to consider before booking your ticket and packing your bags? We give you 8 questions you need ask yourself when booking your adventure of a lifetime in Portugal:

1. What Type of Active Holiday Are You Looking For?

There are many different ways to explore Portugal: cycle along the breezy Atlantic Coast to try out the country’s best surf beaches, hike through rolling green hills to discover prime bird-watching spots, or embark on a fascinating pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela or Fátima. On the other hand, if you’re looking to combine a little history with adventure travel, nothing better than taking a tour of some of Portugal’s most ancient and picturesque villages. Wine tasting, delicious local cuisine, and remote islands are also some excellent options to indulge in as you hike or bike your way through Portugal’s most breathtaking landscapes.

2. What Is Your Fitness Level?

When choosing how you’re going to explore Portugal, it’s essential to take into consideration not only yours but also your travel companions’ fitness level. With such a wide variety of options to choose from, though, this won’t pose an obstacle. We know it will be easy for you to find a suitable activity that’s both enjoyable and suited to your fitness level. Don’t believe us? Read our latest post on the best things to do in Portugal here to get started and feel free to browse our tours to find the best way to enjoy your adventure holiday in Portugal.

3. How Long Will Your Adventure Holiday Be?

No time is too short to enjoy an unforgettable adventure holiday in Portugal. A longer holiday will enable you to explore more of the country’s diverse regions. But even if you only have a few days to get a taste of the country, it won’t be difficult to find your ideal tour to discover the best of Portugal’s natural landscapes and historic towns. Portugal’s abundance of cycling and walking trails also make it really easy to customize your adventure allowing you to explore the country freely at your own pace.

4. What Region of Portugal Will You Be Exploring?

Portugal is a compact country, but it has so much to offer. From the wild volcanic landscapes of the Azores islands to the vast plain wheat fields of Alentejo, golden beaches in the Algarve and snowy peaks in Serra da Estrela – there’s plenty for you to choose from. Don’t know where to get started? Our latest blog post fills you in on the 12 best places to visit in Portugal!

5. What Time of Year Will You Be Visiting Portugal?

The truth is, the best time to go to Portugal will depend on the type of activity you’ll want to do and the region you’ll be visiting. In general, Portugal is a sunny country that enjoys little rainfall between April and October. To enjoy an active holiday, the best time to go to Portugal will be between April and June and between September and October as this is when temperatures are most pleasant for outdoor activities. For more information on the best time to go to Portugal, read our latest blog post here.

6. Do You Prefer a Guided or Self-Guided Tour?

We know this is the question on everyone’s mind as they start planning a new adventure holiday. And the truth is, choosing a self-guided or a guided tour will usually depend on your personal travel style. While self-guided tours allow you to explore a country at your own adventurous pace, on a guided tour you’ll have the advantage of your guide’s expert local knowledge to lead you along the way. Here at Portugal A2Z, we offer both guided and self-guided tours as we believe both will have advantages to different types of travelers. In the end, it’s really up to you to decide how you’ll want to experience Portugal in the short amount of time you spend here!

7. What Are the Travel Requirements for Tourists in Portugal?

You’ll be glad to know there aren’t many. Really; all you’ll need is a valid passport. Portugal is a member state of the European Union and the Schengen Area, which means that travelers from many countries (including other EU member states, the UK, Canada, the US and Australia) don’t require a tourist visa to enter the country. However, visitors from some countries still need to apply for a Portuguese Schengen visa before traveling, so make sure to check out the Schengen Visa Information official website for the most updated information. With your travel documents in hand, you’ll be ready to go – no vaccinations required either!

8. What Do You Need to Pack?

As with any adventure holiday, you’ll need to pack the basic equipment according to the activities you’ll be doing and the time of year you’ll be visiting. Comfortable shoes and clothing are a must whether you’re planning on biking or hiking in Portugal. If you book one of our tours, we can provide you with rental bikes, a GPS system, helmet (although we recommend you bring your own) and more. Check out our gear and support page here or contact us for more information.

There are many things to take into consideration while planning the perfect adventure holiday. Your travel style, group, and preferences will end up deciding how, when and for how long you’ll be exploring Portugal’s breathtaking natural scenery. No matter what you decide, though, know there is always one thing you can count on: Portugal’s remote villages, dramatic beachside cliffs, and rolling green hills are waiting for you, ready to offer you the adventure of a lifetime.

8 Things to Consider When Booking Your Next Adventure Holidays

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