I would totally upgraded my hotel and do other little luxuries instead of paying 5000 extra for 6.5 hours flight. With this extra you could stay in a luxury/ very decent hotels for 2 months. Totally not worth the splurge on the flight on the account of staying in "tired" hotel

@maryb211

4 ай бұрын

I truly agree but I understand why Tina thought it would be a good idea. But for that much money they would have needed to feed us Oysters Rockefeller, Truffle Stew, Champagne and the whole nine yards. Oh well, that's just my two cents!

I just returned in March from a 3-month stay in Tavira (85 days, so I had a bit of a buffer on the 90 day rule). Because I rent directly from a property management firm, it is much cheaper than going through places like AirB&B, VRBO or an aparthotel. I had a lovely self-contained house all to myself within a 5 minute walk to the Roman Bridge (1 bedroom/1 bathroom, 2 outdoor patios, a fully equipped kitchen and sitting room) and it was just less than 3,000 euros for the entire time. I prefer that to a hotel environment, as there is more privacy and less hustle and bustle around me...but of course to each their own. I think it is worth finding a property management firm where you wish to go and contact them direct to get prices for your preferred dates. Happy travels, everyone...

@HeavenlyMe1111

4 ай бұрын

Can you recommend the property management company to us if possible? Thanks

@sharonvickers146

4 ай бұрын

@@HeavenlyMe1111 Unfortunately KZread does not allow me to mention the name here. But if you Google "property management tavira" you will see a good one from whom to rent a CASA. They provide good SERVICE. I've used them many times. Happy travels!

@HeavenlyMe1111

4 ай бұрын

@@sharonvickers146 thank you, I found a good one that ends with serviço 👍🏻

@sharonvickers146

4 ай бұрын

@@HeavenlyMe1111 You got it...

@JoaoFreitas-qm1sr

4 ай бұрын

There s one i used was " Casas e papeis" in Armacao-de-pera family run bussiness they were really good, 1 bedroom apartment was like 700€ with seaview. Was really nice town

Woah, $5k for six hours of comfort and an upgraded airline meal is beyond my touch. If we were talking a $5k difference for a really long haul flight, like to Australia or something, then I’d definitely be tempted!

Love your videos, very helpful. I just priced a flight yesterday with Air Canada to Lisbon or Faro. Lie-flat seats $2400. Economy $550. But with my points: $131 for lie flat business class!

Love Tina's views. We scrimped and saved to retire and can now afford the "little luxury" of upgrades. Thats why our trip to Alaska in Aug is a " money isnt an issue" trip Spend it!! Enjoy it!!I bet she didnt have to twist your arm Norm ❤❤❤️

Good for you for splurging on the flight upgrades! I’m 6’5” so I struggle in economy class despite having to bear it throughout my career. Now I’m retired, I’m flying in comfort or not at all. Our first long term trip likely will be to the Algarve!

@ronnie9187

4 ай бұрын

It is definitely worth the extra cost. I often sit with my 6'2 already with my knees against the front seat, which is tolerable on short flights but not on long flights. Booking an upgrade at the flight exit or comfort plus often gives you that extra bit of room for long flights. Certainly if you as tall as you are.

Great video, we watched it twice. We did a 3 week trip to Portugal in March. Nice one week hotel stays Lisbon, Portugal and the Algarve. It worked out to $180 CAD per day food included. We found that we could eat in non tourist restraunts + some groceries for less than the cost of groceries in Canada. The food in Portugal was actually much better. BUDGET TIP: always subtract the costs you would have had to pay back in Canada ( heat, groceries, entertainment, gas, etc ) from your actual trip costs. That shows you the real net cost of the trip and should you to justify more travel.

You saved your money, worked hard, good for you for splurging a little! Making great memories!

Thank you for breaking out the cost of your Portugal trip and sharing details with your viewers. It gives lots of insights to those seeking similar travel adventures, keep up the great work. Hi Tina, please keep pushing Norm to travel “better” 😂as long as your cashflow allows, life is short. Anyhow, keep traveling and enjoy Florida❤.

Club Class is nice... but the $5000. extra goes a long way for car rental, upgraded hotel, more dinners out ...all for a 6 1/2 hour flight. But hey if money is no problem...

@stevewilson5292

4 ай бұрын

Agreed. We will fly Business Class for the 12+ hour flights - there's an obvious improvement in the travel experience over those longer durations. But after doing many of those longer flights, a trans-Atlantic flight almost seems like a puddle jump and I wouldn't want to pay much extra for such a "short" run. I'd spend the money more as you suggest - at destination.

@wendyh943

4 ай бұрын

I say if you can afford it do it, like they say you can’t take it with you

@85728itsmeee

4 ай бұрын

Wow 5K! I used to pay 300 dollars for club class, not too many years ago either (4 hour flights)

@sct4040

4 ай бұрын

When else do seniors spend their money? We deserve to splurge a little. You can’t take it with you. With the stock market the way it is, we have more money than 2-1/2 years ago when I retired. Go figure.🎉

@debbassgirl586

4 ай бұрын

@@85728itsmeeeYep. I remember also. Can’t believe how it has jumped up. Truly not worth it!

Hi Norm and Tina - I have a big mug of coffee and I’m gonna watch your video now!! Great way to spend some time on a Saturday morning:). Have a fun weekend everyone!

Got to love Giant Tiger!!

Thanks for all the information 🙏

Tina, I was shocked you spent the extra money on the flight. $5000 for 16 hours in the air. Wow that pays for a lot of $30 breakfast ☺. Thank you for sharing. This information will help my wife and I budget for our trips.

Giant Tiger. whoo hoo! 👍 welcome back home to Canada. Hope you both enjoyed your trip! Now it's back to family and your mobile home park which I know you will enjoy! Take Care, Sandra 💙💫💙

Apparently, you can get a better deal for long term rentals if you talk to their booking department. We stopped at Luna Solagua, and they told us they don't do anything different from what you would find on their website. The other hotel we stopped by emailed us prices for one month and month and a half stays at their studio apartment and it was €750 and €1000 respectfully. Time to start planning the next winter escape!

Bravo to you Tina! It’s nice that you spearheaded the splurge for your trip! You both have worked hard and deserve it! You’ve inspired us to consider Business Class seats when we’re planning our snowbird trips!

Thanks for the video. We love you guys. It seems like you guys had a great time. Tin has an amazing tan and Norm looks 10 years younger with the beard. We appreciate your hard work in posting videos for us. Sending you love! K&R

Thank you for making this video. It's so refreshing to hear real numbers for the cost of your trip. It was the most beneficial video I've seen so far.

I love that you treated yourself to the great flight! When I fly RT from the east coast of the U.S. to Europe, I purchase economy and then use both my American Airlines points and about $700 to upgrade to biz class. Else I fly Saga Class on Iceland Air. Yes, it’s just 7-8 hrs depending on my destination, but it really sets the tone for the trip and it’s so nice.

Good for you. We live in Las Vegas and spent 3 months in Europe, 2.5 months in Madiera, Portugal. It was fantastic! Traveling in retirement is the best! Can't wait to do it again! Welcome home!

Welcome home. You look so rested and relaxed.

Thanks for sharing your trip. We were in Albufeira for the month of February as well. We very much can identify with your experiences particulariy with your transportation. We certainly used Vamus for out of town and Bolt for in town travel when walking due to rainy weather or distance was not practical. Your assessment of Bolt was spot on. Bolt is less expensive in Albufeira. But in travel outside of Albufeira, we found Uber was a bit better in rates. Of course the Drivers in most cases work for both and vehicles are equipped to respond to customers using the Bolt or Uber app. We will be returning for 2025 trip to Albufeira as well. Enjoyed your summary.

Great video and thank you so much for the excellent information. The information you provided is what everyone has been waiting for you to reveal for two years (😁). A few months ago, we flew to Barcelona in economy and it was absolutely awful, especially after flying across the US. I'm with Tina - you worked for your money, enjoy it.

Welcome back! Portugal sounds wonderful. -Mike from Ottawa🍻🥂🇨🇦

What a great trip. A time to remember. Both of you look rejuvenated.

Thanks for the info on Albufeira! We’ll be heading there next Spring. This will be our third trip to Portugal and we also fly from Toronto on Air Transat. We book the basic fare then add Option Plus for around $200 each. Includes priority check in, one bag , seat selection and a drink. There is a small number of seats in twos near the back and we always book them if available. Definitely not as good as club class but for the difference in fare, we feel it’s pretty close and a LOT cheaper.

The groups from Ottawa are through Travac Travel Agency. It's very popular here for people going to Portugal.

Thanks for sharing the details Tina & Norm, we stayed 69 days in Algarve last year and spent 11500 USD including flights, 2 bed rooms/two baths apartment rent, eating out and groceries. We flew economy class though because we had our small dog with us and Delta does not allow pets in Business Class

Was wonderful to meet you both ❤ Thank you for providing such great content 👏 💕

@ThisIsOurRetirement

4 ай бұрын

Was great meeting you both, happy sailing 😀😀

@irishinusa1615

4 ай бұрын

Thank you ❤️

We are sorry we did not run into you there. Thanks for introducing us to the Algarve. We did a splurge and rented a house, but we did fly economy. Yes, you can’t take it wil you. Cheers

I really like this relaxed and chatty style of video...also appreciate the photos and captions for the names of the hotels. Thank you for sharing ⭐

@ThisIsOurRetirement

3 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers 🍷🙂

Thank you! You can't put a value on experiences! 🎉

Thank you for the breakdown in costs. I personally think its nice you splurged on the flight. Its nice to be comfortable for the flight. Cheers to you both!

Thank you for this very insightful video! We have just booked for 5 weeks Feb/March 2025 doing half in each of the towns and accommodations you've recommended. Not as warm as Florida, but happy to try someplace different to get a bit of a break from our Canadian winter. Keep up the great videos, we 💌 them!!

Really enjoy watching your videos. We just returned from 6 weeks in Albufeira where we stayed in an Airbnb…which we loved. We agree about the Paladim…we stayed there last year for the month of February. We found it really dated and the cleaning was non-existent. But the price was about half of what they’re charging this year. We liked the restaurant and bar downstairs…as well as the hair salon on the main floor. Natalina is a great stylist.

I haven't seen you videos in a while. Enjoyed learning from you in this video and I love Norm's goatee - really suits him.

Thanks for sharing the info!! Awesome info! Love the colour of your shirt!

I am so glad you had an opportunity to meet your viewers! Nice to know the type of people you attrack are kind and want to buy a thank you drink......lovely!

Sounds like an amazing winter stay. Really not as expensive as we thought it might be. Bet you’re glad to be back home!

Norm and Tina you can find a really nice place a lot less than 1500 to 1700 euros.we found a nice one bedroom place for 821 euros and a place for next year ,2 bedroom for 1100 euros. It takes some but it can be done.

@gwilsonmail

4 ай бұрын

Can you reveal the name or the agency you used?

I frequently go to Portugal and the Algarve and 14,000 is quite high but everyone has their own desires. Although I wouldn't spend that much on a flight, I always try to find a deal for under 800$, you are right Tina. You should splurge and treat yourself if that is what you enjoy. I'm sure some others spend even more then 14,000. Just so people out there know you can pay less for accomodations and food just depends what you are looking for. Your travel tips on the local buses were awesome. Thanks for sharing!

Good morning folks. Always good to be home. Thanks. Stay safe.

Great episode guys! Love the breakdown of your expenses,and actually,all the episodes you shared while in Portugal. Top drawer! I kinda thought the airfare cost was not too bad. I flew around for decades (I’m 6’3) often getting my knees crushed by the passenger in front etc etc. now that I only fly a few times a year,it’s business class. We save money on other things throughout the year. Far as I’m concerned,the extra comfort on a longer flight is worth every penny. (Within reason)🤣😂

I’m impressed that you used the bus system. That was one my goals on this visit but just didn’t get it together in the month we have been in Olhos da Agua.

Thanks for the video with all the great tips. So sorry the second hotel didn't work out. if we ever have then the good fortune to bump into you, we will happily buy you some drinks.

It was brilliant bumping into you both in Albufeira. You made my husbands holiday 😂 I have never seen him so excited and smiling like that!! (The Scottish couple)

Sounds like you had a wonderful time.

Thanks Norm and Tina, for this very thorough review of costs of your 76 days in the Algarve.

@ThisIsOurRetirement

4 ай бұрын

You are welcome

As you mentioned our second lodging experience, my wife and I spent a few weeks in Mexico at an AirBnb. Unfortunately, the construction noise was incessant despite assurances that it would be brief. Additionally, the persistent crowing of roosters disrupted our sleep at all hours. Originally planning to stay for two months, we decided to take action after two weeks by contacting AirBnb to voice our concerns. Thankfully, they promptly assisted us in finding alternative accommodation, which exceeded our expectations. My advice is to speak up rather than endure discomfort during your vacation. If issues persist despite attempts to resolve them, don't hesitate to seek alternative arrangements. After all, it's your valuable time, experience, and money at stake.

Welcome back. You look happy, relaxed, and refreshed. 😎

@denisescally7090

4 ай бұрын

I think they are a bit tipsy 😅

Norm digging the facial hair makes you look like you are in your early 50s. Somehow Tina looks younger too. Glad you had a great time did you both well.

I really appreciate all ur tips from the Lovable place in Portugal 🇵🇹 the Algarve 😍

Sounds like you did enjoy yourself a lot even with the not so great hotel. The no lock thing would have made me very nervous. But you figured it out and that is what travel is all about.I am sure one day I am going to visit the Algarve just because you make it seem so easy!

Hi Tina & Norm pleased you had a wonderful time in Portugal thanks for all the tips keep the good work up . Regards Christopher Barker

Hi Tina and Norm, great video..thank you for breaking down the trip prices. Planning to get to Portugal in June. Stay well.

We did a rushed, day trip to Portimão 🇵🇹- hope to return and wander through the Algarve at a leisurely pace. Haven’t flown first class (yet). We did Rome to Los Angeles last year non-stop in economy. It was a long 12 hour flight and less than comfortable… ✈️

You both look great and so happy! Wonderful video, thank you from 🇺🇸

That is a good price for a month's stay. As you know to rent a cottage in Muskoka or Southampton area is going to be $1500 for a week. (Ontario Canada)

Hello Tina and Norm, thank you for sharing good information about your winter trip! Have a good weekend!

Hi. Love the video and glad you had a good time. My wife suggested that you look for sponsors in the travel gear industry. It might help you out a lot.

In Arizona toda,had to use the VPN to send you some loonies. Welcome home guys, even although it's just to do laundry. Such an informative video. Agreed ,Business class is the only way to go . I actually had a friend last February who developed a leg thrombosis on a flight from Gatwick to Toronto and unfortunately passed away . Doing Air Transat Club Class to Gatwick the beginning of September. Have a great new adventure guys !!!

Hi Tina and Norm! Your fan Mary here from Toronto Ontario. I started watching your video but I wanted to say hello quickly as it's been a while since I have said hello. So far I am liking what I'm listening to... you guys deserve the best. SPLURGE!!!! Enjoy yourself... Portugal's on my bucket list!!!! I like listening to you guys break down all the costs. Okay I'm going to go back to your video. Have an awesome weekend Mary😊

Any tips on booking transfer services??? Also, how about doing a video on packing carry-on with camera gear? My husband and I both travel with Canon mirrorless cameras with lenses (always at least 1 bigger lens for bird photography. We already travel light with two 40L backpacks that are checked. Then cameras come carry on... but I want to try to do only carry on.

Hi Tina and Norm, glad you had a good winter. Very informative video. My husband and I are planning to go to Portugal (Algarve) for a a month or so in the winter when I retire - couple more years. So thanks for all the info. My husband is an F1 fan too. It's on here most weekends lol. We just got back from Panama from a week's vacation. We loved it there too. Have a good week. Looking forward to your next video. Take care. Happy Solar Eclipse day tomorrow. 🌞💕

Awesome memories 😍😍 thank you for sharing this with us!

I heard you guys saying people pay 1600 euros for a full month. That seems crazy cheap to me, but you guys sounded like it was overpriced. That is only like $58/night. We can’t stay anywhere in most places here for less than $200 per night. $100 would usually be a very cheap motel in a sketchy area. This makes me wanna plan a trip to Portugal. We can’t stay anywhere for a month for 1500 euros here.

@ThisIsOurRetirement

3 ай бұрын

Portugal is good value, some rents are as low as €900

We appreciate all your videos and enjoyed the cost breakdown in this one. I can't believe we have been subscribed since 2019 back when we were in the US and considering the move to Portugal. We are always interested when you post from Portugal to see if we will run into you both. We were down in Vila Real de Santo António in March and spent Saint Patrick's Day in Tavira. We will move from Lisbon after nearly three years here to Vila Real de Santo António later this year so if we run into you next winter lunch is on us.

You two are wonderful together I enjoy watching your show. Had me laughing when you said "she" wanted to splurge on the upgraded seats and she had this big smile on her face. Yes, that was very expensive splurge but it seems you did enjoy it, congrats! :o)

I really liked Transat Club Class the last time I flew to England in 2018 but it sounds like the price of it has really gone up.

Thanks for sharing your information. We just missed you here in Albufeira as we arrived March 10th. The weather has been horrible during the month of March, but is getting better as we are well into April! Enjoy your April adventures!

Hi i stayed at Soldoiro turistico from February 1 to 29 of February. It cost me 882 euros, i had a balcony seat view, could walk down to priai d’oura in 2 minutes, very safe area i didn’t mind walking there by myself

Glad to see you back, really enjoyed your review and the pricing out of your trip to Portugal, very helpful.

Thank you for sharing. Love hearing about your travel and costs. It's very helpful.

Welcome home Tina and Norm. We went to the Algarve over Christmas because of your recommendation. It will our winter away destination for sure.

Thanks for sharing the numbers. Helps us with budgeting

Such a joy, these 2

Thanks for all the great infomation. Very generous of you to share all the costs. Tina - love the necklace. Jo

You guys have definitely stepped up in spending. Glad you enjoyed winter. You had much better Bolt service. Half the time I could not get a ride within 15 minutes.

Some day, i hope we can do something like this. I liked hearing about the public transit! One comment i have, it would be nice if you put up a map showing these places. I need to have another device open on the map while watching

Glad you're home safe. Thanks for sharing all your adventures and tips. Love your channel

Hi Norm and Tina! You guys look great! We try to use Club Class or equivalent of other airlines for going south. Also sometimes the row of exit aisle seats that recline for our south trips. We also usually hire a car service for travel to YYZ. For Europe I would keep my money but do some type of upgrade. The prices are off the charts compared to a few years ago We may use a company called Portugal Get Aways for our next escapade to Portugal. Glad you had a great time and living it up! For Those about to Rock We Salute You! PS.Up $4500 in prizing in the last month. Cuba, Leafs private box with steak and drinks, Alanis Morissette musical. Cheers!

Its always interesting to learn the cost. Good informative video, thanks for sharing. Glad you had a nice time.

Love watching you two. Thank you for the information. You are both adorable.

Excellent review and appreciate the honesty about pricing and transportation. Great seeing you two.

So if you add in the food it probably cost around £10,000 in total for 2.5 months ? Not bad at all! I spent close to £3,000 for 3 weeks in Dubai for just myself! And my flight from Cyprus was dirt cheap!

@ThisIsOurRetirement

3 ай бұрын

We really didn’t add in food for a couple of reasons, we didn’t eat out much because we were on vacation, we cooked just like being at home. Food costs would have been similar if we had stayed home. Dubai certainly seems to be a popular destination, it’s being advertised everywhere.

Wow. I had no idea a flight would cost so much! Good for you that you could have an enjoyable seating arrangement this time!

Hi Tina and Norm🤗 Thank you so much for this video 🥰 I really appreciate the breakdown of all the costs. Sounds like a wonderful way to escape the worst of the Canadian Winter!

Very good price for such a long getaway!

Glad you enjoyed your big holiday in Portugal! Thanks for sharing the costs of your trip. All your videos in the Algarve were fun to watch and informative. My Irish friends are currently staying in Malaga, Spain. From your videos and their postings, I think Portugal and Spain is too dry a climate for me, as I'm from the East coast of USA. Plan to visit Portugal; thinking of retiring to the Dordogne in France. Looking forward to your videos of your next trip this month. Trust you're keeping well. Carry On!

Mr. Photographer, please film hotels, views, inside and out! Love your verbal commentary, but we want to see what you saw!!

@ThisIsOurRetirement

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the feedback

I think you guys have likely received more feedback than you wanted on your splurge! Lol. That said, I think it would be really interesting to have a follow-up video about it. Topic: In hindsight, would you still have chosen to use the $5,000 splurge on the first class flight (i.e. was it the right choice and would you do it again)? Or would you have chosen to use it to upgrade other parts of the trip (e.g. accommodations, meals out, etc.)? Or, would you have chosen to use it to pay for an additional trip somewhere? It would be interesting to know!

Any recommendation on rental agencies? We used "Casas e papeis" in Armação de Pêra for the property, was very good the owners and the apartment and we ended up meeting lots of Canadians that were with them aswell in the area of Senhora da Rocha, didn't knew there was so many retires in the area. Also for the travel, we came by 5 days Cruise to England, and then flight to Faro from England, was really good actually Wanted to see next year maybe Albufeira or Lagos

Norm and Tina thanks for all the info

Thanks for sharing. Watched to the very end.

quick q - did you or have you ever considered doing the full time travel lifestyle (without a home base) as opposed to having a home base and doing extended trips? I guess each has it's pros and cons.

Glad you had a great time. Very interesting and informative vlog. Well done for treating yourselves to Club class 👏. I've yet to experience that. Sometimes you have to say 'sod it' and spend the money 😅

Do you only take a carry on? If so please share what u pack. Thanks 😊

Well hey there. Enjoyed your video on Portugal. Gave us comparisons on price. Fort Lauderdale eh? Yes must be on upcoming cruise. We have booked here in Tavares for next year. Being a cottage, we do not have hotel ammenities such as house cleaning done for us but we love it and would compare to your summers at the trailer so I can understand why you would go for aparthotels makes sense to me. We do not have as high as temp in central Tavares as you have in Ft Lauderdale but that's good with me. We plan to take a last min cruise when here next year for 3 months. Enjoy the rest of your winter holiday xx

Wonderful video! So glad you had a nice Winter trip to Portugal! Very helpful video!