I can’t believe I’m finally writing about an upcoming trip! Recently, all our updates have been about quarantine and lockdown, but things can change a lot in just a few months.
We’ve been in Portugal since February 22nd, and while we initially explored Lisbon, that gradually stopped. Now, more than three months later, we haven’t seen much beyond a few blocks from our apartment.
Despite the restrictions, we’ve felt very welcomed, safe, and fortunate to be in Lisbon during this pandemic. Staying here amid the chaos was a good decision. After over two months in a State of Emergency, Portugal has shifted to a State of Calamity. It sounds bad but is actually a step forward.
With changes like modified business hours, mandatory masks, reduced restaurant capacity, and hand sanitizer use, things are looking up. Restaurants, gyms, cinemas, malls, beaches, shops, and campsites are gradually reopening. We’ve enjoyed visiting restaurants and other amenities in Lisbon, but after being in the city for so long, we’re craving nature, which Portugal offers abundantly.
Neither Nick nor I have traveled by campervan before. We’ve moved around by plane, train, bus, boat, scooter, car, horse, camel, and foot, but campervanning is new to us. Over the years, we’ve often talked about living “van life.” Many of our friends have done it and enjoyed it, but we haven’t tried it yet.
During lockdown, we were researching and watching YouTube videos about van life, thinking it would be a great way to travel once things opened up. On May 5th, we got an email from Indie Campers, a Portuguese company with campervans across Europe. They had found our website and wanted to collaborate with us. This email came just days after we were searching for non-airplane travel options.
After some discussions, we agreed that when Portugal reopened for domestic travel, we’d explore in one of Indie Campers’ vans. We chose the Active model for its compact size, ease of driving, and the fact that it has a toilet. Other features include a shower, electric cooler, privacy curtains, a kitchen kit, a gas stove, a large bed, and roadside assistance.
The campervan is designed for four people, but ours has been modified to have just one bed, making it more open and bright. We’re also getting a BBQ, an outdoor table with chairs, and a wifi router, which will be great for both working and eating.
When we pick up the campervan, we’ll get a rundown on filling the water tanks, emptying the toilet, and managing the battery. Portugal, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Spain, has a lot to offer. We’ll see regions like the Algarve with its stunning cliffs and the turquoise ocean, famous for being a holiday hotspot.
Wine lovers will appreciate Portugal’s wine, coming from areas like the Douro Valley and Alentejo. We plan to focus on the mountains and National Parks during our 10-day trip, with highlights including Serra da Estrela and Peneda-Gerês National Park.
Since we’ve lived on a Caribbean island for years, we’re not eager to explore Portugal’s beaches just yet. Instead, we look forward to campsites, rivers, lakes, and forests. Our hiking gear and Nick’s fishing rod are packed!
Traveling by campervan seems to be the safest and most convenient mode of travel right now. Given the global restrictions and health concerns, domestic travel by land might be the new norm for a while. Renting a campervan allows for self-sufficiency in eating, drinking, sleeping, and moving around.
We’re excited to experience this way of traveling and will share tips, advice, do’s and don’ts, what rentals include, costs, pros and cons, and our itinerary details from Portugal. Stay tuned for more updates!