Tourism And Travel Management In Portugal Tourism Essay

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 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 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 pe ople. 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). Portugals 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, a nd the Spanish; and residual influences from these forces upon Portugal have taken form in everything from their architecture to their religion 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 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 Portugals history and development as a country; visit some of Portugals 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 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 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 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 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 ca rry 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 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($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 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 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 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 0930 Walk Around City Sightseeing Operation, Relax and Enjoy sights and soundsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ 1030 Visit Igreja de Sà £o Francisco (Church of Saint Francis) UNESCO World Heritage Site 3.50 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($4.50 USD) 1115 Leave Igreja de Sà £o Francisco Continue walking westward down by river, passing historic Alfà ¢ndega Nova, then head north towards Jardim da Cordoaria (Park). 1230 After enjoying walk and park, get lunch at a local cafà ©/restaurant Budget: 10.50 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 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 Sà £o 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 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($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 Ryans Irish Pub for some Guinness Budget: 7 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($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 AntoÅ„io Fernandes (Grocery Store) Buy lunch and dinner items Budget: 12 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($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 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($4.00 USD)(Source: Lonely Planet Book Portugal) 1300 Leave Casa de Musica Walk to Monumento aos Herà ³is 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: (Sà £o Bento Station, The Fernandine Walls, Santa Clara Church, Terreiro da Sà ©) 1630 Walk to Ponte Dom Luà ­s (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 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($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 Campanhà £ Station; board train at Campanhà £ Train Station 1052 Train Departs Campanhà £ Station heads for Aveiro Price: 9.50 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($12.30 USD) 1130 Train arrives in Aveiro eat lunch at local restaurant Budget: 7.00 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($9.00 USD) 1300 Check into BiniBag Guest House (Hostel) Price 2 Nights: 32 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($ 41. 30 USD) 1400 Walk to tourism info. center Rent Bike, ride around town Price: 1à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ {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 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($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 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($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 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬) 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 Sà £o Joà £o 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 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($25.80 USD) Day 6: May 28, 2011 Depart Aveiro, Head for Coimbra 0900 Wake Up Complimentary Breakfast at Binibag Hostel Pack up prepare to leave 1130 Depart Aveiro via Train 26 minute train ride Price: 9.50 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($ 12.30 USD) 1200 Arrive in Coimbra Get Snack at a local restaurant Budget: 5 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($ 6.50) 1300 Check into Grande Hostel de Coimbra Drop off luggage Price (3 nights): 45 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($58.14USD) 1400 Head to Antonio o Dinis Santos (Grocery) 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners Budget: 35 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($45.22 USD) 1530 Walk to Museu da Cià ªncia da Universidade de Coimbra Science Museum affiliated with nearby university Price: 3 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ (3.87 USD) 1800 Leave Museum, head to Democratica (restaurant) for dinner; cheap popular spot with local students [Not open on Sunday] Budget: 10 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($12.92 USD) 2000 Walk down historic Rua da Sofia (one of the citys 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 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 1600 Return from kayaking trip, head back to Hostel to shower , change, and cook dinner 2300 Go to à ¡Capella (local student-run bar featuring live Fado music every night) Budget: 10 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($12.92 USD) 0100 Back to Hostel and sleep Day 8: May 30, 2011 Exploring the city of Coimbra 0930 Wake up, cook/eat breakfast 1000 Spend day walking around historic district, pack lunch, Total Cost/Budget 10à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($ 12.92 USD) 1000-1900 Sights and stops will include: Se Velha de Coimbra (Old Cathedral of Coimbra) {3 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬}; -Largo da Portagem (Plaza with shopping and cafes) {5 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ budget}; Jardim Botà ¢nico (Botanical Gardens) {free}; eat packed lunch here -Igreja e Mosteiro de Santa Cruz (Church and Monastery of Santa Cruz),{free, can pay 1 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ to see cloister} -Jardim de Manga (Manga Garden), small park with interesting fountain {free} -Pà ¡tio da Inquisià §Ãƒ £o, (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 Praà §a do Comà ©rcio (commercial square); shop eat small brunch at local cafà © Budget: 12 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 1430 Head to Train Station, Catch Train leaving at 1519 for Fatima Price: 10 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($12.92 USD) 1611 Arrive in Fatima, Check into Luna Fatima Plaza (Hotel) Price: 15 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ (1 Night) 1700 Walk to MiniMercado Eva (Grocery), Buy Breakfast and Lunch items Budget: 15 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($ 19.40 USD) 1900 Eat Dinner at Restaurante a Grehla(Traditional Portuguese grill) Budget: 12 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($15.50 USD) 2000 Go see Capela das Aparià §Ãƒ µes (Chapel of Apparitions) {Apparent Location of Appearance of Virgin Mary} Price: Free 2200 Free night, explore, possibly go to Là ©rias bar, read, sleep Budget: 5 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($ 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: 15à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 1030 Tour Castle at Ourem, eat packed lunch, explore surrounding area Price/Budget: 5 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 1400 Head back to Fatima, prepare to catch 1755 Train to Lisbon Train Price à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‹â€  10 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 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 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($45.22 USD) 2100 Check into Smile Hostel Price: (3 nights) 48 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($ 62 USD) 2200 Eat cheap dinner at local restaurant/cafà © Budget: 7 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($ 9 USD) 2300 Explore area for interesting nightlife Budget: 15 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($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 cafà © Budget: 4 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($5.17 USD) 1000 Walk to Supermercado Chen (grocery store) buy groceries for rest of stay Budget: 40 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ ($51.68 USD) 1130 Walk to and explore St. Georges Castle Price 5 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ (30% Discount w/ Lisboa Card) {3.50 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬} 1230 Lunch, then visit Museu Militar (Portuguese Military Museum) Price: 3 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ (20% Discount w/ Card) {2.40 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬} 1500 Visit Sao Vicente de Fora (Church of St. Vincent Lisbons Patron Saint) Price: Free 1600 Wander around Feira da Ladra (Thieves Market) check out this famous market Budget: 3 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 1700 Visit Sà © Cathedral de Lisboa (The citys cathedral), visit cloister Free, Pay 2.50 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ for cloister 1800 Walk back to hostel, pass by Church of Santo Antà ³nio, cook and prepare dinner 2000 Walk to waterfront, view sunset at à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‹â€  2056 2100-2300 Checkout local nightlife, try to see some live fado music Budget: 7 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 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 Portugals age of discovery Free with Lisboa card 1300 Visit Palà ¡cio da Ajuda (historic palace turned museum) Free with Lisboa card 1600 Walk around Belem, visit anything that tickles my fancy Budget: 10à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬, try to take advantage of Lisboa Card 1900 Head back to Hostel and Eat Dinner 2100- Open night, do whatever Budget: 15 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ Day 13: June 4, 2011 Last Day in Lisbon (and Portugal) 0930 Wake up, eat breakfast Budget for daily activities: 20 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 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 didnt explore on foot 1900 Dinner at Local Restaurant Budget: 15-20 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 2100- Enjoy last bit of Portuguese night life Budget: 10-18 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 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 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ Total Cost of Vacation [Portugal] Item Price (à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬) Price ($ USD) Travel (Airlines, Metro, Busesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦) 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