u/Equivalent_Ad3476

Planning to apply for Schengen to Portugal and spain via Portugal as I will be spending more days there. But my plan is to for 17 days (9 days Portugal and 8 in Spain). I am seeing a lot of rejection for first time applicants who has more than a week trip plan. My plan is in July, peak tourist season so everything with non-refundable option is very expensive. So should I just choose 1 country for 8-9 days? I am also contemplating if I should the trip after the peak season. Please help.