Crisis and Management

Perhaps the most endearing and simplest form of reducing stress is to take a vacation — removing yourself from the source of it all. Don’t deny it — we all need that break just to ‘get out of ourselves’ once in a while!

If you’ve been toying with the idea of a holiday this summer, tourism pundits are forecasting Portugal as one of the most popular destinations. Plus, a foreign land to do it in simply is like icing on the cake. On a budget? Not to worry — there are a number of cheap hotels in Portugal.

Is it a coincidence that I’m writing about Portugal just as it’s all set to be in world focus tomorrow - 07-07-07 - when the seven New Wonders of the World will be announced in Lisbon? Possibly. But Lisbon has much more attraction up its sleeve than just that.

Lisbon has traversed the ages: from the 12th-century Se cathedral to the modern bridges over the Tagus River and the 18th-century Aguas Livres aqueduct to the futuristic Oriental Station. The capital city of Portugal is spectacular with a setting over rolling hills and its neighborhoods include Moorish Alfama, home of the city’s tallest hill, and 17th-century Bairro Alto, with its energetic nightlife. Lisbon’s attractions include museums of contemporary Portugese art, castles, open-air markets, funiculars, Fado music - and more.

Take the tram through historic neighbourhoods, ride the century-old lifts or enjoy a boat ride on the Tagus… there are so many means to discover the variety and the culture that has evolved through the ages in Lisbon.

There are also countless cheap hotels in Lisbon as well as star establishments that offer accommodation with or without meals and other services.

Looking for a beach break? Portugal has a relaxed Mediterranean vibe, especially the Algarve. The climate is amenable year round, and the Algarve season extends beyond high summer which lets you choose less crowded periods of the year.

From April through to October, the sun is out, and the long beaches are broken only by fascinating rock forms and cave formations. When it comes to cuisines, it has been said that “from Sagres to the river Guadiana, the Algarve is a region of sun and seafood.” There is a wide choice of cheap hotels in Algarve offering a host of services and facilities.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 6th, 2007 at 11:12 pm and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.