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Frequently Asked Questions
Trip Information
Q. What are the payment terms and plan for this trip?
Due to the small and exclusive nature of this bucket-list trip, large commitments on the number of rooms are required well in advance. Due to these commitments, your booking is non-refundable (100% penalty from the time of booking onward). If you are unable to attend, it is possible to transfer your booking to another person (note that most flight bookings are non-transferable). If you decide to transfer your booking to another party, you are responsible for collecting payment.
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Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Prices are estimated and subject to change based on actual number of attendees, exchange rates, etc.
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You may choose to pre-pay your booking in full or pay the initial deposit and subsequent payments at their due dates.
Payment Terms
A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration to secure your spot. All subsequent payments are non-refundable after the specified cut-off dates. We recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in case of unforeseen cancellations.
Trip Payment Plan
The total trip cost is divided into manageable installments. The first installment is due upon registration, with subsequent payments scheduled at 60 and 90 days prior to departure. A final payment link will be sent via email to complete your balance.
Documentation Questions
Q. What travel documentation do I need?
UNITED STATES CITIZENS
All United States citizens must have a Government Issued Passport, valid for at least six months beyond the return date of your trip, in order to travel to Portugal. Your passport must have at least one blank page per stamp. More information for United States citizens can be found HERE.
NON-UNITED STATES CITIZENS
If you are NOT a United States citizen (are traveling on a non-United States passport), please verify your specific documentation and vaccination requirements with your country's consulate before departing. Please note that non-United States citizens may require a visa to enter Portugal, may require passports be valid for at least six months beyond your return date, and may require blank passport pages for entry and/or exit stamps.
ALL GUESTS
It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to verify and obtain all necessary documentation and vaccination requirements when traveling to another country. Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return and may require blank passport pages for entry and exit stamps. Some citizens may be required to obtain a Visa and/or have specific vaccinations to Portugal.
We also recommend packing a photocopy of the picture and signature pages of your passport. If your passport should get lost, the photocopies will make it much easier to get an emergency replacement.
Travel Questions
Q. What airport should I arrive at and depart from?
For the main program dates, flights should arrive at the Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) and depart from the Faro International Airport (FAO). If you are extending beyond the main program dates, flights should arrive at the Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) or depart from the Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK).
Q. When should I leave for the airport?
The recommended airport check-in time for international flights is three hours prior to departure.
Please check with your airline for schedule changes or flight delays and confirm the recommended check-in time prior to leaving for the airport. Please remember to allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with the airport, are leaving during heavy traffic times, or have excess baggage.
For general travel information issued by the State Department, please visit the U.S. Department of State website at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html.
Q. How much luggage can I take?
Carry-On Bags
Most airlines permit each passenger to take one carry-on bag and one additional personal carry-on item, such as a purse or briefcase/laptop case. All carry-on items must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment. Carry-on baggage size requirements differ between airlines so please check with your airline before traveling to make sure your carry-on bags fit your airline's specified dimensions.
Checked Bags
Most airlines will allow you to check bags as well. Please check with your airline to confirm the current luggage limitations and any applicable fees for carry-on and checked baggage. Please note that many airlines charge significant fees for overweight or oversized luggage.
Important Items
Be sure that all baggage and personal belongings are properly insured. Items such as medications, jewelry, or other valuables, breakable or perishable items, and travel documents should be hand-carried. Responsibility will not be assumed by the airline for loss of or damage to these items.
*Please note that all baggage fees are at your own expense.
Q. What items can I carry on?
Due to potential security issues on flights, the Transportation Security Administration has updated its aviation security measures. For the latest information regarding what to bring, what to leave at home, and what to generally expect while traveling, please visit the Transportation Security Administration website at http://www.tsa.gov/.
Q. Can I travel with my medication?
One of the more popular questions we get from travelers is: “Can I travel with my medication?” The answer is yes, with some qualifiers. Here are a few tips that you might find helpful.
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It is not necessary to present your medication to, or notify an officer about any medication you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form (See next bullet).
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Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight. It is not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag. However, you must tell the officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container.
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You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.
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You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It’s highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.
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TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply.
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Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he or she may ask for a visual inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.
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Nitroglycerin tablets and spray (used to treat angina episodes in people with coronary artery disease) are permitted and have never been prohibited.
Q. What items can I carry on?
Due to potential security issues on flights, the Transportation Security Administration has updated its aviation security measures. For the latest information regarding what to bring, what to leave at home, and what to generally expect while traveling, please visit the Transportation Security Administration website at http://www.tsa.gov/.
Q. Should I purchase travel insurance?
Because unforeseen circumstances may arise, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Travel Insurance gives you access to a 24-hour assistance hotline for expert, personalized support in a crisis. Travel insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable trip costs - including vacation rentals, car rentals, hotels and flights - if you have to cancel for a covered reason, and can reimburse you for eligible meals, accommodation and transportation expenses during a covered delay. Travel insurance can also reimburse you for care following a covered medical emergency while traveling. Travel insurance can even arrange and pay for a medical evacuation if needed. Coverage is only available for United States citizens.
Please email your Destinations Travel Partner and advise you are interested in purchasing Travel insurance. They will provide Sequel Travel Vacation Department the necessary information for your travel insurance quote and connect you with an agent.
Destination Questions
Q. What is the weather like in Portugal?
May is a beautiful time to visit Portugal, with mild to warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and comfortable conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Daytime temperatures typically range from 68°F to 75°F (20°C to 24°C), while evenings are cooler, averaging around 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 16°C). The Algarve region in southern Portugal tends to be warmer and drier, while northern destinations like Porto may experience more rainfall. Occasional spring showers are possible, so bringing a light jacket and a small umbrella is recommended. Overall, May offers pleasant spring weather that is ideal for exploring Portugal’s historic cities, picturesque coastline, and charming villages.
Q. What clothing should I pack?
Portugal experiences mild to warm weather in May, with sunny afternoons and cooler mornings and evenings. Pack lightweight layers that you can easily add or remove throughout the day, including t-shirts, blouses, lightweight sweaters, jeans or comfortable pants, and a light jacket. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring historic cities, cobblestone streets, and coastal towns, and a small umbrella or light rain jacket is recommended for occasional spring showers. For Algarve, bring swimwear and sandals for warmer days by the coast. Be sure to pack a few dressier outfits if you plan to dine at upscale restaurants or attend special events.
Attire:
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Casual: Comfortable pants, jeans, or casual dresses paired with t-shirts, blouses, or lightweight sweaters. Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes are recommended for sightseeing.
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Smart Casual: Men can wear chinos or dark jeans with a collared shirt or polo and loafers or clean sneakers. Women can opt for a blouse with tailored pants, a skirt, or a casual dress with flats or ankle boots.
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Casual Formal: Men should wear dress pants or dark jeans with a button-down shirt or blazer. Women can choose a dress, jumpsuit, or elegant blouse paired with slacks or a skirt. Closed-toe shoes or dressy flats are appropriate.
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Casual Elegant: Men should wear dress pants, a collared dress shirt, and dress shoes, with a blazer if desired. Women can wear a cocktail dress, sophisticated jumpsuit, or an elegant blouse with tailored trousers or a skirt, paired with dress shoes or heeled sandals.
Q. What form of currency does Portugal use?
The local currency in Portugal is the euro (€ or EUR).
The exchange rate fluctuates daily, but keep these numbers in mind as a general guideline:
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€10 = approximately US$11
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€50 = approximately US$55
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€100 = approximately US$110
As a general guideline, €1 is approximately US$1.12, based on recent exchange rates.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops throughout Portugal. ATMs are readily available in cities and tourist areas, and withdrawing euros directly is often convenient. It's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller cafés, local markets, and businesses that may not accept cards. When paying by card, choose to be charged in euros rather than U.S. dollars to avoid potentially unfavorable conversion rates.
Q. Do I need to bring an electrical adapter?
Travelers from the United States visiting Portugal should bring a Type C or Type F electrical adapter. Portugal uses European-style, two-round-pin outlets and operates on 230 volts at 50 Hz, while the United States uses 120 volts at 60 Hz. A plug adapter allows U.S. devices to fit Portuguese outlets, but it does not convert voltage.
Most modern phones, laptops, and camera chargers support both voltages. Check the label on each device or charger for “Input: 100–240V.” If a device does not support 230 volts, you may need a voltage converter in addition to the plug adapter.
Health Questions
Q. What if I have a special health concern?
If you have any health concerns that may require special attention, please contact us prior to departure. Passengers requiring prescription medications are advised to keep them in their carry-on luggage. While we don't require information about the extent of your health concern or disability, the more information you can share with us about your specific needs, the better we are able to assist you.