Tips for a Successful Scouting Trip to Portugal

Embarking on a scouting trip has become a common practice among individuals considering relocating to Portugal. This process entails a thorough exploration of various towns and cities to decide on the best place to live in Portugal. It serves as an opportunity to immerse oneself in the Portuguese culture and lifestyle, thereby evaluating compatibility with the prospective environment.

The dynamics of each scouting trip vary, ranging from brief visits spanning a few days to extensive stays lasting several months. While some opt for a tour encompassing multiple locations and famous attractions, others adopt a more leisurely approach, opting to rent an apartment and acquaint themselves gradually with the surroundings, valuing relaxation moments. Regardless of the destination and chosen itinerary, certain strategies can enhance the effectiveness of a scouting tour in Portugal.

Choose the Right Time to Scout Portugal

Choosing the right moment for your scouting trip to Portugal is fundamental. The seasonality, including weather patterns, local festivities, and peak tourism times, significantly influences the overall feel and experience of your visit. It's vital to remember that the vibrancy of Portuguese towns, particularly those along the coast, can drastically shift with the seasons. A bustling hotspot in summer may transform into a tranquil retreat in winter. 

Considerations for Timing and Transportation Options

• Climate and Seasonal Changes: Recognize the diverse weather across Portugal’s regions. Temperature and precipitation can greatly differ from north to south and inland to coastal areas.

• Local Festivities and Cultural Events: Engage with Portugal’s rich cultural landscape by aligning your trip with local festivals and events. This immersion offers a deeper understanding of the community and traditions.

• Cost Implications of Seasonal Travel: Decide on the best time to visit by weighing the pros and cons of traveling during peak and off-peak seasons. Traveling outside the high season can yield more affordable accommodations and services, offering a glimpse into local life without the crowds.

Our Suggestion: The optimal months for a scouting trip to Portugal are from March to June or September to November. During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant, the costs are more manageable and budget, than in the high summer, and the destinations are not as crowded, providing a realistic sense of life in both the world in cooler and the world in warmer months.

Set Clear Objectives for Your Scouting Trip

Before embarking on your scouting trip, it’s essential to set clear objectives. What do you want to achieve from this trip? What are your priorities? Are you looking for a new place to live, or are you searching for a location for a business or investment opportunity? Having a clear idea of what you want to accomplish will help you stay focused and ensure that you make the most of your time.

Some questions to consider when setting your objectives include:

• What are my top priorities for this scouting trip?

• What are my non-negotiables?

• What are my deal-breakers?

• What are my must-haves?

• What are my nice-to-haves?

By answering these questions, you’ll be able to create a clear and concise list of objectives that you hope will guide your scouting trip and help you make informed decisions.

Identify Your Priorities on a Scouting Trip: Exploring Portugal

Embarking on scouting trips is essentially about doing your homework before making a big move. It’s important to decide on your priorities and keep a clear list of what you’re interested in searching for during this exploratory phase.

A well-planned scouting trip in Portugal can assist you in:

• Selecting the ideal city for your new home in Portugal in a near future;

• Understanding daily life, including living expenses;

• Exploring the local customs and cultural practices;

• Finding out what recreational activities are available;

• Identifying employment opportunities that match your skills and background;

• Picking a neighborhood that feels like home;

• Evaluating the closeness to essential services such as educational institutions, grocery stores, and public transport;

• Checking the accessibility of medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics, in the vicinity;

• Visiting potential homes or schools to make an informed decision before making any financial commitments;

• Determining whether the Portuguese lifestyle aligns with your personal preferences and needs;

• Learning about language education options, including courses and communities for expats;

• Staying informed about any planned developments that could impact your living experience;

• Gaining insights into the legal requirements involved in purchasing or leasing property in Portugal.

 Choosing the Right Activities

When planning your scouting trip, it’s essential to choose activities that align with your objectives. If you’re looking for a new place to live or teach, for example, you may want to focus on activities that allow you to experience what's local, such as visiting local markets, trying local cuisine, and attending community events.

On the other hand, if you’re a person searching for a next town or location for a business or investment opportunity, you may want to focus on activities that allow you to gather and to assess the local economy, such as meeting with local leaders, visiting industrial parks, and researching local regulations.

Some popular activities for scouting trips include:

• Visiting local neighborhoods and communities

• Meeting with locals and expats

• Trying local cuisine and drinks

• Attending community events and festivals

• Visiting local businesses and industrial parks

• Researching local regulations and laws

Horseback Riding and Outdoor Adventures

If you’re looking for a unique and exciting experience, consider adding horse riding and outdoor adventures to your scouting trip itinerary. It is a great way for children to explore the countryside and get a feel for the local terrain, while outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping, and rock climbing can provide a thrilling way for adults to experience the natural beauty of nature in the area. It might be a great idea to get to know scout groups (similar to boy scouts of America).

Scouting Essentials Packing List 

One way to guarantee a successful and stress-free trip lies in thoughtful planning and packing. This checklist will help you remember the essentials for your Portuguese scouting trip. 

• Passport: Confirm its validity - at least six months beyond your intended departure. 

• Copies of Travel Documents: Keep physical and digital copies of your identification documents.

• Travel Insurance Documents: Plan for unexpected scenarios with travel insurance. A great supplier we've found for travel insurance that will cover your trip to Portugal travelers to Portugal is Ekta. 

• Travel Itinerary: Keep a paper printout of hotel and transport booking confirmations, in case phones die. 

• Driving License: In case you are hiring a car. Many car hire places in Europe hold a deposit of anything between €200-€1,000 on your credit card, so ensure that your card has sufficient funds available. One of the cheapest car hire suppliers we've found in Portugal is Discover Cars - who usually have the best prices, and depots in most Portuguese airports and cities 

• Credit and Debit Cards: Notify your bank about your travel plans. 

Learn Some Portuguese 

Before your scouting trip, it can be a good idea to learn some Portuguese, so we'll take a minute to talk and discuss that now - this will not only enhance your trip but will make your whole transition smoother and deepen your connection to your new home.

1. Set learning goals 

The first step in any language learning journey is to set clear and realistic goals. This will help guide your studies and keep you motivated. 

2. Choose learning resources 

The next step is to choose the resources you'll use to learn Portuguese. There's a wealth of options out there, from textbooks to language learning apps. One of our favourite apps for listening and speaking practice is Practice Portuguese - a great platform that in addition to having native (European Portuguese) speakers speaking slowly and clearly in audio and video clips (something they don't always do in reality!), it also has interactive flashcards and a great verb learning section, also suitable for kids.

3. Start with the basics 

Starting with the basics will give you a strong foundation in Portuguese. Focus on key phrases and vocabulary, as well as basic grammar. 

• Learn essential phrases like greetings, asking for directions, and ordering food. 

• Start building your vocabulary around common themes like family, friends, work, and hobbies. 

• Get a grasp of basic Portuguese grammar. 

The Ideal Scouting Trips Formula 

We believe that the ideal method to explore and scout Portugal is through a journey organized with a combination of private scouting trips, tours, and self-exploration. You don’t need to do everything by yourself or pay someone to take care of everything. Allow yourself some time to be guided and to adventure yourself independently, and have a great time!

12-Day Portugal Scouting Trip Suggestion: From North to South 

We’re excited to present an itinerary for a scouting trip across Portugal, spanning 12 to 13 days, blending both guided scouting tours and self-exploration with a rental car for a truly immersive experience. Embark on this significant adventure to lay the foundation for a successful transition to your new home abroad.

Initiate Your Trip in Porto Begin your adventure in Porto, allocating 2 to 3 days to wander through the city and its surroundings. Porto serves as the perfect starting point, where you can easily rent a car to venture southward, stopping by notable spots such as Coimbra, Nazaré, and Óbidos. We recommend dedicating 1 to 2 days to either Nazaré or Óbidos.

Discover Lisbon and Surrounds Continue your trek to Lisbon, where you’ll spend 3 to 4 days exploring the capital. At this point, you may opt to return your rental car as you won’t need it in Lisbon. Join us for two personalized scouting tours:

• Tour 1 (1 day): We’ll explore Lisbon’s highlights and venture to coastal towns between Lisbon and Cascais. These areas, known for their expat-friendly atmosphere and high quality of life, offer a glimpse into the serene coastal lifestyle. Cascais, for instance, has around 16% foreigners of its total population.

• Tour 2 (1 day): We’ll cross the bridge to the south bay to discover Caparica and Setúbal, including Azeitão’s villages, some breathtaking Arrábida beaches, and driving through Arrábida Mountain. We’ll also visit Setúbal, a former fishing city, known for its affordability and relaxed vibe, just a 40-minute drive from Lisbon.

Vicentine Coast and Algarve Exploration Next, rent a car again and head South, taking 2 days to explore the Vicentine Coast, with a 1 night or 2-night stay midway.

• Tour 3 (1 day): In the sunny Algarve, we’ll guide you through Lagos and surrounding expat-friendly towns. Should you wish to delve deeper into the East Algarve, Tour 4 can be added to your itinerary.

Value-Added Discussions Our tours are more than just sightseeing; they’re about engaging in meaningful discussions on variou topics, including real estate, land used, mortgages, Portugal’s history, lifestyle, and providing you with the tools for independent exploration. This approach ensures you’re well-prepared for your scouting trip, while having fun.

Preparation Is Key To maximize your experience, we recommend reading our book, Portugal Beckons - A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Moving to Portugal, as essential pre-trip homework. This will equip you with valuable insights and questions, ensuring a well-informed and successful scouting trip across Portugal.

With our professional guidance and your explorative spirit, this itinerary promises a thorough and affordable scouting experience from north to south Portugal in just a few days.

Want to Know More About our Scouting Tours? Get in Touch

Don't Behave Like a Tourist  

Approach your visit with a resident's mindset. Falling into the trap of treating your scouting trip like a holiday is common, yet remember, this journey is for your future, not for leisure. Consider it as a crucial step in your life planning, akin to an endeavor for your personal advancement. 

To sidestep the tourist label, opt for accommodations like local guesthouses or vacation rentals. These choices offer a glimpse into authentic living and facilitate interactions with residents. Venture beyond the popular spots to uncover the true essence of life in Portugal. Engage with the community, seeking advice and sparking conversations to gain deeper insights. 

The trend of relocating to Portugal has been growing among expatriates, resulting in vibrant expat communities throughout the country. 

Yet, the challenge of adjusting to a new country can be overlooked. This aspect should be a primary consideration once you've made the decision to move. 

Cultural Immersion

Cultural immersion is an essential part of any scouting trip. By immersing yourself in the local culture, you’ll be able to gain a deeper understanding of the area and its people. Some ways to experience cultural immersion in a new country include:

• Visiting local markets and trying local cuisine

• Attending community events and festivals

• Meeting with locals and expats

• Taking a cooking class or language course

• Visiting local museums and historical sites

Immerse Yourself in the Local Culture

One of the best ways to experience cultural immersion is to immerse yourself in the local scenario. This process can be done by visiting local neighborhoods and communities, trying local cuisine, and attending community events.

Some popular ways to immerse yourself in a new country, while having fun, include:

• Visiting local markets and trying local street food

• Attending community events and festivals

• Meeting with locals and expats

• Taking a cooking class or language course

• Visiting local museums and historical sites

By immersing yourself in the local culture, you’ll be able to gain a deeper understanding of the area and its people, and make more informed decisions about your scouting trip.

Essential Apps for your Scouting Trip

• Kiwi to book all your flights and travel on the go 

• Booking.comAirbnb for all your accommodation 

• TripIt declutters your itineraries and documents by keeping them organized in one place. 

• Priority Pass gives you airport lounge access 

• Omio to book all your trains and buses in Portugal 

• Google Maps to find your way around 

• XE Currency converter to calculate how much you're paying 

• Metric conversion calculator to calculate European measurements for you 

• DeepL translator because sometimes Google Translate, shall we say, is a little inaccurate! 

• Tempo is the most reliable resource for weather in Portugal. 

Wanna know more about Portugal and the Portuguese life? Thinking of moving to Portugal? Questions on visas? Healthcare? Expat life? Where you should live? Download our “Portugal Beckons - Book”, read by over 700 expats.