Tourism And Travel Management In Portugal Tourism Essay

Tourism And Travel Management In Portugal Tourism EssayTo chink the world has been a childhood dream of mine since an early age. Although nonhing go awaying change my passion for my home country, I also realise a great passion for seeing and experiencing the home countries of other people. I believe that the people of the world who are fortunate enough to have the ability to act should make an perspiration to visit foreign countries. The benefits that spring from world travel are numerous. By traveling and interacting with people from other cultures one tail assembly military service those other people understand where they come from. Experiencing another persons home country may help one better appreciate their own. I often wonder if people in the Middle East could hate Americans as much as they do if they had actually met one in advance they attacked the U.S., or if it would be so easy for people to ignore the human rights violations in Africa if they personally had an A frican friend. On a elusion to the Dominican Republic I established several(prenominal) friendships with the Dominican people. Not only do I feel like I helped them understand American culture, I also feel like I was able to learn more close their culture. I now have a personal connection with the Dominican Republic, and would care more if something good or bad happened there than I would otherwise. Because it may not be feasible for me to visit every country in the world, I am making an effort to visit every continent at some point in my life. So in the spirit of travel soon begins my journey to Western Europe.Upon graduating in the spring of 2011, I impart celebrate by kicking by my traveling dream by visiting several places across Western Europe. The reheel includes Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, England, Scotland, and Ireland. I will loop my travel and spend the entire summer going between the regions, spending roughly 2 weeks in each. The purpose of this newspaper pub lisher is to focus on the first close off, Portugal.Area History and CustomsCompared to the United States, Portugal has a very long history as a country and this is reflected in everything from its historic architecture to its unique ethnic traditions. Geographically, Portugal is a rather small country, slightly smaller than the size of Indiana (CIA World Factbook, 2010). Portugals long history spans everywhere 11 defined periods ranging from the age of crusades and monarchy, to periods of empire and discovery, and even times of dictatorship and democracy (History of Portugal, 2004). One of these historic periods of achievement that Portugal may be most historied for is the Age of Discovery. Lusitanian researchrs such as Vasco de Gama and Magellan set forth on their explorations from Portugal. It was during this time that Portugal expanded its empire, settling locations in Brazil, Africa, and India and securing trade in the Indian sea (Eyewitness Portugal, 48). Portugal has exp erienced rule under a variety of foreign influences including the Moors, the Romans, and the Spanish and residual influences from these forces upon Portugal have scratchn form in everything from their architecture to their holiness and cultural practices.Present day Portuguese people are generally mild-mannered, easy-going, and polite (Eyewitness Portugal, 15). When traveling to Portugal I should expect to find a normally friendly and relaxed people, whom clip formally and conservatively, yet enjoy fun, laughing, and general merry-making (Eyewitness Portugal 15). A few more cultural points of note regarding the Portuguese are religion, language, and entertainment. The Portuguese are overwhelmingly Catholic, and religion is deeply embedded in the Portuguese lifestyle, especially in the north (Eyewitness Portugal, 16). The Portuguese also take great pride in their language, and although it may appear similar to Spanish, it would be insulting to suggest that in front of a Portugues e person (Eyewitness Portugal, 16). Lastly, the Portuguese are generally very enthusiastic about football (soccer) and fado (a musical style), both of which they enjoy watching and playing in their leisure time (Eyewitness Portugal 17).Although these generalizations may prove true most of the time, I will not let them tint my expectations of Portuguese people, and during my travels I hope to find my own definitions and descriptions of the average Portuguese person. As I have learned emergence up in America, there are stereotypes and generalizations about Americans, and there are also distinct differences between Americans from different regions and states, but stereotypes are never vitamin C% true, and as I visit different regions and cities in Portugal I will be sure to keep this in mind.Travel MotivationsAs I stated earlier, my travel motivations stem from a love of world travel, a passion for learning more about world cultures, and a desire to make connections with individuals across the globe. During my stay in Portugal I hope to1) Learn more about Portugals history and development as a country visit some of Portugals historical landmarks, parks, museums, castles, and more2) Learn more about Portuguese culture and entertainment listen to the unique Fado style of music3) Experience Portuguese culture in both the urban and the rural settings visit two of Portugals largest and most famous cities (Porto and Lisbon The Capital)4) Interact with the people of Portugal at every opportunity, including from shops, hostels, and restaurants5) Have the opportunity to educate someone I meet about America, represent the United States of America well (not be an Ugly-American tourist)Hopefully at the end of my entire trip I will not only have a greater understanding and appreciation for Portuguese culture, but also that of the six other locations I visit. I want to make my experience as immersive as possible and will make efforts to interact, learn, and explore everyt hing each country, city, and town has to offer at every stop and every turn.http//portugal.travelguia.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/aveiro.jpg http//farm4.static.flickr.com/3208/2601723748_3f28b9361a_o.jpg hotel roomsOver facet of Tourism DevelopmentThroughout my research of Portugal, mainly of the cities and towns I will be staying in, I found that the area was well-equipped and prepared to guard and serve tourists. There were plenty of hotels, hostels, restaurants, and activities to do most of which were directed towards a tourism crowd. According to Wikipedia (2010), Portugal attracts many tourists each year. In 2006, the country was visited by 12.8 jillion tourists. Tourism is playing an increasingly important design in Portugals economy contributing with about 5% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Because of the heavy role tourism plays in the economy, I can generally expect to be accommodated most places I travel within Portugal, and have planned out my trip in such a wa y that I will already know where I am staying each night.Although Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, ranking 13 on the Global Peace Index (2010), there are still some precautions travelers should take when visiting Portugal , or any other country for that matter. As the SafeTravel Website describes, Portugal is generally a safe country with a low crime rate, although you have to be more careful in the larger cities, especially Lisbon, which has many pickpockets. But you should watch out for the traffic, especially on the IP5 and the N125 (the main route to the touristy Algarve), which have frequently proved deadly (2010). I will not be driving in any of my travels through Portugal, and rather I will spend most of my travel time on mass conveyance or base on balls. However, when walkwaying, especially when crossing streets, I should be aware that road safety is a concern and look before I cross. To minimize the fortune of being targeted by a pickpocket I have bu dgeted out my money ahead of time for all activities. Rather than carry my wallet almost with me everywhere and risk losing bank cards and drivers licenses, I will carry cash with me and keep it spread out in various pockets. I will also avoid pulling out large sums of cash in public places and be sure I have what I need for activities food, and shopping, before leaving the hostel.Currency/Visa RequirementsPortugal, as a member of the European Union, uses the Euro as its form of currency. As of 27 July 2011, the current exchange rate for Euros to American Dollars is 1 Euro = 1.2982 United States Dollars. Although a passport is required for United States citizens to visit Portugal, a visa is not required for tourist stays of less than 90 days (Visa Requirements, 2010).ItinerarySummer OverviewCountryArrival Time becomeure TimeUnited Stateswhitethorn 23, 2011PortugalMay 24, 2011June 5, 2011SpainJune 5, 2011June 20, 2011FranceJune 20, 2011July 4, 2011GermanyJuly 4, 2011July 18, 2011Eng landJuly 18, 2011 fantastic 1, 2011ScotlandAugust 1, 2011August 15, 2011IrelandAugust 15, 2011August 29, 2011United StatesAugust 30, 2011CDocuments and SettingsGarrettMy DocumentsMy PicturesPortuga lTrip Planningwesterneurope map2.JPGPortugal Daily Itinerary mean solar day 1 May 23, 2011 Travel mean solar day Richmond ,Newark , Portugal 1500Arrive at RIC1715 safety valve DepartsContinental Airlines ( escape cock CO2505)$217.40 USD (Round-Trip)$108.70 USD (For this flight)1842Flight lands in EWR1900Dinner in EWRBurger King$8.50 USD2026Flight Departs EWRAir Portugal (Flight TAP114)629.28 ($813.10 USD) One-WayDay 2 May 24, 2011 Arrival in Porto, Portugal0621Flight Lands in PortoAir Portugal (Flight TAP114)0630Security/ CustomsPorto Airport0800Depart AirportMetro To Trindade StationAndante Tour Pass (3 days)Unlimited use of metro, bus, and suburban train0820Arrive Trindade StationWalk to Accommodation0825Arrive at AccommodationThe Spot HostelRua Goncalo Cristovao No12 Porto, Portug al20 per night (2 nights)$51.00 USD0830Drop off baggage at(in Luggage Storage Room)The Spot HostelRua Goncalo Cristovao No12 Porto, Portugal picture-innot until 14000845Breakfast at Local Cafe reckon 7.50 0930Walk Around citySightseeing Operation, Relax and Enjoy sights and sounds1030 phone Igreja de So Francisco(Church of Saint Francis)UNESCO World Heritage Site3.50 ($4.50 USD)1115Leave Igreja de So FranciscoContinue walking westward down by river, passing historic Alfndega Nova, then head north towards Jardim da Cordoaria (Park).1230 subsequently enjoying walk and park, get lunch at a local caf/restaurantBudget 10.50 1330/1400Walk posterior to The SpotCheck into room, take nap (Recover from jet lag), shower1630 aim metro from Trindade to Matosinhos Sul StationFrom Matosinhos Sul walk to coast1700Walk down beach to see the Forte de So Francisco Xavier do Queijo ( stronghold of the Cheese)After enjoying castle view and walk back to the beach and relax1900 boss to Buhle restauran t near beach for dinnerBudget 20.00 ($25.00 USD)2030Head back to beach to watch sunsetSunset time 20542100 reserve metro back to Trindade Station and The Spot then to Sao Bento Station in Ribeira rule21452300Visit Restaurante O Fado for some traditional Portugal Blues music and/or Ryans Irish Pub for some GuinnessBudget 7 ($9.00 USD)2300-2330Take metro back to Trindade Station and The Spot go to sleepDay 3 May 25, 2011 Porto, Portugal0800Wake Up0830Complimentary Breakfast0930Walk to Antoio Fernandes (Grocery Store)Buy lunch and dinner itemsBudget 12 ($15.00 USD)1015Walk back to The SpotDrop off groceries, pack lunch to have on-the-go1030Take Metro to Casa de Musica preindication of Music concert hall1100Tour Casa de MusicaCost 3 ($4.00 USD)(Source Lonely Planet disk Portugal)1300Leave Casa de MusicaWalk to Monumento aos Heris da Guerra Peninsular (Park)1330Eat luncheon in Park1400Take metro to Sao Bento Station, walk around/tour the cathedral district sights may include(So Bent o Station, The Fernandine Walls, Santa Clara Church, Terreiro da S)1630Walk to Ponte Dom Lus (Bridge) for view over Douro river and city1715-1730Head back to Sao Bento Station Take metro and walk back to The Spot1800-1930Prepare dinner in kitchen and eat dinner2200Head to Hot Five Jazz and Blues floorshow to enjoy some local musicBudget 7 ($9.00 USD)0000Be substantiate at The Spot and get some sleepDay 4 May 26, 2011 Travel to Aveiro, Portugal0900Wake Up, Eat Breakfast, Prepare to Leave paceTake Metro from Trindad Station to Campanh Station board train at Campanh admit Station1052 determine Departs Campanh Station heads for AveiroPrice 9.50 ($12.30 USD)1130Train arrives in Aveiro eat lunch at local restaurantBudget 7.00 ($9.00 USD)1300Check into BiniBag Guest House (Hostel)Price 2 Nights 32 ($ 41. 30 USD)1400Walk to tourism info. centerRent Bike, ride around townPrice 1 returned when bike is1600 unsay Bike, Walk to small park near canal1700Walk to Carrefour(Grocery Store)Buy food for 2 dinners , 2 lunchesBudget 35 ($45.20 USD)1740Walk back to BiniBag House, Cook DinnerEat then relax on rooftop of BiniBag Hostel1930Open Night explore, read a book, shop, nightlife, or sleepBudget 20 ($25.80 USD)Day 5 May 27, 2011 Aveiro Lagoons, Museums, and Cathedrals0900Wake Up,Complimentary Breakfast at BiniBag Hostel(Pack Lunch to have today)1030Boat tour of LagoonInformation and set at Tourist CenterCost Unknown (Budget 10 )1300Lunch (packed)Eat wherever, preferably near canals/outdoors1330Head to Museum of AveiraTour the museumPrice 1600After Leaving the museum stop by Se Cathedral de Aveiro and Igreja de So Joo EvangelistaTwo historical cathedrals in the area, worth checking out1800Head Back to BiniBag Hostel and Cook DinnerEat/Relax on Rooftop1930Open Night explore, read a book, shop, nightlife, or sleepBudget 20 ($25.80 USD)Day 6 May 28, 2011 Depart Aveiro, Head for Coimbra0900Wake UpComplimentary Breakfast at Binibag HostelPack up prepare to leave1130Depart Aveiro via Train26 minute train ridePrice 9.50 ($ 12.30 USD)1200Arrive in CoimbraGet Snack at a local restaurantBudget 5 ($ 6.50)1300Check into Grande Hostel de CoimbraDrop off luggagePrice (3 nights) 45 ($58.14USD)1400Head to Antonio o Dinis Santos (Grocery)2 eats, 2 lunches, 2 dinnersBudget 35 ($45.22 USD)1530Walk to Museu da Cincia da Universidade de CoimbraScience Museum affiliated with nearby universityPrice 3 (3.87 USD)1800Leave Museum, head to Democratica (restaurant) for dinner cheap popular spell with local students Not open on SundayBudget 10 ($12.92 USD)2000Walk down historic Rua da Sofia (one of the citys main thoroughfares) classified as a national secretaryDay 7 May 29, 2011 Kayaking Trip0830Wake Up, nominate and eat breakfast, prepare for kayaking trip1000Get picked up for kayaking trip on Rio Mondego society O Pioneiro do Mondego(Pack lunch to have with me)Price 20 1600Return from kayaking trip, head back to Hostel to shower , change, and cook dinner2300Go to genus Gallinago (local student-run bar featuring live Fado music every night)Budget 10 ($12.92 USD)0100Back to Hostel and sleepDay 8 May 30, 2011 Exploring the city of Coimbra0930Wake up, cook/eat breakfast1000Spend day walking around historic district, pack lunch,Total Cost/Budget 10 ($ 12.92 USD)1000-1900Sights and stops will include Se Velha de Coimbra (Old Cathedral of Coimbra) 3 -Largo da Portagem (Plaza with shopping and cafes) 5 budget Jardim Botnico (Botanical Gardens) free eat packed lunch here-Igreja e Mosteiro de Santa Cruz (Church and Monastery of Santa Cruz),free, can pay 1 to see cloister-Jardim de Manga (Manga Garden), small park with interesting fountain free-Ptio da Inquisio, (Headquarters of Portuguese Inquisition) dungeons and torturing occurred here free1930Head back to Hostel, Prepare and eat dinner2100Day 9 May 31, 2011 Last Day in Coimbra, Travel to Fatima0930Wakeup, Prepare and eat Breakfast1000Walk around Praa do Comrcio (commercial square) shop eat s mall brunch at local cafBudget 12 1430Head to Train Station, hobble Train leaving at 1519 for FatimaPrice 10 ($12.92 USD)1611Arrive in Fatima, Check into Luna Fatima Plaza (Hotel)Price 15 (1 Night)1700Walk to MiniMercado Eva (Grocery), Buy Breakfast and Lunch itemsBudget 15 ($ 19.40 USD)1900Eat Dinner at Restaurante a Grehla(Traditional Portuguese grill)Budget 12 ($15.50 USD)2000Go see Capela das Aparies (Chapel of Apparitions) Apparent localization of Appearance of Virgin MaryPrice Free2200Free night, explore, possibly go to Lrias bar, read, sleepBudget 5 ($ 6.50 USD)Day 10 June 1, 2011 Ourem Castle and travel to Lisbon0900Wake up, eat breakfast1000Head to Ourem via taxi or busBudget 151030Tour Castle at Ourem, eat packed lunch, explore surrounding areaPrice/Budget 5 1400Head back to Fatima, prepare to catch 1755 Train to LisbonTrain Price 10 2039Arrive in Lisbon (Entrecampos Station), take metro to Baixa/Chiada Station3-Day capital of Portugal Card(Free Public Transport an d State Museum Entry)Price 35 ($45.22 USD)2100Check into Smile HostelPrice (3 nights) 48 ($ 62 USD)2200Eat cheap dinner at local restaurant/cafBudget 7 ($ 9 USD)2300 search area for interesting nightlifeBudget 15 ($19.38 USD)Day 11 June 2, 2011 First Full Day in Lisbon (Historic sites in the Alfama Area))0900Wake up, eat breakfast at a local cafBudget 4 ($5.17 USD)1000Walk to Supermercado Chen (grocery store) buy groceries for rest of stayBudget 40 ($51.68 USD)1130Walk to and explore St. Georges CastlePrice 5 (30% Discount w/ Lisboa Card) 3.50 1230Lunch, then visit Museu Militar (Portuguese Military Museum)Price 3 (20% Discount w/ Card) 2.40 1500Visit Sao Vicente de Fora (Church of St. Vincent Lisbons jock Saint)Price Free1600Wander around Feira da Ladra (Thieves Market) check out this famous marketBudget 3 1700Visit S Cathedral de Lisboa (The citys cathedral), visit cloisterFree, Pay 2.50 for cloister1800Walk back to hostel, pass by Church of Santo Antnio, cook and prepa re dinner2000Walk to waterfront, view sunset at 20562100-2300Checkout local nightlife, try to see some live fado musicBudget 7 Day 12 June 3, 2011 Second Day in Lisbon0900Wake up, eat breakfast1000Rent a GoCar, drive around city on self-guided tourPick up is near Hostel1200Visit Belem Tower(also eat lunch)Historic fortress and monument to Portugals age of discoveryFree with Lisboa card1300Visit Palcio da Ajuda (historic palace turned museum)Free with Lisboa card1600Walk around Belem, visit anything that tickles my fancyBudget 10, try to take advantage of Lisboa Card1900Head back to Hostel and Eat Dinner2100-Open night, do whateverBudget 15 Day 13 June 4, 2011 Last Day in Lisbon (and Portugal)0930Wake up, eat breakfastBudget for daily activities 20 1030Head to the beach, spend most of the day at/around the beach relaxing /soaking last bit of Portuguese sun1500Head to any Historical locations of note that I may have seen on GoCar tour but didnt explore on foot1900Dinner at Local Rest aurantBudget 15-20 2100-Enjoy last bit of Portuguese night lifeBudget 10-18 Day 14 June 5, 2011 Depart Portugal, Head for Spain0900Wake Up, Breakfast, Pack, Check out of Hostel1030Catch Bus from Lisbon to capital of Spain (arrives in Madrid 2030)Price 45 Total Cost of Vacation PortugalItemPrice ()Price ($ USD)Travel(Airlines, Metro, Buses)892.541153.25Dining258.58334.11Hotel180.00232.58Events137.90178.18Misc. Activities / Shopping170.00219.66Total1639.022117.78