Among the many reasons that we chose to retire to Portugal was to have have easy and affordable travel options throughout Europe. We imagined frequent short flights to big and small destinations. Then, two and a half years of living here passed without traveling anywhere in Europe by plane. We spent the first year getting our documents in order and finding, buying, and settling into our home. Then came 2020 and the first half of 2021 when “the plague” canceled all of our plans to travel. Finally, fully vaccinated and with our EU certificates, we were ready and able to take our first flight to another country within Europe.

We chose to do a trip to Budapest for just four nights to test out the new travel rules and challenges. We had been wanting to get back since stopping there for a day and a half five years ago. So, when Hungary opened its borders to everyone fully vaccinated and we found cheap flights (about $100 per person including luggage and seats) we jumped on it. Amazingly, we had no issues. We uploaded our digital certificates to the airline on check-in and that showed on our boarding passes. We got through security very quickly on both ends. It was an easy 3.5 hour direct flight. Hungary has (currently) dropped all of their covid restrictions. It was weird (but nice) not to wear a mask after getting off the plane. It was almost as busy with tourists there as it was pre-covid.

The 2 minute video below shows some of what we saw. Since we had been there previously, we did not repeat some of the most iconic tourist sights. Great architecture, food, and people. We had a fabulous time along with three friends. We hope there will be many more such trips.