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Are you dreaming of getting away from it all?|
Miss having the freedom that you used to?
Loving the idea of a campervan, the ultimate freedom on wheels?
Safe, hygienic and long overdue?
Buuuut it’s your first time and you have no idea where to start?
Then look no further than here on how to plan a road trip.
The first step to plan a road trip is usually to know where you’re going.
The beauty of a Getaway campervan is that you can choose to follow the traditional tourist routes and see the typical sights and sounds..
Or……
You can choose a country and city to start and then when your travelling companions ask you
‘Where are we going?’
You can answer back
‘ We’re are just going….’
Anywhere and everywhere is possible in the Getaway van, the world really is your oyster.
Usually holidays require extra money for everything, accommodation costs, car hire costs, excursion costs, restaurant food, and some even charge daily for bed linen.
Whilst budgeting for sightseeing, souvenirs and entrance fees and food is important, you can be safe in the knowledge that your bed on wheels will take you with unlimited mileage to wherever you want to go in the EU and UK.
Just make sure you have budgeted for the right number of days and number of people. As you can cook your own food in your Getaway Van you can save lots of money on takeaways and restaurant prices.
Before leaving for the road we should have a rough idea of what roads we can take.
There may be a few options and some of them may involve toll roads so having some idea of what roads are around the area you are travelling in is a good idea and having the correct payment type is important.
For example here in Portugal there is an electronic only toll system on some motorways where you have to take your payment to a post office.
So check what the rules are in the country or city you are travelling in.
Now that you have an idea of whereabouts you are going to go and how much you want to spend as well as the types of road you want to take, you can check out online local trip guides like the ones on our blog.
As well as these you can look at formal travel guides to give you ideas of what to do.
You can then take or leave them when you do your trip but it’s always good to have an idea of what there is around. Of course there may be changes, this “guide” will only serve as a base and help you if you get stuck for ideas.
After you have made some notes on your trip you may want to avoid losing your notes.
Pieces of paper can be lost, coffee spilt on them or get ripped.
So here’s an idea 2 or 3 days before the trip, write everything in an email, write down your day-to-day “guide”, address’s places of interest and roads to avoid etc
This way if you lose the papers you still have everything in digital format . The bonus is that the Getaway Van has wifi and charging points so you will have battery and wifi wherever you go.
The day before you go it is essential to check all your documents,
check, check and double check
that you have them before you set off.
Also another tip is to take a picture of tickets, passports and visas if applicable and keep them either on your phone or send to the email you used before.
Make sure you have all electronics and their respective chargers with you.
The Getaway Van has secure safes that you can use to keep your valuables safe.
So check you have your phone, camera (if separate), computer, headphones, chargers as well as adapters if the country you are in uses different plugs make sure you have the right ones for your trip.
So when you plan a road trip you will always been able to connect to the world and instagram your adventures at #getawayvan and share with the Getaway Facebook group and our website.
Adventures are awesome but your health and well-being will always have priority.
Therefore when you plan a road trip it’s very important to take medicines that you need.
The Getaway Van can also provide you with a basic first aid kit as a resource for any situation that may occur.
As you travel on your adventure you may have lots of downtime, especially if you are not driving and have a long trip ahead.
Our friends over at Outdoorish.com have a whole load of fun things to do on your trip.
Check them out here. They’ll keep everyone entertained no matter their age!
Of course to plan a road trip can be as complicated or as simple as you wish. Knowing the basics of where you are roughly going and not being prevented by toll roads by some pre-planning can eliminate lots of the stress that comes with the normal camper-van holiday.
So what are you waiting for?! Let’s go grab a quote and get this road trip going…
Hit that Get Quote button below, see you soon!
Porto and Minho road trip with a Getaway Van camper-van is a trip you can’t miss. Being in the Porto and Minho regions we are very proud of where we live. I am an honorary Porto girl, who has chosen to make her home here. Many people are not aware of the north of Portugal other than Porto, they have heard of Lisbon and the sun kissed beaches of the Algarve. Both places are amazing, and you should definitely visit if you haven’t. However there are some gorgeous places that had I not moved here, I would never have known about.
So to make sure new travellers to Portugal, now and in the future are not kept in the dark, here is a ready made road trip for you to use when you take your Getaway Van on an adventure.
Let’s start with my city, the namesake of the country and the second biggest city in Portugal
Jardins do Palácio de Cristal Crystal Palace
Has the most beautiful gardens overlooking the Douro river, don’t miss them
Foz do Douro and cable car
Take tram/cable car to seaside. You can’t miss the dazzling beach when visiting Porto
Igreja de São Francisco
A beautiful dazzling church with stunning golden interior that will take your breath away.
Stay at our partners and get a discount on your stay.
ORBITUR Canidelo, Avenida da Beira-Mar, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portuga
Legendary Kings and religious sites in Guimarães and Braga.
These locations are very close to each other and so you can choose the order you do them in depending on where you prefer to check out first.
A detour to Guimarães is essential, it is a Portuguese legend, Guimarães is considered to be the birthplace of Portugal and the Historic Centre is an UNESCO site. There are many reasons to visit this city.
Castelo de Guimarães
You cannot visit with a stop at the imposing Castelo de Guimarães, perched on a hill in Guimarães. This is where Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, was born and it’s definitely a big deal.
Boulders of Mount Penha
I also highly recommend visiting Penha, and have your eyes widened by the magnificent boulders there, as you stroll the Boulders of Mount Penha. Having personally been there, you have to visit to appreciate how stunning this place is.
But wait wait wait, what about Braga, Portugal’s third largest city and major pilgrimage site.
Guimarães to Braga 26 mins drive.
Baroque church of Bom Jesus do Monte
Monastery of St Martin of Tibães
Known for its extravagant Rococo decoration
Peaceful and beautiful.
Braga to Geres – 52 minute drive.
The next destination on your North Portugal road trip awaits in the northern tip of Portugal. A true spirit of nature awaits you with mountain peaks, ancient boulders and deep valleys. A place where you can see wild ponies feed and where the forests are roamed by Iberian wolves.
Where granite-stone villages sit, untouched by modern life. Portugal’s only national park gives you the chance to breathe fresh mountain air, hike through a spectacular landscape, and swim in shimmering lakes and waterfalls.
Then there’s the village of Soajo with its granite espigueiros, resembling enormous, eerie, stone tombs. They’re actually just corn granaries, but still.
And finally, when the sun sets over the mountains, reward yourself with a cold carafe of the local vinho verde.
Lets continue with your Porto and Minho road trip with a Getaway Van camper-van.
Stay at our partners and get a discount on your stay.
Stay at
Rua de Cerdeira, 400 Campo do Gerês 4840-030 Terras de Bouro Braga, Portugal.
Back on the road again, grab your Getaway Van and rock up at..
Geres to Ponte de Lima 1 Hour 30 minute drive.
One of the oldest places in Portugal it too is a beautiful place steeped in history. There are many historical places to visit such as the bridge that spans the Lima River made up of two sections of bridge called the Ponte Romana and the Ponte Medieval.
The story goes that when the Romans ruled Portugal they believed the Rio Lima was the Lethe River, one of the underworld rivers of Hades. They believed that if you went fully into the water you would lose your mind to Oblivion.
So a Roman General tested this superstition and then called his soldiers to cross the river. There are statues to commemorate this first crossing of the river.
Last but not least….
Ponte de Lima to Viana De Castelo
28 minutes drive
Return to civilisation with your itinerary’s final destination: Viana do Castelo. But this city is a place where the past is most definitely alive and kicking. Because why just travel abroad when you can travel back in time too?
With its medieval centre, beautiful riverfront, and sandy shores just beyond, Viana do Castelo is a charming place to spend the last day of your Porto and the Minho road trip. Make sure to pick up a traditional embroidered costume. There’s no better souvenir.
You can even explore a ship that now lives here, walk over a ridiculously long bridge (Ponte Eiffel made by the same Eiffel as in Eiffel Tower.) Or just relax on the sandy shores.
After exploring some of the most beautiful places in the North of Portugal it is time to head back to the Getaway Van marvelling at the scenery as you head south to Porto.
Viana do Castelo to Porto and the Getaway Van
28 minutes drive
I hope you enjoyed your Porto and Minho road trip with a Getaway Van camper-van- Get a quote now and experience this trip and many other adventures with the Getaway Van.
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"Tomar Castle is an amazing place to visit. Walking through the gates was a real Wow! moment"
"I love Loule market on a Saturday morning in The Algarve - wandering around the cobbled streets in the old town by the castle and having lunch in one of the restaurants around the market. "
"This is my favourite place to visit. Hidden gem of Cachopo. Beautiful mountains above Tavira. Hidden little village, with a couple of great restaurants/bars, and a Fonte Férrea with an open air pool, bbq area and bar."
"We used to live on the Silver Coast and the only place I miss visiting there is Baleal Island."
"All the Alentejo coastline is great! One of the Top 10 places in Portugal for me, for sure!"
"In Minho, Ponte de Lima is beautiful, the oldest village in Portugal."
"Buddha Eden Park near Bombarral needs a mention here!"
"Known as the Portuguese Tibet"
"Santarem with its gothic churches"
"Sintra has many beautiful places but especially Quinta da Regaleira is a must see."
It’s been an odd year!
But the Getaway Van and The North of Portugal are ready to show you the magic of autumn.
Some see the season of autumn as depressing, with the nights drawing in and the cold starting to take its toll in countries such as the UK, Germany, Northern France and others. Portugal however has an almost magical quality about it. We here at the Getaway Van know that safety is of the utmost importance and that is why we have complied a list of the best autumn activities in the north of Portugal, where you can safely use your individual van, clean and sanitised prior to every use and enjoy this magic gorgeous season.
As a family business we also like to take the vans out and about with the kids and celebrate birthdays, special occasions and enjoy parts of Portugal that we don’t get to see in the usual work / school routine.
Especially after lockdown, I and my family know the importance of having freedom to go places and see new things. What is great about the use of the Getaway Van is that you have the security that it has been sanitised fully and that no one else will have access to your van whilst it
With this in mind lets explore the stunning Autumn beauty that Portugal has to offer.
A UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, the Douro valley is beautiful and stunning on its own but it is even more spectacular during the Autumn months. The Douro Valley is a major wine region where autumn casts its spell and turns its hills into rows of red, orange and yellow terraced vineyards.
Start your journey with us picking up your van in Porto and pre-booking some activities to do in the Douro before driving yourselves at your own speed. After arriving at the Douro, you could visit one of our partners Quinta De Santa Cristina, with pre-booking you are able to do many things such as have guided vineyard tours with tastings, visit wine workshops, plant your own vines and attend harvest programmes where you can stomp on grapes in traditional stone tanks!
‘Saudade’
A word that sums up Fado music, a word, a feeling that you cannot translate into another language. A mixture of sadness, longing for someone who is no longer in your presence. It is a powerful and emotional word, which is reflected in the music. Pre-booking is necessary for these events, where you can enjoy dinner and music as the nights close in, autumn is just a perfect time for this.
Fado is so popular, that even in the Netherlands, a national talent show was won by two Dutch singers singing Portuguese Fado. This music touches all languages like no no other.
Check out our partners at CALEM Port Wine, where you can enjoy tasting Port wine, dinner and a show.
It is not a secret that is always a lovely idea to visit Portugal and this period of the year is not different. There are so many beautiful places to see, everything is so much more romantic, everything gets new colours, and tranquillity is served with long and peaceful rivers and streams. In autumn there are fewer people walking in the streets and it’s a great opportunity to take advantage of what Portugal has to offer.
For my kids, one of their favourite things to do it to jump in the fallen leaves, I like to watch them as we stroll through the cities parks and discover the hundreds of colours and sights autumn has to offer. So here are our favourite parks to visit in autumn.
Cannot ignore the city park, its a place me and the kids go regularly and you can see why, we’ve visited in every season but just look at that autumn light.
Take your Getaway Van and then head to Palacio de Cristal. They have some of the most beautiful views of the city, in all seasons.
Serralves has a very good museum, beautiful gardens and an amazing new Tree Top Walk which my children and I visited this summer, it is great and the kids loved it as you can see and I bet you will too.
Oh I just couln’t resist adding chestnuts into this blog. They scream autumn in Porto and Portugal at this time of the year. St. Martin’s day is not until November 11th but just as the cold comes in, St. Martin’s day brings warmth to our bellies. Chestnuts are the fruit of autumn, the schools here are full of chestnut poems and art works showing off the Portuguese love affair with them, and for me and for you it is only just beginning. Did you know the chestnut tree has existed in Portugal for more than 9000 years and before potatoes were introduced to Europe so chestnuts were an essential food for people here, they are not just food but a big part of their culture.
So come and visit us, explore Porto and the North with the Getaway Van, let us keep you safe with your hotel on wheels able to explore all the beauty of Autumn in the North, including pulling up to a pile of leaves and jumping in it like a kid.
Where to see Celtic Portugal: The best examples of the Celtic settlements (called “Castros”) are found in the northern Minho province, notably Citania de Briteiros close to the city of Guimarães. Here are well-preserved ruins and several buildings (stone dwelling huts that were built in circular or elliptical shapes) that have been restored.
Portugal is also a country where the Celtic tradition lives on. In normal years the North of Portugal is alive throughout the year with amazing traditions, sights and sounds of medieval experiences.
Closeby is the region of Terras de Basto, where there are statues believed to represent Celtic warriors. Another site is Sanfins de Ferreira, close to the city of Porto, where there are traces of a triple ring of defensive walls around 100 huts and a small museum.
In normal years the North of Portugal is alive throughout the year with amazing traditions, sights and sounds of medieval experiences.
If history and Celtic history are your thing you can explore the 16th century convent Museu Convento dos Lóios with artefacts retrieved from a Celtic citadel.
In Miranda do Douro, a monumental town perched on the Douro River, festivals are staged to showcase traditional bagpipers who play instruments called “gaita-de-foles transmontana”. Which to my untrained eye looked like a Scottish bag-pipe.
The pipers might be accompanying singers who have mastered the Celtic musical tradition, whose songs may be in the Mirandês language, now recognized along with Portuguese as an official language for this region.
You may have seen in other tour guides that they use a type of stick dancing performed in the Trás-os-Montes region, called Dança dos Pauliteiros. This dance probably has Celtic origins related to fertility rites. It is reminiscent of the English Morris Dance, with male dancers dressed in white linen kilts, black waistcoats, and bright scarves, dancing while clacking short, wooden sticks.
The town of Duas Igrejas is known for its stick dancing festival each August. And, Miranda do Douro even holds international stick dancing competitions.
Dotted with tiny, medieval towns, the countryside of the Trás -os-Montes region is wild and marked by the Montesinho Natural Park, home to the wild boar and other wildlife. The wild boar was worshiped by the ancient inhabitants of these wild lands, and they still thrive in the numerous valleys that dot the mountainscapes. Ancient granite pig statues are found in many towns, including the main city of the region, Bragança. Set inside the ancient castle, the pig stands not far from the oldest town hall in the nation, dating to the 12th century, where the council of good men met to decide the affairs of the city.
There is so much history and so many beautiful places still to show you all. When governments permit travel and exploration I will show you all first hand the amazing sights you can visit. We cannot wait to see you. Check out the video below of our celtic nation and some amazing scenery.
Is there a region you want to see or know more about. Is there somewhere even better than the North?
Hello Getaway family, here in Portugal things are starting to slowly change, and we know that before people choose to go on holiday/vacation to visit our beautiful country they need to know that it is safe to do so.
We at Getaway have always prided ourselves on the cleanliness not only of our vans which are extensively and thoroughly cleaned before each and every use of the vans, but also on our country and the safety of it.
Here we have a list published by the Associação de Turismo do Porto E Norte (The Tourism Association of Porto and the North) compiled by Insurly a renowned French insurance company. We are in the top ten of the safest places to travel to in 2020 out of 180 countries.
Portugal is in 8th place in the list of these countries to travel in 2020 and with a score of 85.4 out of 100. – Leaving far behind countries like the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Netherlands and many other well known destinations.
The report analyzed 180 countries and assessed them on several factors such as crime rates, road safety, violence, terrorism, natural disasters and the quality of medical care, in addition to air quality, sanitation and risks of exposure to epidemics, including the latest Covid-19 pandemic. Here is the list.
It seems we are not the only ones who think so.
Here we have a list published by the Associação de Turismo do Porto E Norte (The Tourism Association of Porto and the North) compiled by Insurly a renowned French insurance company. We are in the top ten of the safest places to travel to in 2020 out of 180 countries.
Portugal is in 8th place in the list of these countries to travel in 2020 and with a score of 85.4 out of 100. – Leaving far behind countries like the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Netherlands and many other well known destinations.
The report analyzed 180 countries and assessed them on several factors such as crime rates, road safety, violence, terrorism, natural disasters and the quality of medical care, in addition to air quality, sanitation and risks of exposure to epidemics, including the latest Covid-19 pandemic.
So whilst at the moment we remain listening and following government advice to avoid travel right now there are reasons to be cheerful, we are taking advanced bookings for 2020 and 2021 and beyond so click on the link below to get a quote and book your safe and clean Getaway with us.
Meine frühen Reiseerfahrungen auf der Straße waren den heutigen Camper Van-Abenteuern ziemlich ähnlich, außer dass ich eine Karawane durch das Outback von Australien gezogen habe… und das war vor über einem halben Jahrhundert.
Ich lebe jetzt im Ruhestand in Mittelportugal. Es ist Australien ziemlich ähnlich, da es viele Eukalyptusbäume gibt… die Koalas sind auch hier, aber in Zoos in Porto und Lissabon.
Zuallererst die Straßen… sie sind ausgezeichnet. Und Sie können große Freuden finden, “nur ans Ziel zu kommen”. Sogar die Nebenstraßen sind gut früher und natürlich sind alle versiegelt. Auf den Autobahnen (in Portugal als Autostrada bekannt) fallen Mautgebühren an. In Kilometern finden Sie internationale Verkehrszeichen und europäische Entfernungen.
Aber es ist immer besonders schön, auf einer sogenannten Nebenstraße an Ihr Ziel zu fahren (wo auch immer das sein mag). “Tun Sie, was die Einheimischen tun”, insbesondere um die Straßenbenutzungsgebühren auf den modernen Autobahnen zu vermeiden. Sie haben den zusätzlichen Vorteil einer wunderschönen Aussicht mit zahlreichen Plätzen, an denen Sie eine Tasse Kaffee trinken und die Landschaft erkunden können. Und diese schöne saubere, klare Luft!
Ich muss erwähnen, dass alle meine hier veröffentlichten Fotos mit einer Samsung Galaxy Note-Handykamera aufgenommen wurden. Mittelportugal ist sehr fotogen.
Wenn Sie mit dem Wohnmobil irgendwo in der freien Natur für einen nächtlichen Zwischenstopp geparkt sind, bietet der Himmel in Mittelportugal einen zusätzlichen Bonus. Nachts gibt es eine großartige Aussicht auf die Sterne. Und es gibt beruhigende Geräusche von Nachtinsekten und ein paar anderen Buschlebewesen… aber nichts Gefährliches lauert in den Wäldern. Ein freundlicher Fuchs kann sogar kommen und ein paar Snacks trinken, wenn Sie draußen sitzen und unter dem Sternenhimmel zu Abend essen.
Coimbra Zentralportugal ist die drittgrößte Stadt des Landes. Es ist sehr alt. Geht Hunderte von Jahren zurück. Auf der anderen Seite des Mondego gibt es ausreichend Parkplätze für Ihren Wohnmobil. Anschließend können Sie durch den Hauptteil der Stadt spazieren und die Geschichte kennenlernen. Ein guter Ort, um die vorbeiziehende Parade zu beobachten, ist in ihnen das, was hier als The Baixa bekannt ist. (ausgesprochen Byshah). Es ist eigentlich der Hauptplatz von Coimbra. Dort oben auf dem Hügel befindet sich die Coimbra University. Angeblich eine der ältesten Universitäten überhaupt. Es geht auf das 12. Jahrhundert zurück und zuvor war die Spitze des Hügels von den Römern besetzt. Wenn Sie Lust auf einen Aufstieg haben, können Sie sich an diesem langjährigen Ort des höheren Lernens umschauen. Die Bibliothek ist einen Besuch wert. Sie benutzen Fledermäuse, um sich um eindringende Ratten und Mäuse zu kümmern! Fürchte dich nicht, du wirst keiner Art von Dracular-Angriff ausgesetzt sein.
Dann setzen Sie sich und genießen Sie die Aussicht auf den Hauptplatz von Coimbra bei einer guten Tasse Kaffee aus der Region und portugiesischen Süßigkeiten. Die meisten Gebäude hier stammen aus Hunderten von Jahren. Es gibt Hotels, Banken, Souvenirläden und am anderen Ende einen weiteren Platz mit einer sehr alten Kirche.
Ihr Wohnmobil auf der anderen Seite des Flusses Mondego ist ziemlich sicher, während Sie diese historische Stadt genießen.
Mein Lieblingsgebäude in der Gegend von Coimbra Baixa ist das Grand Hotel Astoria.
Die Hauptlobby des Astoria wurde vor einigen Jahren in Art Deco umgebaut, während das Äußere Art Noveau von vor über 100 Jahren erscheint.
Die Hauptunterkunft Tower bietet den zusätzlichen Vorteil einer guten Aussicht auf die Stadt Coimbra
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Lebensmitteleinkauf … Ich empfehle dringend die Continente, die sich in der Nähe des Zentrums von Coimbra befindet. Ein großer Parkplatz. Hier finden Sie bekannte Produkte.
Das Leitungswasser in Coimbra ist sehr gut.
Fortsetzung folgt … andere Orte in und um Coimbra.
Offizielles Werbevideo der Stadt Coimbra.
Now we know that we cannot travel this Easter break as we usually would at this uncertain time, but here at the Getaway Van we love to open the world to you all. So if we can’t do it literally, we will do it virtually. One of the best things about the Getaway Van is its ability to give you the ultimate freedom. You are able to drive from Portugal to Italy, Italy to Poland, Poland to France and even hop over the channel to the UK. The possibilities are endless, after this situation is all over you probably will still want to travel but also want to keep some distance from overcrowded hotels. So take a look at our Easter ideas, with your chosen van, sit back, relax and scroll through the best Easter and religious festivities that Portugal can offer that are easily and safely accessible by the Getaway campervans.
Visit Braga during Easter, go up to the Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte, a magnificent place where the works of nature and of man are brought together, and come to the Holy Week celebrations, which have taken place in the Portuguese Rome since the Middle Ages. During the festive period, the city is transformed, attracting thousands of visitors. All over the city, there are decorations based on Easter themes and pretty street altars, adorned with flowers and lights.
The city is decorated with Easter themes and the “Passos” – street altars, are filled with flowers and lights. Come to the Ecce Homo procession or burial, on Easter Friday, led by the coffin-bearers. Barefoot and with their heads covered, these men process wearing purple tunics and with torches in their hands. They are some of the most curious figures of our religious tradition and are reminiscent of the public penitent reconciliation rituals, carried out until the 17th Century.
It is said by many that Braga is the religious centre of Portugal, but it has many other Easter highlights. Treats and landscape that will take your breath away.
During the week before Easter, villages and towns from Trás-os-Montes revive Christian and pagan traditions that date back to medieval times, since the procession of the “seven steps”, the sacras, the burning of Judas or the burial of cod.
Throughout the year this area is known for its wine production which is delicious and stunning in equal measure.
Most common in Trás-os-Montes are, the acts of passion, as representations of popular theatre, which narrate the last days of Christ, and involve dozens of extra actors who they represent, for example, Christ, Judas, Caiphaz, Pilate, Pharisee or the Devil.
The story of a famous miracle in Fátima, Portugal, began in May 1917, when three children (ages 7, 9, and 10) claimed to have encountered the Virgin Mary on their way home from tending a flock of sheep. It is for this reason that for many one Easter tradition in Portugal, as a majority catholic country, is to visit Fátima. A lot of Catholics from all over the world take a day or two to visit one of the most symbolic places of the modern Christianity. The aura behind it will make it a special moment of your life, even if you are not catholic or religious at all. Just feel the atmosphere around especially at Easter time. This was true in 1917 as it is today.
Easter is a time for reflection and appreciating the things you love, and things you have and we are grateful here at the Getaway Van to be able to share these things with you in your home. There will be many opportunities to see these things and many more to come.
We hope to see you soon
The Getaway Gang.
I know that the current situation is far from perfect right now. You’re stuck at home (or about to be) with the kids and the partner getting under your feet, home-schooling, video-calling, dinner-making, laundry-doing and online shopping-queuing and a family getaway is not on todays priority list.
It is one of those phrases that us as parents, especially mums like me will have seen whilst trawling the internet on raising children and problems they cause from sleeping to eating.
So knowing that this current isolating situation will not last forever let me tempt you to keep your travelling dreams alive, and think of a brighter, less static way of having a holiday. After being cooped up for who knows how long, your children and yourselves are going to want freedom and lots of it. My own children, 3 and 6 are energy hunting explorers. They love anything new and exciting.
The Getaway Van is a family run business, with Graca and Abilio at the helm they are experienced in both family life and tourism in Portugal. Located in the north of Portugal it is where your journey can or should I say will begin :)..
First off, whenever my kids see one of the six getaway vans they get ridiculously excited, the colours, the size and the unique feeling of excitement that we are going somewhere new, somewhere different.
My son first went on one of the vans when he was 9 months old. We needed to take a trip to Lisbon from the North of Portugal. It was my first and his first experience of the van and also of Lisbon. We didn’t have much time to prepare for the trip but that is one of the beauties of the Getaway van. You don’t need to book hotels, cars, bring car seats, book train tickets etc etc…
We were able to use the free 4G portable wifi internet in the van as well as the free to use GPS you can see in the picture of my son ‘driving’ and ‘using’. Using these we were able to search the nearest and best campsites to where we were going. Using getaway we also saved money, getting a discount on the campsite as getaway has many campsite partners.
I am not, if I am honest, the best camper when it comes to tents, however, this was not your normal camping experience. The baby and I had plenty of room on our bed and dad had all the room he wanted on his bed. We slept really well and were nice and cosy in our van in our sleeping bags. The next morning we cooked up some food on the portable cooker at the campsite
The second thing I want to highlight is not only can you stay in far-flung places at the drop of a hat you also have loads of things for kids and families in the North. With the van you can explore all over the north of Portugal and park up anywhere that is a legal place to rock up.
I cannot miss beaches off my list. Being from the UK, the beaches here in Portugal are gorgeous, so smooth and soft on feet, with great sand castle building sand if you dig a bit. What is so great about them is nearly all beaches have a cafe to grab an ice cream or snack and easy access to the path. Another great thing about the beaches is if it is not sunbathing/playing in the sand weather there are miles of walkways to enjoy along the coast. Great for a morning or late afternoon stroll with the kids and/or the dog.
My favorite ice cream beach getaway in the north is a place called Povoa de Varzim. It has everything the kids want, beaches, playgrounds and best of all the most delicious ice cream in cafes (Kinder bueno ice cream? Yes , please)
Kids really need to burn off that excess energy, then look no further than surf schools in Portugal.
Those beaches are not just for looks there are some great waves out there too. There are lots of surf schools and Getaway is partnered with some of the best all over the country so take a look here.
Porto and the north are full of culture. When it comes to it, the kids will have been off of school for ages and a holiday can combine some learning as well as some fun. The city of Porto is teeming with culture and depending on the ages of the kids you can visit the many amazing tiled churches that are dotted around Porto, the cheese castle (don’t try and eat it, it’s not real cheese guys!) aka Fort of São Francisco do Queijo, as well as an interactive theme park ride where you learn about Portuguese history – on a boat!.
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Obviously I can’t exclude Port Wine and you may have never heard of Fado.
Parents, singles, partners, surfers, adventurers all need a little down time to learn about the origins and details about one of the most famous exports of Porto. Along the spectacular river douro there are many different port wine cellars and getaway has some partners where you can get some discounts at certain cellars.
Often these cellars combine tours of the cellars with port tasting and sometimes have live Fado music. If you want to hear some traditional emotive portuguese music then I highly recommend a visit to a Fado show.
So if you have made it this far without the kids, work, mother in law/father in law calling for your attention, well done! Keep the Getaway Van in mind for your next trip. Avoid the hotels, the car hire charges and gain the best thing… a perfect family getaway.
