FAQ

General

What happens in case of extreme rainy weather or nuisance?

Our vans are waterproof and an awning is included. It is not ideal when it rains, but the trip can still go ahead as planned.

Can children also come along on the trip?

Most certainly. Please keep in mind that we only have three seats in the front and sleeping space for two people in the bus itself. Optionally, a tent can be provided.

What if we want to come as a larger group?

If there are more than three people in your party, the group will need to split up across multiple minivans, with a separate booking made for each vehicle. You can send us an email to arrange this.

When does Portugal Nomads take place?

The road trips take place between spring and autumn (usually from May through November).

Can we do laundry during the trip?

Yes, nearly all the campsites along the route have laundry facilities with washing machines and dryers, usually available for a small fee of €3 - €5 per load.

What’s the latest we can arrive at the campsites?

In the Travelbase app, you'll find the check-in times, which vary from day to day.

What happens if a planned outdoor activity, such as surfing, is canceled due to bad weather?

Safety comes first. If the organizer cancels a surf lesson or boat trip because of rough seas or a storm, it will be rescheduled for another day or at another location in consultation with you, or you will receive a refund for the activity.

Can I also do this trip alone?

At the moment, our trips are based on two people. You'll share the minivan and the camping costs together. If you want to travel alone, the price will therefore double.

How old do I need to be to drive our minivans?

Are you 18 years or older and in possession of a driver's license B? Then you are allowed to drive the minivan.

Note: Our minivans are compact, but driving a van is a different experience than driving a regular car. We recommend our trips for travelers who feel comfortable behind the wheel and already have some driving experience in a larger vehicle. This way, you can hit the roads of Portugal with peace of mind!

How many people can join this trip?

Portugal Nomads is specially designed for groups of 2 or 3 people.

If you're a group of 3, we'll provide an extra ground tent and camping gear (mattress, sleeping bag, and pillow), as the minivan is only spacious enough for two people.

Want to go with more than 3 people? That's possible, but you'll need to form multiple small groups. Each group must register separately and will be assigned its own vehicle.

Don't hesitate to contact us in advance so we can check if there are still enough spots available.

Do you want to do your part for nature?

Through our partnership with Greentripper, you can offset the CO2 emissions from your trip. Your contribution goes to the certified Wildlife Cambodia project, which protects various forests and the wildlife that lives there. Additionally, Travelbase contributes to every donation made.

Discover everything about the efforts Travelbase is making.

Is there on-site support?

On arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by our local partners, rangers or guides. They will greet you and give you a brief introduction before your trip begins.

You will also be given access to a chat group with all the other participants departing on the same date just before you set off. You can use this group to chat with each other or with our team.

Minivan & equipment

How many minivans are there on each trip?

There are no more than 8 minivans on each trip.

How long and wide is the bed?

The bed is 140x200cm.

Is there electricity in the minivan?

Yes, it runs on power from a built-in battery.

Is there a shower and toilet on the bus?

No, the minivan doesn't have a built-in toilet or an indoor shower. You'll use the sanitary facilities at the campsites. You can, however, optionally book an outdoor shower to use with your minivan.

Is there a fridge in the minivan?

The minivan comes with an electric cooler powered by the internal battery. It keeps your drinks and fresh food cold while you’re driving and at the campsite.

Can we cook indoors if it rains?

The portable gas stove is primarily intended for outdoor use, such as on the fold-out outdoor or rear table. For safety and because of the smell, cooking inside the cabin is strongly discouraged. In bad weather, you can use the covered cooking facilities at the campsites.

How does refilling drinking water work?

The minivan comes with a full water tank/container. You can refill it for free with fresh drinking water at the designated water points at every campsite.

How do we wash the dishes on the road?

A basic washing-up kit is provided (basin, sponge and eco-friendly washing-up liquid). You can do the dishes by your minivan or at the covered washing-up stations at the campsites.

Do we need to clean the bus thoroughly before returning it?

Yes, we ask you to take the bus through the car wash and clean it inside and out. The grey water tank must also be emptied, the dishes washed, and the rubbish thrown away. We take care of washing the bed linen.

Is the minivan protected against break-ins?

The minivan locks completely with central locking. Take valuables (passport, laptop, camera) with you during the day when you go hiking or spend time at the beach, or keep them out of sight in the locked storage compartment under the bed.

Is there Wi-Fi in the minivan?

There’s no standard Wi-Fi hotspot on the bus. However, most campsites offer free Wi-Fi around the reception and dining areas. Since Portugal is in the EU, you can use your own mobile data plan at no extra cost.

Can I rent a GPS/navigation system?

You don't need a separate GPS. The car has CarPlay. Use our app or Google Maps/Waze to easily navigate to all the addresses and campsites.

What does the minivan look like?

You’ll be exploring Portugal in a brand new Fiat Scudo. A stylish minivan specially designed for touring around Portugal.

The van has a battery where you can charge your devices, and if you need more power, you can buy additional electricity at most campsites.

About Portugal Nomads

Can I change the order of my stays?

No, the order of the overnight stays on Portugal Nomads cannot be changed.

The route, duration and itinerary are fixed, so everyone follows the same route through Portugal.

What you can change is how you spend your days. During the day, you can choose which sights and activities to visit and set your own pace.

Want to stay longer in Lisbon? No problem! Since you book your own flights, you can add extra days in Lisbon before or after the road trip.

What exactly is Portugal Nomads?

Portugal Nomads is a 7-day self-guided campervan road trip along Portugal’s coastline and through the Algarve. You’ll travel in a fully equipped minivan and follow a planned route, with all campsites, transfers, and tips arranged in advance. You’ll still have complete freedom to set your own daily schedule and pace.

Which optional activities can I book?
  • Surf lessons: Surf lessons at popular surf spots such as Arrifana and Ericeira.

  • Boat trip in Lagos: A boat trip along dramatic rock formations and cliffs, with the chance to spot wild dolphins.

  • Wine tasting: Wine tasting with local Portuguese tapas at the vineyard.

  • Kayaking: A guided kayaking trip along the cliffs and through the bays of Sesimbra.

Are pets allowed in the minivan?

Due to hygiene concerns and allergies among successive guests, pets such as dogs are unfortunately not allowed in the minivans.

Is it a self-guided trip?

Portugal Nomads is a self-guided adventure. With our roadbook, you can complete the journey entirely on your own.

However, you have the option to connect with other travelers who have started at the same time. You join a chat in the Travelbase app to share photos and tips or to arrange to meet up, for example, to grab a drink at one of the overnight stops along the route.

So, the choice is entirely yours to travel completely independently or to team up with other travelers.

What's in the roadbook?

Our roadbook contains all the information you need for a successful road trip in the south of Portugal.

On one hand, it includes the complete route, featuring all the hotspots and hidden gems that you won't find in big travel guides. The places we recommend are merely suggestions: you can choose which sights to visit and how much time to spend at each.

Additionally, our roadbook also includes various nice spots where you can grab a bite to eat or have a drink.

Where will you be staying?

The overnight spots have been selected for their unique locations, often in the midst of nature and close to the beach. We avoid large tourist camps and generally opt for smaller campsites and camper pitches. All campsites have sanitary facilities, and some even have a swimming pool.

Once in a while, you'll go a bit more off-the-grid and sleep at a vineyard with a limited number of showers. Want to be able to shower whenever you want? Then consider booking an outdoor shower.

What are the extra costs?

The extra costs during the road trip in Portugal are as follows:

  • Fuel: ± €200 for the entire road trip
  • Tolls: ± €30 for the entire road trip
  • Bucket list activities, available for booking upon registration
  • Food & drinks
Where can I pick up and drop off the minivan?

Your minivan will be ready at a location 15 minutes’ drive from Lisbon Airport. A transfer will take you from the airport to our base at 3:00 PM, where you’ll receive the keys and a full briefing on how to use the minivan.

If you prefer not to use the transfer, you’re welcome to pick up the minivan yourself between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM. The exact address of our base is: Estrada de São Paulo, 2680-294 Apelação.

Returning the minivan
On the last day, Saturday, you’ll need to return the minivan to our base. You can also take advantage of a free transfer back to the airport, which arrives no later than 12:00 PM.

Can I customise the trip to my own liking?

As we offer a fully organised trip, it is not possible to adjust the duration or itinerary. However, you are free to extend your trip independently by spending a few extra days on site afterwards, for example, or continuing your journey to another country.

When can I do this trip?

The calendar on the website shows all departure dates, available spots and prices.

Would you like to be notified personally when new departure dates are posted online? If so, please complete this form with your details.

Who is this trip suitable for?

Portugal Nomads is perfect for anyone who loves nature and adventure. Whether you’re an experienced traveller or are just venturing outside your comfort zone for the first time, if you’re open to new experiences, you’ve come to the right place!

Prices & Booking Conditions

Can I still cancel my trip?

It is always possible to cancel your trip. You can find the general cancellation conditions here. You can also rely on the Superflex cancellation conditions. More info under the FAQ ‘What are the Superflex cancellation conditions?

What are the Superflex cancellation conditions?

The Superflex cancellation conditions are available for anyone who books early.

You can reschedule your trip to another period within the same season (depending on availability) or cancel for free before a certain date, which is clearly stated on the registration form.

If the deadline to use the Superflex conditions has passed, the general cancellation conditions apply.

Can I modify my registration?

Depending on availability, you can add or remove most options (except cancellation insurance) until a few weeks before departure. Generally, we follow a first-come, first-served principle, so early decision-makers are at an advantage.

What is the payment procedure?

Within 5 days after your registration, you must pay a deposit to confirm your trip. After that, you still have until a few weeks before departure to modify your options and pay the remaining balance. If you make changes, the deposit is automatically recalculated.

There are various payment options, including Bancontact, Mastercard, iDeal. If you have a Travelbase voucher, you can use it as well.

If your payment fails, it is likely due to an incorrect reference number or exceeding your account limit.

Surf

Do you also offer equipment or packages for surfers?

Yes, you can add special surf packages:

  • Surf Package A: Surfboard and wetsuit rental for the entire trip.

  • Surf Package B: Board, wetsuit, and 2 guided surf lessons.

Is the surf package also suitable for beginners?

We also offer surf lessons and visit spots that are suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. The lessons take place in Arrifana and Ericeira, on Portugal’s west coast and in the Algarve.

Transport

What should I keep in mind when booking my flights?

Make sure your flights fit around the road trip’s arrival and departure times. These are the key times to keep in mind:

Arrival, day one (Saturday)

  • You’re expected at Lisbon Airport at 3:00 p.m.
  • Allow time to collect your luggage. We therefore recommend landing no later than 2:00 p.m..

Departure, last day (Saturday)

  • The minivan must be returned by 10:00 a.m..
  • After that, the transfer will take you to the airport by 1:00 p.m. at the latest.
  • So don’t book your return flight too early on the last day.

Want to spend a little longer in Lisbon? Since you book your own flights, you can of course choose to stay in Lisbon for extra days before or after the road trip.

We are landing earlier on the arrival day, what do we do with our luggage?

You can store this with us between 09:00 and 15:00 or you can rent a locker at the airport at Terminal 1 or in the center of Lisbon.

I would like to take an early flight on the day of departure, is this possible?

If there are no other good travel options, you can email us. We can then arrange an online check-out in consultation.

Is it difficult to drive a campervan in Portugal?

No, the roads in Portugal are very well maintained. Since the Fiat Scudo is compact, it's just as easy to drive and park as a regular car.

How do toll roads work?

Portugal has many toll roads. Where possible, it’s recommended to avoid them. This saves you money and takes you along the most scenic coastal and inland roads.

Where do I pick up and drop off the minivan?
  • Pickup: The base is located approximately 15 minutes from Lisbon Airport (LIS). Pickup is available between 3:15 and 3:30 p.m. (or via the free transfer service).

  • Drop-off: On the last day (Saturday), return the van to the base.

Do I need to book the flights myself?

Yes, flights are not included in the trip price. You book your own flight to Lisbon (LIS). We recommend landing by 2:00 p.m. at the latest on the day you arrive.

Is the airport transfer included?

Yes, a round-trip transfer between Lisbon Airport and the base is included in the trip price as standard.

How many people can I go on the trip with?
The minivan is fitted with a double bed. The trip is primarily designed for 2 people per minivan. We can adapt it for three people by adding a tent.
 
How much luggage can I bring?

Storage space in a minivan is limited, so traveling with soft bags or backpacks is strongly recommended over hard-shell suitcases. During the day, you can slide your luggage under the mattress, and at night, you can place your belongings on the front seats.

Can I drive the minivan on the beach or unpaved roads?

No, driving on beaches, dunes or unpaved (off-road) roads is prohibited. Any damage to the underside of the car or getting stuck on unpaved terrain is not covered by the insurance.

What about low-emission zones or parking in cities like Lisbon?

The minivans meet the latest emissions standards. However, we strongly recommend avoiding driving them through the busy centers of major cities. Park on the outskirts or at a park-and-ride, then take the metro or bus.

What should I do if I break down or get a flat tire?

When you pick up the vehicle, you'll receive an emergency number. Both the local rental team and roadside assistance are available 24/7. The vehicle comes equipped with a spare wheel or repair kit, warning triangle and high-visibility vests.

Preparation

What documents do I need for the road trip in Portugal?

To be allowed to drive the minivan in Portugal, you need the following documents:

  • An international passport or ID card that is valid for the entire duration of your stay in Portugal
  • A category B driver's license
What should I bring?

A few weeks before departure, you will receive a detailed packing list, carefully compiled by our experienced team. The packing list includes everything you need for your adventure, from clothing to equipment and useful extras.

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