Portugal Travel Checklist

Feel free to print or download this checklist for your convenience.

If you would like to download the checklist as a pdf – in your browser click Print and next to Destination choose ‘Print to PDF.’

Travel can be stressful. This also includes pre-trip activities involving the need to wrap up details at home, work and with family. Crossing multiple time zones will disrupt your circadian rhythm which can impact your sleep patterns, digestive system and overall well being. Different foods and cuisine may affect how you metabolize alcohol and you may find some foods increase your food sensitivity or reduced tolerance. Some people experience digestive extremes when traveling.

A week or more before traveling, we recommend starting to increase your intake of immunity boosting supplements that you and your doctor find best suited for your situation. During this time be sure to take extra rest, increase your exercise, watch your diet, and be good to yourself as you prepare for time away.

Consider bringing digestive aids with you such as increased fiber, pepto bismol or other treatments that work well for your body. Keep a small amount on hand in your carry-on.

We also suggest bringing a COVID home testing kit. As a friendly reminder, if anyone were to test positive, it would be necessary for them to stay behind, prioritizing the well-being of both yourself and the entire group.

We always suggest taking photos and copies of important documents. Keep the photos on your device in a location you can easily access, and leave digital or hard copies with your trusted emergency contact at home. These items include:

– Flight information

– Tour itinerary, including names and addresses of hotels

– Contact information of the tour director

– Your passport

– Credit Cards

– Travel insurance policy

– Any necessary medical or prescription details in case of emergency

During the day you will want comfortable clothing that you can layer and mix/match, along with comfortable and sturdy walking shoes. For evenings, the best attire is “smart casual”; in between casual and formal. Bring a rain jacket or umbrella. For more tips on packing visit our blog at: https://inquisitours.com/tips-for-packing/

The voltage in Portugal is 230V. You will need to bring an adapter.

Around the globe airlines and airports are short-staffed and baggage handling is no exception. The number of lost/delayed bags are at an all time high and you are encouraged to pack extra clothing and toiletries in your carry-on. Do not pack any valuables or irreplaceable items in your checked luggage. Always keep medications and your ID with you at all times.

Some pricy alternatives include shipping your luggage to your first location with companies such as “Luggage to Ship”. Or get creative with a “carry-on-only” challenge. If you plan on shopping, which is fantastic in Portugal, consider bringing or buying an extra bag and check items on the way home.

Please check that your passport is valid and has not expired. Portugal requires that your passport is valid 6 months beyond your date of departure. Visas are not required for stays less than 90 days.

You may already have an international plan with your provider, or consider upgrading to an international plan while you are away.

An “eSim” is excellent for data and is inexpensive. Check out Airalo for their plans. eSim’s are great for data, but glitchy for cellular texts. You can easily switch between the two.

“WhatsApp” is a widely used communications platform for texting, voice, and video. It is free to download and use, and does not rely on just cellular data. eSims work well for WhatsApp and we will communicate using WhatsApp for the trip.

Credit cards are accepted everywhere and your bank usually gives you the best exchange rate. it is always nice having cash on hand. Banks and ATM’s are frequent and numerous. However, do not take large amounts of money from an ATM at the airport as they have the worst exchange rate.

When making purchases with a credit card, you will be prompted to either choose Euros or USD. ALWAYS choose Euros as this will give you the best exchange rate.

Also, be sure to let your bank know you will be traveling!

Daily schedule: Our day-to-day rhythm varies quite a bit from our schedule at home. Lunches are usually served between 1:00 – 2:00 pm and dinners usually begin around 8:00 pm. Meals are meant to be enjoyed and savored – it’s a dining experience which lasts longer than our meals. Embrace the culture and do as the Portuguese do!

Note for meals not included in the tour package: Appetizers are not free! Appetizers such as bread, olives, salad are not free. This is not a tourist gimmick, rather, it is a Portuguese tradition, meant to curb your hunger while looking at the menu and waiting for your main dish. If you don’t want to pay for them, push them aside and don’t eat any of it – not even one olive – or you will be charged.

Pickpockets, or “apple pickers” as currently known, happen in crowded places like Lisbon trolley cars and in crowded streets. Treat commotions like smokescreens for theft. Keep your cash, credit cards, and passport secure in a money belt tucked under your clothes or in a front sling. If carrying a daypack, carry it in the front. Only carry a day’s spending money with you and don’t set valuable items down on counters.

The hotels have safes inside the room for valuables, just remember to empty the safe before checking out of the hotels.

Helpful Portuguese Phrases

While most Portuguese speak English in the larger cities, if you attempt the language you’ll get more smiles and make more friends. Google Translate is a helpful way to communicate on the go. Or, if you’re only going to take a 15 Portuguese phrases away, these are the must-knows!

Bom dia/Boa tarde/Boa noite: Good morning/afternoon/night

Até breve!: See you soon!

Por favor: Please

Com licença: Excuse me

De nada: You’re welcome

Eu nao falo portugues: I don’t speak Portuguese.

Você fala inglês?: Do you speak English?

Gostaria: I would like…

Como eu chego ao…: How do I get to…

Qual a distância até …?: How far to …?

Poderecomendar –me alguma coisa?.: Can you recommend something?

Quanto custa?: How much does it cost?

Você tem…?: Do you have…?

Pode-se pagar com cartão de crédito?: May I pay by credit card?