Month: April 2008

??Welcome To Portugal! Travel Tips, Hospitality, And More

Portugal, located next door to Spain, is a smaller but equally attractive country where people choose to spend their vacations. Many people choose Portugal instead of Spain because they seek a calmer, quieter atmosphere and that s just what you will find in Portugal.

The Portuguese people welcome the opportunity to share their country and culture with foreigners. In fact, to make your vacation easier, Portugal offers a chain of Tourism Offices at various sites across the country. Bilingual guides provide assistance to tourists by giving them maps, Portugal travel tips, and by simply making them feel welcome.

Safety Not A Concern

Safety tips for travel in Portugal aren t an issue for most tourists because travel in Portugal is typically trouble free. Occasionally, a pick pocketing incident may arise, especially in major tourist cities such as Algarve. However, cities are monitored by the Policia de Segurancia Publica (PSP). In rural areas, security is maintained by the Guarda Nacional Republica. The Brigada de Transito monitors traffic.

In case an emergency does occur, an important travel tip is to know Portugal s emergency number, which is 112. This number will connect you to the fire, police, and anbulence services provided by Portugal. Emergency Treatment Centers are located in each city and are usually open twenty-four hours a day.

The Language Barrier

Portuguese is a beautiful language, similar to both Spanish and Italian. For travel in Portugal, one tip is to make an attempt to speak the language. Although the Portuguese typically understand Spanish, it is best to avoid this language due to touchy historical relations between the two countries. If worst comes to worst, most Portuguese people can understand English fairly easily.

Life And Culture

Knowing some of the basics about the daily life and culture of Portugal is an excellent travel tip for vacationers. Such information can help to prevent any potential social blunders that might occur.

The shops and businesses in Portugal are typically open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. This is difficult for many foreigners to accustom themselves to, as it means they usually aren t able to go anywhere or purchase anything after 7 o clock. When tipping at a restaurant in Portugal, it is customary to round the bill to the nearest Euro.

Although the Portuguese are known for their hospitality, they do have a law that states foreigners must present some form of identification upon request. Knowing this law, it is advised that you carry some form of identification with you at all times.

Picking Portugal

Of all the places that you could choose to go on vacation, why not pick Portugal? Besides being exotic and beautiful, it also offers safe travel and a warm welcome.

??China Travel Tips Go Beyond The Great Wall

The Great Wall Of China is an icon and symbol for a country that changes by the minute so China travel tips should provide current information that goes far beyond the most famous tourist attraction. China travel tips should start with easing the entry into the country with information on passports and visas necessary to get off to a good start. China travel tips should include information on the waiting time for visas so travelers will not be left behind when their flight leaves the tarmac. China travel tips should include extensive information about the entire country which is the third largest in the world. Only Canada and Russia have a larger land mass than China.

China travel tips should provide some information on the history of a country that has been a powerhouse for thousands of years. The Chinese people have played a dominant role in the area for centuries, and this history has an impact and influence on the current residents. Travelers to China should provide information on the climate at different times of the year so those new to the country will pack their suitcases appropriately for their itinerary.

Proper China Travel Tips Will Point Out Important Places

The Great Wall of China is on the list for most travelers to this dynamic country so China travel tips should provide information on transportation to this magnificent sight and information on the history, construction and significance of the great attraction. The Great Wall of China means many things to many people so tourists visit this sight for different durations and with different interests. Travelers to the Great Wall should dress in sensible clothes to navigate the structure. The importance of comfortable shoes at this sight should be noted in any China travel tips.

Tips on China should provide information on getting around Beijing, the capital city. There are great restaurants and fascinating tourist attractions in this busy city. The Silk Road leads tourists to many ancient temples and fascinating people. The Chinese people are different than regular Americans so tourists should get tips on etiquette and proper behavior when visiting temples and greeting local people. The Yangtze River is a powerful source in China and cruises along this waterway can provide a unique view of many sights. The cruises down this important river provide access to important cities and scenes of natural beauty. Tips should include information on the different cruises available as well as the costs and duration of typical tours down the river.