My wife & I (early-50's) are thinking of spending the last two weeks of November in Spain & Portugal. Flying into and out of Madrid from the US, renting a car, and not spending a lot of time in the major cities. We'll have hotel reservations in Madrid for the first night, and for the last three nights. Should we have any problems finding available hotel rooms where-ever we happen to be on the other nights? Probably we will travel from Madrid toward Lisbon, then south. and back up the coast or slightly inland -- no really fixed path. What weather to expect in November? Any dangers/traps to avoid? Any recommendations? Thanks!

Weather in the south of Spain and Portugal should be pleasant even in late November -- light jacket, or sweatshirt. Also, you should be able to book hotels or pensions with ease that time of year. Check out Sintra, near Lisbon, on your trip. Take a look at Rick Steves guide to Spain and Portugal for route and lodging ideas.

Thanks for the previous response. Just bringing the original message back to the top to see if I get any last-minute advice. We're leaving for Spain at the end of next week. <BR>Thanks

My husband and I just did the same trip in mid October, and we only made hotel reservations in Madrid. We did have problems finding hotels, in Merida, Lisbon and Sevilla. There were quite a few tourgroups. I would definetly call ahead if you plan to stay in any parador or pousada. <BR> <BR>Don't miss Ronda. And definetly stay at the Parador. Sintra and Toledo are must sees also. <BR> <BR>Let me know if you have any other questions.

If you go to Lisbon definitely go to Sintra and possible Caiscais (sp?) also I heard Evora is nice. We stayed at the Lisboa Tejo and loved it. Good location and nice staff (moderate - 3 star hotel). <BR> <BR>Spain - go to Sevilla in the South stay at the Dona Maria. Don't miss Granada. It is great at night! Good hotel there is the Hotel American. <BR> <BR>Have fun!

I'm American and have been living in Portugal for 3 years. You should have any prob finding lodging this time of year in Spain or Portugal. If anyone came to Portugal during Expo '98 (May-Sept.) they would've had a real prob finding a hotel. But it's over now so don't worry. In Portugal, Sintra is lovely, Evora is beautiful and if you like small hill towns with castles, don't miss Monsaraz. The Algarve should be nice this time of year since all the European tourists are gone (it's in the southern part of Portugal along the coast). I could go on and on about Portugal. In Spain, try not to miss Cuenca. My parents went there this year and loved it. The weather at the end of November (in Portugal) can be rainy. In both Spain and Portugal it can get cold too, damp. I don't know where you're from but I'm a native Arizonan so these wet winters seem to get to me a bit more than others Good luck and have fun. PS. You will find that Portugal is much more affordable than Spain and don't worry about eating in ANY restaurant, the food is simple but great just about anywhere! <BR>

hit again! If you'd like anymore information, please feel free to email me directly. We live in Abrantes which is in the center of Portugal about an hour and a half from Lisbon. Let me know! <BR>

hi again! If you'd like anymore information, please feel free to email me directly. We live in Abrantes which is in the center of Portugal about an hour and a half from Lisbon. Let me know and I can give you more great places in this area to stay and eat! <BR>

My husband and I are Americans living near Jerez, and I just wanted to add a note about the weather: wear layers during this time of year. The temperatures in the day are comfortable, but the nights can be quite cool. Also, the rainy season began in November last year, so be sure to pack an umbrella. One last note: if you're spending a couple of days in Seville (my vote for the quintessential Spanish city), you may want to take a daytrip to Jerez and tour a bodega, where they make their world-famous sherry. Also not-to-be-missed in Jerez is the Andalucian Horse Show every Thursday. <BR>Have a great trip! <BR>

THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH.

THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH.