Get creative
Organize your art supplies and get to crafting. Consider painting an azulejos design, creating a project out of corks, or learning how to play Fado music.
Need more inspiration? Check out these virtual tours of famous Portuguese museums and more.
Pick a film
Watch a movie that relates to your destination. Some ideas for Portugal include:
- Fatima (2020)
- Lisbon Story (1994)
- Amália (2008)
Study some history
Dive deep into the history of specific sites you’ll visit on tour. Study the religious importance of Braga, the pilgrimages to Fátima, or the National Palace in Sintra. Then, tour some of Portugal’s ancient history and modern marvels with this virtual reality video.
Choose a book
Read and discuss a book that takes place in your destination or describes the local culture. Pick from titles like:
- Night Train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier
- Small Death in Lisbon by Robert Wilson
- 300 Days of Sun: A novel by Deborah Lawrenson
Fill up your plate
Arrange a potluck and encourage your friends to bring a traditional dish from your destination. Know a chef? Hold a virtual cooking class with your travel group, or support a local restaurant that offers delivery/take-out of your destination’s cuisine. Try pasteis de nata, caldo verde (kale soup), bifanas (sliced pork sandwich), or chicken piri-piri.
Learn the language
Call up a friend or set up a group video chat and practice your language skills. It helps to make flashcards with common sayings to use on the phone or throughout your travels (think about ordering at restaurants, buying souvenirs, and chatting with locals).
Did you know?
Portugal holds the record for the longest (73 years) and shortest (20 minutes) reigning monarchs!
Meet Your Partner in Travel
Lesley first went to Portugal with her family when she was nine years old. She went back on her own in the summer of 2018 and truly fell in love with the country. Portugal has so much to offer, but Lesley particularly recommends the cities of Porto and Lisbon. You’ll be certain to get your steps in while wandering around the steep hills both these cities are known for. Better yet, you can take a Tuk-Tuk around to see all the sights! Be sure to pick up a craft made of cork or one of Portugal’s famous Azulejo tiles!