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How to Book an Azores Trip

How to · Travel

How to Book an Azores Trip

The Azores are about rugged volcanic trails and quiet ocean views, and you can manage the cost by breaking it into smaller monthly payments.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $3,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $177.78/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $3,200 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

The Azores are a collection of lush, volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic where the pace is slow and the green is impossibly bright. You will spend your days hiking crater lakes, soaking in natural hot springs, and watching for whales off the coast.

Going between April and June or September and October gets you the best weather without the height of the summer crowds. Since the trip costs about $3200, we can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to spread that cost out over time with 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening.

Remember that the 0% interest is only for 18 months. If you still have a balance after that window closes, you will start paying the standard interest rate, which will make the trip more expensive than you planned.

The steps

  1. 01

    Lock in your dates

    Pick your window in the shoulder season to save on flights and hotels. Booking mid-week instead of weekends often drops the price significantly.

  2. 02

    Set your budget

    Confirm your total spend is right around $3200. This makes the math simple and keeps your monthly payment manageable.

  3. 03

    Use the intro window

    With your Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. By putting the $3200 on this card, you can pay it off in monthly installments of $177.78 without paying interest during that 18-month window.

  4. 04

    Book your base

    Choose a central location on São Miguel to minimize driving time. Look for smaller guesthouses to keep your costs closer to your target.

  5. 05

    Automate your payments

    Set up an automatic payment of $178 each month. This ensures you pay down the balance steadily before the intro window expires.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

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

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

What happens if I miss a payment?

You might lose the 0% offer and get hit with a late fee. Always keep your payments on time to keep the deal valid.

Is the trip actually free?

No. You are just choosing to pay for the trip over 18 months instead of all at once. You still have to pay back the full $3200.

Can I pay it off faster?

Yes. You can pay more than $177.78 whenever you want. There is no penalty for paying off the balance early.

What is the catch?

The catch is the 18-month deadline. If you have not paid the balance in full by the time that window ends, interest will start adding up on whatever is left.