Visitor Information usually the preserve of the most expensive establishments because they apply charges for use. Most places, however, will be reluctant to receive payment by any credit card for any transaction under €5. If you’re in more rural areas or in smaller campsites and B&Bs, check in advance whether they accept cards – many remain cash-only operations. ATMs (cashpoint machines) can be found in towns all over the Algarve, at both banks and in hole-in-the-wall outlets, and will accept international debit cards if they display corresponding symbols such as Cirrus.

If you’re booking with a small company make sure that your travel insurance (see p. 26) covers you if the company goes bust. Destination Portugal This travel agency has specialised in holidays to Portugal for more than 30 years and has a wide range of hotels, villas and resorts on offer to suit most budgets, as well as a range of pousadas. They can arrange all manner of your trip from flights, to car hire to insurance and also offer a range of supervised children’s activities to keep the little ones amused Essentials • Be sure your child’s seatbelt remains fastened properly, and try to reserve the seat closest to the aisle for yourself.

It’s wise to encourage your children to use the toilet as you see the attendants preparing to serve. • Be sure to bring self-containing compact toys. Magnetic checkers sets are a perfect distraction, and small colouring books and crayons also work well, as do card games like Go Fish. • Make sure you have your child’s comforter and dummy; having two or three favourite identical comforters can be a life saver in the hustle and bustle of holiday travel when things tend to get dropped, lost or forgotten.