My husband and I are planning to drive through Portugal in August this year. We have never been there before. We would love to take it casually and stop where something takes our interest. My concern is do I have to pre book accommodation at this time of year or is there plenty of casual overnight accommodation available? We prefer smaller towns, interesting out of the way places. Also any hints on some places that the normal tourist books may not know? We Love people, wine, history, walks.......
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
795 posts
I would pre-book in August since so many Europeans take their vacations then but if you go to tiny out of the way places, you would likely be able to find places even if you didn't prebook. Such out of the way places would likely have limited choices of places to stay, restaurants, and things to do.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Rather than considering it a romantic notion of taking it casually and stopping at leisure I would consider it, especially in August, potentially fraught with unnecessary stress and disappointment.
These days with information and planning resources at you fingertips online it is so easy to be organised ahead and not waste any of your precious time once you are there.
Research where you want to go, plan your route and nightly stops.
Find a well regarded hotel in the price bracket you want, in the location you want and with the facilities you want.
You will also gain satisfaction in knowing that you did the planning when you come back from an amazing holiday.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you guys for your replies, I will take your advice and plan ahead. I have been using google maps to get an idea on distances and times. Do you know if doing it this way is reasonably accurate?
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Google Maps is pretty good (and designed by Australians by the way), but you could also use Michelin. http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/web/Routes
Tripadvisor for hotels of course.