PORTUGAL
Three cities in 14 days: Porto, Coimbra, and Lisbon.
I planned a solo trip to Portugal on a whim after seeing cheap flights from HNL to OPO for literally $400 roundtrip. I mean, C'mon. Portugal was not really on my radar, let alone my bucket list. I had wanted to go to Germany to see the Christmas markets, but it would've been twice the flight cost, and at the time, COVID was still making travel to some countries (Germany being one of them ) difficult. So, Portugal was the golden ticket.
Before embarking on my journey to a new country, I planned my trip. I booked a mixture of hostels, hotels and airbnbs, researched public transportation, made reservations for private car pick up upon arrival (I knew I would have all my luggage and would be tired), and bought tickets to all the things I wanted to see. I mapped out my route for each city I would be visiting so I would use my time wisely.
PLACES I STAYED:
PORTO- The Passenger Hostel: Located in a historic train station, this hostel was an absolute gem. It was gorgeous on the inside--- super tall ceilings and massive wooden doors. It was extremely clean and quiet. I loved sitting in the loft and just watching the trains go by with a glass of wine in my hand. Inexpensive and centrally located, what more could you want? They even helped me book a private car to pick me up from the airport which was amazing. I got off the plane and a man with a sign with my name was waiting for my at baggage claim. He helped me with my massive luggage all the way into the hostel.
COIMBRA- The Luggage Hotel: Located a bit up from the train station, I had to take a taxi to get there. It was quick and cheap so nothing to fret. The hotel was totally worth it. Absolutely gorgeous, historic home with all the original fixtures, windows, doors, etc. My room was huge and had a spectacular view with these double door windows that made me feel so so luxurious. It was a bit pricey of a hotel but not toooo bad.
LISBON- Home Hostel Lisbon & Airbnb: Upon getting to Lisbon, things were a little tougher. I did have a huge suitcase AND a carry one suitcase with me so I was very much in a sticky situation. There were not working elevators hardly anywhere... and I had to part from one suitcase to carry the other way up a staircase and run back for the other one. It was.. exhausting. Home Hostel Lisbon did have an elevator, but European elevators are very small and the doors catch on your suitcases, so be weary. Home Hostel Lisbon was very busy with young travelers. It was loud and packed... Not my favorite. I did book it because of the location and because they offered a "family style" dinner every night. However, every night I signed up for it, it was canceled. The beds were really nice, bathrooms were great, and the overall decor was great. They even had bar right inside. I am just not found of hostel noise, and this one had it. The airbnb I initially booked was a bit out of the city towards Sintra and I had booked it knowing I would be there for Christmas Eve and day. A day before my reservation, the host contacted me and told me there was an issue and I could either cancel for a full refund or go to their other property. The other property was MUCH bigger, with two full rooms AND laundry, a fantastic terrace overlooking the city, and was smack in the middle of Lisbon. I took the bigger spot and thoroughly enjoyed my stay.
I planned a solo trip to Portugal on a whim after seeing cheap flights from HNL to OPO for literally $400 roundtrip. I mean, C'mon. Portugal was not really on my radar, let alone my bucket list. I had wanted to go to Germany to see the Christmas markets, but it would've been twice the flight cost, and at the time, COVID was still making travel to some countries (Germany being one of them ) difficult. So, Portugal was the golden ticket.
Before embarking on my journey to a new country, I planned my trip. I booked a mixture of hostels, hotels and airbnbs, researched public transportation, made reservations for private car pick up upon arrival (I knew I would have all my luggage and would be tired), and bought tickets to all the things I wanted to see. I mapped out my route for each city I would be visiting so I would use my time wisely.
PLACES I STAYED:
PORTO- The Passenger Hostel: Located in a historic train station, this hostel was an absolute gem. It was gorgeous on the inside--- super tall ceilings and massive wooden doors. It was extremely clean and quiet. I loved sitting in the loft and just watching the trains go by with a glass of wine in my hand. Inexpensive and centrally located, what more could you want? They even helped me book a private car to pick me up from the airport which was amazing. I got off the plane and a man with a sign with my name was waiting for my at baggage claim. He helped me with my massive luggage all the way into the hostel.
COIMBRA- The Luggage Hotel: Located a bit up from the train station, I had to take a taxi to get there. It was quick and cheap so nothing to fret. The hotel was totally worth it. Absolutely gorgeous, historic home with all the original fixtures, windows, doors, etc. My room was huge and had a spectacular view with these double door windows that made me feel so so luxurious. It was a bit pricey of a hotel but not toooo bad.
LISBON- Home Hostel Lisbon & Airbnb: Upon getting to Lisbon, things were a little tougher. I did have a huge suitcase AND a carry one suitcase with me so I was very much in a sticky situation. There were not working elevators hardly anywhere... and I had to part from one suitcase to carry the other way up a staircase and run back for the other one. It was.. exhausting. Home Hostel Lisbon did have an elevator, but European elevators are very small and the doors catch on your suitcases, so be weary. Home Hostel Lisbon was very busy with young travelers. It was loud and packed... Not my favorite. I did book it because of the location and because they offered a "family style" dinner every night. However, every night I signed up for it, it was canceled. The beds were really nice, bathrooms were great, and the overall decor was great. They even had bar right inside. I am just not found of hostel noise, and this one had it. The airbnb I initially booked was a bit out of the city towards Sintra and I had booked it knowing I would be there for Christmas Eve and day. A day before my reservation, the host contacted me and told me there was an issue and I could either cancel for a full refund or go to their other property. The other property was MUCH bigger, with two full rooms AND laundry, a fantastic terrace overlooking the city, and was smack in the middle of Lisbon. I took the bigger spot and thoroughly enjoyed my stay.
