Got stuck in a tiny town in Portugal because I missed the last bus

This was back in 2019 near Nazare. I had to get a room at the only guesthouse, which cost 80 euros, blowing my budget for the week. The owner felt bad and drove me to the train station the next morning for free. Now I always check the full bus schedule for the next day before I leave a place, not just the one I plan to take. Anyone else have a simple check that saved them from a big travel mess?

3 comments

3 Comments

tara_patel3d agoTop Commenter

Was your guesthouse at least nice for the price? A friend of mine got stranded in a small village in Greece because he didn't check ferry times for the next day. He ended up sleeping on a bench in the town square, which sounds kind of romantic until the sprinklers came on at 4am. He was soaked and had to wait hours for a cafe to open. Now he triple checks all transport, even ferries, the day before. That sprinkler story really drilled it in for all of us.

lopez.quinn3d ago

That sprinkler story is the perfect mix of comedy and caution. Your friend went from a charming European night to a wet, cold public bench in one click. At least he got a core travel memory, even if it's just to remind everyone to check ferry times twice.

the_miles3d ago

My first trip to Italy I missed the last train from Venice to Mestre. I used to just show up and figure it out, but paying for a water taxi that night changed my mind. Now I confirm the final departure time for anything before I even leave my hotel.