Surfing & Camping: Portugal Travel Suggestions from a Lisbon Local

Tourism trends come in waves. Around 15 years ago, Americans were being pelted with ads from Iceland. Thanks to a newly launched WOW Airlines, flights to Reykjavik were more accessible than ever before.

Tour groups took advantage, selling visitors all types of new experiences. Northern lights? Hell yeah. Blue-tinted hot springs? It’s on the bucket list.

Since then, Iceland has become a steady option for tourists from the US. But you may have noticed a slew of new contenders. Bali is one of the biggest, along with trending Riviera Maya destinations like Tulum.

And, of course, Portugal.

Thanks to a media blitz from Portugal’s tourism authority, VisitPortugal, it’s become one of Europe’s premier vacation destinations. In fact, it might be the continent’s new crown jewel in terms of tourism.

In the first quarter of 2023, the nation welcomed around three million visitors. Tourism isn’t just big business; it’s one of the country’s most profitable economic sectors. So what does this mean for visitors? Does it matter at all?

In many ways, it does. To put it simply, the more worn tourist tracks are, the harder they are to escape. But I’ve got a few Portugal travel suggestions from a Lisbon native to help you see the country in a new light.

Big business, big questions

As a resident of one of Europe’s most tourist-happy cities who lives in its most densely traveled neighborhood (El Born, Barcelona), I can tell you firsthand: mass tourism leads to tension.

Tourist dollars are undeniably good for the economy—but locals in many tourist hotspots still want a good quality of life. They probably don’t want their hometown hawked as a day trip and their streets clogged with meandering visitors.

This tension can be frustrating for everyone involved—even very well-intentioned tourists.

And if you’re going to Portugal, you’ll notice a massive number of tourists in just about every major city.

To better understand Portugal and what tourism means to the Portuguese, I spoke with my friend and Lisbon native, Carolina Torneiro. She’s got two suggestions that appeal to both visitors and the Portuguese: surfing and camping.

If you’re heading to Portugal, why not enjoy the country like a Portuguese person would? After all, when in doubt, do as the locals do.

Surfing in Portugal

A fun fact that Carolina shared with me: Portugal is home to the largest wave ever surfed. In fact, in terms of European surfing capitals, there’s no place quite as important as Portugal. (Aside from France, maybe.)

She suggests soaking up surfing culture in hotspots like Nazaré, Ericeira, Praia Grande, and Guincho. If you’re hopping around the coast, you may want to look into surfing competitions and surfing courses in these areas.

For beginners, stick to surf schools in Nazaré or Costa da Caparica, which is just outside Lisbon.

Nazaré, in particular, offers a variety of surf experiences for newcomers. This is the best place to start off on your Portugal surfing journey. But even if it’s not your thing, you’ll quickly notice that there are plenty of pros to watch.

As the world’s ‘big wave capital’, you won’t be bored watching from the beach.

Camping & road tripping in Portugal

If hanging out in surf towns is your thing, then camping might not be a far stretch.

Along with getting to know Portugal’s surfier sites, Carolina recommends camping. Not only are there beautiful coasts and parks dotting the country, but renting campers is also easy.

She recommends the brand IndieCamper. I’ve rented from this company in the past when attending a festival in Portugal. There are more luxurious options if that’s your thing.

Just make sure to rent a smaller vehicle that will let you navigate narrow coastal roads—unlike Europeans, most Americans get spooked when the roads get narrow. (It’s me—I get spooked.)

Lastly, Carolina recommends checking out the country’s southwestern Alentejo Coast and Costa Vicentina. They’re easy to get to if you’ll be renting a car in Lisbon or Faro. From either city, you can drive down the coast at your own pace, stopping in parks between sleepy little coastal towns.

Portugal: Touching base with tourism

Hopefully, these Portugal travel suggestions have incited your curiosity. While counting the tiles of Porto or wandering the estates of Sintra are classic activities for visitors, there’s a lot more to Portugal than what’s on offer from tour companies.

And despite the fact that tourism has sparked a huge conversation about Portugal’s identity, I have to say that Portuguese people are some of the kindest hosts I’ve ever met. From Porto to Lisbon to Idanha-a-Nova, I felt welcome.

But I have to admit that, without Carolina’s suggestions, I never would have thought about surfing in Portugal. Not only did this open my eyes to a new experience, but I also learned a bit more about the country’s surprisingly longstanding relationship with the sport.

US Tropics: Hidden Paradises in Florida

Forget dreaming of a white Christmas. Most Americans are dreaming about a tropical getaway. From the Maldives to Aruba to all the hidden atolls in between, most of us can’t wait to sink into some warm sand below a swaying palm tree.

Can’t you hear the waves washing onto shore already?

Unfortunately, the only official US territories that exist in the tropics are Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and a smattering of Polynesian locations like American Samoa.

Fortunately, however, much of the US fits into the subtropical zone, including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas coastlines. Despite the designation of ‘subtropical’, you might not notice the difference in many parts of the Sunshine State.

The line dividing topical from subtropical brushes against the state’s southernmost areas. That means you can find more than a few palm tree-laden hidden paradises in Florida.

If you’re dreaming of a luxurious tropical getaway but can’t quite swing it, then consider a trip to Florida. I’ve uncovered some of the state’s most delectable seaside destinations, all of which are protected and regulated by state authorities.

You might even forget you’re not in the Caribbean or South Asia.

Cayo Costa State Park, Cape Coral

This state park is situated on an island around ten miles off Cape Coral on Florida’s west coast. It’s accessible by private boats and charters, along with a public ferry. You can even camp out on its beaches beneath towering palm trees.

But you’ll probably be focused on its crystal-clear waters and rugged landscape. Cayo Costa State Park is protected because it’s home to four sea turtle species, including the world’s rarest and most endangered species (Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle).

Don’t worry—park authorities block off the nests, so you won’t accidentally stomp on any fragile eggs when setting up camp. You might even see a few as you enjoy the island’s many outdoor activities.

Dry Tortugas National Park, Key West

Around 70 miles west of Key West, you’ll find a mini archipelago known as Dry Tortugas Island. Similar to Cayo Costa State Park, this area is protected by the US Park Service.

Along with monitoring sea turtles and marine life populations, they also seek to protect and support the island’s some 300 species of bird.

Interestingly enough, history is a major attraction here. At Dry Tortugas National Park, you’ll also have access to a defunct fort from the 1800s. Fort Jefferson was never completed but still stands as a National Historic Landmark.

Officially, it’s the US’s most remote landmark. (Unofficially, it kind of looks like an old-school version of the Pentagon?)

Keewaydin Island, Marco Island

West of Marco Island (and the city of Naples) is a barrier island called Keewaydin. If you’ve traveled to the area, you might have heard of it from Marco Island natives; many leave from the local docks to check out Keewaydin.

In fact, when Marco Island was developed in the 1950s and 60s, some builders set their sights on Keewaydin. After a few homes and plots were set, construction was halted thanks to a local petition to prevent development on the island. (Not before the Biden bungalow went up, though.)

Since construction was banned, Keewaydin become an important breeding and hatching ground for loggerhead turtles. But you’ll probably be more interested in the little isthmus at the end of the island. It’s a popular spot for people to congregate in their boats to take in the scenery, throw back a few cold ones back, and drink in that tropical sun.

Crab Island, Destin

As part of Florida’s panhandle, Destin has some of the clearest waters and whitest sands in the US. This area got its name the ‘Emerald Coast’ thanks to sunlight playing off the plankton along the ocean’s bottom, which refracts through the clear water. (Science!)

The city of Destin and nearby Miramar Beach are two of the most tropical locations in the Gulf. But there’s an even more breathtaking spot: Crab Island.

Technically, this isn’t an island—just a sandbar that stretches along the coast. That makes it great for swimming and otherwise lounging in the gentle tides. It’s also the perfect place for locals and visitors to park their boats and enjoy the tropical summer vibes.

Hidden paradises in Florida: Choosing your champion

If you’re looking for a tropical getaway with family, I’d suggest checking out Crab Island in Destin. The area is renowned for its family-friendly list of activities. Keewaydin also seems a bit more accessible thanks to its proximity to Marco Island.

However, I’m personally intrigued by Dry Tortugas National Park. Not only does it have a historical element, but it’s also a protected zone for birds, sea turtles, and other marine life. That’s a win-win for me.

Summer in South Carolina: Does it Meet the Hype?

Growing up in Missouri, South Carolina was billed as a summer paradise. For us Midwesterners, any place with a beach was worth dreaming of, but even the names of South Carolina hotspots seemed romantic.

Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, the Isle of Palms—all perfect places for sunbathing and summer flings.

Tens of thousands of travelers flock to these sleepy beaches every summer to soak up the sun, chow down on barbecue, wander around cobblestone streets, and cruise through sunset-tinted waters. Almost like a Taylor Swift music video.

From the outside looking in, it’s easy to classify the state as an American dreamscape.

But is it actually a place that’s worth visiting—or have I been lured in by too many tales? As someone who is often skeptical of things that look too good to be true, I’m happy to announce that summer in South Carolina lives up to the hype. Here’s why.

True charm

South Carolina oozes charm. One of the first things you’ll notice is a sense of hospitality. Locals are friendly and chatty—which is usually a positive for travelers.

If you drive through the state, you’ll encounter a bevy of tiny towns that are proudly preserving their history and style. It’s like a wonderland of antebellum architecture.

Towns like York, Edisto Island, Beaufort, Pendleton, and even Clemson (home of Clemson University and their Tigers athletic program) are perfect places for some idle exploration.

Whether just passing through or taking a day trip, South Carolina only gets better when you zoom in on the details.

Walkable Charleston

I’m personally obsessed with the city of Charleston. First, because this city is listed as one of the most haunted in the US. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, that’s always a strong indicator that there’s a lot of history at play.

Charleston was a place of heavy fighting during both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. History nerds like me will find the placards dotting Charleston endlessly fascinating.

Aside from its historical relevance, it’s also one of the US’s only walkable cities. For summer visitors, that offers a chance to soak up the storied atmosphere of this uniquely and deeply American destination. I can almost hear the summer cicadas and taste the ice cream cones.

Iconic beaches

Who doesn’t love a trip to the beach during the hot summer months? South Carolina is particularly humid, which makes taking a dip in the Atlantic (known for being cooler) a treat.

But there aren’t just beaches lining the coast. South Carolina is home to beach towns that come alive with festivities all summer long.

Watermelon and peach festivals span the state in places like Hampton, Pageland, and Lexington. Along the beaches, you can find dozens of July 4^th fireworks shows, country fairs, minor league baseball games, and more.

If you’re heading to more remote (and famous) places like Kiawah Island, top-notch resorts also make it easy to golf, fish, and more.

The unexpected

South Carolina is home to a ‘creole corridor’ where the Gullah live. Gullah people descend from enslaved West and Central Africans.

Their language is based on English, along with a variety of native African dialects from the Kongo, Fula, Mende, and Vai people, amongst others. It’s officially called Geechee., which is also used to refer to people who speak Geechee. (Though you’ll probably see Gullah-Geechee used more.)

Gullah culture is alive and well—and you can experience it in South Carolina’s southern regions. If you head to Beaufort, Murrells Inlet, Huger, Ravenel, and James Island, you’ll find Gullah Geechee museums and historic sites. You’ll probably also find a few locals who are passionate about the topic and can point you in the right direction.

If you’d like to learn more, I suggest starting with the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission.

Jungle vibes

I’ve got another surprising factoid to share about South Carolina: it’s home to the cutest little carnivorous plants in the world. Venus flytraps.

That’s right—this plant isn’t from the Amazon. Instead, they prefer the subtropical wetlands found in South Carolina and North Carolina.

The Venus flytrap is native only to the coastal bogs that span a 60-mile radius. Though they’ve been exported to other environments around the world, the flytraps are in a bit of a crisis right now thanks to environmental changes and overharvesting.

If you’d like to see one in the wild, you can drive to North Carolina’s Green Swamp Preserve. (It’s located just across state lines.) You’ll see plenty of placards and resources outlining the Venus fly trap and its environment.

How to Book Flights: Secrets on Saving

Flying (and the overarching airport experience) changed after the pandemic. International flights have never been a breeze, but they feel particularly difficult today. I’ve noticed hefty delays, up-charges on everything, and a downswing in service.

Flights are pricier than ever before. Flight attendants and boarding agents seem particularly overworked and underpaid.

Of the seven international flights I’ve taken since 2021 between Europe and the US, every single one has been delayed. And not just by a few minutes. I’m talking miss-your-next-flight type of delays and stay-the-night-at-a-sketchy-hotel sort of delays.

This has changed my outlook on international flights in two ways:

Pricing
Discount sites

Post-pandemic, I’m wary of discount sites, as it’s almost impossible to hold an airline accountable when they can point the finger at their partner. (Looking at you, British Airways and American Airlines.) I’d rather pay a bit more for a seamless journey.

So, if you’re anything like me, you might benefit from knowing how to book flights in order to save money. No need to learn anything the hard way.

Try to avoid dynamic pricing

I’ve seen some travelers advise using incognito mode to shop for flights, hotels, and car rentals. Theoretically, this prevents an airline from trawling your data to gauge your income bracket in order to up-charge when possible.

This is a myth, plain and simple. Airlines don’t know how much you make.

But they do use something called dynamic pricing to set their rates. These fluctuate according to demand, fuel prices, and even location. That means a VPN might help you find a secret deal, as the software changes your geo-location by using a different server.

My secret on how to book flights revolves around my VPN. I’ve noticed that flights are cheaper depending on where my server is located. If you have a VPN, start looking around.

Similarly, you may have noticed that when you shop around for flights, they mysteriously double in price when you return to a page to finalize a purchase. That’s because the dynamic pricing feature now thinks there’s more demand.

Before you navigate back to the page, clear your browsing history. Ideally, this will prevent that dynamic pricing feature from flagging the upsurge in demand.

Wait until the last minute (daredevils only)

I’m sure you’ve heard about this trick before—but does it actually work? In the post-pandemic era, I’ve noticed this trend going out of style. Airlines are overbooking more than ever before, which means it’s difficult to find any seats when you wait until the last minute.

That being said, it’s not entirely off the table. There are two reasons why waiting until the last minute might work for you. First, if your travel dates are flexible. Second, if you’re flying during the off-season.

The latter is particularly important. Less demand means more empty seats. And more empty seats means steeper deals from airlines trying to fill them.

Fly on the holiday

This one might be a hard sell. However, I’ve found that flying on the holiday itself is a great way to save big on major holidays. As an American who regularly misses all the fun in the US due to pricy flights, this is a great compromise for me.

Though flying on July 4 or Thanksgiving means that I miss some family time, I don’t miss the broader festive mood. Plus, my family (like many others) tends to celebrate with more than one gathering—which means I don’t usually miss all of the festivities.

Join an airline (or a rewards program)

I’ve seen quite a few Americans recommend joining a travel rewards program. This lets them start spending on their vacation and earning points toward flights. While this is a great way to get a few free flights, it’s a very American approach.

In other words… what if you didn’t need to put thousands on a credit card to enjoy your vacation? (Am I the only one who’s suspicious of going into debt?)

If joining a rewards program is right for you, then go for it. It’s a fantastic way to earn free flights and other experiences all while crafting the vacation of your dreams.

However, if you’re a little wary about tossing thousands onto a card, then simply join a loyalty program with an airline. The savings don’t accrue immediately, but I’ve enjoyed the overall experience. (I’m a few years into a long-term relationship with Lufthansa and it’s going really well!)

Flight alerts

Plenty of people recommend setting up flight alerts. From Skyscanner to Google Flights, I’ve seen this tip billed again and again as the paragon of savings. And I agree that it’s a solid idea.

Simply set your metrics, then let an algorithm find a suitable flight and alert you.

The problem is that you need to move quickly when you see these offers. You won’t be the only person alerted to the price drop and there aren’t an infinite number of seats available—you get it. Only those who are alerted to emails will get the notification in the first place.

I avoid screens at all costs, which means this isn’t really an option for me. Even the idea stresses me out. But I know that this method has worked for others, so feel free to try it out.

Use apps strategically

There are a bevy of new apps hitting the market that promise to connect you to cheaper flights. I haven’t personally used any of these, but I’ve seen Hopper recommended multiple times.

To access flight savings and receive direct flight alerts, download the app. (They have a browser site where you can book flights, hotels, and more, but the savings are geared toward the mobile app.) Keep in mind that this app works like a booking agent, which means you still need to save and store your confirmation number from the airline.

What to Eat in Asheville: An Up-and-Coming Culinary Capital

New England has clam chowder. The South has barbecue and similar soul food staples. Up and down the East Coast, you can find some of the tastiest American classics right where they originated.

But what about a place like North Carolina?

There’s no single image of food that comes to mind. Similar to South Carolina, you might imagine a seafood boil. But further inland, the culinary waters are a bit more muddied. And there are few places as distinct as Asheville in terms of flavor.

One key element defines this city’s culinary identity: Appalachian flare. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and only a short distance from the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi, Asheville has long been an isolated and self-sufficient outpost.

Over time, traditions from local Cherokee, African Americans, and Anglo-Saxon populations melded together. Local tastes reflect these influences, covering a range of foraged ingredients, fried meats, soul food favorites, and plenty of breweries.

But there are new fusions, too. Things like collard greens in coconut milk, nacino made from foraged black walnuts, and sumac-laced za’atar. The boundaries are being pushed, and locals are loving it.

But is it enough to designate the city as one of the East Coast’s foodiest capitals? Let’s explore what to eat in Asheville and why its restaurants are making waves.

What makes a city ‘foody’?

There are dozens of ways to measure a city’s palate. One is to count the number of Michelin-star restaurants, which can famously be handed out to fine dining establishments or street vendors. (Just so long as they prepare their food painstakingly.)

But a more humble and realistic metric for Asheville would be its number of James Beard winners and nominees.

The first James Beard Awards were handed out in 1990, but in 2018, the organization pivoted to focus on inclusivity. Entry fees were waived and judges were selected based on their experience in specific culinary traditions.

Along with restaurants, judges can also select chefs, food journalists, and even authors to honor with nominations.

Unsurprisingly, California and New York are home to the lion’s share of James Beard Award winners and nominees. Illinois isn’t far behind thanks to Chicago’s culinary projects. But North Carolina, with 11 nominations and winners total, falls surprisingly high on the list. It shares 11^th place with South Carolina and Alabama.

What to eat in Asheville: top projects

As mentioned up top, Appalachian culture is one of the driving factors that defines Asheville’s culinary scene.

One local writer, Ronni Lundy, says that Appalachians do a lot of canning, pickling, drying, and curing. These practices have led to new fusion hits like collard green kimchi (available at Rhubarb) and staples like chow-chow relish (available at Benne on Eagle).

In Asheville, you’ll also notice that many restaurants source their ingredients locally. Once again, this harkens back to the city’s once-isolated nature. But this push isn’t only thanks to small-scale farms.

The area around Asheville is fertile and blanketed in forest, allowing for plenty of foraging. You’ll notice dishes with sumac, sorghum, and plenty of herbs—all sourced from straight down the holler. I’d suggest trying the nacino made from the area’s black walnuts (from Eda Rhyne).

Asheville spotlight: the chefs behind the curtain

The list of restaurants worth visiting in Asheville is long. Take a few shortcuts—I’ve collected some of my favorite recommendations from trusted sources.

Rhubarb by John Fleer / Fleer is a five-time James Beard Award-nominated chef who’s known for his emphasis on handmade food that’s locally sourced.
Chai Pani by Meherwani Irani / Enter the Thunderdome of Fusion Cuisine at Chai Pani. Irani uses food to tell a story—in this case, by combining Indian street food with Appalachian fare.
Eda Rhyne Distilling Company / This modern distillery honors its heritage by creating highly distinct spirits. I recommend trying the Appalachian fernet, nocino from local black walnuts, and whiskey from local grains and corn.
The Market Place by William Dissen. The Market Place is all about seasonal food that’s sourced from within 100 square miles of Asheville. I would sample this entire menu.
Hominy Farm / This local bakery uses one of the first Turtlerock wood-fired stoves in the area. The name itself is a callback to the corn kernel treatment process that is ground to create masa. Masa is the corn flour used to make tortillas, arepas, and all other dishes that I love.

Travel Insurance Advice: Ins & Outs

Travel insurance is one of the murkiest parts of planning a trip. Do you actually need it? And what does it cover? And why would another country require visitors to have it? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

Is travel insurance necessary?

At its broadest, travel insurance covers potential losses that could happen while you’re traveling. Sounds straightforward, right? In reality, travel insurance policies might only cover specific things, like medical emergencies, missed flights, and lost luggage.

But the average policy might not cover things like medical emergencies from preexisting conditions, unforeseen changes due to political conflict, tour operator defaults, and a series of other obstacles. It’s always worth it to read the fine print.

You might also want to take another look at whether travel insurance is necessary.

Here’s why other countries want you to have it: so you’re less of a financial burden if everything goes wrong. Here’s why you might actually need it: if you’d be financially unable to recoup any losses from your trip, then you need it.

Countries that require travel insurance

Before we cover which countries require travel insurance, I want to direct you toward the Smart Traveler app. This handy tool comes from the US Department of State. It offers live updates on travel recommendations from the US and all of our embassy locations. It also has a 4.8 rating on the Apple App Store, which is pretty outstanding for a state-run app.

Now back to insurance. Sometimes, purchasing travel insurance isn’t up for debate. There’s a growing number of countries that require US citizens to purchase travel insurance. I’ve sourced this from the US Department of State.

Bermuda
Bhutan
Cuba
The Galapagos Island (Ecuador)
Jordan
Myanmar
Nepal
Qatar
Russia
Rwanda
Saudi Arabia
Schengen Visa Countries (more on this below)
Seychelles
Sri Lanka
Turkey
Ukraine

Photo by Federico Di Dio photography on Unsplash

Do you need travel insurance in Schengen countries?

Never heard of Schengen? This area includes 29 countries across Europe where borders have been ‘abolished’. That means that Europeans can travel freely between them without a passport.

It also simplifies things for travelers; US citizens can spend 90 days within a 180-day period inside Schengen countries. According to the US Department of State, the only official entry requirement for Europe’s Schengen area is having a passport that’s valid for at least six more months.

At the same time, it’s advised that travelers have insurance when heading to Europe. For now, I recommend you skip it. However, the EU recently ruled that in 2025, US citizens must officially apply for visas before coming over. I’m sure that will involve some proof of travel insurance.

My take on travel insurance

As someone who has traveled extensively and lived in Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, I recommend focusing on travel insurance only as needed.

In other words, think about the type of trip you’re taking and not just where you’re going.

In close to fifteen years of consistent travel and life on the road, there are only two times when travel insurance would have been relevant to me.

First, when I traveled to see Swedish House Mafia play in Mumbai on their last world tour in 2013 (don’t judge me). On the day of the show, the mayor of Mumbai died and political upheaval ensued. Me and my friends were trapped in our friend’s apartment for days. Travel insurance, theoretically, would have helped us recoup the costs of travel to Mumbai.

I also had the pleasure of traveling to Cuba a week after Fidel Castro died in 2016. The nation entered a period of mourning, which meant things like alcohol, music, and dancing weren’t allowed. Travel insurance, in this case, might not have actually helped me recoup any of my travel losses.

Common cases

So, here’s my final thought: travel insurance is helpful when there’s a lot on the line. If you’re setting off on a long-term and extended vacation, then you’re more likely to encounter a bump in the road. Travel insurance can go a long way in helping you sort out any obstacles, from lost luggage to last-minute checkups at the doctor.

If you’re going to be toting around expensive equipment, then you absolutely need to be covered. This is true for people heading out on adventure tours, such as skiing or snowboarding, along with musicians who might have pricey instruments with them. If Fido is coming with you, then you should both be covered.

Lastly, think about your medical history. If you rely on several medications and are prone to a lil’ medical emergency now and then, I highly recommend using travel insurance. You don’t want any hiccups when you’re being rushed to an urgent care center.