Planning a trip abroad isn’t always glamorous.
Sometimes, it’s hours of comparing flight prices, making sure your kids won’t melt down mid-holiday, and hoping you didn’t forget something important like a plug adapter or travel insurance.
But if you plan it right, it can be one of the best memories you make with your family. That’s exactly what happened with our recent trip to Lisbon.
From 25th to 29th May 2025, I travelled to Portugal with my wife and two kids, and it turned out to be one of the most relaxed (and well-budgeted) trips we’ve taken in a while.
I’ll be sharing how we planned it and what you should consider if you’re thinking of going abroad this year.
Table of Contents
My flight booking strategy (that actually saved money)
I started hunting for flight deals in March for our May trip. I created an Excel spreadsheet (yes, it sounds intense) and tracked prices daily. And it saved us a couple of bucks.
I used Skyscanner to compare prices daily and noted things like baggage fees, departure times, and airport options.
Flight prices fluctuate wildly, sometimes changing by £70+ within a single week. I discovered that Tuesday and Wednesday departures were consistently cheaper than weekend flights.
Early morning flights also came with lower price tags since fewer people want to wake up at 5 AM for a vacation.
Eventually, I found a deal that made sense on Flight Network and booked British Airways from Heathrow. The platform also recommended car rental services, which proved helpful for our ground transportation needs.
Suppose you’re planning to travel in 2025. In that case, I strongly recommend you start looking three to four months in advance, especially if you’re travelling internationally or with kids. Set price alerts on Google Flights and Skyscanner, check alternative airports, and look out for flash sales.
Money-saving tips that worked:
- Looked for flights on weekdays (cheaper than weekends)
- Set up price alerts for automatic notifications
- Considered nearby airports for potential savings
- Booked through networks that offer package deals
Creating our Lisbon itinerary (with kids in mind)
I fall into the “plan everything” camp, and my wife’s even better at that part as she had our schedule sorted well before takeoff.
Some travelers hate detailed schedules, but when you’re dealing with kids and limited time, structure becomes your best friend.
We had a few must-dos like attending our friend’s wedding and checking out the iconic Lisbon cable car ride.
We also planned kid-friendly stops like Lisbon Square and the Sanctuary of Christ the King, which is across the river and offers beautiful views. We drove across both bridges that link Lisbon—it’s a long drive, but worth it for the experience.
We skipped the Panteão Nacional, though I really wanted to go. But with kids, sometimes your legs (and theirs) decide the day.
Where we stayed
Accommodation was our second biggest expense after flights. We didn’t go for a fancy hotel. Instead, we booked a place that worked with our car rental company, which included a free shuttle from the airport. Simple and convenient.
If you’re looking for ideas, Airbnb is great for families who want kitchen access. Booking.com is perfect if you want to compare multiple hotels quickly.
But sometimes, direct booking with the hotel saves you extra charges. We parked the car in the city centre and walked most places from there. Just for the fun of it.
And just a heads-up: Lisbon’s popularity is growing. In 2024, the city brought in over €1.5 billion in tourism revenue and hosted more than 8.8 million visitors, so book early to avoid sky-high prices or sold-out stays.Getting around Lisbon (car rental vs. public transport)
I rented a car, mainly because I knew I’d want the flexibility with kids.
Lisbon’s public transport is good, but for us, the freedom to explore, stop when needed, and visit places like the Sanctuary of Christ the King without checking timetables made the difference.
If you’re traveling without kids or staying right in the heart of a city, I’d consider skipping a car. Parking fees add up, and rideshares or public transit usually work well.
Set a realistic budget
Before anything else, set a rough budget. Ours included flights, accommodation, food, activities, transport, and a little extra for surprises.
I always leave a buffer because there’s always something that comes up.
We didn’t eat out at fancy restaurants every day. We mixed in local joints (cheaper and way tastier) and bought groceries to make light meals.
We even found small eateries that were far from tourist traps. Not only did we save money, but we also got a more honest taste of the city.
What to see and do (for free)
There’s so much you can do in Lisbon without breaking the bank.
We strolled through Alfama and Mouraria, two historic neighbourhoods full of narrow lanes, tiled houses, and local charm. You don’t even need a map, just wander.
If you’re travelling with children, make sure to slow down. Walking all day sounds fine on paper until your child starts complaining about tired legs. We took breaks, found spots with space to run, and just enjoyed the moments.
We also missed the water park—it wasn’t open yet in May—but that’s the thing about travelling with kids. You won’t see everything. And that’s okay.
Other useful tips
Take photos of all documents and store them on your phone as backup. Print physical copies of your passport, flight bookings, insurance and IDs and keep them separate from originals. Keep them all in one place where it’s easy to grab, especially at the airport.
How to pack
Bring essentials for the weather and your activities. Portugal in May required light layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a light rain jacket. And don’t forget your travel adapters.
SIM cards
I didn’t get a local SIM because my mobile plan covered roaming. But if yours doesn’t, get a local SIM to avoid surprise bills.
Choose accommodations based on value, not just price. Location, cleanliness, and amenities matter more than rock-bottom rates.
Take your time and trust the plan
Before anything else, set a rough budget. Ours included flights, accommodation, food, activities, transport, and a little extra for surprises.
I always leave a buffer because there’s always something that comes up.
We didn’t eat out at fancy restaurants every day. We mixed in local joints (cheaper and way tastier) and bought groceries to make light meals.
We even found small eateries that were far from tourist traps. Not only did we save money, but we also got a more honest taste of the city.
