I can’t believe I’m actually writing a post about an upcoming trip! Lately, our updates have been all about quarantine and lockdown, but a lot can happen in just a couple of months.
We’ve been in Portugal considering that February 22nd and while we were able to travel around Lisbon and see and do a lot in the beginning, that slowly changed.
Here we are a lot more than 3 months later and we have yet to see anywhere else in Portugal! Not even further than a few blocks from our apartment.
We’ve felt so welcomed, safe and blessed to be here in Lisbon during this pandemic, and we’re very delighted with our decision to have stayed put during all of the chaos.
After a lot more than 2 months of being in a state of Emergency, we’re now in a state of Calamity which sounds bad, but it’s actually a step in a positive direction.
It seems like there’s finally some light at the end of the tunnel.
Restaurants have opened up, so we went to this one with a view
While measurements are still in place (changes in service hours, mandatory use of masks, lower capacity in restaurants, and hand sanitizer use), things are improving here in the country.
We’ve been experiencing a gradual opening of restaurants, gyms, cinemas, malls, beaches, shops….and CAMPSITES!
While we’ve been taking advantage of the opening of restaurants and amenities in Lisbon (drinks with a rooftop view and dining on some of the best Portuguese food), considering that being in our apartment or condo and in a city for so long, we’re absolutely craving nature, which Portugal has in spades.
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The Serendipitous Email
Nick and I have never travelled by campervan. We’ve moved around the world by plane, train, bus, boat, scooter, car, horse, camel, and foot but have never explored by campervan.
The funny thing is, over the years we’ve talked many times about one day having a van and potentially living “Van Life”.
Friends of ours have done it, or are currently doing it, and we know of lots of people who rent campervans to travel around the countries they visit.
But for some reason, we just haven’t experienced this way of travel. עדיין.
During the lockdown, we were researching and binge-watching YouTube videos about van life (we had a lot of time on our hands), and had thought that would be a great way to get around when things open up.
On may 5th we received an email from Indie Campers, which is a Portuguese company with campervans around Europe (Spain, France, Italy, Iceland, Germany…to name a few).
The active model with Indie Campers
They had found our web site and saw that we were digital nomads currently in Portugal and were interested in collaborating with us.
This email literally came just days after we were searching the Internet for ways to travel that didn’t include boarding an airplane. and in fact, we had been on the Indie Campers web site as well.
It was exceptionally serendipitous, and after a bit of back and forth, it was agreed that when Portugal opened up for domestic travel, we’d hit the road in one of the Indie Campers’ campervans!
The Campervans
There are a large variety and styles of campervans to choose from on Indie Campers website, but after checking out a few and figuring out which ones were available here in Lisbon, we’ve made a decision on the active model.
This isn’t a van that we plan on living in forever, it’s a holiday vehicle, so we wanted something compact that would allow for easy driving, maneuvering through narrow roads, and parking.
Plus, we (I) really wanted to make sure the van had a toilet.
Among other features, The active has a shower, toilet, electric cooler, curtains for privacy, a cleaning kit, a bedding kit, kitchen kit, a gas stove, and a large bed. Plus, roadside help is included, which is a bonus.
Because it’s indicated for 4 people, there are actually two beds in this van normally (sort of like bunk bed style). but the one we’re renting will be converted so we’ll just have the one bed — which is great as it’ll make the van feel a lot more open, bright and spacious.
We’re also getting a couple of add-ons. A little BBQ and an outdoor table with chairs which will be great for eating and working at, as well as a wifi router to help us continue running the businesses(es) while on the road.
When we pick up the campervan, we’ll get a full rundown on how to fill the water tanks (clean and grey), empty the toilet and manage the auxiliary battery usage.
The Itinerary
Bordered by nothing a lot more than the Atlantic ocean and the countryof Spain, the small, compact country of Portugal has a lot to offer.
While there are 7 regions in the country, Portugal is probably a lot of popular for the Algarve which is home to some sensational rocky cliffs and the turquoise Atlantic Ocean. This is a holiday hotspot for Portuguese people and lots of other European nations as well.
For wine-lovers, some fo the best white wine to ever touch our lips has been from here in Portugal!
99 bottle of white wine on the wall, 99 bottles of wine…
From the Douro Valley and Alentejo to Lisboa and Beira, there are wineries and special grape varietals found in different white wine districts all around the country.
Then, there are the mountains and national Parks — which is what we plan to focus on during our 10-day road trip.
Central Portugal is a region of contrasts. Torre, the country’s highest mountain in the Serra da Estrela range (1,993 meters / 6,539 feet), sits alongside sensational coastal towns.
The region is home to forests, beaches, white wine routes, and Portugal’s popular sheep cheese — queijo da serra.
Finally, we plan to visit the northern reaches of the country to take pleasure in the natural appeal of the Peneda-Gerês national Park. While Portugal is home to lots of natural Parks and Reserves, this is the only national Park in the country.
Plus, the north is known for its small standard villages and gastronomic delights.
Since we’ve lived on a stunning Caribbean island for lots of years, we don’t plan to check out the beaches of Portugal (yet), but instead, we’re looking forward to staying in campsites and enjoying the rivers, lakes, and forest.
Our hiking gear and Nick’s fishing rod are packed and ready to go!
Is It safe to travel ideal Now?
We’re not promoting or recommending travel at this time. always follow the laws and measurements put in place by the country, city, or municipality you are living in.
Having said that, considering that things have opened up here and the government has announced that it’s safe and permitted to travel around Portugal, we are quite comfortable minimally traveling around domestically by campervan.
What better way to practice social distancing than by travelling with our own automobile — which also acts as our restaurant and accommodation?!
Typically, on a 10-day road trip, we would probably make about 5 stops, but because we want to work while we’re travelling around, and considering that it’s crucial to limit our interaction with people, we don’t want to step around too much.
We’ll probably only spend time in 3 different campsites (and exploring the surrounding areas!) before returning to Lisbon.
Nick’s fishing gear is ready and waiting!
There are still hygiene measurements in place and we have masks that we’ll wear when entering into any shops, or when we need to talk with others.
When it pertains to travelling, I think moving around by campervan is the safest and a lot of convenient way ideal now.
We’re ready For The Road!
With all the restrictions in place around the world ideal now, and with people concerned about getting sick, or not being able to obtain travel insurance coverage, I think domestic travel by land will be the new norm for a while.
Renting a campervan is the optimal way to travel safely, while being self-sufficient when it pertains to eating, drinking, sleeping, and moving around.
We’re really looking forward to experiencing this style of travel and sharing it with you. stay tuned for ideas and recommendations for travelling by campervan, the do’s and don’ts, what rentals include, the overall cost, pros & cons, and travel plan details from Portugal as well.
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