Moving to Portugal: Top Five Cities to Live in Portugal

Portugal is one of the most beautiful countries for summer holidays. Increasingly more people are moving here to start a new life, find work, or retire. Despite its small size, this country rewards visitors at every step. From golden beaches and amazing landscape to picturesque villages and architectural masterpieces, Portugal has something for everyone. Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Viseu, and the Algarve are some of the best places to live in Portugal.

Lisbon

A recent study ranked Lisbon in 41st place of world cities with best quality of living. Portugal's largest city ranks above Madrid, Rome and other emblematic capitals. With a population of 547,631, Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal and the ninth most populous urban area in the European Union. This city gas two sites classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site: Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Baroque, Gothic, Romanesque, and Modern constructions can be found all over Lisbon.

Viseu

A survey carried by Deco Proteste (a national magazine) has shown that Viseu is the best city to live in Portugal. The study has bee conducted on over 3,000 people in 21 different cities. Respondents said that Viseu offers the best safety facilities and employment opportunities in the country. It also provides excellent public transportation and nice neighborhoods to live in. This city has undergone a considerable economic growth, especially in education, trade, industry and telecommunications.

The Algarve

The Algarve region is considered to be the center of Portugal's tourist industry. With a total area if 5,412 square kilometers, this region relies on tourism and related activities. It is the third richest region in the country, with a GDP per capita of 86 percent of the European Union Average. Those who want to move here can choose from several cities, towns, and villages, including Faro, Lagoa, Albufeira, Tavira, Silves, and Portimao.

Porto

With over 237,584 inhabits, Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. Many of the largest corporations from diverse economic sectors are headquartered in the municipalities of Porto, Mais, Vila Nova de Gaia, and Matosinhos. Porto gained its place as a city of culture, science, work, and leisure. In 2001, this city was named the European Capital of Culture.

Évora

According to a yearly survey, Évora was ranked number two in the Portuguese most livable cities. The many historic buildings and monuments constructed by major artists now testify to the city's lively cultural and artistic heritage. Its historical centre has more than 4,000 buildings in various architectural styles.

Moving to Portugal is a major decision, so you need to do proper research and find a city that suits your lifestyle. If you want to learn more about Portugal and its culture, check out this expat blog.

Travel Photography Guide to Australia - Hobart: Where History and Nature Meet

Tasmania is Australia's smallest state and is a great travel destination featuring many outstanding photography locations. Nowhere else in Australia offers such a rewarding variety of scenic landscapes in such a compact and convenient to visit area as the island state of Tasmania. From the beautiful blue seas and calm, inviting beaches on the east coast; rugged mountains and dark, mesmerizing rainforest of the west; and the historic buildings and towns which dot the countryside, there are many rich rewards awaiting the traveling photographer.

The island is compact enough that you need not drive more than around two hours before encountering a new and rewarding destination to explore, meaning that your time in Tasmania does not need to be taken up with hours and hours in your car. You will no doubt start your trip at one of the major cities - Hobart or Launceston (accessed by air), or Devonport (most commonly accessed by sea, onboard the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne). Below I'll introduce you to some locations to include in your visit to the capital city, Hobart.

Hobart is the largest city of Tasmania, and home to many historic buildings dating from Tasmania's colonial history. Most of the buildings you see are made from sandstone, and the softness of this stone has allowed intricate detail to be carved into the building blocks. Take a walk around the city centre, the waterfront (including Hunter St -- great coffee, galleries and restaurants) and Salamanca (where Australia's largest outdoor market is held every Saturday from 8:00am to 3:00pm). The beautiful streetscapes of Battery Point feature quaint coffee shops and bakeries which also worthy of some time set aside in your travel photography itinerary. Photographing these old buildings when they are lit up at night gives great atmospheric shots of a well preserved historic city centre. And best of all, all these areas are within a comfortable walking distance from the Waterfront hotels.

Arriving in Hobart you are greeted by Mt Wellington rising on the western horizon, with the River Derwent in front. The Tasman bridge links the eastern shore (where the Airport is located) to the western shore (where the CBD is). A drive up the mountain is a must, and takes approx 30 minutes from the city centre. Basically you follow Davey St up, up and up; and you will see the turn off to the top just before you reach the shop and tavern at Fern Tree.

On a clear day the views are magnificent, and the rugged mountain peaks of south west Tasmania spread out on one side, while the panoramic views over Hobart and the River Derwent are unforgettable. Be aware that the peak is 1270m above sea level, and it is safe to assume that the summit will be approx 10 degrees cooler than central Hobart. The winds can be fierce too, so if you are spending a few days in Hobart, then check the forecast before heading up. Being located a long way south, the temperature is quite cool compared to the Australian mainland.

For some interesting photographic rewards, try any of the following (and remember -- even though you might be on holiday, sunrises and sunsets over Hobart can be incredibly rewarding, owing to the hilly landscape, waterways and rocky foreshores).

Bellerieve foreshore -- great Hobart skyline and sunset/sunrise colour over Mt Wellington are best viewed from here. Stop in Bellerieve Village for dinner or a drink, then follow the road through town to the foreshore.

Mt Wellington -- the views from the top are an obvious attraction on a clear day, but don't despair if the mountain is covered in cloud on your only day in town. The alpine snow gums and dolerite boulder fields make excellent subjects for nature photos with their own beauty which is highlighted when the long distance views are impossible.

Great views of the Tasman Bridge can be found in Lindisfarne, if you turn left at your first opportunity after crossing the bridge, head down to the water, and turn left again. The bridge looms close here and is a great photo opportunity particularly when lit up at night.

Clifton Beach -- slightly out of town, past Lauderdale, is this great surf beach covered in colourful shells and book-ended by dramatic sandstone sea cliffs. Faces east so is very suitable for photographing sunrises. Clifton Beach is approximately 30 minutes drive from central Hobart.

This is obviously just a taste of what to look for during your stay in Hobart, but it should be a good start towards you achieving some unique images of the well known scenic and historical photographic locations of Tasmania.

Luke O'Brien is a professional photographer specializing in nature photos and is based in Hobart in Tasmania, Australia.

Be sure to follow Luke's photographic travels on his landscape photography blog which also features a stunning portfolio of his best work and prints are available for purchase online or from his Hobart photo gallery.

Feel-Good Travel Trends For the Fun, Savvy Traveler

Want a quick snapshot of the current travel trend landscape? Well, I didn't figure you'd be much into stodgy facts, figures, and industry profits. Don't you really just want to know what new things people are doing related to travel? I thought so. Well, the travel train ain't slowing down; on the contrary, though the economy has slumped the travel industry has barely skipped a beat. Go figure. Anyway, check out these little tidbits I found. Let them give you the idea for your next vast dream odyssey to go where few have gone before...! Sorry, I got a little carried away for a moment.

Vintage Train Journeys

People are warming up again to the coziness of long train treks through marvelous scenery. The Rhinegold Express and the Mahajaras Express are two of the most popular trains. The sleek classics include deluxe dining cars, glass-domed observation cars, and even sleeping quarters as they wind their way through both quaint villages and cosmopolitan areas. Though not a bed and board train, the U.S. recently earmarked $8 billion toward a high speed train in Florida.

River Cruising

River cruising is growing in popularity as more people learn of its availability. One can board a more modern boat and cruise the Rhine or the Volga. Or one can go tropical and float down the Mekong River where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. Many prefer river cruising to oceanic.

Red hot Destinations

Popular newer destinations include the Estancia Vik, Playa Vic, and Arbol Casaloft in Uruguay. Hotel Le Cordiere or StarHotel's Savoia Excelsior Palace in the northern Italian port city, Trieste, are both wonderful. The city of Hangzhou, southwest of Shanghai, is an ancient city boasting quiet pagodas and Buddhist temples. The area is drawing some excited visitors. The Banyan Tree recently opened 72 waterfront sites there. Some are also opting for more serene waterfront hotels and B & Bs, avoiding the crazies or "party hearty" crowd.

Finding the Superior or the Unusual

Instead of cheap trinkets or commercialized junk, more people are purchasing the unusual, the exotic, the sentimental, or things the nationals value and use. Perhaps this interest has been sparked partly by the growing popularity of "Online Trunk Shows." These shows promote quaint or rare products that may inspire wanderlust in viewers.

Social Network Travelers

Travel websites are growing. People are flocking to the internet to book travel or gain advice from travelers of forums and blogs. They can even find directions to locations when they arrive at locations in another country. Speaking of learning stuff, maybe, in spite of TV/movies, reading is coming back into vogue. Book shows and festivals are becoming increasingly popular. Two huge ones in widely disparate locations are in California this year and in South Asia.

SkyNannies

Gulf Air airline now offers on board baby sitting. So if you dread entertaining your kids for seven hours, just pay a skynanny to do it for you.

Bigger Showers/Smaller tubs

Many hotels have decided that most patrons don't take baths in their sometimes-cramped tubs. So they're beginning to build deluxe, spacious double showers and dispensing with the whole tub idea.

Underground Supper Clubs

More than ever, there are exclusive supper clubs worldwide in which members can indulge in dinners by the very top chefs. Another interesting tidbit: younger French chefs are finding new freedom in culinary self-expression which could revamp aspects of French cuisine. Check it out.

Virtual Travel

Crytpo-Historical video games such as Assassin's Creed are astoundingly realistic. The creators spent millions reproducing extremely detailed and authentic simulations of Florence and Venice, Italy in the 15th Century. Travelers who have played the game and later visited the locales are caught by surprise at the similarities between the cities and the game backgrounds and landscapes.

So what's holding you back from experiencing one of the fabulous, hip trends above. There's got to be at least one that caught your fancy. After all, you are one of the trend-setters, aren't you? Yep, I thought so.

The author, Debra Fortosis, is a travel agent. She owns a travel business named MnD Getaways and she loves helping people book travel. She will even help individuals set up their own travel business for a tiny fraction of what might be expected.

Check out her state-of-the-art website: [http://www.mndgetaways.com].

One group she caters to is baby boomers. Her baby boomer travel site is: [http://www.babyboomertravelwhiz.com].

Enjoy Your Holiday in the Water City of Venice

One of the prettiest and most beautiful cities in Italy has to be Venice. With its beautiful canals, rich history and culture, and architectural marvels, the city promises a unique and memorable holiday. This is the only city in the world that is labeled as a pedestrian city. People can walk around the city and explore its treasures; and if walking is too tiring, there are ample water buses and taxis that can take you from one part of the city to the other.

As the flights to Venice approach the airport, visitors get their first view of the canals intersecting the city's landscape. This view is more than enough to assure people that they made the right choice in choosing their holiday destination.

According to historians, the city came about during the fifth century, when people living near the sea use to hide in islands and swamplands to get away from ravaging nomadic tribes from Asia. This laid the foundation for the city and today, it is one of the most visited cities in Italy. Of course, its attractions further enhance the holiday experience.

People traveling on cheap tickets to Venice will get an opportunity to see and climb the Rialto Bridge. On either side of the bridge are flea markets and shops that are worth visiting. However, the bridge itself is extremely popular sight in the city that visitors should see and experience.

Another popular tourist attraction in the city is the St. Mark's Basilica. The basilica has museums that are worth checking out, but the architecture of the building is also a huge attraction with visitors. The square where the basilica is located is also worth spending a few moments at. Just next to the basilica is the Doge's Palace, which will teach you a lot about the history of this beautiful city.

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city, head to Burano Island. Here you will not find many visitors and hence, it an excellent place to relax. You can take a long stroll through the vibrantly colored buildings on the island.

When you come on cheap flights to Venice, you just have to make time to ride the gondolas on the Grand Canal. This is a unique experience and one that you will never forget. As the gondola makes its way through the canal, you will catch glimpses of the several palaces dotting the city and cafes that line the streets.

History buffs will enjoy a trip to Ca Rezzonico, which is a three-story museum. Here you can see beautiful furniture, paintings and carvings. However, make sure you do not carry your camera inside, as photography within the museum is forbidden.

Shopaholics will enjoy their holiday in the city, as it offers one of the best shopping experiences in the world. You can pick up designer clothes, furniture, computer accessories, antiques and local products. Some of the best shopping streets in the city include Mercerie, Calle dei Fabbri, Rialto area and Piazza San Marco.

A visit to this city is a must at least once in your lifetime. You can check the deals offered by Air France, British Airways, Air Canada and US Airways to see if you can get flight tickets for cheap. You can also check out low cost carriers to get low fares to reach this beautiful and wonderful city.

Jhonson Peterson is an associate editor with Farebuzz.com. The website offers exclusive information related to Cheap Tickets and Cheap Flights to Venice.

Romania's Top Ten Cities to See and Enjoy

Romania is a country in Europe. Although it was not a major tourist destination before the 1990s, now, it has opened itself up to people who would love to see historical places as well as beautiful sceneries. Here are top ten cities in Romania that a visitor should visit.

1.) Bucharest City

In Bucharest, you can visit Romania's famous museums like the Village Museum and the Museum of the Romanian Peasant as well as Curtea Veche Museum. A lovely walk along the Old City is also a must for any visitor. Likewise, visiting the many churches here as well as monasteries should also be included.

2.) Brasov City in Transylvania

This city has a lot of beautiful places and buildings to see, among them is the Old Town where you will find the Black Church as well as the Piata Sfatilui or Council Square. There are also museums here as well as the infamous Bran Castle, known to be Dracula's Castle. There are great places to ski here in Brasov also.

3.) Sibiu City of Transylvania

There is an old town here that you can visit if you want a taste of history as well as culture. Likewise, there is also the Citadel of Sibiu and the Huet Square for you to see. You can also see many fortified churches during the Medieval Period that are still standing.

4.) Sighisoara City

For a culture-high, this city is a must-visit as well. Here, you will surely enjoy the sights of the Sighisoara Citadel. You can also visit its Weapon Museum, which houses a lot of medieval weaponry.

5.) Cluj-Napoca City

So far, this is the most popular city in Romania and is the capital of Transylvania. As such, there are a lot of places to see here like the many museums such as the National Art Museum ad the National Museum of the History of Transylvania. Or you can always visit its parks like the Botanical Garden as well as Central Park.

6.) Constanta City

This city is home to many museums such as the National Museum of History and Archeology, which houses artifacts dating from the Greek and Roman eras. You can also find here the Statue of Ovid. If you want more of nature, then this is a great place to sunbath in its beaches or walk in its parks.

7.) Lasi City

The Place of Culture can be found in Lasi City, which is also another tourist destination if you want to know more about the culture and history of Romania. There are also several churches like the Trei Lerarhi Church as well as the Metropolitan Church. You can also take a relaxing stroll or a nice rest in the city's Botanical Garden.

8.) Suceava City

The main tourist destination here is the Suceava Fortress. This ancient fortress was erected during the 14th and 15th century and was made more impressive by Stephen the Great. As such, this was never overpowered by attackers.

9.) Timisoara City

This is a wonderful city to visit as it has the Opera Square or the Piata where you will also get to enjoy the wonderful sight of the Roman Orthodox Cathedral as well as get to see majestic palaces of the rich Romanians. In this city, you will surely love a walk in its parks. You can also visit the Union Square or the Piata Unirii where you will get to see historical buildings like the Catholic Dome and the Baroque Palace, etc.

10.) Gura Humorului

This is not in par with the other cities but still a good place to visit nonetheless. Along the way to Gura Humorului, do not forget to drop by Bucovina to see the Painted Monasteries. You can also go to Voronet where you and your loved one will surely enjoy a leisurely walk where the landscape is a great sight to behold.

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos [http://www.destinationguide.tv]. Visit [http://www.destinationguide.tv/romania] to view or share Romania travel videos [http://www.destinationguide.tv/romania].

A Short Tour Of Art Cities Of Tuscany - Discovering European Art History

Like hardly any other region of Italy, Tuscany unites art, nature and culture. Numerous art
treasures, beautiful landscapes and the famous Tuscan cuisine await discovery and make this
region of Italy one of the most popular destinations for relaxation seeking tourists and art lovers. Cities such as Florence, San Gimignano and Pisa with their breathtaking Italian Medieval and Renaissance architecture attract travellers interested in European cultural assets and heritage.

Siena is called one of the most beautiful cities of Italy. It is famous for the "Palio", a traditional horse race at the "Piazza del Campo" in the heart of the city which takes place two times a year.

Florence is the capital and fashion metropolis of Tuscany. Tourist should allow extra time if
they want to visit all attractions. Besides the known sights such as Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi
gallery and Palazzo Pitti Florence also has many museums for the culturally interested traveller.

The Medieval city of Lucca with its long Renaissance city wall invites to strolling through the
twisted alleys of the picturesque historical old town and relaxing in one of the numerous cafes,
bars or restaurants afterwards.

The small town of Montepulciano served as film location for several celebrated movies such
"A Midsummer Night's Dream", "Heaven" and "The English Patient". Furthermore, Montepul-
ciano is world-renowned for its wine which is produced from the grape sort of the same name.
The history of the town reaches back to prehistoric times, but the Etruscans are regarded as
the actual founders of the city. In the Middle Age, Montepulciano became the pawn of the city states of Florence and Siena. Finally, Florence annexed not only Montepulciano but also its protecting power Siena. The town has largely preserved its historical city centre and its Medieval character. Most of the houses in the historical old town are built in Italian Renaissance style
which is so typical for Tuscany.

Located at an altitude of 324 metres above sea level and dominating the Val d'Elsa, the city of
San Gimignano has retained its unique Medieval appearance. Most of its architecture dates back
to the 13th Century when it was an important trading post along the Via Francigena. Outlining
the characteristic skyline of San Gimignano to the present day, the numerous tall towers were
a symbol of the merchants´ wealth and testified the city´s prosperity in the Middle Ages. Gothic
city gates lead to the historical old town where the visitor finds himself in a labyrinth of streets, twisted alleys, outside staircases, churches, tower houses and villas. The picturesque "Piazza
della Cisterna" is a further worthwhile sight of the city. Besides the famous Vernaccia (amber-colored wine from different regions of Italy), the typical Tuscan craftsmanship can also be found
in San Gimignano. Travellers shouldn´t miss the oppor-tunity to purchase high-class pottery or leather goods.

Due to its central location, San Gimignano is a good starting point for excursions to destinations
in the near surroundings. Siena and Volterra are a 30 minutes drive away, Florenz, Pisa, Montepul-ciano, Montecatini and the sea are an hour´s drive away.

Further Medieval cities such as Massa Marittima and Pitigliano are also worthwhile day trip destinations.

The city of Massa Carrara is famous for its marble. Travellers should visit Cave di Marmor (the caves where marble is excavated) and do a sightseeing tour of the special kind.

Written by: Markus Mross. To learn more on Tuscany villas, please visit http://www.interdomizil.com/italy-villas/villa-tuscany.htm.

Travel Tips - Backpacking Through Delhi, India

Delhi comes with touts, human traffic and an assortment of strong scents and energy. But the first impression leads only to a powerful gateway to the multifaceted metropolis.

If you look beyond the urban city landscape you'll fall in love with the urban melting pot. Even the language is multi lingual - Hindi, English, Punjabi and Urdu.

Delhi has two phases the old and the new each with different experiences.

Big New Delhi was built as by the British as the imperial capital. Meanwhile, Old Delhi has the history and the drama of the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and bazaars.

Delhi is also having a cultural food evolution. Hungry travellers can feast on everything here from cheese rhotis. Mughali curries and Southern Indian food.

Highlights of Delhi:

Red Fort - A testament to the Mughals

Humayun's tomb and Gandhi Smriti - Awesome museums

Jama Masjid - The great mosque

Qutb Masjid - The victory tower

Shopping in Bazaars

How To Get There:

Take trains via major cities like Mumbai, Jaipur. Reserve your seats at cleartrip.com

Fly here from Mumbair for US120 roundtrip

Food:

Some of the places worth visiting are:

• Berco's and Fa Yian, for Chinese food
• Karim's and Nizam's, for Mughlai food
• Nirula's for a mix of Indian and western fast food
• Sagar, in Defence Colony for Udipi food
• English Dairy, a popular dhaba in Connaught Place for inexpensive vegetarian food

Dont forget to go to Taj Mahal! It's only four hours away from Delhi via train.

Bring a camera to see beautiful India! Check digital camera review

Abby
http://www.camera.co.uk/