Between editions of Rick Steves guidebooks are thousands of scribbled field notes from Rick and a handful of researchers, who methodically visit landmarks, restaurants, hotels, and everything in between to make sure our information is accurate and up to date. And the notes are in for Rick Steves Portugal! Available now, this book’s 13th edition includes updated tips for exploring the farmers market (Mercado da Vila), recommendations for navigating trolley routes and tuk-tuk regulations, and how

I have the same wonderful routine on all my guidebook research trips: Work with a local guide during the day (starting at 10 a.m.) and then, after a short break, meet another guide for the evening (starting at 6 p.m.). I get to know a lot of new guides this way, and I enjoy being reacquainted with guides I’ve known, recommended, and enjoyed for years — some of whom you’ll see in this short clip from my research trip to Portugal and Germany earlier this year. My days were spent sightseeing everyt