Bargain destinations, vacation values, and international travel adventures.


Time to Look at Portugal

December 29th, 2006 Posted in Cheap Europe Travel, Destination reports, Vacation deals

Although Portugal will probably never make the list of the World’s Cheapest Destinations, it’s quite a bargain compared to the rest of Europe. And with the tourist magnet cities of Eastern Europe getting more expensive all the time, Portugal can now legitimately claim to be one of the best values around.

For example, take a look at this Portuguese travel deal posted on Budget Travel last week.

The Touring Unlimited package includes seven nights at a choice of participating pousadas–a loose network of converted castles, manor houses, and monasteries throughout Portugal–as well as a rental car from Avis with unlimited mileage, and a 10 percent food and beverage discount card for all of the pousadas‘ restaurants.

Granted the rental car is going to be the cheapest one on their lot, with manual transmission and probably no A/C, but at these prices, who cares? This is a true bargain and unlike most package deals, you are not stuck on a bus with 40 other people or in a single hotel and you can explore any region you want at your own leisure.

  1. 6 Responses to “Time to Look at Portugal”

  2. By Ted Ellis on Feb 5, 2007

    Yes I agree with you that Portugal and the bargain offers available are attractive-also that a rental car is a must to explore all the regions and beautiful beaches of the Algarve,however I personally would prefer to have a reliable car when driving in Portugal and one which is fully insured.In my experience the driving of the Portuguese needs much to be desired! Although it is right side of the road driving, it appears that the left side is favoured more! Tail gating is common practice and the language barrier can be a real hindrance in the event of an accident.

  3. By tim on Feb 6, 2007

    True, renting a car is a hazard in Europe in many cases, especially if you’re not quick-witted and good at driving a stick shift. And yes, it’s a big risk to do it without insurance. But hey, if they throw it into a package, it’s worth doing, especially since there’s a lot of countryside to see in Portugal.

  4. By Duarte Pimentel on Oct 22, 2007

    Dear all,
    In fact the Touring Unlimited is a very good value for money deal (368€ 7 nights with car included!) for exploring Portugal
    The purpose is to enjoy the beutifull portuguese countryside, culture and history staying in fantastic locations.
    This is available from October to April when it is a much more quiet season and the roads are not so crowded
    In fact the basic package includes a car group A with insurance but you can always pay extra for a superior car and optional insurances.

  5. By Car Blog on Feb 3, 2008

    I agree, a hire is a must when visiting portugal, just watch out for the locals, not too bothered about there own cars which means they are not too bothered about your rental car either.

  6. By Matthew May on Jul 24, 2008

    There is some good information on driving in the Algarve on this link:

    http://www.faro-airport-car-hire.my-algarve.com/drivinginthealgarve.htm

    For English people driving in the Algarve can be a stressful experience especially for the first few days

  7. By Car hire in the Algarve on Aug 31, 2008

    I recommend taking out the collision damage waiver insurance, it gives me peace of mind

    http://www.carhirefaroairport.com

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