Why Portugal is one of our Favorite Countries

Portugal is having a moment. If you haven’t already heard a friend or colleague rave about this coastal European country that shares a border with Spain, you soon will.

The food, people, weather, vineyards, and football all make Portugal a fantastic and surprisingly affordable getaway. The country is small – even a five-day trip will give you time to see the highlights, or tack on a few extra days at the end of one of the popular Douro River cruises for city stops in gorgeous Porto in the north or chic Lisbon in the south.

Visitors will be delighted by the quality of the cuisine. Cooks all over the country create simple, succulent meals that make great use of the season’s best offerings or the day’s catch. The seafood is excellent - just about every dish includes seafood, but even a meal as uncomplicated as charcoal-grilled sardines served on fresh cornbread is full of authentic flavor.

You already know about the pastel de nata custard tart, but make sure you head to a churrascaria for the country’s sublime take on barbecued chicken. Another favorite: the bifana, traditional sandwiches of pork that has been marinated in white wine, garlic and paprika. Load on the piri-piri (hot sauce).

The tiered vineyards along the Douro River, growing almost vertically up the sides of the valley, have to be seen to be properly appreciated. Book a 4x4 tasting tour.

There is a good amount of sun and warmth around 300 days a year. And the cities make great spots for winter visits, with temperatures which rarely fall below 50˚F/10˚C. If you’re in Portugal for its many beaches, summer is your best bet. You’ll be sharing with the locals, but there are 600 miles of coastline, much of it sandy.

We can help you find a lesser-visited spot, such as the Alentijo region that most visitors skip or the beaches on the southern Algarve coast, too – just ask.  

Portuguese are welcoming. Many comment on the warmth and generosity encountered in the country. Visitors must spend at least one evening listening to fado singers in a bar – the mournful, evocative music will captivate you, especially after a few well-priced glasses of Madeira or vinho verde.

When in Lisbon, drop by what’s known as the oldest and most beautiful bookstore in the world, Livraria Bertrand, which was founded in 1732. Its breathtaking interior is such a hit on social media that the store charges five euros to enter – and it’s worth it! Sports fans should take in a futebol match, too. There are 18 soccer/football clubs, so there’s always a game on somewhere. Get yourself into the stands for a glimpse of the country’s soul.

We're Geeking Out Over These Travel Gadgets!

You’ve booked your flights, your hotel, your local guides… now don’t forget those travel gadgets that make your getaway just a little bit easier. Here’s a few that we can’t live without.

The Charger
You’ve got iPads, phones, tablets, cameras, GoPros, laptops – so many cords and so many plugs! Charging is easier and quicker with this multi-port power bank that has every connection you need, and maybe a few you didn’t know you needed. The flat top deck of the Omni 20+ lets users fast-charge their cellphones, too.

The Indispensable Cable

You could call the inCharge®6 the Swiss Army knife  of charging cables. This key-ring cable device is a winner. With six different ends and connecting possibilities, it doesn’t matter if you do leave your original cord at home or forget it in the wall of your last hotel room. It weighs less than an ounce but still manages to allow for power transfers from phone to phone or wireless earbuds or any other device.

The Smartphone Lens

If you’re no longer packing a DSLR, then pick up the Xenvo Pro Lens Kit for your phone. No matter if it’s an iPhone or an Android, these macro and wide-angle lenses will take your average phone photo to the next level. The lens – attached to a lanyard so you can hang it around your neck for easy access – clamps over your phone lens quickly and snuggly with soft rubber pads.

The Ear Buds

You may already have noise-cancelling headphones (though if you don’t, the Bose QuietComfort® Earbuds will be a game changer on your next flight). Do you also need help to fall asleep in your hotel room? Subtle, sleek and oh-so-comfortable, the next generation of Bose Sleepbuds™ II help you snooze off that jet lag. Unlike headphones, the Sleepbuds do not stream music but use the Bose Sleep app to play soothing sound and white noise to send you into slumber no matter where you lay your head.

Why You Should Plan Your Winter Holidays Now

With so many back into the swing of international and domestic travel, it’s more important than ever to get that festive getaway booked soon. Always a busy time of year, hotels and resorts often require multi-day stays or weeklong bookings – and since this holiday season lands after two years of pent-up demand, it will be more popular than ever.

Let us help you book that perfect stay. Prices are only going to go up, so why not lock in the 2023 winter season rates now? Or let us discover new alternatives to warm weather destinations for this year: the spectacular holiday lights of London, Amsterdam and Paris are not to be missed, and we’ve got lots of other ideas, too. 

Visiting favorite cities at a different time of year is a great way to explore new neighborhoods. Even better, hotels are less likely to insist on long stays if you’re just looking for a short break escape.