Yep - you read that right! Earlier this year, Patrick and I ventured to Portugal where we spent a little over a week experiencing the beauty of both the Algarve region and Lisbon. We didn't skimp out on trying the region's most popular dishes, seeking out the most well-known attractions, or most importantly, catching all of the iconic vistas (or as they are called in Lisbon, the Miradouros) that the area had to offer. And still - we flew back home having spent a total of only $1,077 for the entire trip.
Here are some things we did:
Saving Travel Credit Card Points
If you enjoy travelling and don't have a travel credit card yet, it is time to RUN to sign up for a Chase Sapphire card. This card's perks (such as earning 5x the points on travel and 2x the points on dining) have been helping fund our travels since opening the account in 2022. We have primarily used our Chase card on our typical, ordinary expenses, and over the course of about 20 months, our account had earned enough points to pay for 2 round trip flights from Philadelphia to Lisbon, a rental car for 3 days, and overnight accommodations for 4 nights.
We also utilize our American Express Blue Cash Preferred card, which offers 6% cash back on groceries up to $6,000/year and 3% cash back on U.S. gas stations, which is provided in the form of Reward Dollars. Over the course of the year, we had accumulated plenty of Reward Dollars to easily cover the cost of the remaining 3 nights of our trip (and then some).
Our flights were booked, rental car was reserved, accommodations were secured and we had spent a grand total of $0.
Staying at Local Bed & Breakfasts
Without even considering cost, I have still always preferred to stay at small & local accommodations over hotels & resorts when travelling in order to better experience an area's culture - but it does always help that your travel points go further this way too!
During our visit in Lagos, we reserved a room at 3 Marias Guest House. This spot was adorable, the host was extremely kind, and it was a total STEAL for only €100 per night. Our stay also included a large breakfast, which was personally served on the building's scenic rooftop each morning.
Our host provided enough food that we left each day fully satiated, and didn't feel the need to spend a significant amount on another meal until later in the evening. It was also just incredible starting each day with a coffee & a view, at no additional cost out of our pocket.
Travelling in the "Off Season"
We visited Portugal in mid-November, which was roughly the beginning of their off-season, or "shoulder season." This was how we scored significantly cheaper prices on our accommodations in both the Algarve and Lisbon while also avoiding crazy crowds. While it wasn't warm enough to lay out in a bathing suit in the Algarve, the sun was shining, boat tours were still running, and we felt like we had the hiking trails all to ourselves.
Walking & Using Public Transportation
Once we arrived in Lisbon, we returned our rental car and opted for walking & public transportation to get around. Because we were travelling in the off-season, the weather was very mild and crowds were minimal, making it comfortable and easy to explore the city on foot. I also feel that we got to see so much more of the beautiful little corners of each neighborhood this way! Otherwise, during day trips outside of the city, we opted for trains or trams over Ubers, which saved us a significant amount of money. For example, when travelling to spend the day in Sintra (a fairytale town 1 hour from Lisbon), our train tickets cost €3 each.
Eating at Local Hidden Gems
One of my favorite things to do before travelling to a new city is to investigate through travel blogs, social media and Reddit to find the best food spots and to avoid falling into the overpriced tourist-trap locations. For example, during this trip, TikTok led us to a reservation at Leonetta in Lisbon. We enjoyed a cozy dining experience including an appetizer, entrees and several glasses of wine for only €63.
Our expenses for 8 days worth of meals, drinks, gas, attraction tickets, and transportation tallied up to our grand total of just $1,077.
Feeling inspired? Reach out to us on Instagram at @the.parttimetourists or send us an email at vistachasing@gmail.com. Happy travels!
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