Airfare and what to explore of the old world in laidback Portugal

By Tricia Pimental | gls55 holdings ltd

When you imagine old Europe—those cobblestone alleys, medieval town walls, crenelated castles on hilltops, all soundtracked by the toll of church bells … Portugal delivers. Not in a touristy, contrived way, but as the standard day-to-day life of the country. It exudes history, beauty, and slow-paced living that is—by any standard other than financial—rich. (Although you needn’t be rich to enjoy it. Ex-pats report that their expenses here run to about one-third of what they were in the States.)

Quietly friendly, emphatically old-fashioned, and highly conscious of their illustrious history, the people of Portugal are what makes the country such a magical destination to retire to. It would be misleading to think that modernity has bypassed Portugal—it’s infrastructure, education system, and healthcare are as advanced as you’ll find anywhere—but the fast-paced rat race that seems standard in North America feels very much an optional lifestyle choice and not a hugely popular one at that.

Rocky, rugged Atlantic coasts where salt spray mists the air…green hills and winding country roads…medieval towns perched above deep river gorges…graceful cities of broad boulevards and bustling cafés…

Portugal, continental Europe’s westernmost country, lies quietly in the shadow of the larger, more boisterous Spain. With a sliver of coastline and an interior that can take you back centuries in time, Portugal in many ways still belongs to an earlier era. People are friendly and courteous, with an almost courtly manner. Family and friends are important, and people know their neighbors and the local shopkeepers. Ancient buildings look worn and lived-in, and quiet, cobbled lanes wind through seaside villages.

This is Europe as it used to be. And though modernity is overtaking Portugal quickly, you can still enjoy an old-style, Old-World life here.

Though its coast is the Atlantic, Portugal is typically Mediterranean, with the warm weather and lifestyle that you tend to find in Mediterranean countries. The sea, which forms the country’s western border, still plays a strong role in Portuguese life and diet: You’ll find fish and seafood on menus throughout the country.

Like countries around the Mediterranean, Portugal also produces good food, wine, and olive oil, at inexpensive prices. Try its slightly fizzy vinho verde or its port, the fortified wine that took its name from Portugal’s second city, Porto. Shop in modern supermarkets, or—as many Portuguese do—in the traditional markets found in cities throughout the country.

Overall, Portugal is arguably Western Europe’s most affordable country. Even in the capital, Lisbon—one of Europe’s most charming and underrated cities—a couple can live comfortably from about $2,200 a month in residential neighborhoods just a half-hour’s walk from Lisbon’s central, most tourist-driven areas. (And you’ll leave the tourists behind.) In Portugal’s smaller cities and in the country’s interior, a couple’s budget can run from $1,700 a month.

Enjoy all this…and yet have First-World amenities at hand, including road and highway systems, good telecommunications and high-speed internet, museums and concert halls, chic restaurants, cafés, bars, and much more. Portugal has extensive bus and metro services in cities like Lisbon and Porto. Long-distance bus and train services carry you throughout Portugal and beyond, so you don’t need a car here. And modern airports can take you throughout Europe.

Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal

“No legacy is so rich as honesty,” wrote William Shakespeare. I agree. So I’m going to be straight with you. What’s the real story of Portugal? Is it as great as people say? Does the sunshine every day? Is it safe?

I’ve lived in Portugal for six years, in the north near Braga, the central region outside of the university town of Coimbra, and close to the capital of Lisbon. Here’s what I’ve learned.

Climate

Pros: Portugal’s climate is a warm, temperate, moist, forest climate with wet winters and dry summers. The average temperature is 71.6 F. You can drive this compact country from north to south in about five and a half hours. A road trip from west to east, from Lisbon to the Spanish border, takes less than half that time. Obviously, there’s not a great variation in climate.

Lisbon is popular with tourists not only because of its cultural offerings, cafés, restaurants, and physical beauty, but also its weather. Winter months bring about 10 days of rain and daytime temperatures of 50 F or higher, while in the summertime, wet days average from none to one or two, and the mercury hovers around 85 F.

Cons: In the north, winter means rain about half the time, and temperatures run about 10 degrees cooler year-round than farther south. Shorelines can be extremely windy. When we lived in Esposende, we were painfully aware of why it’s a kite-surfing mecca. The same applies to going down the coast, to the surfing destination of Nazaré, where a record was recently set with a 100-foot wave. Farther south, when we lived northwest of Lisbon and six miles from the beach, we needed a back-up plan when entertaining outdoors. Gusts would carry paper plates, plastic cups, and the occasional small dog upward in true Wizard of Oz fashion.

Earthquakes. More common on the islands of the Azores, they do occasionally occur on the mainland. The Great Quake of 1755 devastated Lisbon, of course. But if you’ve lived in Southern California as I have, most likely you won’t find it an area of concern.

Cost of Living

Pros: Ex-pats typically find their expenses in Portugal run about one-third of what they were in the States. While the exchange rate is not as favorable as it was when we first moved here, we still live a comfortable, although not extravagant, lifestyle for about $2,500 a month. If you choose to live in Porto in the north, Lisbon, or in the ex-pat havens of Cascais or the Algarve, you probably want to bump that up to $3,000. You can, however, keep that lower figure simply by moving 20 minutes away from a city center. Enjoy urban amenities, then head back to the ‘burbs and lower rent.

Cons: Electricity, gasoline, automobiles, and large appliances like washers and dryers are more expensive here than in the U.S. Tolls on the autostrada add up, too.

Safety and Security

Pros: The Global Peace Index rates 163 nations and has named Portugal the third safest country in the world. Gun ownership is permitted only for hunters and sportsmen, not for personal protection. The locals are peaceable people who seek to avoid conflict and just live their lives with family and friends. And eat fish and drink wine, of course.

Cons: Petty crimes of opportunity, mostly in large cities, exist everywhere. Portugal is no exception.

Medical Care

Pros: Professional, public, and private healthcare are available in clinics and hospitals throughout Portugal. Private insurance averages $46 per person monthly. We pay $40 a year per person for insurance entitling us to half-price doctor visits, and either uses public healthcare or pay discounted prices in the private system. The cost per person for catastrophic insurance is $90 per month.

Cons: Scheduled for surgery in the public system? Be prepared to wait for months for availability.

Proximity to the U. S.

Pros: Portugal offers three international airports servicing many airlines. Plan ahead and you could snare a nonstop, seven-hour, roundtrip economy airfare from JFK to Lisbon for less than $700.

Cons: Everyone wants to visit. If they’re coming from any distance they’ll want to stay long enough to make the trip worthwhile, so be prepared. Also, have varied tourist itineraries under your belt so you don’t begin to feel you’re a resident of all the palaces and castles you’ll invariably be showing them.

Activities and Recreation

Pros: With half the country coastline, there’s ample opportunity to enjoy surfing, snorkeling, boating, wind-surfing, and more. Landlubbers may opt for golf, tennis, horseback riding, hiking, and biking, or exploring Roman ruins...

Not so much for the outdoors? Head to the country’s marvelous museums, like the Tile Museum in Lisbon, or go shopping on the pedestrian walkway, Rua Catarina, in Porto, and quaff a beverage at the Belle Époque Café Majestic.

Cons: Let me think… Sorry, nothing comes to mind.

7 Reasons Why You Should Consider Turkey

 

By Debra Buhring

If you’re looking for the quintessential Mediterranean lifestyle at a fraction of the price, look no further, Turkey checks all the boxes.

Whatever your heart desires, trans-continental Turkey, straddling southeastern Europe and western Asia, is guaranteed to please. It has cosmopolitan, vibrant cities, like its capital Istanbul. There are idyllic coastal Mediterranean villages, like Kaş, with pristine turquoise waters and multi-layered sunsets dotting the expansive coastline. Charming Aegean towns with deep blue waters, like Çeşme, and jet-setting yacht venues like Bodrum, complete with a stunning castle on the Mediterranean Sea, vie for sailors’ attention.

There are mountain ranges rising from all four directions, including the verdant green valleys of Olympus and the Taurus Mountains, offering endless hiking trails immersed in natural preserves. Fragrant lavender fields in Isparta, rival Provence, interspersed with rose and cherry blossom season.

History comes alive in Turkey with over a dozen UNESCO-recognized heritage sites, as well as UNESCO-designated cities of gastronomy, like Gaziantep (one of the oldest cities in the world), famous for its conglomeration of multi-cultural cuisines. That’s not to mention the world-renowned hospitality from the Turks, genuinely interested in sharing their beloved country with visitors.

Although Turkey is predominantly Muslim, it is a secular country, where religion and government are separated. In fact, Turkey has many Christian pilgrimage sites, including Ephesus, where the Virgin Mary spent her last years and where Saint Paul performed baptisms. A mosaic of civilizations and cultures, including the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, Turkey has something to intrigue everyone.

Interested in learning more about Turkey? Here are some of the top reasons you should consider it for your retirement destination.

1. Cost of Living

The exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Turkish lira makes it easy to retire here on your Social Security. Furnished, one-bedroom apartments in the center of coastal towns with panoramic Mediterranean Sea views can be found for $250 a month. Push your budget to $500 a month and you’ll get a three-bedroom property, that figure also includes most utilities.

When it comes to eating out, a filling dinner of shish kebabs, including rice, vegetables, and fries averages $6. A wealth of freshly prepared mezes, or starters, typically costing less than $2 each, can easily make a meal while exposing you to a wide array of new dishes. Meals here are often accompanied by complementary offerings, such as olives, bread, and classic Mediterranean dips, as part of the ingrained Turkish hospitality.

A daily trip to the produce store or the frequent farmers’ markets costs a few dollars. A liter of earthy green extra virgin olive oil costs about $3 and a dozen of the freshest free-range eggs less than $2.

Regional transportation is cheap with flights to destinations in Europe often costing less than $40 and hours-long bus trips $5, making exploration inexpensive. A full spa treatment, including a one-hour deep-tissue massage, and the full spa “hammam” experience, including a foaming cleanse and exfoliation, costs about $30, including tip. A haircut at a salon, including a glorious head massage, is about $5.

2. Ease of Residency

As a general rule, U.S. citizens can only stay in most European countries, as a group, for 90 days out of every 180-day period. In Turkey, however, one can obtain a renewable, one- or two-year residence permit relatively easily.

To obtain a residence permit, you submit an application online and provide evidence of lodging for the duration of the requested permit. If you’re staying in a rental, a notarized copy of the lease is required. Minimal health insurance is also required for the duration of the permit—mine cost $75 for the year. You must be able to show proof of sufficient funds to provide for yourself during the duration of your stay and obtain a tax number.

My original application and later renewal required me to attend an in-person interview but it was very straightforward and my renewal granting me a two-year extension took less than 10 minutes. I had to pay fees of just under $200 each time.

3. Natural Beauty

Turkey easily rivals any country for its sheer natural beauty, ranging from acres of unspoiled, verdant green mountains and valleys to miles of pristine coastline. The diverse topography and elevated plateaus provide stunning and unique vistas throughout the country.

Turkey is lapped by four seas—the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Seas, and the Sea of Marmara—and has mountain ranges paralleling the approximate 5,000 miles of coastline. The color contrasts among the crystal clear turquoise, jade, and sapphire-infused sea, the forest-blanketed emerald green valleys and mountains, and the stark white cliffs provide staggering beauty. The abundance of vegetation lends pops of color from silvery-green olive groves, ruby red pomegranate bushes, fields of lemon and orange trees, and carpets of sun-bronzed tomatoes.

4. History and Architecture

Turkey is referred to as the world’s largest museum—and with good reason. There is a treasure trove of sites for historical, architectural, and archaeological buffs, including many UNESCO world heritage sites. You can walk in the footsteps of mythological and factual characters, including Alexander the Great, Helen of Troy, and St. Nicholas (aka Santa Claus). Istanbul alone has a wealth of architectural wonders, including the grand and ornate “Blue Mosque” named for its blue tiles inside; Hagia Sofia and Topkapi Palace, the grandiose residence of sultans of the Ottoman Empire, complete with a harem.

The town of Ephesus has some of the best-preserved Greek and Roman ruins; there is the archaeological site of Troy, the supposed site of the Trojan Wars; and the fascinating fairytale-like village of Cappadocia with underground cities.

5. Climate

Turkey enjoys a temperate climate. It is a year-round destination with coastal towns bordering the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas enjoying hot summers and mild winters.

The western and southern coastal towns of Turkey enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate, averaging about 48 F in winter and 84 F in the summer. Istanbul and the coast around the Sea of Marmara have moderate climates averaging 39 F in the winter and 80 F in the summer. The interior of Turkey experiences cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers with temperatures generally cooler at night.

6. Cuisine

Turkish cuisine intrigues with its exotic offerings while representing the best of the Mediterranean diet, revered for its health benefits. Mainstays of the cuisine include grilled meats and seafood, a plethora of vegetables, lots of yogurt-based dishes, an array of health-promoting and delectable herbs and spices, dried fruits, and nuts, and extra virgin olive oil.

Some of my most memorable dining experiences in Turkey have been in the cosmopolitan capital of Istanbul. Two of my favorite places to eat (not only in Turkey but in the world), are Hamdi and Omar in the historical center of Sultanahmet.

Hamdi is conveniently located adjacent to the bustling spice bazaar and enjoys a spectacular panoramic view over the historical center, the Bosphorous Sea, and the Golden Horn from its rooftop floor with an outdoor terrace. Service here is attentive and fast-paced. The proprietor, Hamdi, started out selling kebabs in the 1960s from a street cart and ended up with one of the most-beloved Istanbul restaurants, attesting to the popularity of his shish kebabs. Although Hamdi is most famous for its kebabs, they also have an impressive array of “lahmacun”, a very thin-crust, cheeseless pizza, and I generally opt for one with perfectly-spiced minced lamb and chopped pistachios, completed with a drizzle of addictive, sticky, luscious pomegranate glaze.

This culinary artistic beauty is complete with a side of a spicy tomato salad, “acılı ezme” (a perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and acidic with fresh, finely-chopped tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil, the trademark spiciness provided by homemade hot red pepper paste), perfectly complemented by a cooling side of haydari (a garlicky yogurt-based dip with mint, olive oil, and lemon). Simple foodie perfection, characteristic of Mediterranean offerings.

Dining at Hamdi is particularly captivating at night with the Bosphorous Bridge colorfully illuminated, twinkling lights on the landmark buildings, and brilliant stars piercing the inky jet blue sky as the backdrop to this picture-perfect scene. Reservations are a must to secure terrace seating or indoor seating with a panoramic view.

Omar is a favorite not only for its consistently excellent traditional food but also for its breath-taking view from its rooftop terrace. The interior is decorated with a kaleidoscope of colored mosaic lamps cascading from the ceiling, creating an intimate glow and casting a rainbow of shadows along the walls. What really steals the show and my heart here, however, is the incomparable view of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, the stunning architectural wonder that is Hagia Sofia and the sprawling “Blue Mosque”. My most memorable visits have been in spring when there is a vibrant carpet of tulips (Turkey’s trademark flowers), between these two magnificent structures. The experience of enjoying front row seats overlooking the bustle of Istanbul’s famous square is enhanced if one is fortunate enough to hear the piercing, melodic call to prayer, a gentle reminder to pause and be grateful for one’s blessings, regardless of one’s religious affiliation or non-affiliation.

It never ceases to amaze me what a memorable evening I can have in this cosmopolitan touristic capital at such a value. Prices are generally comparable to other cities in Turkey, with mezes costing approximately $3 to $5 and entrees generally ranging between $10 to $15. Stunning vistas included.

7. Hospitality

Turks are justly revered for their hospitality. This is a country where tolerance and civility reign. It is the only Muslim country that is secular and the only country straddling both Europe and Asia. It is a meld of cultures, where differences are not only respected but also are what makes the country so diverse. Tourism is a huge part of the Turkish economy and foreigners are welcomed with open arms and appreciation.

There is something for everyone in Turkey. A Mediterranean lifestyle that dreams are made of can be yours too at an absolute bargain of a price.

How To Find Cheap Airfare To Mexico

Flying to Mexico is a nice idea, be it for vacation or to tour the country, a nation blessed with stunning landmarks and rich in ancient cultural heritage. Looking for the best airfare to Mexico deals? If yes, then you are at the right place. Finding cheap flights to Mexico is very essential, and you will get helpful tips in this post.

Getting cheap tickets from anywhere to Mexico can take some time, but we have made it easy for you. There are lots of travel sites where you can search for cheap airfare Mexico and book the best flight deals, such as Budget Travel inc. What should you consider when looking for cheap Mexico airfare deals?

Valuable Tips To Get The Best Airfare For Mexico

Depending on where you are flying in from, the time it takes to get to Mexico by plane varies. For example, flying from New York takes about 5 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes, while flying in from Dallas takes about 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours.

The price too varies and depends on where you are flying in from. For instance, flying in from Miami costs around $175, while the price is different when you are flying in from another destination like New York which costs about $672 round-trip.

When it comes to airline companies, there are several airlines that fly to Mexico, but from the US, the most popular ones are Interjet, Delta and Aeromexico. If you are in search of where to sleep or hotel options in Mexico’s international airport, then you don’t have to worry as there are options available and you can choose from the several options offered like sleep capsules found in Terminal 1 of the airport. Optionally, you can choose from two different hotels which are Hotel NH Collection or the Hilton Mexico City, both located in the airport itself.

As you plan visiting Mexico, avoid dying minute booking because they are usually expensive. In light of this, to get cheaper deals on airfare, always book in advance, possible three months before time. Is three months not realistic for you? then book nothing less than four weeks for the best deals at a cheaper rate.

Mexico is a very busy destination, with visitors flocking in mostly in the months of December and January. However, flying to Mexico is relatively cheap in the month of February.

There are several airports, but it is recommended that if you are booking flights to Mexico City use an airline that will fly into the international airport of Mexico City known as Benito Juarez International Airport. This airport is very busy, the largest and most popular airport of Mexico.

Finding Cheap Airfare To Mexico Deals

With numerous travel queries every day, getting the best airfare to Mexico can be difficult, but it shouldn’t be. There are several flight prices and options out there, and as stated earlier, it depends on where you are flying in from and also the time you book a flight.

Whatever your options are, whichever city you are flying in from, we have collected the best cheap airfare Mexico deals for you, book now!

Airfare | Alaska Cruise | Caribbean Cruise | Sports Tickets