Summer in Portugal is also synonymous with festivals. Between big holidays or getaways, beach and camping, especially for younger people, summer festivals are a milestone where unforgettable memories are created.
The truth is that, with each passing year, between tickets, travel, food, accommodation and other small expenses that arise during the holidays, it is very easy to spend more than expected. Still, with some planning and, most importantly, smart choices, it is still possible to make the most of a festival.
To do this, it is often enough to adjust some habits, compare options and prepare better for your trips to be able to significantly reduce costs. With that in mind, here are three practical ways to save money during summer festivals and holidays in Portugal.
- Opt for tents over expensive accommodation
One of the most effective ways to reduce costs during the summer is to opt for campgrounds instead of hotels or local lodges. In addition to being a more economical alternative, camping also offers greater flexibility and contact with nature. It is, without a doubt, a different experience, even more so when you are among friends or other festival-goers.
Nowadays, at the main summer festivals in Portugal, such as MEO Sudoeste or Vodafone Paredes de Coura, camping areas tend to be one of the most popular options. In many cases, access to camping is already included in the festival ticket, allowing you to save a lot of money on accommodation.
Portugal also has a wide variety of campsites with good conditions and infrastructure. Furthermore, just compare prices to realize that a night in a park costs much less than the cost of a hotel in the same region.
To spend even less, take your tent with you. Invest in a sturdy, reusable model instead of buying disposable tents. The same applies to inflatable mattresses, lanterns, coolers and other accessories that can be used for several summers or even sold later second-hand.
Another advantage of camping is the possibility of preparing meals on site, avoiding high and recurring expenses for food.
Furthermore, choosing to sleep in a tent allows for further savings. By staying close to the festival site, for example, you avoid spending on daily commuting, reducing costs on fuel, parking or night transport.
- Plan trips and divide expenses
Travel represents one of the biggest expenses. After all, it’s not just about the fuel. You also need to consider the costs of tolls and parking.
One of the best ways to save money in the summer is to plan your trip in advance. If you are traveling by public transport, for example, buy train or bus tickets in advance to guarantee lower prices and take advantage of current offers, especially during periods of high demand – note that this also applies to air travel.
In the case of train and bus, compare the prices of both means (in Portugal, vans tend to be cheaper) and also take advantage of available offers, such as student discounts, if applicable.
If you’re going by car, sharing expenses between friends can make a huge difference, especially since many events have paid parking or limited parking areas.
Above all, avoid leaving everything until the last minute. The closer the travel date, the higher the prices tend to be. Booking in advance remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to control your budget.
- Control spending on food, drinks and avoid impulsive purchases
Small daily consumptions may seem harmless. However, when added together, they easily represent high and even exaggerated values. Whether it’s drinks at festivals, meals out or small purchases, everything ends up being expensive and can have a significant impact on your holiday budget.
That said, consider setting a maximum daily amount you want to spend beforehand. Having a limit is one of the best ways to control impulsive purchases and understand where you’re really spending your money.
At festivals, bring snacks, fruits, drinks and even small meals to consume before entering the venue.
If you are going camping, prepare a menu for each day in advance in order to buy everything in advance and avoid eating out all the time.
Another important tip is to avoid impulse purchases. Especially at festival stands, stalls close to the beach, but also those in tourist shops and train stations, bus stations or airports, where prices tend to be higher.
And since we’re talking about money, don’t forget to take advantage of campaigns, loyalty cards and seasonal discounts. There are many brands and supermarkets in Portugal that launch specific promotions during the summer, especially on products related to travel, the beach, camping or festivals. So: enjoy!
As you can see, summer, festivals and the economy can be good allies. With good planning, you can enjoy every moment without the constant worry about excessive and unforeseen expenses. Above all, make the most of the sun, the shows and create unforgettable memories with friends and family.
