As Portuguese cities like Lisbon and Porto have regained their popularity, the Algarve coast has been doing just fine. For decades, Portugal’s southernmost region has served as an alternative to the busy beaches of Spain, beloved for both its stunning scenery and affordability.

With sun, sand, and sights, the Algarve is an ideal getaway. If you’re looking to plan your first trip to the Algarve, follow these useful tips for traveling to the Algarve to make the most of your visit.

Go Beach Hopping

A lot of what makes the Algarve such a great summer destination is the sheer number of beaches it offers. When you look for travel tips for the Algarve, you’ll find a list of beach recommendations in most roundups. That’s because there are countless beaches here, each with its own look and benefits.

If you stay in any of the main cities in this part of Portugal, at least a few beaches will be within easy reach. For instance, just a 20-minute walk from Portimão is Praia da Rocha, where you’ll find one stretch of gorgeous sand beach after another. On the other hand, beaches like Praia da Marinha aren’t close to any major town but are still just begging to be visited.

Explore the Cities Behind the Beaches

Many tourists have only the beach in mind when they travel to the Algarve. After all, the region is deservedly known for its epic beaches beneath rocky cliffs. But if you spend all your time on the sand, you’ll miss the beauty and culture just a few blocks away. The historic centers of Faro and Lagos both have some important cultural landmarks, from the Arco da Vila and Faro Cathedral to the sights around Jardim da Constituição in Lagos.

Venture Inland

Of course, you can even leave the coast entirely and still have a good time. One of the best traveling tips for the Algarve is to head for the hinterland. This rustic part of Portugal can be just as fascinating as the seaside, as it substitutes beaches for castles and countryside.

The towns of Silves and Loule both have impressive castles in their historic centers, not to mention quaint streets to wander. Then there’s the beautiful Palace of Estoi in Faro, with its ornate tilework and nearby Roman ruins. It’s clear that there’s another dimension to the Algarve you won’t want to miss.

See the Coast by Sea

While most visit the Algarve for its coast, there’s more to it than beaches. This part of Portugal’s coast is defined by the crumbling limestone cliffs that break up the beaches, from Albufeira to Praia da Rocha and all the way out to Sagres. One of the more famous coastal spots is the Ponta da Piedade, which is full of arches and grottos. Another is the iconic Benagil Cave, a favorite on Instagram.

The best way to see these attractions is usually from the water. In Benagil Cave’s case, that’s the only way to get there. You could try to do this on your own, but that has inherent safety risks, so most people take a boat tour instead. It’s good to do touristy things occasionally, especially to experience sights like these.

Don’t Be Fooled by Its Size

Unless you’re content to see just one town and sit on one beach, you’ll probably want to move around to see more of the Algarve. If you think it’s a small region and this should be easy, though, I hate to break it to you – the Algarve is deceptively large.

With a coast that stretches roughly 150 kilometers, it takes time to get from one end to the other, especially with so many places to stop for a visit. Take this into account when planning a trip to the Algarve, as you don’t want to miss out on somewhere special.

Take Public Transport

While taking guided tours of the Algarve and driving yourself around are both options, the cheapest and simplest approach is to use the region’s trains and buses. While rental car prices go up in peak season, the cost of train tickets stays the same.

Running from Lagos to Faro and stopping in Portimão and Albufeira, the coastal train connects many of the Algarve’s most popular destinations. If you’re planning frequent train trips, look into the Tourist Travelcard to save money. You’ll also find fairly frequent buses connecting major destinations, from these large cities to smaller, out-of-the-way spots.

Stay in the Smaller Towns

Visitors to the Algarve often stay in big cities such as Faro and Lagos. Sure, there’s some practicality to that, but it’s not the only way to go. Smaller towns like Sagres, Tavira, and Carvoeiro offer a completely different experience from those cities. You may still find some flashy hotels, but instead of beach resorts like those you could find anywhere in Europe, you’ll mainly find unique places to stay that could only be in the Algarve.

Come in the Offseason

Since the Algarve is primarily a beach destination, you may think it’s only worth visiting in summer. That is when you’ll get hot and sunny days, ideal for sunbathing and swimming, but summer isn’t your only option. The Algarve is really pleasant during the shoulder season, especially in May and June. Even October and April still offer nice days.

The shoulder season also has the benefit of being much quieter, as it avoids the summer school holidays. That means the beaches are less crowded, tours aren’t sold out, and accommodation is cheaper. This is one of the more underrated Algarve travel tips.

Eat at Local Restaurants

When you’re somewhere like the Algarve, it’s easy to fall into the habit of eating familiar food. The Algarve has decades of practice in accommodating tourists, so finding something like an Irish pub or a pizzeria is super easy. But if you stick to those places, you miss out on sampling some fantastic Portuguese cuisine, especially the seafood.

My suggestion would be to seek out smaller restaurants away from the waterfront. They often feel more intimate, have more attentive staff, and are cheaper. For instance, you’ll have better luck finding these places in Portimão than at Praia da Rocha.

Enjoy Yourself and Relax

At the end of the day, you’re coming to the Algarve for a vacation. So relax, have some lazy beach days, and treat yourself to some tasty seafood. Hopefully, these travel tips for visiting the Algarve will make all of that even easier.

Travelling can enrich us with incredible experiences and scintillating knowledge that helps us transform into better human beings. However, if you are a first-time traveller, you are bound to make some mistakes.

Fortunately, these mistakes would make you stronger and wiser, enabling you to plan better. Here are some common mistakes that first-time travellers make and how to avoid them.

Lighter luggage

Carrying heavier luggage is a common mistake made by travellers. Walking around carrying two or three heavy bags would surely kill the joy. Make sure to pack lighter clothes that get dried easily. You need not carry a pair of clothes for each day of your trip; you could always buy clothes from the place you visit.

Besides, you could keep these clothes as a beautiful reminder of the journeys. Ensure that each item that you pack is essential. If you travel with just the essentials, you could make the trips fun and enjoyable.

Too much planning

Planning your trips better helps you avoid unnecessary confusion and problems. However, planning too much may create unexpected headaches too. Always remember that most trips do not end as you plan. No one can do something exactly as they had planned. Visiting too many places within a short time can be exhausting.

Sustainable trips

Trips that keep you close to nature are always rewarding. While safaris and hunting trips are opted by many, environmentally-friendly trips, without exploiting natural resources can be more enriching and exciting if you truly love animals.

Local shops

Even though you might feel that enjoying exotic cuisines at luxury hotels is the best way to try the unique tastes of a place, local eateries serve authentic food items at an affordable rate.

Do not ignore intuitions

It may not be wise to ignore your intuitions while travelling. If you feel that the person who is offering you help is conman, then do not hesitate to move away from them. You could say ‘no’ with a smile to the taxi drivers who crowd around you offering rides. They add that saying ‘no’ at the right places would save you from disasters, not just during trips but in life too.

Travel insurance

Do not forget to get travel insurance if you are someone who goes on trips regularly. Most people think that they could easily return home if something goes wrong. However, it may not be possible at all the time. It’s better to err on the side of caution, especially when on a foreign land.

Being aware of the weather is one of the most essential winter hiking tips because it can affect the trail by covering it with new snow, which can be quite confusing while you are hiking

Hiking is quite an adventurous activity but at the same time it is also quite strenuous and thus requires to be done properly especially in extreme conditions like winter and summer. So, it’s important to prepare for your hikes in preparation because it might come in handy whenever and wherever you are.

Studying a few winter hiking guidelines can help you get ready for any hike you plan to go on while staying warm and safe. Whether you’re walking through the snow outside or simply admiring the scenery, this winter hiking advice will surely make your experience enjoyable. All of the factors that contribute to a trek in the great outdoors being secure can be met with the right equipment, tips, clothing, and attitude for winter hiking.

“Cold weather might be a problem on any hiking trip at any time of year, not just in the dead of winter. Depending on your location and the area you’re hiking in, you may come across chilly weather at any time of year, which might make your journey uncomfortable or, worst yet, result in a significant injury or disease,” says Gayatri Mohanty.

Check the weather and trail conditions in advance

Being aware of the weather is one of the most essential winter hiking tips because it can affect the trail by covering it with new snow, which can be quite confusing while you are hiking. Knowing the weather conditions also makes it easier to avoid hiking when there are strong winds, chances of heavy snowfall or poor visibility. It is therefore advisable to be aware of the anticipated temperatures and wind speed ahead. You can always hike safely in the snow if you follow our advice.

Maintain constant hydration

When trekking in the cold, always make sure you have an insulated bottle and a bottle sleeve with you. If you do this while hiking in bitterly cold weather, the water won’t freeze. If you forget to bring an insulated bottle on your trek or don’t have one, you can also use a spare sock or wrap the water bottle in a towel to keep it warm and insulated.

Carry the proper winter hiking equipment

If your upcoming trip includes hiking paths, you must pack the appropriate winter hiking equipment. When hiking, wearing the appropriate shoes, bag, jacket, and even jeans can make a big impact. The most important thing to remember when trekking in the snow is to keep yourself warm. You can begin by donning a base layer, followed by a fleece jacket that serves as your intermediate layer, and finally a jacket or down jacket that will aid in insulation and safeguard your body from the cold. Softshell trousers are typically advised when trekking in the winter because they are great at maintaining body heat at all times and shielding you from severe winds and snow.

Pack extra equipment

A fire starter, first aid kit, pocket knife, emergency blanket, waterproof matches, and a waterproof backpack are a few other items you can bring with you on your trek. Bringing an extra kit on your hike will always come in handy and be beneficial for surviving in adverse weather. When you are trekking in snow, all of these things will make a huge impact. Since trekking in snow can be slick and slushy when the snow is melting, they also give you protection and a better grip on the snow.

For your winter hike, bring snacks

During your hikes, it’s critical to keep yourself hydrated and energised at all times. Your body often needs twice as many calories to stay warm and hydrated while trekking in the winter as it does at other times of the year. In order to keep energised at all times, be sure to pack yourself some meals that are both very nutritional and protein-rich. Organic pumpkin seeds, granola bars, protein bars, and even your own homemade trail mix are all suitable for carrying as cold-weather snacks.

Consistently keep your feet warm

While snowshoeing, it’s crucial to keep your feet warm. Make sure you include several pairs of wool-based hiking socks that will keep moisture off of your damp skin. In the event that it gets wet while you’re hiking, it dries rapidly and also aids in heat insulation. When trekking, snow is kept off of your feet at all times by donning hiking boots that go up to the ankle. A pair of gaiters, which save your feet from getting buried in the snow, is another item you can get. As you’ll be spending a lot of time in your boots during your winter excursions, it’s ideal to wear comfy ones.

Hike during the daytime

When we hike on our trails in the summer, we often try to stay out of the sun. In contrast, hiking in the winter is completely different. To feel the warmth of the sun in the chilly months, we would basically do anything. You’ll be able to stay warm and have a better time hiking if you plan your hikes for when the sun is out and blazing brightly in the sky. Due to the drop in temperature in the evening, it is also recommended that you schedule your hikes so that you begin early and finish before the sun sets.

Diagnosed with a heart condition or undergone any cardiac procedure? Here are a few vital tips that heart patients should follow while travelling

Summer vacations have begun but are you one of them who has recently been diagnosed with a heart condition or undergone any cardiac procedure? Then, you will have to take utmost care of your heart while travelling.

Worry not as we got an expert on board to sort your health and travelling woes with a few vital tips that heart patients need to follow to stay heart healthy! Summer vacations mean relaxation and travelling to get rid of stress but heart patients who are planning to travel should be extra cautious.

Dr Sameer Pagad, Senior Consultant- Cardiologist at Global Hospitals in Parel, suggested some of the measures recommended for the heart patients:

• When patients with heart disease travel, they tend to forget their medicines. Post angioplasty and any other heart procedure, it is imperative for them to take the medication on time as suggested by the doctor. If one is traveling then he/she should stock medications as sometimes the medicines may not be readily available at the place you are going to visit. Skipping medicine can be disastrous for the patient if he/she has undergone any cardiac procedure. One should not face any problem as long as he/she is taking medication recommended by the treating doctor.

• If one is planning any adventure sports or hiking or climbing mountains at a higher altitude then it is recommended to take an opinion of a cardiologist and get evaluated.

• One should stay physically active and keep moving especially in long flights.. Try to do light exercises such as walking or spot yoga while traveling.

• It is necessary for heart patients to pay attention to their diet. Try to eat a diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables instead of oily food, canned and processed food.

• Visit the doctor to get cardiac tests, ECG, echocardiography, and stress tests before traveling. So, travel only when you are declared fit to do so.

• Get jabbed for Covid-19 if not get done.

• In flight wear comfortable footwear, drink enough water to stay hydrated, and wear compression stockings, if needed, take short walks to reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs.

• Do not neglect symptoms such as chest pain, breathing problems, or even undue tiredness, and immediately consult the local doctor if need be.