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[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Portugal is arguably one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe, so you can enjoy luxury on a budget. From food and wine to accommodations and transportation, you’ll notice that your money will go far (especially the U.S. dollar).[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1670185531770{background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}”]
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you’re a wine lover or connoisseur, then Portugal should be high on your list, especially the city of Porto. The country produces its own red and white wines, including its famous Port, which comes from Douro Valley. Every dish has the perfect wine to pair with it.
Food-wise, Portugal is known for their bread, cured meats, pastries, and even seafood. Also, if breakfast/brunch is your vibe then you’ll find tons of restaurants and coffee shops (especially in Lisbon and Porto).[/vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]It doesn’t get too hot in the summer, or too cold in the winter. It’s the perfect place to visit year-round, in fact, I visited in early November and experienced warm days (65° F). However, if you want to enjoy the beaches I’d suggest visiting in the spring, summer, or early fall.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1670185424745{background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}”]
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]From my experience, the Portuguese people are very friendly, welcoming, and willing to help. Also, many Portuguese people I encountered spoke English (e.g. uber drivers, hotels, restaurants, and clothing stores).[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1670185461168{background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}”]
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]From museums and castles to religious sites and colorful buildings. If you love history and/or architecture, then Portugal is the perfect place for you to visit.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1670185655640{background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}”]
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Because the locals are friendly, getting around is easy, and it’s affordable, Portugal is an ideal place to solo travel. Having solo traveled to Barcelona, which shared the same qualities, I’d definitely consider solo traveling to Portugal. Although I didn’t go solo, I still felt comfortable going places without my friend from time to time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_separator][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row anchor=”getting-around”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
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If you have time, I’d highly recommend traveling around Portugal by train. Not only because it’s scenic, but it’s also cheap and fast. To get from Lisbon to Porto, I took the Alfa Pendular high-speed train which was roughly 2.5 hours. I’d, however, note that prices for the Alfa Pendular train can be more than the Intercidades train. If the train doesn’t work for you, then you can also consider utilizing their bus system.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner]
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1670186564260{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 11px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #f7f2ee !important;}”]While Portugal is a great place to travel solo, you’ll still want to be mindful of your belongings. This is because pickpocketing is a thing; although it isn’t as notorious as in Spain. Just be sure to exercise caution with your valuables and you won’t run into any issues.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_separator][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row anchor=”blog-posts”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
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