Melnq8

Hi KWTravel -

We've just switched to Portugal, have just now booked flights from Munich to Porto and out of Lisbon.

We'll make a short stop in Munich either direction - one night on the way in, three nights on the way out.

I hope your trip goes to plan and I look forward to hearing about it upon your return.

We've visited Germany and Austria during the holidays several times, whereas Portugal is entirely new for us. It'll be interesting to experience Christmas in an entirely new place.

swandav2000

Hi KWTravel,

I've read that the restrictions will be 2G+ . That means vaccinated or recovered, PLUS a test.

s

scrb11

EU made a mistake allowing unvaccinated to get digital pass and travel if they had a recent infection.

Germany is one of the least vaccinated EU countries and there are obviously large pockets of unvaccinated in all of Europe.

Studies show that "natural immunity" is highly variable from individual to individual as far as antibody levels.

And immunity from infections wane after 6 months, just like vaccine-induced immunity.

The vaccine passports have to have expiration, so that if we have to keep taking boosters for a few years, the pass can show when the last vaccine was taken.

martharap

Nice pivot! We loved our visit to Portugal!

Melnq8

Excellent martharap - any suggestions for accommodation in Lisbon? Or anywhere for that matter - we've worked out a possible itinerary that includes Sintra, Evora, Porto, Pinhao, Coimbra, and Guimares, I welcome your suggestions!

Trophywife007

Deleted, wrong thread.

mjs

Traveling to Europe with cases of COVID increasing will present possible unknown changes by governments in order to combat the spread of the disease. We changed from Cornwall to Portugal to Basque Country in June all due to COVID. Cases were low but increasing.
Travel insurance to protect against losses of non cancellable reservations and maybe possible quarantine costs as well as possible health/ evacuation costs may be prudent

martharap

We always travel by car so that we can go wherever we want, whenever we want. As a result, finding a place with parking was a top priority for us.

in 2018 we stayed at an Airbnb on Rossio Square in Lisbon. Just checked and it is booked December 22-January 3.

in Evora we loved the Hotel Albergaria do Calvario; room came with great breakfasts!

Our Airbnb in Porto was not memorable, even after looking at photos!

Melnq8

Thanks martharap - I'll take a look at those.

dreamon

I suggest you check out the Peneda Geres NP. A million years since we were there but enjoyed it (we didn't have a car so hoofed around).

There are also some long distance hiking trails in Portugal but not sure whether the weather would be suitable.

I've very envious!

Flwrhead

I hate to hear that you're ditching Austria, Mel! Although I have wanted to go to Portugal for a long time. My sister and I have booked a trip to Vienna for January 1-9 and I'm hoping we'll still be able to go. Talking to folks on twitter, it seems Austria has pockets where the vaccination rate is higher than other areas, and the lesser vaxxed is what's driving the numbers (just like the US). As long as the quarantine only apples to non-vaxxed people, I'm not worried. I'm vaxxed and boosted and my sister will get her booster well before we leave.

One question - I already have a big supply of KN95 masks which seem to be identical to the FFP2. Anyone know if they will suffice?

Flwrhead

Glad to hear it, if we're able to keep our trip to Vienna, I'm planning on a day trip to Bratislava.

OOPS, got my S countries mixed up. Bratislava is Slovakia, not Slovenia. Mea culpa.

KWTravelCurator

I am anxiously watching and waiting...
At this point, I intend to keep my trip as planned. I appreciate continued feedback and advice as news breaks.

Nov 30 to Dec 13
2 nights in Innsbruck (Their Chistmas market opened on Nov 15)
4 nights in Soprabolzano (markets are planning to open but a big announcement is scheduled for Monday)
3 nights in Merano
3 nights in Munich

I was able to get a booster shot on Monday and I have a dozen N-95 masks. I also have 5 Binax Now covid tests (with verifiable results). I am also scheduled for a test the day before I fly. I intend to walk, hike, and explore. I prefer smaller markets and I generally prefer to avoid crowds (even in pre-covid times). I will be most exposed on public transportation (Trains, planes, and funiculars/aerial trams).

Melnq8

One question - I already have a big supply of KN95 masks which seem to be identical to the FFP2. Anyone know if they will suffice?

Yes, they're considered one and the same.

Raven4

This is what I think about. We was supposed to go to Germany(my dream vacation) last May 2020. But then Covid hit and had to cancel plans. I am thinking about May 2022, but am not sure if we want to risk it. We are both vaccinated and plan on getting the booster. But I don't want to risk one of us having a positive test to get back into the US. It may be a slim chance but then that would be a lot of planning to do if one is positive. With work and etc. Then I think maybe this is the new normal and there will always be Covid tests to re enter the US. I hate to put my plans back another year but maybe it's for the best. Just have to wait and see. It's just plans now , nothing set.

Flwrhead

Raven, my son and I were supposed to go to Germany in March 2020 and of course it was canceled. I don't think it'll be this way forever, but it may be this way for the next five years and I too have work to worry about (maybe I should rethink bringing my laptop in case I were to test positive, at least I could work remotely). I'm willing to take the risk, but it's an individual decision.

jawsbite

We've visited Lisbon twice...and we have stayed at Dare Lisbon Apartments, delivering fresh pastries to your door at 7am and stocking the kitchen with everything you need for breakfast... and Dear Lisbon Palace Chiado. breakfast in the room on a cart...both were amazing .

Porto we stayed at Villa Mouzinho Apartments & Suites - amazing little apartments.

Melnq8

jawsbite - I'd just booked Dare Lisbon Apartments this morning - the location, elevator (!) and reviews sold us.

Will take a look at that apartment in Porto - quiet? Flat? Elevator?

Melnq8

Scratch that, looks like they're all currently unavailable.

jawsbite

That's wonderful!! You will love it! The only slighly weird thing was that our bathroom was ALL glass, you could see pretty much everything, FYI. They have wine every evening and an elevator, and by the old elevator as well!!! We had aske the front desk for a restaurant to see the sunset, instead of just hanging out at the miradors, and they suggested a restaurant accross the water, take a ferry for 1 euro, to a place called Atira-Te, but make reservations! Best sunsets and we had bottles of wine and the freshest seafood - but it's an adventure to get there you have to walk from the ferry on a long walkway full of grafitti along the water, and you end up under the "big Jesus", and there is another elevator that you can take to the top of the hill for a view facing all of Lisbon.

Porto there is an elevator and stairs at the place we stayed at, we went with friends so having the apartments was a blessing, mini kitchen and pastries and coffee nearby. Balconies in some rooms, and my husband opened the windows as there was a band practicing next door and he just sat and listened. Lots of restaurants near by too.

Evora we stayed at M'Ar De Ar Aqueduto, which was a splurge for us, but it looks like their prices have dropped considerably since we were there. It's just inside the walled city, they have parking and the pool and rooms literally face the aqueduct wall. We ate twice at a place called O Parque dos Leitos, they do the roast suckling pig - my husband's favorite and we missed the Coimbra region where its most prevalant, so we found that little spot.