What to Pack For Portugal — Including the $17 Hair Brush That Saved Me at the Beach

Popsugar Fabric Hip Bands ($16)

Since Portugal is not exactly the best spot for running with all the cobblestone streets (save for Lisbon or Cascais, where there are some short concrete paths along the water), I prefer to pack resistance bands with me for easy strength training moves. Many of the larger hotels do have fitness centers, but with all the sightseeing you'll be doing, you can keep it simple with these fabric hip bands that come with an exercise guide for easy, on-the-go workouts.

Tangle Teezer Extra Gentle Detangler Hair Brush ($17)

I recently got my hands on Tangle Teezer's new Extra Gentle iteration, and I swear it saved me on this trip. If you're planning on swimming in the ocean, take this lightweight brush with you to the beach and washing your hair in the shower when you get back to the hotel will be a total breeze. This brush, available in Chamomile Yellow and Eucalyptus Green, has wider-spaced teeth that gently detangle strands instead of ripping them right out like other brushes might. I also like to use it in the shower once I've applied conditioner to make sure my hair really soaks up the formula.

Clean Simple Eats Collagen Peptides Variety Pack ($22)

I've recently been adding collagen to my yogurt or smoothies to help support my bone health and improve my skin care and joint pain, but of course it's hard to lug my usual 15-ounce pack in my suitcase. I came across this variety stick pack for travel and think it's the perfect investment for a two-week international trip — especially if you love sampling new flavors. You can add one pack directly to cold water for 11 grams of high-quality, grass-fed bovine collagen and chicken collagen.

Tessan 2 Pack European Plug Adapter ($24, originally $27)

Trust me when I say you'll be struggling without this two-pack of converters — because really, one is not enough if you're traveling internationally for over a week and have gadgets to use in both the bedroom and bathroom. My partner and I have had this exact set for years and it hasn't let us down. This US-to-Europe adapter works in most countries including Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Greece, Iceland, Germany, Paris, Switzerland, and the Netherlands — but note that it's not compatible in the UK, Ireland, Scotland, or South Africa.

Lisa Says Gah Brooke Top ($61, originally $88) and Lisa Says Gah Brooke Bottom ($61, originally $88)

Portugal is such an artsy place, so why not pack a swimsuit that fits the bill? Aside from the fact that this bikini shares a name with my best friend Brooke, it's covered in fish, olives, and fruit — all of which we enjoyed during our many authentic and delicious Portuguese meals. Another hot tip? Packing splashy separates like these allow for some mix-and-match moments, even when you aren't poolside. I also wore the bandeau underneath an open linen button-down with silk palazzo pants later on.

Bombas Everyday Compression Sock 3-Pack ($90)

I highly recommend taking a red-eye flight to Portugal, and if you can manage to sleep, you'll barely feel the jet lag. For any trip over five hours, I utilize compression — whether it be in the form of my Heat Healer lymphatic onesie, these knee-high compression socks, or both. Bombas is my favorite brand not only because the quality is long-lasting, but because with every pair purchased, a pair is donated to those in need. This three-pack comes with graduated compression (15-20mmHg) that's stronger in the ankle and easier in the calf to hug and energize your legs on long-haul flights, improving blood circulation and reducing swelling.

Z Supply Marcell Button-Up Romper ($99)

If you're traveling to Portugal during the summer, the temperatures soar and the sun beams down hot, so opt for breezy linens. My favorite travel outfit was hands down this romper from Z Supply, which I have in Sea Salt, but it also comes in a neutral Iced Coffee shade. The relaxed fit and adjustable back tabs make for a perfectly flattering one-and-done outfit, so you don't have to think too hard.

New Balance Gender Inclusive 9060 Sneaker ($112-$160, originally $150-$160)

Comfortable walking shoes are a necessity in Portugal as cobblestone streets are common in most major cities (beautiful, but not the best for balance!). For casual outfits, I'm a big fan of New Balance's 9060, which is a bestseller. I personally think something with a bit of a platform, to elevate your foot above the uneven surface, is best.

For going out at night, I mostly opted for the Beek Dunlin Platform Heeled Sandal ($320), which fits right in with the bohemian vibe and has a soft suede crossover upper, memory foam insole, and ankle strap with hidden elastic for optimal comfort. I wore them for a 30-minute walk to dinner and felt zero pain — I even think these look better when the suede appears a bit lived-in, so give them lots of love.

The Fantastic World of the Portuguese Sardine Crazy for Sardines Set ($119)

OK, so maybe this is the type of thing you'd pack in your suitcase on the way home, but sardines absolutely deserve a mention. You'll spot The Fantastic World of the Portuguese Sardine storefronts in most of Portugal's major cities (and even in the airport), but the quality is truly delicious — and for good reason! Sardines are abundant in Portugal's Atlantic fishing region, leading to a historical fishing and canning industry that has made the sardine a national symbol associated with Portuguese heritage. You can shop the original brand in every form and flavor while you're sightseeing, but get in the mood by packing this Fishwife Sardine Quad 4-Pack ($37) in your carry-on bag for snacking during your journey.

Lost Pattern Featherlight Oversized Cashmere Scarf ($169)

One of my favorite versatile staples to pack for a summer trip where the vibe is very much "relaxed bohemian" is an oversize scarf. While my exact style is this "featherlight" iterations from Lost Pattern — available in six different colors in the perfect size for wearing a multitude of ways — you can score a similar one on Amazon with this Harewom Lightweight Gauze Linen Feeling Shawl ($14). Look up scarf-tying tutorials on TikTok to present a fresh look each time you wear it — whether it be in your hair, as a top, over your swimsuit, or tied around your beach bag. I personally found this to be the optimal choice for exploring Cascais, Portugal's beautiful coastal resort town west of Lisbon.

Sarah Wasilak (she/her) is the PS Shopping Director. With plenty of experience in the fashion industry and over 11 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing and creating social videos across the lifestyle, health, and fitness categories. She is the host of the "Dinner for Shoes" podcast and has bylines at InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit.