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.
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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.
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
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