Travel Tips

Useful packing list

Luggage

Since luggage space is limited on the luxuary vehicle, we request that you bring only one suitcase per person. Maximum weight for your luggage should not exceed 20 kg.
For those traveling with a carry on (hand luggage), your luggage should fit within this recommended size: 55 x 45 x 30 cm

Other equipment

Backpack: should not weight more than 4 kg. For your own comfort, just carry the essential like daypack or snacks, a water bottle, and other personal items you wish to have for the day.
Backpack: preferably a light one of good quality, not too much external pockets. Avoid backpacks with an external metallic frame.
More details about packing can be obtained here: the Universal Packing List

Driving license

Bring it with you if you plan to drive a rental car. It is always a requirement from rental companies. It will be asked at the counter together with the other documents.Besides, it can often double as your ID card

Flights:

Bring your passport - and make sure it has at least 6 months validity before the expiration date. Also, keep photocopies of passport and other important documents (like airline tickets) and keep in a separate place.
When at all possible, prefer direct Flight take a carry on only so there is no chance of your luggage getting lost.
If checking bags, ALWAYS bring a spare change of clothes (or two) in your carry-on in case your luggage gets lost.
To avoid having your luggage getting lost check out this helpful link
Bring all valuables (jewelry, meds, key documents ...) in your carry on - if your luggage gets lost you'd rather be safe than sorry (imagine yourself without your prescription)
Make a list of everything you have packed, this is a useful tip for worst case scenario only...
Pack lightly! You are flying to the destination Spain/Portugal. Most accommodation have shampoo, soap, hairdryer, iron .. etc
Always bring comfortable shoes , preferably already-broken in footwear. No brand new shoes! Do not bring high heels. Not really needed.
With above in mind: Dress code in quality hotels, paradores (Spain) or Pousada (Portugal) there are not specific dress code travelers are expected to adopt decent casual dressing, which could include smart casual or semi formal dressing for example.
Check the weather forecast of the country to which you are traveling on this site prior to leaving.
Bring sunscreen, a sunhat and an insect repellent to protect yourself against insect-borne diseases.
An extra pair of sunglasses can be useful.
For digital cameras & videocams, bring a couple of extra memory cards.
Don't forget your laptop hardware, chargers (for mobile phones, digital camera, etc.) and a convertor set (hairdryer, electric shaver, etc.).
Access to your emails while away and no smartphone: bring your email access website information.
Check with your phone service company if your your phone service covers international access.
Always pack a swimsuit - even if it's winter, you'll never know if there might be a great spa or jacuzzi!
Make sure to bring complete addresses and phone numbers of the place(s) you are staying so in case your luggage gets lost.
Slowwines emergency team is here to assist you anyway.

Currency and Payment options:

If you don't belong to the Eurozone, this applies if you bring your ATM card with you. You will be charged a transaction fee by your bank whenever you withdraw cash from an ATM machine. It is maybe wiser to withdraw a few larger amounts as opposed to daily, smaller amounts to avoid numerous bank charges. Most banks charge 1,15 £ - 3,50 £ or 1.50 $ - 5,00 $ per transaction.
Also, depending on the kind of ATM card you have, you may be able to use it in restaurants/stores if that place of business accepts Visa/MC. In this case, you won't be charged the bank's normal transaction fee.
Many small villages do not have ATM machines, so plan accordingly. Never go to the exchange store fronts on the street - you will be charged a hefty fee.
It may be wise to call your bank ing abroad so you will be able to use your ATM card and also bring the name and phone number (the direct line) of your banker just in case you need funds made available while abroad. Also, for security reasons, your bank might ask what the amount of your last transaction was so make sure to bring this as well.
Credit cards are another good option since you will get that current day's exchange rate when you receive your bill upon your return home. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops. It is a good idea to bring two different types (Visa, MasterCard and American Express) in case one is not accepted. Most credit card companies charge an additional international transaction fee for using credit cards abroad, usually between 2-3%!
It is advised to call your credit card companies prior to your travel abroad to make them aware that there will be charges from a different country so they won't put a hold on your card.
Traveler's checks are less and less accepted. You can exchange them at hotel front desks and banks.

Driving / Rental Car:

Make sure to confirm rental car reservation prior to your departure.
Don't forget your driver's license - check with your insurance company to see if you are covered for collision while traveling abroad. In most cases you will be and the extra, very expensive coverage that the car rental companies try to talk you into are unnecessary.
Like your own country, most European countries have a lower tolerance for driving under the influence so do not drink and drive.
Rent diesel/manual when possible since diesel fuel is more economical as is renting a manual transmission.
Spending the extra money on a GPS is worth it. Getting lost is never any fun.. This means you´ll have to talk to the locals :)
Bring both a regional and country map of where you will be visiting.
When driving in the villages, and small towns, use the village names as landmarks as opposed to route numbers.