For the last 3 years I've spent the winter months in Florida, Texas, Arizona, California & Hawaii. For 2018 I was looking for a more cultural experience and chose Southern Spain and Portugal as my destination. I know the weather won't be as nice as Florida but I'm okay with temperatures in the 60s to low 70s as I want to explore the region and not sit on a beach. Anything will be an improvement from a central Canada winter! So far I have my flights booked....landing in Barcelona at the end of December and returning from Amsterdam early April. I had Air Canada vouchers from overbooked flights and maintenance issues, so our flights were free!! I'm including Amsterdam as I've always wanted to visit the Tulip Festival and will likely fly there from Lisbon. I've been looking at a January cruise out of Barcelona to the Canary Islands but haven't committed to that yet as I need to do some research on that area to see if it would be of interest to us.
Right now I'm thinking of touring Spain for the month of January, Portugal for the month of February, and Azores for the month of March. I don't have any accommodations booked but I'm hoping to use timeshares as a base and explore from there. This is off-season and there appears to be numerous options available. I also have an opportunity to rent a house in Terceira in the Azores through a friend contact.
Lots of research and planning to do! Any suggestions on car rentals and transportation options, route planning, or anything I should know would be much appreciated. We are a healthy couple, mid-60s, who like to explore and live like the locals. We like a mix of day trips and relax time; enjoying local cuisine as well as shopping at the market to make our own meals. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed as I tackle this trip planning but I always love a challenge!
Right now I'm thinking of touring Spain for the month of January, Portugal for the month of February, and Azores for the month of March. I don't have any accommodations booked but I'm hoping to use timeshares as a base and explore from there. This is off-season and there appears to be numerous options available. I also have an opportunity to rent a house in Terceira in the Azores through a friend contact.
Lots of research and planning to do! Any suggestions on car rentals and transportation options, route planning, or anything I should know would be much appreciated. We are a healthy couple, mid-60s, who like to explore and live like the locals. We like a mix of day trips and relax time; enjoying local cuisine as well as shopping at the market to make our own meals. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed as I tackle this trip planning but I always love a challenge!