Tourism And Travel Management In Portugal Tourism Essay

To see the world has been a childhood dream of mine since an early age. Although nothing will change my passion for my home country, I also have 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 travel should make an effort to visit foreign countries. The benefits that spring from world travel are numerous. By traveling and interacting with people from other cultures one can help those other people understand where they come from. Experiencing another person’s 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 before 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 African friend. On a trip to the Dominican Republic I established several 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 about 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 will celebrate by kicking off my traveling dream by visiting several places across Western Europe. The list 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 report is to focus on the first stop, Portugal.

Area History and Customs:

Compared 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 cultural traditions. Geographically, Portugal is a rather small country, slightly smaller than the size of Indiana (CIA World Factbook, 2010). Portugal’s long history spans over 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 historical periods of achievement that Portugal may be most famous for is the Age of Discovery. Portuguese explorers 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 Ocean (Eyewitness Portugal, 48). Portugal has experienced rule under a variety of foreign influences including the Moors, the Romans, and the Spanish; and residual influences from these forces upon Portugal have taken form in everything from their architecture to their religion and cultural practices.

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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 dress 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 seem similar to Spanish, it would be insulting to suggest that in front of a Portuguese 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 growing 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 100% true, and as I visit different regions and cities in Portugal I will be sure to keep this in mind.

Travel Motivations:

As 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 to:

1) Learn more about Portugal’s history and development as a country; visit some of Portugal’s historical landmarks, parks, museums, castles, and more

2) Learn more about Portuguese culture and entertainment; listen to the unique “Fado” style of music

3) Experience Portuguese culture in both the urban and the rural settings; visit two of Portugal’s 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 restaurants

5) Have the opportunity to teach 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 everything 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 rooms

Overview of Tourism Development:

Throughout 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 accommodate 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 million tourists. Tourism is playing an increasingly important role in Portugal’s 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 way 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 transit or walking. However, when walking, especially when crossing streets, I should be aware that road safety is a concern and look before I cross. To minimize the probability of being targeted by a pickpocket I have budgeted out my money ahead of time for all activities. Rather than carry my wallet around 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 Requirements:

Portugal, 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).

Itinerary:

Summer Overview

Country

Arrival Time

Departure Time

United States

May 23, 2011

Portugal

May 24, 2011

June 5, 2011

Spain

June 5, 2011

June 20, 2011

France

June 20, 2011

July 4, 2011

Germany

July 4, 2011

July 18, 2011

England

July 18, 2011

August 1, 2011

Scotland

August 1, 2011

August 15, 2011

Ireland

August 15, 2011

August 29, 2011

United States

August 30, 2011

C:Documents and SettingsGarrettMy DocumentsMy PicturesPortuga lTrip Planningwesterneurope map2.JPG

Portugal Daily Itinerary

Day 1: May 23, 2011 – Travel Day { Richmond ,Newark , Portugal }

1500

Arrive at RIC

1715

Flight Departs

Continental Airlines (Flight CO2505)

$217.40 USD (Round-Trip)

$108.70 USD (For this flight)

1842

Flight lands in EWR

1900

Dinner in EWR

Burger King

$8.50 USD

2026

Flight Departs EWR

Air Portugal (Flight TAP114)

629.28 € ($813.10 USD) One-Way

Day 2: May 24, 2011 – Arrival in Porto, Portugal

0621

Flight Lands in Porto

Air Portugal (Flight TAP114)

0630

Security/ Customs

Porto Airport

0800

Depart Airport

Metro: To Trindade Station

Andante Tour Pass (3 days)

{Unlimited use of metro, bus, and suburban train}

0820

Arrive Trindade Station

Walk to Accommodation

0825

Arrive at Accommodation

“The Spot” Hostel

Rua Goncalo Cristovao No12; Porto, Portugal

20 € per night (2 nights)

$51.00 USD

0830

Drop off Luggage at

(in Luggage Storage Room)

“The Spot” Hostel

Rua Goncalo Cristovao No12; Porto, Portugal

Check-in

not until 1400

0845

Breakfast at Local Cafe

Budget: 7.50 €

0930

Walk Around City

Sightseeing Operation, Relax and Enjoy sights and sounds…

1030

Visit Igreja de São Francisco

(Church of Saint Francis)

UNESCO World Heritage Site

3.50 €

($4.50 USD)

1115

Leave Igreja de São Francisco

Continue walking westward down by river, passing historic Alfândega Nova, then head north towards Jardim da Cordoaria (Park).

1230

After enjoying walk and park, get lunch at a local café/restaurant

Budget: 10.50 €

1330/1400

Walk back to “The Spot”

Check into room, take nap (Recover from jet lag), shower

1630

Take metro from Trindade to Matosinhos Sul Station

From Matosinhos Sul walk to beach

1700

Walk down beach to see the Forte de São Francisco Xavier do Queijo (Castle of the Cheese)

After enjoying castle view and walk back to the beach and relax

1900

Head to Buhle restaurant near beach for dinner

Budget: 20.00 € ($25.00 USD)

2030

Head back to beach to watch sunset

{Sunset time: 2054}

2100

Take metro back to Trindade Station and “The Spot” then to Sao Bento Station in Ribeira district

21452300

Visit Restaurante O Fado for some traditional “Portugal Blues” music and/or Ryan’s Irish Pub for some Guinness

Budget: 7 €

($9.00 USD)

2300-2330

Take metro back to Trindade Station and “The Spot” ; go to sleep

Day 3: May 25, 2011 Porto, Portugal

0800

Wake Up

0830

Complimentary Breakfast

0930

Walk to Antońio Fernandes (Grocery Store)

Buy lunch and dinner items

Budget: 12 €

($15.00 USD)

1015

Walk back to “The Spot”

Drop off groceries, pack lunch to have on-the-go

1030

Take Metro to Casa de Musica

“House of Music” concert hall

1100

Tour Casa de Musica

Cost: 3 € ($4.00 USD)(Source: Lonely Planet Book – Portugal)

1300

Leave Casa de Musica

Walk to Monumento aos Heróis da Guerra Peninsular (Park)

1330

Eat Lunch in Park

1400

Take metro to Sao Bento Station, walk around/tour the cathedral district; sights may include:

(São Bento Station, The Fernandine Walls, Santa Clara Church, Terreiro da Sé)

1630

Walk to Ponte Dom Luís (Bridge) for view over Douro river and city

1715-1730

Head back to Sao Bento Station; Take metro and walk back to “The Spot”

1800-1930

Prepare dinner in kitchen and eat dinner

2200

Head to “Hot Five Jazz and Blues Club” to enjoy some local music

Budget: 7 € ($9.00 USD)

0000

Be Back at “The Spot” and get some sleep

Day 4: May 26, 2011 Travel to Aveiro, Portugal

0900

Wake Up, Eat Breakfast, Prepare to Leave

1000

Take Metro from Trindad Station to Campanhã Station; board train at Campanhã Train Station

1052

Train Departs Campanhã Station heads for Aveiro

Price: 9.50 € ($12.30 USD)

1130

Train arrives in Aveiro eat lunch at local restaurant

Budget: 7.00 € ($9.00 USD)

1300

Check into “BiniBag Guest House” (Hostel)

Price 2 Nights: 32 € ($ 41. 30 USD)

1400

Walk to tourism info. center

“Rent” Bike, ride around town

Price: 1€ {returned when bike is}

1600

Return Bike, Walk to small park near canal

1700

Walk to “Carrefour”

(Grocery Store)

Buy food for 2 dinners , 2 lunches

Budget: 35 € ($45.20 USD)

1740

Walk back to BiniBag House, Cook Dinner

Eat then relax on rooftop of BiniBag Hostel

1930

Open Night: explore, read a book, shop, nightlife, or sleep

Budget: 20 € ($25.80 USD)

Day 5: May 27, 2011 Aveiro Lagoons, Museums, and Cathedrals

0900

Wake Up,

Complimentary Breakfast at BiniBag Hostel

(Pack Lunch to have today)

1030

Boat tour of Lagoon

Information and Pricing at Tourist Center

Cost: Unknown (Budget: 10 €)

1300

Lunch (packed)

Eat wherever, preferably near canals/outdoors

1330

Head to Museum of Aveira

Tour the museum

Price: –

1600

After Leaving the museum stop by Se Cathedral de Aveiro and Igreja de São João Evangelista

Two historical cathedrals in the area, worth checking out

1800

Head Back to BiniBag Hostel and Cook Dinner

Eat/Relax on Rooftop

1930

Open Night: explore, read a book, shop, nightlife, or sleep

Budget: 20 € ($25.80 USD)

Day 6: May 28, 2011 Depart Aveiro, Head for Coimbra

0900

Wake Up

Complimentary Breakfast at Binibag Hostel

Pack up prepare to leave

1130

Depart Aveiro via Train

26 minute train ride

Price: 9.50 € ($ 12.30 USD)

1200

Arrive in Coimbra

Get Snack at a local restaurant

Budget: 5 € ($ 6.50)

1300

Check into Grande Hostel de Coimbra

Drop off luggage

Price (3 nights): 45 € ($58.14USD)

1400

Head to Antonio o Dinis Santos (Grocery)

2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Budget: 35 € ($45.22 USD)

1530

Walk to Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra

Science Museum affiliated with nearby university

Price: 3 € (3.87 USD)

1800

Leave Museum, head to Democratica (restaurant) for dinner; cheap popular spot with local students [Not open on Sunday]

Budget: 10 € ($12.92 USD)

2000

Walk down historic Rua da Sofia (one of the city’s main thoroughfares) classified as a national monument

Day 7: May 29, 2011 Kayaking Trip

0830

Wake Up, cook and eat breakfast, prepare for kayaking trip

1000

Get picked up for kayaking trip on Rio Mondego

Company: “O Pioneiro do Mondego”

(Pack lunch to have with me)

Price: 20 €

1600

Return from kayaking trip, head back to Hostel to shower , change, and cook dinner

2300

Go to “áCapella” (local student-run bar featuring live Fado music every night)

Budget: 10 € ($12.92 USD)

0100

Back to Hostel and sleep

Day 8: May 30, 2011 Exploring the city of Coimbra

0930

Wake up, cook/eat breakfast

1000

Spend day walking around historic district, pack lunch,

Total Cost/Budget 10€ ($ 12.92 USD)

1000-1900

Sights and stops will include:

– Se Velha de Coimbra (Old Cathedral of Coimbra) {3 €};

-Largo da Portagem (Plaza with shopping and cafes) {5 € budget};

– Jardim Botânico (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}

-Pátio da Inquisição, (Headquarters of Portuguese Inquisition) dungeons and torturing occurred here {free}

1930

Head back to Hostel, Prepare and eat dinner

2100

Day 9: May 31, 2011 Last Day in Coimbra, Travel to Fatima

0930

Wakeup, Prepare and eat Breakfast

1000

Walk around Praça do Comércio (commercial square); shop eat small brunch at local café

Budget: 12 €

1430

Head to Train Station, Catch Train leaving at 1519 for Fatima

Price: 10 € ($12.92 USD)

1611

Arrive in Fatima, Check into Luna Fatima Plaza (Hotel)

Price: 15 € (1 Night)

1700

Walk to MiniMercado Eva (Grocery), Buy Breakfast and Lunch items

Budget: 15 € ($ 19.40 USD)

1900

Eat Dinner at “Restaurante a Grehla”(Traditional Portuguese grill)

Budget: 12 € ($15.50 USD)

2000

Go see Capela das Aparições (Chapel of Apparitions) {Apparent Location of Appearance of Virgin Mary}

Price: Free

2200

Free night, explore, possibly go to Lérias bar, read, sleep

Budget: 5 € ($ 6.50 USD)

Day 10: June 1, 2011 Ourem Castle and travel to Lisbon

0900

Wake up, eat breakfast

1000

Head to Ourem via taxi or bus

Budget: 15€

1030

Tour Castle at Ourem, eat packed lunch, explore surrounding area

Price/Budget: 5 €

1400

Head back to Fatima, prepare to catch 1755 Train to Lisbon

Train Price ≈ 10 €

2039

Arrive in Lisbon (Entrecampos Station), take metro to Baixa/Chiada Station

3-Day Lisboa Card(Free Public Transport and State Museum Entry)

Price: 35 € ($45.22 USD)

2100

Check into Smile Hostel

Price: (3 nights) 48 € ($ 62 USD)

2200

Eat cheap dinner at local restaurant/café

Budget: 7 € ($ 9 USD)

2300

Explore area for interesting nightlife

Budget: 15 € ($19.38 USD)

Day 11: June 2, 2011 First Full Day in Lisbon (Historic sites in the Alfama Area))

0900

Wake up, eat breakfast at a local café

Budget: 4 € ($5.17 USD)

1000

Walk to Supermercado Chen” (grocery store) buy groceries for rest of stay

Budget: 40 € ($51.68 USD)

1130

Walk to and explore St. George’s Castle

Price 5 € (30% Discount w/ Lisboa Card) {3.50 €}

1230

Lunch, then visit Museu Militar (Portuguese Military Museum)

Price: 3 € (20% Discount w/ Card) {2.40 €}

1500

Visit Sao Vicente de Fora (Church of St. Vincent – Lisbon’s Patron Saint)

Price: Free

1600

Wander around “Feira da Ladra” (Thieves Market) check out this famous market

Budget: 3 €

1700

Visit Sé Cathedral de Lisboa (The city’s cathedral), visit cloister

Free, Pay 2.50 € for cloister

1800

Walk back to hostel, pass by Church of Santo António, cook and prepare dinner

2000

Walk to waterfront, view sunset at ≈ 2056

2100-2300

Checkout local nightlife, try to see some live fado music

Budget: 7 €

Day 12: June 3, 2011 Second Day in Lisbon

0900

Wake up, eat breakfast

1000

Rent a “GoCar”, drive around city on self-guided tour

Pick up is near Hostel

1200

Visit Belem Tower

(also eat lunch)

Historic fortress and monument to Portugal’s age of discovery

Free with Lisboa card

1300

Visit Palácio da Ajuda (historic palace turned museum)

Free with Lisboa card

1600

Walk around Belem, visit anything that tickles my fancy

Budget: 10€, try to take advantage of Lisboa Card

1900

Head back to Hostel and Eat Dinner

2100-

Open night, do whatever

Budget: 15 €

Day 13: June 4, 2011 Last Day in Lisbon (and Portugal)

0930

Wake up, eat breakfast

Budget for daily activities: 20 €

1030

Head to the beach, spend most of the day at/around the beach relaxing /soaking last bit of Portuguese sun

1500

Head to any Historical locations of note that I may have seen on GoCar tour but didn’t explore on foot

1900

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Budget: 15-20 €

2100-

Enjoy last bit of Portuguese night life

Budget: 10-18 €

Day 14: June 5, 2011 Depart Portugal, Head for Spain

0900

Wake Up, Breakfast, Pack, Check out of Hostel

1030

Catch Bus from Lisbon to Madrid (arrives in Madrid 2030)

Price: 45 €

Total Cost of Vacation [Portugal]

Item

Price (€)

Price ($ USD)

Travel

(Airlines, Metro, Buses…)

892.54

1153.25

Dining

258.58

334.11

Hotel

180.00

232.58

Events

137.90

178.18

Misc. Activities / Shopping

170.00

219.66

Total

1639.02

2117.78