Packing Ideas for Portugal

Essentials

  • Passport & Visa: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your travel dates. Check visa requirements for your nationality. If you are an American and need to renew your passport we recommend the local post office passport center over any other 3rd party.

  • Travel Insurance: Essential for medical emergencies, lost luggage, and trip cancellations. We recommend a “Cancel for ANY Reason Policy” which is rare, but key, if a pet or family member gets ill before your trip, and you are forced to stay. Here is a link to our GolfSafe insurance partner.

  • Flight Tickets: Book flights in advance, especially during peak season.

  • Currency: Credit cards are widely accepted. Bring a debit card with you as you can get Euros straight from the bank once in Portugal. Do not exchange cash at the airport.

  • Credit Cards: Cards are widely accepted, please let your Credit Card company know you will be traveling. Choose a card that does not charge extra for international transactions and when you pay, we recommend choosing the local currency as the payment option.

  • Phone & Charger: Ensure your phone has an international plan when you travel. Pack a portable charger.

  • Travel Adapters & Converters: Check the voltage and plug types used in Portugal. You will need a US to Europe Adapter.

  • Medications: Avoid packing medications in your checked baggage. Instead, keep them in your personal items or carry-on. You can't predict what might happen with checked bags, and the last thing you want is to stress about not having your medication while traveling, whether abroad or on a trip away from home.

  • WhatsApp: Download WhatsApp if traveling with one of our tours. This is what we will use to communicate with the group. We use this application as it works for both iPhone and Android, and is Wi-Fi based, so those who keep their phones on airplane mode, are still able to get the message when on Hotel Wi-Fi. Once you have downloaded, send us a message directly using the phone number provided for the tour.

Golf Gear

  • Traveling with Golf Clubs: Pack your clubs in a padded travel bag. We recommend a soft travel bag or a combination hard top with soft body with padding. Hard cases are a nightmare when traveling.

  • Carry Bag with a Stand: Do yourself a favor and purchase a lighter carry bag with a stand. It is much easier all around when you have a carry bag over a cart bag when traveling.

  • Shipping Golf Clubs: Our recommended shipping company is Luggage Forward; however we also have a ShipSticks option. Please use our TMIGolf links so we can help assist if anything happens.

  • Luggage Forward: https://www.luggageforward.com

  • Shipsticks: https://www.shipsticks.com/tmi-golf

  • Golf Shoes

  • Golf Attire:

    • 5 pairs of golf pants/shorts/skirts

    • 5 golf shirts (moisture-wicking)

    • 2-3 sweaters/light jackets for cooler evenings

    • 1 water resistant jacket

    • Golf gloves (pack extras)

    • Golf hat/visor

    • Sunglasses

  • Golf Accessories:

    • Golf balls (pack a variety, but don’t keep them all in your bag everyday. Keep some in your hotel room to restock if necessary). All courses will have golf balls if needed for purchase.

    • Tees

    • Divot repair tool

    • Towel

    • Sunscreen and lip balm

    • Bug spray (if necessary)

Personal Items

  • Toiletries: Pack travel-sized toiletries or purchase them at your destination.

  • Medications: Pack any necessary prescriptions and over-the-counter medications in your carry-on luggage do not check your medications!!!

  • Comfortable Walking Shoes: For exploring towns and cities.

  • Casual Wear: Pack comfortable clothes for evenings and relaxation.

  • Swimwear: If staying at a resort with a pool.

  • Beachwear: If planning to visit the beach.

  • Camera/Phone: To capture memories.

Optional Items

  • Daypack: For day trips and hikes.

  • Travel Pillow & Eye Mask: For comfortable travel.

  • Books/Magazines: For entertainment during downtime.

Important Notes:

  • Check the weather forecast: Pack accordingly for the expected temperatures.

  • Respect local customs and dress codes: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Shoulders and knees covered.

  • Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases: It will enhance your experience. Whatever you do, DO NOT SPEAK SPANISH in Portugal!! It is very offensive to the Portuguese.

  • Make copies of important documents: Keep copies of your passport, travel insurance, and other important documents in a separate location.

  • Enjoy the experience!

This list provides a general framework. Adjust it based on your specific itinerary, travel style, and preferences.

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only. Always check the latest travel advisories and entry requirements before your trip.