I can’t imagine I’m really writing a submit about an upcoming journey! These days, our updates have been all about quarantine and lockdown, however quite a bit can occur in simply a few months.
We’ve been in Portugal since February 22nd and whereas we have been in a position to journey round Lisbon and see and do quite a bit at first, that slowly modified.
Right here we’re greater than three months later and now we have but to see wherever else in Portugal! Not even additional than a number of blocks from our condominium.
We’ve felt so welcomed, secure and blessed to be right here in Lisbon throughout this pandemic, and we’re very proud of our determination to have stayed put throughout the entire chaos.
After greater than 2 months of being in a State of Emergency, we’re now in a State of Calamity which sounds dangerous, nevertheless it’s really a step in a constructive course.
It looks as if there’s lastly some mild on the finish of the tunnel.
Whereas measurements are nonetheless in place (modifications in enterprise hours, obligatory use of masks, decrease capability in eating places, and hand sanitizer use), issues are bettering right here within the nation.
We’ve been experiencing a gradual opening of eating places, gyms, cinemas, malls, seashores, retailers….and CAMPSITES!
Whereas we’ve been benefiting from the opening of eating places and facilities in Lisbon (drinks with a rooftop view and steakhouse visits!), since being in our condominium and in a metropolis for therefore lengthy, we’re undoubtedly craving nature, which Portugal has in spades.
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The Serendipitous E-mail
Nick and I’ve by no means travelled by campervan. We’ve moved all over the world by aircraft, practice, bus, boat, scooter, automotive, horse, camel, and foot however have by no means explored by campervan.
The humorous factor is, over time we’ve talked quite a few instances about sooner or later having a van and probably residing “Van Life”.
Mates of ours have completed it, or are at present doing it, and we all know of many individuals who lease campervans to journey across the nations they go to.
However for some cause, we simply haven’t skilled this fashion of journey. But.
Throughout the lockdown, we have been researching and binge-watching YouTube movies about van life (we had a variety of time on our arms), and had thought that will be a good way to get round when issues open up.
On Could fifth we obtained an e mail from Indie Campers, which is a Portuguese firm with campervans round Europe (Spain, France, Italy, Iceland, Germany…to call a number of).
That they had discovered our web site and noticed that we have been digital nomads at present in Portugal and have been considering collaborating with us.
This e mail actually got here simply days after we have been looking the web for methods to journey that didn’t embody boarding an airplane. And in reality, we had been on the Indie Campers web site as effectively.
It was extremely serendipitous, and after a little bit of backwards and forwards, it was agreed that when Portugal opened up for home journey, we’d hit the street in one of many Indie Campers’ campervans!
The Campervans
There are all kinds and kinds of campervans to select from on Indie Campers web site, however after trying out a number of and determining which of them have been out there right here in Lisbon, we’ve selected the Lively mannequin.
This isn’t a van that we plan on residing in eternally, it’s a vacation car, so we wished one thing compact that will enable for straightforward driving, maneuvering by way of slender roads, and parking.
Plus, we (I) actually wished to verify the van had a bathroom.
Amongst different options, The Lively has a bathe, bathroom, electrical cooler, curtains for privateness, a cleansing equipment, a bedding equipment, kitchen equipment, a gasoline range, and a big mattress. Plus, roadside help is included, which is a bonus.
As a result of it’s meant for four individuals, there are literally two beds on this van often (type of like bunk mattress fashion). However the one we’re renting can be transformed so we’ll simply have the one mattress — which is nice because it’ll make the van really feel extra open, shiny and spacious.
We’re additionally getting a few add-ons. A little bit BBQ and an outside desk with chairs which can be nice for consuming and dealing at, in addition to a wifi router to assist us proceed operating the companies(es) whereas on the street.
After we choose up the campervan, we’ll get a full rundown on how one can fill the water tanks (clear and gray), empty the bathroom and handle the auxiliary battery utilization.
The Itinerary
Bordered by nothing greater than the Atlantic Ocean and the nation of Spain, the small, compact nation of Portugal has quite a bit to supply.
Whereas there are 7 areas within the nation, Portugal might be most well-known for the Algarve which is residence to some gorgeous rocky cliffs and the turquoise Atlantic Ocean. It is a vacation hotspot for Portuguese individuals and plenty of different European nations as effectively.
For wine-lovers, some fo the most effective wine to ever contact our lips has been from right here in Portugal!
From the Douro Valley and Alentejo to Lisboa and Beira, there are wineries and distinctive grape varietals discovered in several wine districts throughout the nation.
Then, there are the mountains and Nationwide Parks — which is what we plan to concentrate on throughout our 10-day street journey.
Central Portugal is a area of contrasts. Torre, the nation’s highest mountain within the Serra da Estrela vary (1,993 meters / 6,539 toes), sits alongside gorgeous coastal cities.
The area is residence to forests, seashores, wine routes, and Portugal’s well-known sheep cheese — queijo da serra.
Lastly, we plan to go to the Northern reaches of the nation to benefit from the pure great thing about the Peneda-Gerês Nationwide Park. Whereas Portugal is residence to many Pure Parks and Reserves, that is the one Nationwide Park within the nation.
Plus, the north is thought for its small conventional villages and gastronomic delights.
Since we’ve lived on a beautiful Caribbean island for a few years, we don’t plan to take a look at the seashores of Portugal (but), however as a substitute, we’re wanting ahead to staying in campsites and having fun with the rivers, lakes, and forest.
Our mountain climbing gear and Nick’s fishing rod are packed and able to go!
Is It Protected to Journey Proper Now?
We’re not selling or recommending journey right now. At all times observe the legal guidelines and measurements put in place by the nation, metropolis, or municipality you’re residing in.
Having mentioned that, since issues have opened up right here and the federal government has introduced that it’s secure and permitted to journey round Portugal, we’re fairly snug minimally touring round domestically by campervan.
What higher approach to observe social distancing than by travelling with our personal car — which additionally acts as our restaurant and lodging?!
Sometimes, on a 10-day street journey, we’d most likely make about 5 stops, however as a result of we need to work whereas we’re travelling round, and because it’s necessary to restrict our interplay with individuals, we don’t need to transfer round too a lot.
We’ll most likely solely spend time in three completely different campsites (and exploring the encircling areas!) earlier than returning to Lisbon.
There are nonetheless hygiene measurements in place and now we have masks that we’ll put on when getting into into any retailers, or when we have to discuss with others.
In relation to travelling, I feel transferring round by campervan is the most secure and most handy method proper now.
We’re Prepared For The Street!
With all of the restrictions in place all over the world proper now, and with individuals involved about getting sick, or not with the ability to acquire journey insurance coverage protection, I feel home journey by land would be the new norm for some time.
Renting a campervan is the optimum approach to journey safely, whereas being self-sufficient in the case of consuming, consuming, sleeping, and transferring round.
We’re actually wanting ahead to experiencing this fashion of journey and sharing it with you. Keep tuned for suggestions and recommendation for travelling by campervan, the do’s and don’ts, what leases embody, the general value, professionals & cons, and itinerary particulars from Portugal as effectively.
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