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How to Book a Trip to Portugal

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Portugal

Head to Lisbon or Porto this summer without draining your savings all at once.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $620 before anything else
Across the 0% window $41.33/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $620 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Portugal between May and September is tough to beat. You get warm Atlantic breezes, fresh seafood, and sun that stays up until late in the evening. It is the perfect time to wander through Lisbon's hilly streets or sit by the river in Porto with a cold drink. We think it is one of the best spots in Europe to recharge.

A flight over usually runs about $620. Instead of dropping that cash all at once, we can spread the cost out. Using the Discover it® Cash Back card gets you 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. That breaks down to a very manageable $41.33 a month to get you to Europe.

Remember, this is a loan, not a gift. That 15-month window is a hard deadline. If you do not pay off the full balance before the intro period ends, the remaining amount starts racking up interest at the regular high rate.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your window

    May and September are the sweet spots. You get summer weather but miss the worst of the July crowd crush and peak hotel prices.

  2. 02

    Lock in the flight

    Watch fares to Lisbon or Porto early. Flying mid-week usually saves you a chunk of cash compared to weekend departures.

  3. 03

    Map your stay

    Skip the major hotels and look for local guesthouses, called pensões, or apartments in older neighborhoods. They are cheaper and put you closer to the best local food spots.

  4. 04

    Use the 15-month window

    Put the flight on your Discover it® Cash Back. With the 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, you can pay exactly $41.33 a month to clear the $620 balance before any interest kicks in.

  5. 05

    Pack light

    Budget airlines in Europe charge for everything, including carry-on bags. Take one sturdy backpack to save money on train rides and flights between Portuguese cities.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

When is the cheapest time to visit Portugal?

May and September offer the best balance of lower flight costs and great weather. You avoid the expensive peak season of July and August.

Do I need cash in Portugal?

Yes, it is smart to keep some euros on you. While most places take cards, small cafes and taxi drivers often prefer cash.

What is the best way to travel between Lisbon and Porto?

Take the train. It is fast, affordable, and takes you right center-to-center without the hassle of renting a car.

Will my US credit card work in Portugal?

Most major networks work fine, but you should check for foreign transaction fees first. Choose a card that does not charge you extra just for buying things abroad.