The Algarve is generally a safe travel destination and it is very unlikely that you will be in danger during your visit. However, before visiting any foreign country it is always a good idea to educate yourself about the specific safety advice for that region. Knowing what to watch out for will help you to protect yourself and ensure that your holiday goes safely and smoothly.

Dona Ana Beach, Algarve, Portugal by Lacobrigo

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind while enjoying your holiday in the Algarve.

Watch Out for Crazy Drivers

If you will be renting a car to explore this region of Portugal, watch out for locals who tend to not stick to the speed limit and attempt to overtake at impossible places. Perhaps this is why Portugal has the highest accident rate in Europe! Driving along the rugged rural roads can be quite challenging as there will be plenty of potholes and perhaps even a goat wandering into your path.

Even though the locals can be crazy drivers, it doesn’t mean that you won’t get in big trouble if you are caught breaking the local driving laws. The fines for traffic offences such as using your mobile while driving or driving under the influence are very heavy. When driving in the Algarve, always follow the road rules and be vigilant of other drivers.

Beware of Pickpockets

Petty theft is a problem which affects tourists to the Algarve, especially when congregated in large crowds at the main tourist attractions. The skilled thieves blend into the crowd and can sneak your valuables right out of your pockets.

However, avoiding pickpocket theft is very easy. First of all, try not to dress in a manner which shows off your wealth, such as wearing expensive jewellery or designer brands. It advertises that you are likely to have a healthy wad of cash in your wallet, so go for an understated look instead. Keep your cash and valuables in your front trouser pocket and never in your back pocket. If you have a zippered or a buttoned pocket this is also ideal. Get out of the habit of “patting” your pocket to check if your wallet is still there, as it gives a watching criminal a clue to where you keep your valuables.

Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal by Had01

Sun-Related Hazards

One of the dangers that might not have crossed your mind is the effects of the sun. Of course, the warm sunshine is what makes a holiday to the Algarve so enjoyable, but too much of it can be a very bad thing. Because of the cooling breezes from the ocean, many people will not realize how hot the sun is until they have a severe sunburn or start showing symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. These conditions can be dangerous and can require hospitalization, so make sure that you keep an eye on each other while out in the sunshine.

Wear an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen and some sunglasses to protect your eyes from the UVA rays. You might also want to wear a wide brimmed hat which will keep your head cool and shield your face from the sun. Avoid sitting out for extended periods of time in the hottest part of the day, which is during the early afternoon.

The Algarve is generally a safe place, but these are just a few of the tips you should keep in mind to make sure that you don’t run into trouble on your trip. Enjoy your holiday!

Here are some helpful safety tips to remember while on a holiday to Vale do Lobo resort in the Algarve, Portugal.

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Photo by Secom Bahia

Plan for the Worst Case Scenario

Ensuring you receive proper medical care while you’re on holiday starts long before you even leave home. Educate yourself about the safety and health concerns in your travel destination and get all the required vaccinations prior to travel. Check with your insurance provider to find out the extent of your travel coverage, and strongly consider purchasing additional travel insurance for your trip. Make sure you know the terms and conditions of your insurance before you travel in case you need to seek holiday accident compensation later. Pack a small medical kit and keep it with you just in case.

Contact the Local Embassy or Consulate

Unfortunately, many people don’t take the time to research the location of the nearest medical clinic or hospital prior to their travels. If you find yourself in this situation, your hotel receptionist or travel guide might be able to provide suggestions. An even better option is to contact the nearest embassy or consulate for assistance. They’ll be able to help you find medical assistance, and, at your request, contact your family. In the event that you do not have the funds to pay for your doctor’s visit or hospitalisation, the consul can help you arrange the transfer of funds from friends or family at home.

Keep Your Receipts

This tip is especially important for travellers who must make emergency room visits or undergo surgery due to a holiday accident or illness. Make sure to keep receipts for any expenses you incur to cover medical assistance during your holiday. Obtain copies of diagnoses or hospital records; this includes a detailed report of your illness or injury, as well as your doctor’s contact information and any X-rays or scans that may have been taken. It’s also a good idea to pay for medical services with a credit or debit card—not cash—as these charges will be easier to track later. If you were involved in an accident and filed a police report, ask for a copy of that, too. Documentation is critical because it serves as proof of your accident or illness in case you decide to seek holiday illness compensation later.

Follow the Doctor’s Orders

As travellers, we have the tendency to try to cram everything we can into one short trip. But if you become sick or injured while abroad, not heeding the advice of a health care professional will slow down the recovery process. Don’t push yourself; make sure you’re getting enough rest and following your doctor’s orders. Your health and well-being is far more important than any tourist attraction.

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Photo by William Murphy

These online tools are increasingly growing in popularity on the internet.  There are comparison sites for train fares and hotels popping up all the time, with each one offering some great deals on some fantastic locations.

To get a good deal you simply need to enter a few simple criteria.  Firstly you will need to enter your travel destination and the type of hotel or residence you have chosen, then the date of departure and of arrival, the number of people in this trip, and then any other options the site gives you (if you would like to refine your search even further).  Once these data has been entered then the search can be launched and dozens if not hundreds of results are displayed immediately.

Quite often you will see the cheapest deals at the beginning of the list (top of the page), but do not mistake them for the Ads by Google.  These are often misleading.  Comparison sites however are not the only possibility for which to purchase train tickets, as there are other ways to spend the holiday of your dreams without spending all of your savings.  In fact the web offers us so many opportunities that you are spoilt for choice.  They have promotions and discounts on stays at hotel rooms, cheap train tickets and airline tickets, there are supersaver tickets and weekend passes.  You can find coupon codes for zoos and theme parks and special offer weekend concessions at the local caves or sea life centre.  All of these types of offers are commonplace today, thanks to the internet.

Similarly one can enjoy the sidewalk sales of Europe to unearth an interesting proposition both in terms of quality of service and in terms of price.  On the other hand the low cost airlines are not to be overlooked, of course they often sell snacks and other forms of comfort on board, but their prices are defying all competition.  Another possibility to remember too, focuses on all-inclusive. This is a pack consisting of a hotel room, plane ticket or train ticket, and even sometimes transfer and car rental.  This option allows for significant savings on the total of these benefits (if they were added up separately).

There are also train companies that offer last minute tickets or train tickets that have a great discount if you book far enough ahead.  There are also websites that are constantly churning out last minute offers and deals, just hoping to fill up that very last train seat.  The best advice I can give is travel as much as you can as far as you can, and do it all through research on the internet.

Author Bio
Shirley Jones and her friends have travelled to every zoo in great Britain, and almost every wildlife centre and they did it all through purchase train tickets and finding out the cheap train tickets allied with the highest calibre hotels.

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Stonehenge, England / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Danny Sullivan

UK families are now more likely to remain within our borders than journey to Europe or the Mediterranean. Last year, less than 60% of British families stayed at home, but this year we’re expecting over 10% more.

Financial influence has paid a large part in this turnaround, as nearly half of all Britons fear their job is at risk in the immediate future. Trips to the UK are, on the whole, cheaper than trips abroad and feel much safer an option, as a result.

The problems associated with air travel have also become more prominent in the public’s mind over the last couple of years. With the modern worries over our carbon footprints, increased security and the value of low-budget airlines in question, many holiday-makers are less willing to take to the air.

With the exchange rate of the pound in a less beneficial state than it previously has been, the general consensus is that traveling abroad no longer offers the value of money required. Staying at home now seems like an easier, less stressful and cheaper proposition.

Scotland landscape / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jack Shainsky

The beauty of the British landscape is also a massive appeal to those looking closer to home for their travel destination. Beautiful scenery has been the most important factor in location selection since 2009 and the BDRC’s first survey.

The good weather that has blessed the UK in the last couple of years has also had a huge effect on the appeal non-foreign holidays. In this year’s BDRC survey, nearly double the amount of people claimed that the weather influenced their decision to holiday here, than did in 2011.

The 2012 survey also suggests that that Scotland has now become the most popular area to holiday in. 28% chose Scotland as their preferred location, leaving the southwest in a close second with 27%. This is a reversal from the previous year, when the positions were the other way round.

The most sought-after destination for families is Cornwall, which proved to be a real favourite for families with children below the age of eleven.

The Highlands in Scotland are still the most popular region for UK visitors, however. In 2011, they received 13% of all bookings and this looks set to rise, with over 15% of all early bookings, this year.

Written by Jon for Hotel Shop, offering cheap breaks across the UK and beyond.

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Granada

Granada is recognized as the most affordable city for travelers in Spain but in this case inexpensive doesn’t mean worse as the city has a lot to offer to visitors especially in terms of cultural highlights. Granada is popular for its “Flamenco” Music and Islamic influence. Tourists can’t miss to visit the small “Muslim Town” where the best of the Islamic culture is available to see. The “La Alhambra” is a palace and Arabic citadel located in the Muslim Town offering a unique cultural approach to visitors. Bakeries in Granada are considered some of the best in the world.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Antonio Pérez

As mentioned before affordable accommodations in Granada are not hard to find and the options are numerous. Granada is geographically located at the foothills of “Sierra Nevada” where 3 popular rivers (Darro, Beiro and Genil) interconnect its waters. The Sierra Nevada Station hosted the Ski World Championship in 1996.

Sevilla

Ancient architecture in Sevilla is a highlight for visitors. Hundreds of years of culture and history almost everywhere you look. The cathedral known as “La Catedral de Sevilla” and “Avenida de la Constitucion” or Constitution Avenue are 2 main locations where you can become one with the community and learn all about their different cultural backgrounds that include Catholicism, Judaism and Islam influences. Nightlife in Sevilla is everything but quiet with the bars known as “Bares de Tapas” leading the way to a great night experience. These bars are available almost at every corner in the city. You won’t be able to escape the Flamenco dancing experience by the end of the night you will be an expert.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Frank Kovalchek

Madrid

Madrid is a more cosmopolitan city where travelers can relax and enjoy traditional food at one of the many restaurants available or perhaps shopping a souvenir or two from the many stores in the city. Madrid is the safest choice for travelers to Spain. Soccer is a passion among the people in Madrid, almost all of them cheer for their local soccer team “Real Madrid Football Club”, if you have some extra time from your trip you might want to consider assisting to one of the games that take place year round.

Mario I. Scoggins was born in Spain but moved to Costa Rica in 1998 to work for www.sunsetscostarica.com/blog. He hopes to return soon to his beloved home land.

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Illustrative photo of nearby city of Vilnius – if you have actual photo of Utena, please let us know. Author: F H Mira

Utena today is mainly an industrial city with food and clothing factories. Especially famous is the local beer Utenos. Most of the streets, squares and public parks have been renovated in recent years and Utena becomes a favorite travel destination for those looking for both the quiet and sporty recreation. In 2007, despite its industrial orientation, was proclaimed the second most pleasant city to live in an international competition in the category of cities with ten to fifty thousand inhabitants. Utena have several extensive parks and many opportunities for recreation.

About 5 kilometres north of Utena you can visit the village Sirutenai where you will find Museum of Bells and Arts, which was founded by a local sculptor. Despite the efforts of the Soviets to destroy all the chapels, crucifixes and churches here at the roads they survived until today. You have to see 300 bells of all shapes and sizes.

Not far from Utena you can find another village Dusetos, which is known for the annual horse races on the frozen lake Sartai.

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Marsascala history dates back to the 17th century, when there was a small and insignificant fishing village. It had a strategic position, which in 1614 was used by Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller of St. John – Fra Alof de Wignacourt. He rebuilt the town into a defensive fortress St. Thomas Tower, which protected this part of the island against the Turkish invasion. The village suddenly became a closely guarded place. Now, the fort does not fulfill its function any more, but it’s just a restaurant.

The Coast of Marsascala Bay is lined with a long promenade, where you can find many cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops – it is a centre of all social life. In the vicinity of the city there are constantly growing new villas and weekend houses. Especially the residents of the capital – Valletta, which is quite far away, use to spend a peaceful end of the week here.

Coast is flat and rocky. You can find sandy beaches in the neighbouring St. Thomas Bay. It offers ideal conditions for swimming, relaxation and water sports. The landscape around the city is made up of fields of orchards and vineyards, which give the place a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere.

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Historically, Rhodes was famous worldwide for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes has been declared a World Heritage Site.

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