This year, Portugal maintains its place in the top 3 of the safest countries in the world, just behind Iceland and New Zealand.
The report by the Institute for Economics & Peace released June 10, 2020 also reveals that Portugal ranks first among the safest countries of the European Union, far ahead of neighboring countries Spain and France.
This 14th edition of the Global Peace Index, which classifies 163 independent states and territories and covers 99.7% of the world’s population, reveals that the global level of peace has deteriorated, in a world in which the conflicts and crises that emerged in the past decade have started decreasing, being replaced by a new wave of tension and uncertainty as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The significant steps that Portugal has taken in recent years in terms of security, have allowed the reduction of crime and, consequently, the gradual and consolidated rise in this ranking. Good to remember that Portugal ranked 18th in 2014, moved up to the 3th spot in 2019 and maintained its excellent position in 2020. Meanwhile neighboring country Spain ranks on position 38 and France dropped to the 66 th position.
Combining the peaceful lifestyle of the country with the mild climate, stable democratic political system and the friendly and welcoming people, no wonder Portugal is considered an excellent destination for travelers from all over the world and people dreaming of living in a sunny country in Europe!
Feel free to Contact us in case you need help with your property search in Portugal or with planning your trip!
Visit Portugal released a beautiful and pertinent message of hope to the world on the first day of spring?.
It’s time to stop. Time to reset, time to recenter, time to switch off so we can move on.
The best part of it all? We are in this together.??❤️ #CantSkipHope
A beautiful message of Hope from Portugal to the world
It’s time to stop It’s time to look out for each other in the distance Time to stare humanity in the eyes, to take a break, for the world It’s time to stop, to take a pause, so we can play again To think of everyone and meet no one To reset, recenter, switch off to move on Time to change our little world To calibrate the path of mankind It’s time to stop We are meant to connect and we are stronger together but separated we are today more united then ever For now our main strenght is to be apart It’s time to stop Nature, landscapes, beaches and monuments aren’t going anywhere They will still be there waiting for a better time to be lived and we must do the same for a while It’s time to stop The perfect time not to visit anything Sometimes to rise is to stand still It’s time to stop Stop and think about ourselves Think of everyone else too It’s time to stop and refocus as a whole, for all It’s time to understand and respect our times Respect one another The faster we stop, the sooner we will bond again It’s time to dream of those amazing days to come For when those days arrive, we’ll say again: Visit Portugal #CantSkipYesterday#CantSkipTomorrow#CantSkipHope
Today 5 February 2020 is the third annual #Bookdirect day, an initiative from accommodation owners worldwide to point out the advantages of booking direct. Many people think that booking their holidays through the big online travel agents (OTA) like Airbnb, VRBO, Expedia, Booking etc is the best way to go. However that is definitely not the case.
Below we will point out why you should always book directly and why third-party travel sites are not the best option for booking your well deserved holiday. Discover how booking direct can save you time, money and hassle on your next vacation!
Here are 7 reasons why you should always #BookDirect:
1. Avoid hidden fees
When you book on large vacation rental websites you end up paying a ridiculous amount of third party fees that they hide within the price. By booking directly with the property owners or managers you will be guaranteed the best possible rate. Use the saved cash for your own benefit.
2. Local expertise
By booking directly you will be working with people who live and work where you are traveling to. With online travel agents you could be speaking with someone who has never even visited your travel destination. Local managers and homeowners know the properties and the area better than anyone and can better match travelers to the type of accommodation they are looking for. They offer expert knowledge and guidance on where to stay, what places to visit, and other helpful tips.
3. More flexibility
When booking a vacation rental, peace of mind is important. Only when booking direct, you are guaranteed direct contact with the person responsible for the property. Managers and owners can better help guests optimize dates and budgets to fit their needs.
4. Many of the best vacation rentals aren’t listed on the big listing sites
Because of the high costs associated with listing on big listing sites, many of the best accommodations are not listed on these third-party websites. By limiting your search to OTA’s, you might be missing out on the best vacation rental for your family!
5. A more personalized experience
If you need help finding a handicap accessible rental, a rental that allows pets, or anything else, a manager or owner will work with you directly to meet all your individual needs and give you assurance before you commit to a booking.
6. Support a local business and the local economy
By booking direct you will support a local business and the local economy – not a multi-national corporation.
7. Get special offers
When travelers communicate directly with the owner or manager, they will be the first to find out about special offers, discounts or exclusive deals. From events and activities to special rates to onsite services, by communicating direct with managers and owners you will get insider knowledge and the best offers.
So how do you book direct and save money to spend during your holidays?
Search Google, Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram for “vacation rentals in your destination” or search for the name of the accommodation as you have seen listed. This can lead you to their Google listing, their own website or the property’s Facebook page. Another handy tool is to use google reverse image search for the images you find online, for sure one of the images you find in the list will direct you to the source.
Alternatively, use fee-free listing sites like Houfy, where you will get direct contact with owners, instant quotes, updated calendars and convenient payment methods.
Saturday 11 January 2020 was a great day for Lisbon. The city officially became European Green Capital 2020, a title awarded each year by the European Commission to cities that have carried out ambitious and continuous measures in the field of sustainable development. Lisbon is the first capital in the south of Europe to bear this title.
So in practice, what did the Portuguese capital achieve that was so exemplary?
Below is an overview of Lisbon’s achievements so far, the program for 2020 and its commitment towards our planet.
1. Award winner Lisbon, a European example for the environment
Over the past ten years, the city has implemented a series of measures to minimize its impact on the environment:
Development of green corridors and creation of hundreds of kilometers of cycle paths to promote ecological modes of transport. In 2017 Lisbon launched a bike-sharing scheme, with electric bikes comprising two thirds of the fleet to encourage cycling in the hillier parts of the city;
Creation of a vast network of charging stations for electric vehicles;
Gradual replacement of the municipal car fleet by electric vehicles (around 40% of the fleet has already gone green)
93.3% of people in Lisbon live within 300 m of a frequent public transport service;
Extension of the planned tram lines and gradual replacement of the covering of metro seats with a cork-based composite material. After more than five years of testing, cork is much more durable and easy to clean;
Lisbon was the first capital in Europe to sign the New Covenant of Mayors for Climate Change and Energy in 2016;
By focusing on solar energy and the installation of smart electricity meters, Lisbon reduced its CO2 emissions by 50% between 2002 and 2014, and from 2007 to 2013 its water consumption was reduced by 17 % and its energy consumption by 23%;
Finally, Lisbon has created 350 hectares of green space in 10 years, and plans to plant more than 100,000 trees starting from 2020.
Lisbon Green Capital 2020 | @LetsgotoPortugal
2. The program for 2020
With the slogan “choose to evolve” or “escolhe evoluir“, Lisbon’s green capital program is based on information, participation, appreciation, debates, and the active involvement of the entire community. As part of this new year for Lisbon, the city is organizing various exhibitions, conferences and free actions around the theme of the environment, among which:
On January 11, everyone was invited to plant a tree in several areas of Lisbon, for example in Marvila, in the Vale da Montanha park and in Alto de Ajuda. In total more then 20.000 trees were planted and more will follow along the year;
The opening of the immersive photo exhibition “ONE, the sea as you never felt it“, at Lisbon’s Oceanarium;
The inauguration of a new vertical garden for the Cultural Center in Belem of 17 m high and an area of 250 m2, scheduled for April 2020.
The Urban Future Global Conference to be held on April 1-3, 2020. This conference is Europe’s largest event for sustainable cities, and the place where you will find the most inspiring “City Changers” from around the world;
An exhibition about the importance of urban vegetable gardens planned from May 7;
The promotion of Lisbon walking tours;
Several discovery tours of the Monsanto Forest Park, 1000 ha green lung in the heart of the city and the largest park of its kind in Europe.
The promotion of serving tap water in participating restaurants .as an alternative for plastic bottles…
Come and visit Lisbon to check out the beauty of Europe’s Green Capital 2020!
Contact us in case you need any help with planning your trip!
Na abertura da Lisboa Green Capital 2020 foi içada no Parque Eduardo VII a primeira bandeira nacional sustentável feita com 2 toneladas de fio criado a partir de plástico recolhido dos oceanos. ?Porque #Lisboa Escolhe Evoluir.?#evolui #egca #egca2020 #lisbon #sustentabilidade #recicle Official European Green Capital Award