My wife and I spent 3 months from mid Jan to mid April there this year.We pre booked 4 nights in Lisbon then booked Porto, Albufeira, Portimao with a side trip to Malaga for a week as we went. We stayed in apartments and it being winter there was ample choice. We trained to Porto and flew down to Faro. We bused to and from Malaga and Gibralta and back to Lisbon. While in Albufeira we bought a seniors monthly pass for the local bus system which gives you unlimited local travel on all their lines. Buses from Portimao to the surrounding districts were cheap and easy also.We did not need a car at all and also went on a few local tours ( and a boat tour )
We LOVE your Portugal videos! Tina, let’s talk pronunciation… Never apologize for it! Non-Portuguese people will not know you are mispronouncing anything and Portuguese people should only ever be thanking you for being such wonderful champions of our country! We can’t wait to see your next Portugal videos in the new year! ❤❤❤
Hello Tina and Norm If you are traveling to Europe, travel before Jan 1 2024, otherwise you will need the ETIAS permit for Schengen Europe. Not a lot of people know about it. Maybe you can do a video about it. It is a permit you will need, not a visa but a visa waiver for Schengen Europe. It costs around $20 CAD, not 100% on that. But it will add to your travel costs. It has been postponed a couple of times, but it has been in the news recently. Ireland is one country that will not require ETIAS because it is EU but not Schengen. Portugal is Schegen and will require ETIAS. I pronounce it ET EE AS. Starting Jan 1 2024. Love your show I watch you every week. You are the cutest couple ever. Cheers from Rosanne Mary
We used your previous tips and videos to help plan our trip last winter to Albufeira and it was wonderful. Thank you. We travelled to many other cities/towns and loved them all. Staying in an aparthotel was a perfect blend of hotel and apartment. We’re doing the same this coming winter in Benalmadena in Spain. We appreciate all your travel advice.
Would you consider letting me know where you stayed? We are looking for 2bdrm/2 bath units. We can find lots of apartments but not doing so good with the aparthotels.
@@carlaseier9735 we stayed at Muthu Oura View Beach Club. We had a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment. I don’t know if they had two bedroom units. Staff was lovely, we had fresh towels whenever we needed them and they cleaned the room and changed the sheets every week. There was no clothes washer in the unit, you had to pay at a laundry room in the hotel.
@@elizabethgriffith2702 thanks! I'll have a look. We are booked in Quartiera for 3 weeks and then were supposed to go to Israel. We all know that's not happening so we are going to re-locate somewhere else and see how we like a new spot.
Tina - I’m glad that u mentioned it doesn’t cost anything for people to subscribe, I didn’t realize that for quite awhile…the word “subscribe” didn’t sound free to me ;) But it is! I hope you are growing your channel….we love your videos!
Greetings! Have enjoyed your channel and now planning our 1st Portugal vacation in mid March for at least a month! I like the idea of staying in Toronto for a few days, then Lisbon for a few days then on to Albufeira for a couple weeks! Where else do you recommend one stay for 2 weeks!
Possibly Tavira then you can visit Spain 🇪🇸 too from there , also when in Lisbon take the train to Cascais it’s just lovely the train 🚂 follows the river we stayed a couple of nights there have a great trip 🇵🇹🍻🍷🇨🇦
Greetings from Ireland once again Tina and Norm. Delighted your heading back to the Algarve for your winter vacation. We travel there regularly as the Portugese people are so like the Irish. Always friendly and smiling and have a desire to please. The prices are some of the cheapest in western Europe especially in the winter and spring seasons.Pingo doce restaurant in their huge supermarket in the new town of Albufeira unfortunately has changed and not for the better. This once lovely chicken pineapple and rocket pizza and indeed all the pizzas are now being cooked with very frugal amounts of cheese and toppings yet prices have well increased. In fact its so noticable that customers appear to have dwindled since the redesigning of the restaurant and the awful changes to their menu and prices. Must try the Portugese restaurant you recommended overhead. Love your very informative videos guys. Good health and happiness to you both.🇮🇪 🇨🇦
Great to see you both looking great. I came across your site when looking at Portugal RUclips channels. As Im in my 60s and live visiting Portugal i found your channel very informative. Can't wait to see your new Portugal videos in 2024.
Hi Tina and Norm, my husband and I are celebrating 30 yrs from our first date, 27 yrs married. I think a trip in mid January to Portugal will be a perfect gift, now you have me in the planning mode too! Thank you for another great video!
I love Portuguese coffees, cafes and pastries. I was in Lisbon, Porto and Fatima area last fall and loved it. I want to spend a month when I retire. Thanks for sharing.
Tina and Norm, Congratulations on your upcoming trip to Portugal. Thanks for all the tips and information about Portugal. Still planning to get there in a year or two. Enjoy! Carry On!
We are looking forward to going to the Algarve in Feb/March. We are flying West Jet to London and British Airways to Faro. Being from Western Canada we prefer flying through Calgary instead of Toronto. We are looking forward to exploring and have appreciated all of your information in your videos.
That's wonderful happy for you - love Portugal. Planning to return someday soon. We enjoyed staying in Quarteira, Sebutal near Lisbon & Figueiro da Serra, where my husband was born. ❤
Hope you enjoyed it! yes she is , we are both really looking forward to being back in Portugal 🇵🇹 this Winter , hope you both have a great weekend Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🍻🇨🇦
Will be doing a "test trip" to Algarve for two+ weeks in February. Just booked really cheap flights out of Albany, NY to Lisbon! We look forward to seeing and enjoying the blue skies in February, when it snows in upstate NY! :)
@@ThisIsOurRetirementWe are sure we will enjoy it! We love Portugal, and explored the Northern part of it quite extensively. Already excited about warmer weather in winter,, great food and tasty wines 😂 The plan is to start spending winters there in the future, when my wife decides to retire in a year or two. Following your episodes on RUclips. Thank you for all the tips! Getting this kind of information makes planning logistics of the trips much easier!
Love your informative videos guys especially on your travels to Portugal. Despite COVID we have been traveling there over the last couple of years and i would like to make a couple of comments. First it appears there are increasing amount of tourists now deciding to go to Portugal in the winter most likely from word of mouth so this gem is starting to become overwhelming. Secondly as a result the prices have risen exponentially. As an example we love to golf and green fees have risen 45% this year from last. Finding nice accommodations at a reasonable price is also now becoming more difficult and as you mention most places are adding on utility charges which can be steep. True grocery stores are still relatively much cheaper than home but going out to eat other than the daily plate special is getting much more expensive. On another note I’ve heard from many locals about their discontent with the increase of ex pats and tourists driving up rental rates not unlike what’s happening in major Canadian cities. I still love Portugal but it’s changing fast from an affordable point so enjoy it while we can.
We see that prices have risen since covid, flights, hotel and accommodations, taking that into account The Algarve is still competitive, just more money than prior to the pandemic. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
My husband and I just discovered your channel and we are big fans already! He is 52 and I am 50, and hoping (fingers crossed) that I will retire by 60, and my hubby by 65. Travelling, like you, will be a big part of our future goals. We love all things Portugal! Both our families are from the Azores Islands. We have travelled there, to the Madeira Islands, and just returned from Lisbon/ Sintra/ Nararé/ Fatima and Porto. We live in Vancouver, BC, so we have to add that extra flight to Toronto. We hope to go to the Algarve in March of 2025, so we look forward to learning more about your travels to Portugal. All the best, and so glad we are now subscribed to your channel!
I really enjoy your perspective on the Algarve. We are Portuguese Americans and feel like Portugal is our home-away-from home. We usually spend the springtime there; but being New Englanders, we would like to try to spend some winter time in Algarve. It would be wonderful if you could speak sometime about your experiences with the Algarve winter. Are the days mostly sunny? Does it get overly chilly especially at night or rain a lot? This would really help us decide if we want to give it a shot. Keep your videos coming. Thoroughly enjoy them all.
Thanks for the suggestion, it is 16-20° during the day and might need a jacket in the evening, some rain not too much we like it as it’s less people which we like Robert Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇺🇸🇨🇦
Hello Tina and Norm :) Had to comment first before I started watching this video. Your fan Mary here from Toronto !!! I have been having a grand old time during my summer vacation here (back to part time work YIKES! in 3.5 weeks) and missing the last few of your videos... but I already know they are going to be AWESOME !!! So here I am now catching... I hope you guys are having an awesome summer despite the kooky weather LOL!!! :) Have a great rest of your night Mary :)
Good for you I am going to be there in February and March around Albufeira we take flyth from Montreal to Lisboa take the bus at oriente station takes about 2 hours and half to Albufeira sometimes pay less then 20 dollars
Incase you dont know this... here is a tip for your ticket buying: So once you are done your planning and are pretty sure what you'll buy, clear your cache on your computer because APPARENTLY they kind of keep track of what you've searched and how many times youve looked at it and the price will go up a few dollars more here and there. Ive done this before gor hotel rooms and flights, you settle on the cheapest date etc Then Go clear the cache go back and its cheaper!
We’re flying Air Transat Toronto to Porto at the end of September then after 4 days in Porto, we will take the high speed train to Tunes then transfer to the regional train for the last hour to Lagos. 2 weeks in the algarve then the train to Lisbon for a few days and flying out of Lisbon. We prefer staying in hotels in Porto and Lisbon and Airbnb in Lagos.
Like you, I highly recommend the Algarve as a travel destination. Inexpensive, beautiful and just a joy to experience. Enjoy your trip this coming winter, look foward to videos you make. Cheers.
Because of your trips we booked a trip to alburfiera for March at 890 euros for one bedroom. We just love portugal in March. We fly into Faro. Thanks for the idea.
Sounds like a great deal where are you staying ? if you don’t mind sharing we are not seeing anything like that price for Jan and Feb and March is usually more money 💰 Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦🙂
Average price in the winter is 900 for a studio 1000 for a one bedroom and 1100 for a two bedroom,euros that is.Garvetur reality in Albufura (can’t spell).
Love your videos! This is the most amazing info. This is exactly what we had been wanting to do. We did an Exotica tour in May this year but did not get to the Algarve.
So when are you starting a tour group to go with you to Portugal? It may supplement your trip and help others feel more comfortable traveling there. Love your videos. ❤
As usual, you have made a great video! Wewere thinking about heading to Spain and Austria in winter, but now I am thinking seriously about Portugal! As you say, we just have to play it all by ear, because of course with Covid always a possibiliity, we must not get overly excited before the travel date actually arrives; however, dreaming about a vacation is at least half of the experience, don't you think? Thanks again for your insights into so many different subjects that relate to seniors. I sincerely hope that in a few months we will be exploring the southern part of Europe, and doing it with gusto, and who knows? We may meet each other there and reminisce about when the trip was just the seed of an idea.... Thanks again, Tina and Norm!
I'm sooo excited for your trip, Tina & Norm!! Me and my sis and bro-in-law plan to visit Portugal in the next year or two!! I can't wait, and we are really inspired by all your previous Portugal videos.
@@ThisIsOurRetirement Ah I flew out from JFK in NYC and it was $216 :) Also flying back from Portugal in 2 weeks from Ponta Delgada and it was about $260 ^^
Isn’t it grand to be planning a winter in Portugal? We’re headed back too but to Madeira. I’d never thought of trying to find accommodation in a hotel. Thanks for the great suggestion! We’ve been lucky with AirBNB - we only rent with Superhosts and have never had a problem. When we visited the Algarve we stayed in Albufeira (new town) right down close to the ocean. Wouldn’t advise that for those who prefer quiet (especially at night). The new town was full of partying drunks celebrating Stag & Doe parties. The noise at night was brutal. We left 3 days early and went to Sintra. We were lucky the concierge at our aparthotel was willing to refund our money. It was a fab aparthotel but the noise at night was unbearable. Enjoy your planning - so fun have this to look forward to!
Thanks Libbyann , it’s great to be in planning mode can’t wait to be back in Portugal that really sucks when you have noise and can’t sleep that happened to us in Vancouver Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦
Hello, we spent 4 weeks in January/February in Albufeira in 2023, this year we are here for 3 months mid November-January. It is very nice, but prices definitely went up. Also-if you rent a car, try not to get a ticket, it is hard to pay it (we got it last time and had to ask our local friends to pay it for us as one needs account in the local bank to pay, there are other ways too but you need more time and we got the ticket 1 day prior to our departure. Of course you also can pay it at your rental company but it will be more expensive). Another thing-when you rent an apartment in winter, pay attention to heating availability. It is customary for Portuguese apartments not to have heating. Last time we spent a night in Lisbon in such an apartment, not too much fun when the temperature at night is + 5 outside like it is in January
Thanks for sharing Olga yes prices are more , we try to rent a place where heating and hydro are included we hope you enjoy your stay we can’t wait to be back there this winter 🇵🇹🙂☕️🍁🍷
We are booked for 6 weeks in Lagos, mid March to end April. We split a month last year between Albufeira and Lagos. Albufeira was getting too busy for us at that time of year so we chose Lagos this year. Things are certainly more expensive than they used to be in Portugal, especially accommodations. Groceries are still so much cheaper (and fresher) than here in Nova Scotia. If only we had a direct flight to Lisbon or Faro! Enjoy your winter break and that beautiful blue sky!
That sounds great , we like to be there in January/ February to escape Winter , we like Lagos are in a hotel or Apartment? did you get a good deal and have you stayed at the place before 🤔 Yes a direct flight ✈️ would be great for you have a wonderful time Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦
@@ThisIsOurRetirement We thought about going Jan/Feb but the thoughts of coming home to it still being winter doesn’t appeal to us. Here is NS some of the worst winter can be in March! We are staying in an Airbnb this time. We like having an oven, washer and a little more local feeling (cafes and restaurants that locals frequent) than an aparthotel (which we have done). The longer you stay in an Airbnb, the better the deal you get. We only book ones that have free cancellation and where we don’t pay for electricity. Here’s to good cheap vino e cervejas!
Thanks so much for sharing. I am on the verge of early retirement and my wife and I are so excited to travel and explore. Recently I quizzed a choir friend who has travelled a lot in Portugal. One of his suggestions was to stay away from Gibraltar, saying it's a waste of time since we Canadians have access to plenty of limestone promontories. I'll be curious to compare your impressions with his.
We are in planning mode for winter too. The hotel is a fabulous idea. When we are there in September we will explore and likely book the hotel for winter. Maybe we will see you there.
Thank you for the information and keep us posted as it is our plan for winter 2025. We went to Portugal last year and be back this fall. It is a wonderful country with nice people.
Great to see that you are returning to wonderful Portugal. By the way, last year we paid just 12 Euros each for a beautiful coach from Lisbon to Faro. Good luck. Roger
We are going back to Lagos in January, we loved it this year but our time there was only a month, going for a little over two months this time then porto & Lisbon for 10 days.
Thanks Tina and Norm. It is a lot of very accurate and precious information. I booked 4 weeks in Carvoiero from mid-March to id-April in 2024. I will fly with Air Transat from Montreal-Toronto to Faro. For the return, we will take a bus from Carvoiero to Lisbonne and Air Transat again from Lisbonne to Montreal (a direct flight). We found a tourist appartment in Carvoiero in a hotel for more services and security. All of this was done before i see your video. I was glad to realise that all what i have done was correct.
Many thanks Tina and Norm ! Two years and counting to our early retirement. Looking forward to spend the winter in the Algarve and Andalusia. I always get in the right mood when I see you both on youtube. This winter we will do a little experiment, I got two weeks end of december and three weeks in january off, so I kind of super holiday or mini-wintering, depending on point of view. Portugal is a little to far, living in Switzerland and travelling by our own car, so it will be the Costa del Sol, with similar climate in the wintertime. Kind regards, Ronald.
Love your video as always Tina & Norm, We spent Feb -April 2023 in Praia da Luz and we did rent a car (we always do this) to move around. We don't have flights to Faro from the US(unless you do a layover in Europe somewhere), so we fly into Lisbon rent a car, spend a night or two there and drive to Algarve. We drove to Costa del Sol this time and ended up buying a condo there in March, close to Marbella (because Algarve is beyond our reach now). We are flying to Malaga and would stay in our condo during Sept/Oct and planning to visit Gibraltar(somehow your bucket list matches with ours 😆). We are also planning to travel to Algarve again in Feb/Mar next year. Hopefully, it works out- Cheers!
I can vouch for Gibraltar. Fantastic clinb up to fhe top of the rock and rhe macaques too. Stay at the Sunborne the floating hotel or Holiday Inn express which is only 3 years old.
Good video finally. Tina, you look very good here, I like how you take good care of yourself. We went to Portugal in June 2023 and we remembered you while there. We visited Porto, Lisbon, and the whole Algarve region. If you are in Lisbon you absolutely need to visit Cascais (not sure why you didn’t mention it earlier in your previous videos about Portugal). We didn’t find Portugal cheep though, although it was at least 30% cheaper than Toronto.
Just started looking for winter break. Did 3 weeks in January this year. It was fab. Maybe longer next year?? Good luck with your plans. My trip to Canada is coming up in September, soooooo excited about it!!!!
Hi Tina and Norm! We love your videos and they are a great help to us as we plan a trip to Albufeira this winter. Is Albufeira is too busy in April (we are not really party people)!
Hey Tina and Norm, We are sad that we will miss you in Portugal. We are not flying there but cruising from FL to Spain and then to Lisbon then renting a car to drive to Albefira and stay in the same hotel that you have stayed in the past. Unfortunately we will be cruising back to FL in December. Sorry we missed you!!
We have followed you guys for a while and enjoy the time. Wife and I are scheduled to be in the algrave in about 3weeks. First time in Portugal. Can you give away your favourite city/area to stay. We haven’t booked yet due there sept 22/23. Keep up with the videos we will keep watching. Larry from Hamilton
We have been staying in Albufeira as it’s in the middle of the Algarve has a nice new and old town , we do like Armacao de Pera and Quarteria both places have lovely promenades and very flat which we like . Lots of people like Tavira we have been for the day but might stay there as well this time .We hope you have a great trip we will be back in Jan-March this winter Cheers 🇵🇹🍻🍷🇨🇦
I stayed in Tavira for January, February and March this year and loved it. I plan to go back in January for another 3-month stay. I recommend Air Transat Club Class direct from Toronto to Faro, as the service and comfort on the overnight flight is great. Well worth the extra money. And do your research into restaurants in whatever town you choose, so that you enjoy the excellent Portuguese meals and don't end up eating in low-budget cafeterias, where you would miss out on such excellent seafood. Be adventurous with your food, try new things, experience different music, art and culture. Jump on a bus or train and explore the country (remember, trains are half price for seniors - just take your ID with you to qualify). Life is too short to miss out on all that. I worked hard all my life and lived within my means and now am able to enjoy my retirement and spoil myself as I was meant to do! No skimping and missing out on life's pleasures. Live with no regrets. 😀
Wow that sounds amazing Sharon maybe we should look for a three month stay , how did you find your place to stay ? We have been to Tavira for the day and we enjoyed it and yes as you say say life is too short to miss out on and not have regrets . Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦🙂
I cannot mention a company name here, but if you Google Property Management firms in Tavira, you should find a few. I do not recommend booking through a holiday rental site - you will get a much better deal with a property management firm based in the town you choose. @@ThisIsOurRetirement
We are looking at Tavira for our trip. What would be options for longer stay accommodations there? Are there apartment hotel options similar to Luna in Albufeira? Share if you find good options, will do the same from our side.
Hi Guys Gibraltar is deffinately worth doing we recommend taking a small bus up the mountain as you will see far more than if you use the sky car However when booking your car hire just check if they are happy for you to travel in to Spain because most don’t allow! Regards Chris
We are normally not into cars (never owned any at home), but we managed to rent one in Portugal through a European platform for about 10€ / day in december
We are planning to also go to Portugal this winter. You mention about a chain of Hotels. Would you share some of the names? We are finding apartments but not in hotels. We appreciate all your videos, I guess you could say that we are your Fans !
Thank you for watching our videos, if you use Expedia for your search as one of the search preferences you can select “kitchen”, which will give plenty of results. Some chains are, Luna Hotels, Pestana Hotels and just search Aparthotels in Algarve. Good luck.
We are taking your advice about apartments in hotels. We are currently in Lisbon on vacation and going to Albufeira in 2 days to look for a place for January and perhaps February! I let you know if we’re successful ❤️🇨🇦
Can you explain what you mean by “it’s half price” at around 9:30? Half the price of what? Similarly, Tina says “you’re still way ahead”…way ahead of what? Are you saying it is cheaper to spend winter in Portugal than in Canada, even if you are still paying rent on an apartment in Canada?
We stayed in Carvoeiro during February and March this year. The charge for electricity was the equivalent of £1.20 a day which was much cheaper than we would pay in the UK but we do have very expensive energy costs here. We were using heating overnight and obviously the kitchen was all electric and we were self catering most days. I think you’ll find that the prices for food has gone up since you last visit. I think we had coffee and pastel de nata for two in the cafe in the Auchin supermarket for €3.70 so that was a bargain you can normally expect to pay between 4 and 5. One thing to bear in mind is that the upper age to rent a car is 80 and manual gear shift is normal in Europe. Maybe we’ll see you there.
We like Carvoeiro guess the electricity worked out as a plus for you , all our utilities are included in our rent so we are fortunate. We are prepared that prices of food has gone up but those blue skies , beaches and warm weather will make up for it Terry Cheers 🇬🇧🍷🇵🇹🇨🇦🙂
@@ThisIsOurRetirement there was a gathering of Canadians that met in the Cafe on the corner in the main square in Carvoeiro on Wednesday afternoons. Forgotten the name of the cafe but look out for the Canadian flag. I’m not sure if they were on winter breaks or expat.
@@terrythring Smilers' Bar - they had a Canadian quiz night every Wednesday...very popular. It was cold in Carvoeiro last February - stayed at Monte Dourado...very chilly nights...(and steep hills)...off to Lagos next Feb.
Hi Norm and Tina. I came across your video, and practically everything you described about visiting the new city of Albufeira for next winter as retirees from Alberta applies to my wife and me. Hopefully there are Ubers there because extensive mobility might be an issue and we won't drive there. The hotel apartment idea sounds perfect. Do you have a website email link? Kind regards!
Were in Albufeira March /23. Airbnb at the marina. Rented car and drove from one side to the other in the algarve. Even ended up in Spain by mistake on a Sunday not making a right hand turn in time as per gps (regretting everything was closed) /24 it's Malaga with side trip to Barcelona and Gibraltar hopefully. Ferry to Morocco? Not doing much planning beforehand. Maybe we'll see you in Gibraltar. Flying from Calgary to Heathrow to Madrid. Only booked one way. Not sure if we want to do a couple days in Toronto or not. Cheap flights SAS to Toronto via Azores? Or return home is very open.... Hmmmm will we even come home?
Loving your videos. We’re planning three months in the Algarve this winter so you folks are exactly what we need. Could you please comment or maybe do a video about the new visa requirements for Schengen in 2024?
Hi T & N, we were hoping you would pass on more travel tips. Great video! Just 2 questions: do you need a visitors visa before going? How do you get one? 2) What hotel chains offer apartments? Thanks you guys.
Got back from a month in Algarve. Great place and great people. Trip went smoothly thanks in part to your help and advice. Thank you
Our pleasure! 🙂
My wife and I spent 3 months from mid Jan to mid April there this year.We pre booked 4 nights in Lisbon then booked Porto, Albufeira, Portimao with a side trip to Malaga for a week as we went. We stayed in apartments and it being winter there was ample choice. We trained to Porto and flew down to Faro. We bused to and from Malaga and Gibralta and back to Lisbon. While in Albufeira we bought a seniors monthly pass for the local bus system which gives you unlimited local travel on all their lines. Buses from Portimao to the surrounding districts were cheap and easy also.We did not need a car at all and also went on a few local tours ( and a boat tour )
Thanks for sharing Michael, you put together an interesting trip!
Sounds like a lot to do and see!
We LOVE your Portugal videos! Tina, let’s talk pronunciation…
Never apologize for it!
Non-Portuguese people will not know you are mispronouncing anything and Portuguese people should only ever be thanking you for being such wonderful champions of our country! We can’t wait to see your next Portugal videos in the new year!
❤❤❤
Thank you Tony we are looking forward to our trip Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦🌺
Hello Tina and Norm
If you are traveling to Europe, travel before Jan 1 2024, otherwise you will need the ETIAS permit for Schengen Europe. Not a lot of people know about it. Maybe you can do a video about it. It is a permit you will need, not a visa but a visa waiver for Schengen Europe. It costs around $20 CAD, not 100% on that. But it will add to your travel costs. It has been postponed a couple of times, but it has been in the news recently. Ireland is one country that will not require ETIAS because it is EU but not Schengen. Portugal is Schegen and will require ETIAS. I pronounce it ET EE AS. Starting Jan 1 2024.
Love your show I watch you every week. You are the cutest couple ever.
Cheers from Rosanne Mary
You are right a tourist tax
It costs about $8 usd and isn’t a big deal. It requires US citizens to do what we require of everyone else practically so I don’t really object.
We used your previous tips and videos to help plan our trip last winter to Albufeira and it was wonderful. Thank you. We travelled to many other cities/towns and loved them all. Staying in an aparthotel was a perfect blend of hotel and apartment. We’re doing the same this coming winter in Benalmadena in Spain. We appreciate all your travel advice.
Our pleasure! have a wonderful time Cheers Elizabeth 🇨🇦🍷🇵🇹🙂
Would you consider letting me know where you stayed? We are looking for 2bdrm/2 bath units. We can find lots of apartments but not doing so good with the aparthotels.
@@carlaseier9735 we stayed at Muthu Oura View Beach Club. We had a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment. I don’t know if they had two bedroom units. Staff was lovely, we had fresh towels whenever we needed them and they cleaned the room and changed the sheets every week. There was no clothes washer in the unit, you had to pay at a laundry room in the hotel.
@@elizabethgriffith2702 thanks! I'll have a look. We are booked in Quartiera for 3 weeks and then were supposed to go to Israel. We all know that's not happening so we are going to re-locate somewhere else and see how we like a new spot.
@@carlaseier9735 good luck!
Thanks!
Thanks so much Diane 🌺🥂
Portugal is beautiful so have a wonderful time there. We lived in Spain for 10 years and used to go over to Portugal frequently.❤️❤️
Thanks Maureen
Have a nice trip. You are always welcomed over here!!!
Thank you so much!
This is where I hope to enjoy my time during my future retirement! Thanks!!!
Our pleasure! Cheers Mary 🌺🙂🍷
Tina - I’m glad that u mentioned it doesn’t cost anything for people to subscribe, I didn’t realize that for quite awhile…the word “subscribe” didn’t sound free to me ;) But it is! I hope you are growing your channel….we love your videos!
Your very welcome glad you enjoyed it Cheers 🌺🙂🍷
Great video. Could I just say…..GREAT lighting here!
Glad you liked it Cheers 👍🙂🍻
My husband and I spent four weeks last year in Albufeira and have already booked for six week mid March - April. The blue sky and ocean is tremendous!
That’s wonderful have a great time Cheers 🇨🇦🙂🇵🇹🍷
Can you share some reasonably accommodations for the first time. Thank you.
Greetings! Have enjoyed your channel and now planning our 1st Portugal vacation in mid March for at least a month! I like the idea of staying in Toronto for a few days, then Lisbon for a few days then on to Albufeira for a couple weeks! Where else do you recommend one stay for 2 weeks!
Possibly Tavira then you can visit Spain 🇪🇸 too from there , also when in Lisbon take the train to Cascais it’s just lovely the train 🚂 follows the river we stayed a couple of nights there have a great trip 🇵🇹🍻🍷🇨🇦
Greetings from Ireland once again Tina and Norm.
Delighted your heading back to the Algarve for your winter vacation. We travel there regularly as the Portugese people are so like the Irish.
Always friendly and smiling and have a desire to please.
The prices are some of the cheapest in western Europe especially in the winter and spring seasons.Pingo doce restaurant in their huge supermarket in the new town of Albufeira unfortunately has changed and not for the better.
This once lovely chicken pineapple and rocket pizza and indeed all the pizzas are now being cooked with very frugal amounts of cheese and toppings yet prices have well increased. In fact its so noticable that customers appear to have dwindled since the redesigning of the restaurant and the awful changes to their menu and prices. Must try the Portugese restaurant you recommended overhead. Love your very informative videos guys.
Good health and happiness to you both.🇮🇪 🇨🇦
That’s a shame we really enjoyed their pizzas 🍕 thanks for watching Cheers 🇵🇹🌺
Great to see you both looking great. I came across your site when looking at Portugal RUclips channels. As Im in my 60s and live visiting Portugal i found your channel very informative.
Can't wait to see your new Portugal videos in 2024.
Awesome! Thank you! 🇵🇹🍷🙂
Hi Tina and Norm, my husband and I are celebrating 30 yrs from our first date, 27 yrs married. I think a trip in mid January to Portugal will be a perfect gift, now you have me in the planning mode too! Thank you for another great video!
Your very welcome Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦🌺🙂
I love Portuguese coffees, cafes and pastries. I was in Lisbon, Porto and Fatima area last fall and loved it. I want to spend a month when I retire. Thanks for sharing.
Sounds great! we have been to all three places and loved them all , take a look at Cascais on the coast just gorgeous Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🙂🇨🇦
Tina and Norm, Congratulations on your upcoming trip to Portugal. Thanks for all the tips and information about Portugal. Still planning to get there in a year or two. Enjoy! Carry On!
Our pleasure! it is a lovely place to visit in the Winter Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦🙂
We are looking forward to going to the Algarve in Feb/March. We are flying West Jet to London and British Airways to Faro. Being from Western Canada we prefer flying through Calgary instead of Toronto. We are looking forward to exploring and have appreciated all of your information in your videos.
We hope you have a wonderful time Carla the Algarve is wonderful especially in the Winter months have a great weekend Cheers 🇵🇹☕️🇨🇦🍷
Tours are great,and we had no need for a car. The towns around are wonderful and your right the restaurants are fantastic.
We agree! have a wonderful time Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦
Thanks for the tips. Heading to the Algarve in Feb!
Hope you enjoy it!
That's wonderful happy for you - love Portugal. Planning to return someday soon. We enjoyed staying in Quarteira, Sebutal near Lisbon & Figueiro da Serra, where my husband was born. ❤
Thanks Cathy we are looking forward to it have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🇨🇦🍷🇵🇹
WOW, a Portugal video and Tina seems sooooo excited. Good on you Norm!
Hope you enjoyed it! yes she is , we are both really looking forward to being back in Portugal 🇵🇹 this Winter , hope you both have a great weekend Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🍻🇨🇦
Will be doing a "test trip" to Algarve for two+ weeks in February. Just booked really cheap flights out of Albany, NY to Lisbon! We look forward to seeing and enjoying the blue skies in February, when it snows in upstate NY! :)
That’s wonderful hope you enjoy it , we can’t wait to be back this Winter 🇵🇹🍷☕️🇺🇸🍻🇨🇦
@@ThisIsOurRetirementWe are sure we will enjoy it! We love Portugal, and explored the Northern part of it quite extensively. Already excited about warmer weather in winter,, great food and tasty wines 😂 The plan is to start spending winters there in the future, when my wife decides to retire in a year or two. Following your episodes on RUclips. Thank you for all the tips! Getting this kind of information makes planning logistics of the trips much easier!
Your very welcome 🇺🇸🍁🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹
Love your informative videos guys especially on your travels to Portugal. Despite COVID we have been traveling there over the last couple of years and i would like to make a couple of comments. First it appears there are increasing amount of tourists now deciding to go to Portugal in the winter most likely from word of mouth so this gem is starting to become overwhelming. Secondly as a result the prices have risen exponentially. As an example we love to golf and green fees have risen 45% this year from last. Finding nice accommodations at a reasonable price is also now becoming more difficult and as you mention most places are adding on utility charges which can be steep. True grocery stores are still relatively much cheaper than home but going out to eat other than the daily plate special is getting much more expensive. On another note I’ve heard from many locals about their discontent with the increase of ex pats and tourists driving up rental rates not unlike what’s happening in major Canadian cities.
I still love Portugal but it’s changing fast from an affordable point so enjoy it while we can.
We see that prices have risen since covid, flights, hotel and accommodations, taking that into account The Algarve is still competitive, just more money than prior to the pandemic. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thanks!
Thank you so much we appreciate it we love Portugal 🇵🇹 too ❤️
My husband and I just discovered your channel and we are big fans already! He is 52 and I am 50, and hoping (fingers crossed) that I will retire by 60, and my hubby by 65. Travelling, like you, will be a big part of our future goals.
We love all things Portugal! Both our families are from the Azores Islands. We have travelled there, to the Madeira Islands, and just returned from Lisbon/ Sintra/ Nararé/ Fatima and Porto. We live in Vancouver, BC, so we have to add that extra flight to Toronto.
We hope to go to the Algarve in March of 2025, so we look forward to learning more about your travels to Portugal. All the best, and so glad we are now subscribed to your channel!
Thanks for watching and welcome to our channel Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦
I really enjoy your perspective on the Algarve. We are Portuguese Americans and feel like Portugal is our home-away-from home. We usually spend the springtime there; but being New Englanders, we would like to try to spend some winter time in Algarve. It would be wonderful if you could speak sometime about your experiences with the Algarve winter. Are the days mostly sunny? Does it get overly chilly especially at night or rain a lot? This would really help us decide if we want to give it a shot. Keep your videos coming. Thoroughly enjoy them all.
Thanks for the suggestion, it is 16-20° during the day and might need a jacket in the evening, some rain not too much we like it as it’s less people which we like Robert Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇺🇸🇨🇦
I've never been only talked about a winter in the Algarve. You've made my mouth water for it.
It’s wonderful 🇨🇦👍🇵🇹
Hello Tina and Norm :) Had to comment first before I started watching this video. Your fan Mary here from Toronto !!! I have been having a grand old time during my summer vacation here (back to part time work YIKES! in 3.5 weeks) and missing the last few of your videos... but I already know they are going to be AWESOME !!! So here I am now catching... I hope you guys are having an awesome summer despite the kooky weather LOL!!! :) Have a great rest of your night Mary :)
We are Mary, no place like Canada in summer, thanks for stopping by and have more summer fun!
Planning to go to Portugal in April. So hope to see you there!
Sounds great although we will be there Jan - March w3 might miss you Cheers 🇵🇹✈️🇨🇦🙂
Hi Tina and Norm, very informative video as usual 👍...Norm, please share some of your stock photography if you can ...would love to see some pictures
Glad you enjoyed it Auriel have a wonderful day Cheers 🌺🙂👍
Enjoy your trip! Best part is looking forward to it!
Thank you! Will do!
Good for you I am going to be there in February and March around Albufeira we take flyth from Montreal to Lisboa take the bus at oriente station takes about 2 hours and half to Albufeira sometimes pay less then 20 dollars
Sounds great have a wonderful time 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦
Incase you dont know this... here is a tip for your ticket buying:
So once you are done your planning and are pretty sure what you'll buy, clear your cache on your computer because APPARENTLY they kind of keep track of what you've searched and how many times youve looked at it and the price will go up a few dollars more here and there. Ive done this before gor hotel rooms and flights, you settle on the cheapest date etc Then Go clear the cache go back and its cheaper!
Thanks for sharing that’s why we use Nord VPN , have a wonderful day Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦
I enjoy your videos and find them informative guys. Gordon Sivell Niagara Falls Canada
Thank you Gordon!
Great episode guys. Thanks
Your welcome thanks for watching Paul Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦
Really appreciate hearing about your travel trips and tips.
Glad you like them!
We're headed back to South Padre Island Texas for this winter but I think maybe next year Portugal will be on the bucket list.
Thanks for watching Debbie we do like Portugal 🇵🇹 Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🌺🇨🇦
Texas. No thanx...
I love Tina's new haircut!
Thanks
Thank you for sharing. Hope you have a GREAT time in Portugal! Your video are so much fun, as if I am sitting right across you...
You are very kind, we do strive to create that across the table chat.
Wonderful!! Thank you. Have fun!!!!
Thanks Dean!
We’re flying Air Transat Toronto to Porto at the end of September then after 4 days in Porto, we will take the high speed train to Tunes then transfer to the regional train for the last hour to Lagos. 2 weeks in the algarve then the train to Lisbon for a few days and flying out of Lisbon. We prefer staying in hotels in Porto and Lisbon and Airbnb in Lagos.
Sounds like a great plan Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦🙂
Lots of wonderful information for Portugal! I have never been but I really enjoyed your video.
Glad you enjoyed it! great place to visit Christine Cheers 🇨🇦🍷🇵🇹🙂
We are excited to spend 10 weeks this winter in Tavira. Your video got us excited about the town. The bus trips sound great. Thanks for the info.
Hope you enjoy it! sounds like a great plan Dawn have a wonderful Winter Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦
Like you, I highly recommend the Algarve as a travel destination. Inexpensive, beautiful and just a joy to experience. Enjoy your trip this coming winter, look foward to videos you make. Cheers.
Thanks for watching Matt
Because of your trips we booked a trip to alburfiera for March at 890 euros for one bedroom. We just love portugal in March. We fly into Faro. Thanks for the idea.
Sounds like a great deal where are you staying ? if you don’t mind sharing we are not seeing anything like that price for Jan and Feb and March is usually more money 💰 Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦🙂
Average price in the winter is 900 for a studio 1000 for a one bedroom and 1100 for a two bedroom,euros that is.Garvetur reality in Albufura (can’t spell).
Love your videos! This is the most amazing info. This is exactly what we had been wanting to do. We did an Exotica tour in May this year but did not get to the Algarve.
Glad it was helpful! we hope you get to visit , we really enjoy the Algarve region Cheers 🇵🇹🌺🇨🇦🙂
Great video Tina and Norm, thanks for all the good info. I find more and more Portugal is becoming a "go to" destination for Canadians.
It’s great!
Those Portuguese custard tarts are noteworthy.
Enjoy...
Yes they are Yummy 😋
So when are you starting a tour group to go with you to Portugal? It may supplement your trip and help others feel more comfortable traveling there. Love your videos. ❤
Sounds like a great idea we will think on that Denis Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦🙂
I led group tours for nearly 20 years pre-pandemic... friends are trying to get me started again, but I need my own trip first.
As usual, you have made a great video! Wewere thinking about heading to Spain and Austria in winter, but now I am thinking seriously about Portugal! As you say, we just have to play it all by ear, because of course with Covid always a possibiliity, we must not get overly excited before the travel date actually arrives; however, dreaming about a vacation is at least half of the experience, don't you think? Thanks again for your insights into so many different subjects that relate to seniors. I sincerely hope that in a few months we will be exploring the southern part of Europe, and doing it with gusto, and who knows? We may meet each other there and reminisce about when the trip was just the seed of an idea.... Thanks again, Tina and Norm!
Your very welcome Mary and we would love to bump into you in Portugal 🇵🇹we are hoping to be there for two months this year Cheers 🇵🇹🙂🌺🍷🇨🇦
Great team great info
Appreciate it! have a wonderful day Doug Cheers 🙂🍻
I'm sooo excited for your trip, Tina & Norm!! Me and my sis and bro-in-law plan to visit Portugal in the next year or two!! I can't wait, and we are really inspired by all your previous Portugal videos.
Thanks so much!
Ginjinha is the liquor showed at the beginning of the video. :)
Yes it is! we put it in a caption in the video.
Fly to Madeira for $250 per person, spend a few days then fly to Faro directly. Madeira is something to see, amazing place!
Yes we have been to Madeira a few times, not sure about $250, sounds like a great deal 🇵🇹
@@ThisIsOurRetirement Ah I flew out from JFK in NYC and it was $216 :) Also flying back from Portugal in 2 weeks from Ponta Delgada and it was about $260 ^^
Isn’t it grand to be planning a winter in Portugal? We’re headed back too but to Madeira. I’d never thought of trying to find accommodation in a hotel. Thanks for the great suggestion! We’ve been lucky with AirBNB - we only rent with Superhosts and have never had a problem. When we visited the Algarve we stayed in Albufeira (new town) right down close to the ocean. Wouldn’t advise that for those who prefer quiet (especially at night). The new town was full of partying drunks celebrating Stag & Doe parties. The noise at night was brutal. We left 3 days early and went to Sintra. We were lucky the concierge at our aparthotel was willing to refund our money. It was a fab aparthotel but the noise at night was unbearable.
Enjoy your planning - so fun have this to look forward to!
Thanks Libbyann , it’s great to be in planning mode can’t wait to be back in Portugal that really sucks when you have noise and can’t sleep that happened to us in Vancouver Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦
Madeira is one of the prettiest places i have ever visited.
@@pensacola321 We also visited Terceira, Azores and it’s breathtaking as well. Lovely people there too.
Hello, we spent 4 weeks in January/February in Albufeira in 2023, this year we are here for 3 months mid November-January. It is very nice, but prices definitely went up. Also-if you rent a car, try not to get a ticket, it is hard to pay it (we got it last time and had to ask our local friends to pay it for us as one needs account in the local bank to pay, there are other ways too but you need more time and we got the ticket 1 day prior to our departure. Of course you also can pay it at your rental company but it will be more expensive). Another thing-when you rent an apartment in winter, pay attention to heating availability. It is customary for Portuguese apartments not to have heating. Last time we spent a night in Lisbon in such an apartment, not too much fun when the temperature at night is + 5 outside like it is in January
Thanks for sharing Olga yes prices are more , we try to rent a place where heating and hydro are included we hope you enjoy your stay we can’t wait to be back there this winter 🇵🇹🙂☕️🍁🍷
Tina your hair looks lovely, its lighter ❤ and Norms has new glasses 🤓
Thank you so much Moira Cheers 🌺🙂
We are booked for 6 weeks in Lagos, mid March to end April. We split a month last year between Albufeira and Lagos. Albufeira was getting too busy for us at that time of year so we chose Lagos this year. Things are certainly more expensive than they used to be in Portugal, especially accommodations. Groceries are still so much cheaper (and fresher) than here in Nova Scotia. If only we had a direct flight to Lisbon or Faro! Enjoy your winter break and that beautiful blue sky!
That sounds great , we like to be there in January/ February to escape Winter , we like Lagos are in a hotel or Apartment? did you get a good deal and have you stayed at the place before 🤔
Yes a direct flight ✈️ would be great for you have a wonderful time Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦
@@ThisIsOurRetirement We thought about going Jan/Feb but the thoughts of coming home to it still being winter doesn’t appeal to us. Here is NS some of the worst winter can be in March! We are staying in an Airbnb this time. We like having an oven, washer and a little more local feeling (cafes and restaurants that locals frequent) than an aparthotel (which we have done). The longer you stay in an Airbnb, the better the deal you get. We only book ones that have free cancellation and where we don’t pay for electricity. Here’s to good cheap vino e cervejas!
Thanks so much for sharing. I am on the verge of early retirement and my wife and I are so excited to travel and explore.
Recently I quizzed a choir friend who has travelled a lot in Portugal. One of his suggestions was to stay away from Gibraltar, saying it's a waste of time since we Canadians have access to plenty of limestone promontories. I'll be curious to compare your impressions with his.
Not sure we thought it might be a nice place to visit Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦
We are in planning mode for winter too. The hotel is a fabulous idea. When we are there in September we will explore and likely book the hotel for winter. Maybe we will see you there.
Sounds great!
Thanks for a very informative video, I leant a lot.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the information and keep us posted as it is our plan for winter 2025. We went to Portugal last year and be back this fall. It is a wonderful country with nice people.
Sounds great! we just like to be there in Winter to escape the snow LOL 😂😂Cheers Julie 🇵🇹🍷🙂🇨🇦
Same here as I am from New Brunswick, Canada and cannot wait to spend my first winter in Portugal , far from the snow 😂@@ThisIsOurRetirement
Great to see that you are returning to wonderful Portugal.
By the way, last year we paid just 12 Euros each for a beautiful coach from Lisbon to Faro.
Good luck.
Roger
Oh wow! great deal thanks for sharing Cheers 🇨🇦🍷🇵🇹
Hopefully we will run into you guys. We booked an Airbnb the month of Jan in Quarteira.
That would be nice Quarteria is a lovely place have a great time Cheers 🇨🇦🍷🇵🇹
Hi Tina & Norm sounds wonderful keep up the planning 😊
Regards. Christopher Barker
We will! thanks for watching Christopher Cheers 🇬🇧🍷🇨🇦🇵🇹
We are going back to Lagos in January, we loved it this year but our time there was only a month, going for a little over two months this time then porto & Lisbon for 10 days.
Awesome enjoy your trip!
Thanks Tina and Norm. It is a lot of very accurate and precious information. I booked 4 weeks in Carvoiero from mid-March to id-April in 2024. I will fly with Air Transat from Montreal-Toronto to Faro. For the return, we will take a bus from Carvoiero to Lisbonne and Air Transat again from Lisbonne to Montreal (a direct flight). We found a tourist appartment in Carvoiero in a hotel for more services and security. All of this was done before i see your video. I was glad to realise that all what i have done was correct.
Sounds great we hope you enjoy your stay have a great day Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦
@@ThisIsOurRetirement Thanks! i wish you also a very good trip in the Algarve this winter.
Hi. Interesting. Never considered Portugal. Time to do some internet searching. Thanks for the tips.
Glad it was helpful! Cheers 🇨🇦🍷🇵🇹
Many thanks Tina and Norm ! Two years and counting to our early retirement. Looking forward to spend the winter in the Algarve and Andalusia. I always get in the right mood when I see you both on youtube. This winter we will do a little experiment, I got two weeks end of december and three weeks in january off, so I kind of super holiday or mini-wintering, depending on point of view. Portugal is a little to far, living in Switzerland and travelling by our own car, so it will be the Costa del Sol, with similar climate in the wintertime. Kind regards, Ronald.
Glad you enjoy our videos have a wonderful time this Winter as your trial Ronald Cheers 🍷 🇨🇭 🇵🇹🌺🇨🇦🙂
Love your video as always Tina & Norm, We spent Feb -April 2023 in Praia da Luz and we did rent a car (we always do this) to move around. We don't have flights to Faro from the US(unless you do a layover in Europe somewhere), so we fly into Lisbon rent a car, spend a night or two there and drive to Algarve. We drove to Costa del Sol this time and ended up buying a condo there in March, close to Marbella (because Algarve is beyond our reach now). We are flying to Malaga and would stay in our condo during Sept/Oct and planning to visit Gibraltar(somehow your bucket list matches with ours 😆). We are also planning to travel to Algarve again in Feb/Mar next year. Hopefully, it works out- Cheers!
We are looking forward to going back to Portugal
Great informations Tina, Norm, my wife and I just include a winter stay in Portugal into our bucket list, thanks for your great videos 😊❤
Glad it was helpful! hope you get to visit Daniel Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦🙂
I can vouch for Gibraltar. Fantastic clinb up to fhe top of the rock and rhe macaques too. Stay at the Sunborne the floating hotel or Holiday Inn express which is only 3 years old.
Thanks for the hotel suggestion Cheers 🇨🇦🍷🇵🇹
Should we mention the irony of Norm wearing a Brazilian soccer T-shirt while discussing a winter stay in Portugal?!?😮😂😊❤
They speak the same language Richard LOL 😂😂Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇺🇸🍻🇨🇦
@@ThisIsOurRetirement A verdade! (mas o sotaque brasileiro e' diferente!
sim você esta correto Abraço 🌺
Good video finally. Tina, you look very good here, I like how you take good care of yourself. We went to Portugal in June 2023 and we remembered you while there. We visited Porto, Lisbon, and the whole Algarve region. If you are in Lisbon you absolutely need to visit Cascais (not sure why you didn’t mention it earlier in your previous videos about Portugal). We didn’t find Portugal cheep though, although it was at least 30% cheaper than Toronto.
We have a playlist of our time in Cascais here: ruclips.net/video/r2WyAJdBtbQ/видео.html&pp=gAQBiAQB
Just started looking for winter break. Did 3 weeks in January this year. It was fab. Maybe longer next year?? Good luck with your plans. My trip to Canada is coming up in September, soooooo excited about it!!!!
Have a great time Canada is so wonderful
Hi Tina and Norm! We love your videos and they are a great help to us as we plan a trip to Albufeira this winter. Is Albufeira is too busy in April (we are not really party people)!
It is starting to have more visitors but nothing like the summertime.
Hey Tina and Norm, We are sad that we will miss you in Portugal. We are not flying there but cruising from FL to Spain and then to Lisbon then renting a car to drive to Albefira and stay in the same hotel that you have stayed in the past. Unfortunately we will be cruising back to FL in December. Sorry we missed you!!
Sounds like a great trip hope you enjoy it Cheers 🇵🇹🇺🇸🚢🇨🇦🙂
What is the hotel that your stayed before, please.We are planing of going first time so something tray you tried before would be helpful. Thank you.
Down side of staying in a hotel apartment is the Hen or Stag parties that go on all night in the next room.
They aren’t allowed in the Hotels we pick Don Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦
We always do pay at property and never had any issues...
We have followed you guys for a while and enjoy the time. Wife and I are scheduled to be in the algrave in about 3weeks. First time in Portugal. Can you give away your favourite city/area to stay. We haven’t booked yet due there sept 22/23.
Keep up with the videos we will keep watching.
Larry from Hamilton
We have been staying in Albufeira as it’s in the middle of the Algarve has a nice new and old town , we do like Armacao de Pera and Quarteria both places have lovely promenades and very flat which we like . Lots of people like Tavira we have been for the day but might stay there as well this time .We hope you have a great trip we will be back in Jan-March this winter Cheers 🇵🇹🍻🍷🇨🇦
Thanks for these, we are currently searching.
Nice shirt from Brazil and it is very Brazilian since it is “S” as Brasil not “Z” congrats to you two from the Brazilian Vagner in Texas
Thanks glad you liked Norms shirt 👍
I stayed in Tavira for January, February and March this year and loved it. I plan to go back in January for another 3-month stay. I recommend Air Transat Club Class direct from Toronto to Faro, as the service and comfort on the overnight flight is great. Well worth the extra money.
And do your research into restaurants in whatever town you choose, so that you enjoy the excellent Portuguese meals and don't end up eating in low-budget cafeterias, where you would miss out on such excellent seafood. Be adventurous with your food, try new things, experience different music, art and culture.
Jump on a bus or train and explore the country (remember, trains are half price for seniors - just take your ID with you to qualify). Life is too short to miss out on all that.
I worked hard all my life and lived within my means and now am able to enjoy my retirement and spoil myself as I was meant to do! No skimping and missing out on life's pleasures. Live with no regrets.
😀
Wow that sounds amazing Sharon maybe we should look for a three month stay , how did you find your place to stay ? We have been to Tavira for the day and we enjoyed it and yes as you say say life is too short to miss out on and not have regrets . Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦🙂
I cannot mention a company name here, but if you Google Property Management firms in Tavira, you should find a few. I do not recommend booking through a holiday rental site - you will get a much better deal with a property management firm based in the town you choose. @@ThisIsOurRetirement
We are looking at Tavira for our trip. What would be options for longer stay accommodations there? Are there apartment hotel options similar to Luna in Albufeira? Share if you find good options, will do the same from our side.
Have you found any flights Sharon going in January with Air Transat that gives the option of Club Class as we don’t see any for 2024 ? Thanks 🇵🇹🇨🇦
Thanks so much for sharing Sharon Happy Thanksgiving have a wonderful day Cheers 🥂🍁🦃😎
Hi Guys
Gibraltar is deffinately worth doing we recommend taking a small bus up the mountain as you will see far more than if you use the sky car
However when booking your car hire just check if they are happy for you to travel in to Spain because most don’t allow!
Regards
Chris
Yes we can take the car into Spain but not Gibraltar
We are normally not into cars (never owned any at home), but we managed to rent one in Portugal through a European platform for about 10€ / day in december
That was a good price!
Please subscribe to our Channel it’s Free 👍
Tina and Norm my suggestion is a couple days in Gibraltar doing a video and some photography
Never been but looking forward to living vicariously
More to come this winter!
Yes Gibraltar would be good, thanks for the suggestion!
Stay well
Thank you you too 🙂🌺👍
We are planning to also go to Portugal this winter. You mention about a chain of Hotels. Would you share some of the names? We are finding apartments but not in hotels. We appreciate all your videos, I guess you could say that we are your Fans !
Thank you for watching our videos, if you use Expedia for your search as one of the search preferences you can select “kitchen”, which will give plenty of results. Some chains are, Luna Hotels, Pestana Hotels and just search Aparthotels in Algarve. Good luck.
We are taking your advice about apartments in hotels. We are currently in Lisbon on vacation and going to Albufeira in 2 days to look for a place for January and perhaps February! I let you know if we’re successful ❤️🇨🇦
Sounds great!
Can you explain what you mean by “it’s half price” at around 9:30? Half the price of what? Similarly, Tina says “you’re still way ahead”…way ahead of what? Are you saying it is cheaper to spend winter in Portugal than in Canada, even if you are still paying rent on an apartment in Canada?
We were comparing to Florida but decided to edit the video, so half price to Florida in Jan to March, even adding the air fare.
We stayed in Carvoeiro during February and March this year. The charge for electricity was the equivalent of £1.20 a day which was much cheaper than we would pay in the UK but we do have very expensive energy costs here. We were using heating overnight and obviously the kitchen was all electric and we were self catering most days. I think you’ll find that the prices for food has gone up since you last visit. I think we had coffee and pastel de nata for two in the cafe in the Auchin supermarket for €3.70 so that was a bargain you can normally expect to pay between 4 and 5. One thing to bear in mind is that the upper age to rent a car is 80 and manual gear shift is normal in Europe. Maybe we’ll see you there.
We like Carvoeiro guess the electricity worked out as a plus for you , all our utilities are included in our rent so we are fortunate. We are prepared that prices of food has gone up but those blue skies , beaches and warm weather will make up for it Terry Cheers 🇬🇧🍷🇵🇹🇨🇦🙂
@@ThisIsOurRetirement there was a gathering of Canadians that met in the Cafe on the corner in the main square in Carvoeiro on Wednesday afternoons. Forgotten the name of the cafe but look out for the Canadian flag. I’m not sure if they were on winter breaks or expat.
@@terrythring Smilers' Bar - they had a Canadian quiz night every Wednesday...very popular. It was cold in Carvoeiro last February - stayed at Monte Dourado...very chilly nights...(and steep hills)...off to Lagos next Feb.
Hi Norm and Tina. I came across your video, and practically everything you described about visiting the new city of Albufeira for next winter as retirees from Alberta applies to my wife and me. Hopefully there are Ubers there because extensive mobility might be an issue and we won't drive there. The hotel apartment idea sounds perfect. Do you have a website email link? Kind regards!
Love the excitement .......:)
Thank you we can’t wait 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦
Were in Albufeira March /23. Airbnb at the marina. Rented car and drove from one side to the other in the algarve. Even ended up in Spain by mistake on a Sunday not making a right hand turn in time as per gps (regretting everything was closed)
/24 it's Malaga with side trip to Barcelona and Gibraltar hopefully. Ferry to Morocco? Not doing much planning beforehand. Maybe we'll see you in Gibraltar. Flying from Calgary to Heathrow to Madrid.
Only booked one way. Not sure if we want to do a couple days in Toronto or not. Cheap flights SAS to Toronto via Azores? Or return home is very open.... Hmmmm will we even come home?
We hope you have a great trip , we are looking forward to being back this Winter Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦🙂
I'm planning a trip to Portugal so I need all the tips I can get.
We hope you have fun!
Loving your videos. We’re planning three months in the Algarve this winter so you folks are exactly what we need. Could you please comment or maybe do a video about the new visa requirements for Schengen in 2024?
It’s not a new visa just an entry tax
Love your Brasil t-shirt!:-) thanks for the useful tips! Could you please tell us the name of the apart hotel you stayed?
Solaqua Hotel Albufeira
Many thanks!@@ThisIsOurRetirement
Hi T & N, we were hoping you would pass on more travel tips. Great video! Just 2 questions: do you need a visitors visa before going? How do you get one? 2) What hotel chains offer apartments? Thanks you guys.
If you are Canadian you don’t need a visa but you will need to pay an entry fee.
Thank you.