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How to Book a Trip to Portugal

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Portugal

Head to the Portuguese coast in May or October for cheap flights, warm sun, and historic towns without the summer crowds.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,500 before anything else
Across the 0% window $166.67/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,500 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 in May or October is the sweet spot. You get warm, breezy days by the Atlantic coast, cheaper hotels in Lisbon, and zero summer crowds blocking the castles in Sintra. It is the best way to see the country, but you still need about $2500 to cover your flights, train rides, and seafood dinners.

We can split that cost over more than a year without paying extra for the privilege. By using the Discover it® Cash Back, we can pace our payments and avoid interest while we travel.

The catch is that this 15-month window is a hard deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when the intro period ends, the standard variable APR will hit your remaining balance, and those Portuguese pastries will suddenly get a lot more expensive. Pay it off on time.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your shoulder month

    May brings wildflowers and warm beach weather, while October offers grape harvests and cheaper lodging. Both months let you dodge the stifling July heat and peak summer prices. Look at flights for mid-week departures to save even more.

  2. 02

    Map out the coast

    Do not just stay in Lisbon. Take the train north to Porto or head south to the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve. Booking your regional train tickets a few weeks early on the national rail site saves you up to half off the walk-up price.

  3. 03

    Use the fifteen-month window

    Put your flights and hotels on the Discover it® Cash Back card to leverage its 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. If you divide the $2500 trip cost into equal chunks, you only need to pay $166.67 per month. Just make sure to autopay that amount so you finish before the interest kicks in.

  4. 04

    Lock in your guesthouses

    Skip the big luxury resorts and look for family-run guesthouses or local apartments. They are usually cleaner, more central, and run by locals who will tell you where to find the best cheap lunch plates.

  5. 05

    Keep cash on hand

    While credit cards are widely accepted in big cities, small bakeries and rural taxis in Portugal often demand physical euros. Grab some cash from a bank ATM when you arrive, not at the airport booths where exchange rates are terrible.

  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

Is Portugal cheap to visit?

Yes, it is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe. Your money goes much further here on food, wine, and lodging than it would in neighboring Spain or France.

Do I need a visa for Portugal?

US citizens do not need a visa for short tourist stays under 90 days. You just need a valid passport that does not expire within three months of your departure date.

How do I get around the country?

The train system connects major cities like Lisbon and Porto quickly and cheaply. For smaller coastal towns, regional buses or a cheap rental car are your best options.

Should I tip in Portugal?

Tipping is not deeply rooted in Portuguese culture like it is in the US. Rounding up to the nearest euro for casual meals or leaving 5% to 10% at nicer restaurants is plenty.