Portugal is one of the most dreamy destinations for all types of travelers, especially those who yearn for sunny coasts, friendly and delicious seafood cuisine. Located in a peninsula in southwest Europe, you can enjoy both a beautiful architecture and a comfortable climate throughout the year. If you plan to visit anywhere in Portugal as first, there are some things that you should know first to avoid making some of these very common mistakes.
Overload your itinerary
Portugal visitors can underestimate the amount of things to do depending on the size of the country on the map. Even if you are only visiting a city, such as Porto or Lisbon, it will be exposed to many historical architectural sites, culturally rich and beautiful museums as a starting point. The vineyards of the Douuro Valley can take a whole day to really appreciate. The district of the Lisbon center may only require several days of exploration. Depending on the duration of your trip, choose a city for a trip. Allow enough time to appreciate everything the country has to offer. You don’t want to be too tired to enjoy a unique opportunity in life.
Uncomfortable shoes
Many American tourists are accustomed to the flat terrain, they often wear open shoes or vacation dress shoes that are not suitable for walking. Even if you rent a car, hire a driver or use public transport, you will probably have to spend a lot of uphill, especially in Porto or Lisbon. Portugal is known for its beautiful wavy hills, but may require a lot of resistance and strength to walk. Inadequate shoes It can lead to ampoules, feet pain and anguished joints. The pain can easily ruin a pleasant trip, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes that allow you to walk uphill.
Waiting for English everywhere
If you go to the main Portuguese cities, like Lisbon, you will find many natives who speak English. However, waiting for this wherever I go will be a mistake. Touring the whole country or visiting smaller cities will probably result in some language barrier problems. Even in large cities, the owners of smaller companies may not speak very well English. You can learn basic Portuguese phrases to reduce frustration with communication, especially when it comes to asking for instructions or ordering food. Translation books and applications are also useful.
Ignoring public transport
If you plan to explore multiple Portuguese cities On your trip, renting a car or hiring a driver is a good option. If you are only exploring an important city, you may want to omit the rental car. The city’s traffic causes many roads to be very congested, especially during peak hours. Public transport in large cities like Lisbon is extensive, diverse and highly effective to navigate the city without worrying about traffic. Many visitors underestimate how impressive public transport is in other countries, especially in urban centers.
Jump a tour
If you are new in the country of Portugal, try to navigate the streets and understand local hot points for yourself can be complicated. The main tourist destinations may arise in their research, but exclusive locations and opportunities will be lost if you do not opt for some guided tours. Companies offer Private walking tours of beautiful Portuguese cities, like LisbonWhere you can experience the rich culture, the delicious kitchen and the impressive landscape as a place would. You can also make many friends on tours, which can be excellent for solo travelers looking for some friendly connections.
Forget about the nap
Siesta is a mid -afternoon rest period in many countries, more famous in Spain and Mexico. Portugal also practices this habit, especially in rural areas. You will not want to forget about the afternoon nap, since you can feel frustrated when closing companies buy for a few hours. From noon to four PM, aim to avoid doing any activity that requires visiting a business or restaurant. You can even take a nap yourself! Tourism can also be an excellent way to use the afternoon. Be sure to program your meals around the nap time so you are not hungry. In larger cities, naps are not so common to accommodate visitors.
Misunderstanding of restaurant charges
Restaurants in European countries, particularly in Portugal, often operate differently from those of the United States. Portuguese restaurants generally include Couvert, a small surcharge added to their bill if you choose to eat any of the snacks placed on your table, such as bread, olives or cheese. In the United States, it is assumed that the aggregate bread to the table is free, and it is generally. In Portugal, it is generally not free unless the service provider specifically indicates otherwise. You can politely reject Couvert dishes, but will generally not cost more than a few euros on your restaurant bill.
Conclusion
Visiting a new country is an exciting experience, and Portugal is one of the most beautiful options. You will enjoy delicious kitchen, a cozy culture, an impressive architecture and beautiful wavy hills. From vineyards to art museums, you will not want to miss this beautiful European country. You can make some mistakes when visiting, how to forget good shoes for walking or waiting for English speakers wherever you go. Prepare for cultural differences and different times to guarantee a productive and pleasant travel experience. Take the opportunity to learn some Portuguese phrases or practice the afternoon nap.
