Travel

Travel Note

Flight Tips

Typically the best times to book your flights will be between 3-7 months in advance of the trip. We suggest using Google.com/flights which will allow you to track flight prices, view different flight options, and then connects you directly to the airlines website to then book your flights when you are ready. The airport you will be flying into with be Lisboa (LIS). Please plan to arrive to Lisbon at least 2 days in advance of the wedding, if possible. Most flights from NY will leave at night and arrive the next morning, and with adjusting to the time difference, we suggest having at least 1 full day before the wedding. Pro tip: there are also non-stop flights out of Toronto for my Rochester guests that don't want a layover! We will also be hosting a Welcome Party on Monday, September 7th, so please try to arrive in Lisbon by the 6th.

Hotel

Locke de Santa Joana

Locke de Santa Joana is a stylish, 4-star boutique hotel in central Lisbon, housed in a converted 17th-century convent near Avenida da Liberdade. It offers 370 well-equipped studios and apartments with kitchens and laundry facilities, ideal for both short and long stays. Guests can enjoy a seasonal outdoor pool, a 24-hour gym, a lush garden, and several vibrant restaurants and bars, creating a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. This is the hotel where Zach and I will be staying, and we warmly recommend it for our guests as well. To receive the 10% discount, please book your room via email using our promo code, as the website’s promo feature is currently unavailable and the discount will not appear when booking online. Email: LisbonReservations@Lockeliving.com

Discount Code - LEXA&ZACH

Travel Note

Airbnb or VRBO

If you prefer an Airbnb or VRBO, we suggest booking a place within walking distance of Locke de Santa Joana. This will keep you close to our hotel and make it easy to join the festivities throughout the weekend. We recommend looking on Booking.com first, as many of the same apartment rentals are listed there, often at a lower rate. Pro tip: Avoid visiting or staying near Martim Moniz or Anjos in Mouraria!

Travel Note

Travel Agent Service

We will be working with Lori Chaba from Lori’s Travel Service to assist guests with booking flights, accommodations, transportation, and optional excursions. Please know that her support is completely optional and provided at no cost to you. You’re welcome to contact Lori at your convenience for budget estimates or when you’re ready to book. Just be sure to mention Lexa Sudore & Zachery McAtee’s Wedding in Portugal when you call: 585‑225‑5291.

Travel Note

Passport Information

To enter Portugal you must have a valid passport. Please note, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your departure. The U.S. Department of State provides the following estimated timeframes for both new applications and renewals: Routine Service: 4–6 weeks Expedited Service: 2–3 weeks (costs an additional $60) Important Timing Considerations Mailing Times: These processing times do not include the time it takes for your application to reach the State Department or for the finished passport to be mailed back to you. You should allow for up to 2 weeks of mailing time on each end, meaning the total "door-to-door" time for routine service could be up to 10 weeks. Online Passport Renewal: If you are an adult renewing a 10-year passport, you may be eligible to use the Online Passport Renewal (OPR) system, which typically shares the same 4–6 week processing window as paper applications.

Travel Note

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so the Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency. -Get updates about health, weather, safety, and security for your destination. -Plan ahead using information from the local U.S. embassy. -Help the embassy or consulate contact you if there's an emergency like a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency. I use this every time I travel outside of the country and highly recommend all to sign up before the trip!

Travel Note

Currency Information & Tips

Portugal's currency is the euro. You can order euro from your local bank a few weeks in advance, or use your debit card once you arrive in Portugal at a bank ATM (small fee associated). Please note: It is not recommended to bring US dollars and convert them to euros. You will likely pay higher fees and receive a less favorable exchange rate. We found most shops & restaurants accept credit cards and we suggest using a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees. Important: If you are using a credit card to pay or a debit card to with draw euros, ALWAYS decline the conversion to USD and accept payment in the local currency of the euro. Quick Video Tips: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rzB4SNBx76Y

Travel Note

Phone Service While Abroad

To have Verizon service in Lisbon, Portugal, the easiest method is using the Verizon TravelPass, which costs $12 per day for your domestic talk, text, and data allowances. You can activate it by texting "TRAVEL" to 4004 or via the My Verizon app before you leave. Ensure data roaming is enabled on your device. For a trip to Lisbon longer than 10 days with Verizon, the best options are the $100/month International Plan. T-Mobile offers International Passes for travel to Lisbon, Portugal, providing high-speed data and unlimited calling. Options include a 1-day pass (512MB) for $5, a 10-day pass (5GB) for $35, or a 30-day pass (15GB) for $50. Ensure you set this up with your provider before you leave. Using WhatsApp to call or text while abroad is free, provided you are connected to Wi-Fi. WhatsApp uses your internet connection rather than cellular minutes. If you use mobile data instead of Wi-Fi, the call will consume your data plan, potentially incurring charges from your carrier.

Travel Note

Transportation Tips

Ubers are very cheap and easily accessible in Lisbon. They also have a similar service called Bolt that is very common in the city as well. For those who want to get their steps in, this is a very walkable city but one filled with stairs and hills. We recommend spending some time walking the streets of Lisbon to really be able to take in the beauty and culture of the city. For when your feet get tired, there will always be Ubers available, a tram stop nearby, or a tuktuk waiting for you.

Travel Note

Dining in Lisbon

Couvert: What is it? Couvert in Lisbon is typically a small appetizer for the table (ex. bread, cheese, olives) that are often brought to the table without being ordered. Please note: this is not complimentary and you will be charged (average of 5 euros) if you accept when the server brings it to your table. It is totally acceptable to politely decline but of course feel free to enjoy it as it is often a great way to sample local treats. Water in Lisbon: Tap water is clean and safe to drink in Portugal. It is common for the waiter to ask you if you would like sparking (with gas) or still. Typically they will bring a glass bottle to the table and you will be charged for it. Meal times: As with most European cities mornings are slow and dinner is later than the US. Many restaurants close in the afternoon between 3:00pm and 7:00pm and reopen for dinner at 7:00pm. Getting the Check: In Portugal the waiters will not rush to bring you the bill/check or bring it to you without you asking for it. Tipping Culture: Tipping at restaurants in Lisbon isn’t mandatory, and most locals simply round up the bill or leave a small amount of change for adequate service. If the service is exceptional, a tip of around 5 to 10 percent is appreciated but still optional.

Travel Note

Lisboa Card

The Lisboa Card is the official tourist card of the city of Lisbon, available for 24, 48 or 72 hours, with free admission to over 50 sights. You can purchase it in advance on the Lisbon Card website linked here or in person at the Lisbon Airport. The Lisboa Card is also valid as a ticket for all public transport in Lisbon during its validity period. You have unlimited use of buses, streetcars and subway trains - simply hold the card up to the ticket scanners in subway stations or show it when boarding buses and streetcars. More details in the link above!

Travel Note

Mobile Passport Control App (MPC)

The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app is a free, official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) app that streamlines entry into the U.S. for citizens, lawful permanent residents, and eligible visitors. It reduces wait times by allowing travelers to submit passport and declaration data via smartphone to create a QR code, enabling access to a dedicated, faster, and shorter lane. Pro tip: Use this app to help expedite entry back into the US after coming back from Europe.