Wrapping up a half-month adventure through Portugal and Spain, my first trip of 2025 was absolutely flawless! 💯
All those pre-trip concerns—about self-driving not being suitable, fears of theft or robbery, worries about adjusting to the food, or even facing discrimination—turned out to be completely unfounded!
The weather forecast had painted a gloomy picture with overcast and rainy days ahead, but it seemed I carried a “sunny charm” wherever I went. Every destination greeted me with clear blue skies!
🔸 **Self-Driving Itinerary:** My journey began in Madrid with a delightful city walk before picking up my rental car. From there, it was off to Salamanca for a leisurely stroll through its enchanting old town. Next stop: Porto, followed by Lisbon, where I made a day trip to Cabo da Roca in Sintra—the westernmost point of continental Europe.
Then, I drove to Seville, spending an extra day soaking in its vibrant atmosphere. Continuing south, I visited Granada to marvel at the Alhambra before catching a train to Barcelona. Two unforgettable days in Barcelona rounded out my itinerary before heading home!
🔺 **On Self-Driving:** Driving myself turned out to be incredibly easy! Mostly navigating between cities, this eliminated the hassle of lugging heavy luggage around and rushing to catch public transport schedules. It offered unmatched flexibility. Within cities, I stuck to walking tours (Citywalks), so urban driving wasn’t necessary.
Interstate highways were smooth sailing—typically taking just over three hours per leg, with minimal traffic. Parking was convenient too; all hotels provided secure lots, charging reasonable daily rates of 18–20 euros. Renting and returning the car across different locations went seamlessly, while tolls could easily be handled via credit card.
Self-driving truly elevated the joy of the entire trip!
🔺 **On Theft & Robbery:** Thankfully, everything went smoothly! We came prepared with password locks and figure-eight buckles, but they weren’t needed. Throughout the trip, my phone stayed securely strapped around my neck, while my partner’s phone remained tucked safely in inner pockets or chest bags—not once held loosely in hand.
Even when passing our bags back and forth for photos, we always stayed mindful of our surroundings. Carrying minimal cash, avoiding flashy branded bags, and ensuring nothing valuable was left inside the car seemed key. Overall, as long as you stay vigilant, issues can likely be avoided. That said, some fellow travelers on the return flight shared stories of theft or broken-into cars, reminding us how fortunate we were!
🔺 **On Tax Refunds:** Early morning at Barcelona airport brought smooth sailing for tax refunds. Perhaps due to our early departure time, there were no lines, and helpful staff guided us through the process effortlessly. Cash refunds were handed out immediately upon completion. Initially, they mentioned lacking euros, but after requesting specifically, they accommodated without issue. As for the credit card refund, it’s still pending.
🔺 **On Tickets:** Advance booking proved wise for iconic spots like the Alhambra, Seville Palace and Cathedral, along with Gaudí’s masterpieces. For other attractions, purchasing tickets on-site worked just fine, with virtually no queues. All online bookings were done through Ctrip (my partner swears by it, though I’m less impressed 😅), yet the experience felt worry-free overall.
A tool called Sanmaoyou offered occasional assistance, functioning adequately despite its clunky design—it wasn’t overly useful but did its job.
🔺Additional Tips: 1. Pack light, especially if you’re on the move frequently. For two people, one large and one small suitcase is ideal—it minimizes the load and keeps things manageable. 2. Don’t forget a pair of comfortable walking shoes; they’ll be your best friend! 3. Google Maps is all you need for navigation and discovering great restaurants. 4. Cards are widely accepted almost everywhere, so there’s no need to carry much cash. Plus, always bring a power bank to keep your devices charged.
All in all, despite mentally bracing for potential challenges, the trip was surprisingly laid-back and thoroughly enjoyable! Anticipating difficulties made everything feel less daunting in reality. And let’s not forget—Spanish wine is incredibly affordable and absolutely delightful!
