SPRING break is not just an American phenomenon. Spring break is also a tradition in virtually all countries in the world including here in the Iberian Peninsula in mainland Europe, particularly Portugal. But high school and college students from other countries mostly come here in Portugal during spring rather than we go to their countries. High school and college students from Scandinavian countries as well as those in North America would love being in here in Portugal because it has a very temperate climate and more so during this season of spring where every flora in the country that you can think about is blossoming just like the ladies here who are very tender. In fact, a few people from the United States and Britain who have just retired but who are still bachelors have found their soulmates in the country.

The entry of 2008 was a precarious one as far as the United States economy is concerned. There is great possibility that their subprime mortgage crisis would escalate into a full recession that may have rippling effects even in Europe. Yet, Portuguese officials under the able leadership of Jose Socrates have remained bullish. The government is now building another international airport outside Lisbon to accommodate the growing number of tourists here who have burgeoned every day. For Portugal has that Axe effect. Remember those Axe commercials on television where guys are natural static clings to women? That is Portugal. It is a natural tourism magnet.

Speaking of television, a lot of countries such as Qatar, South Korea, Malaysia and Thailand are spending millions of dollars every year for tourism promotion alone. Portugal – although it has its own tourism slogan – has not invested much on this scheme because they know that through word of mouth alone, they can already snatch thousands of tourists every year to come to their country. South Korea is too cold while Qatar, Malaysia and Thailand are too hot. Portugal can certainly outdo those countries when it comes to weather alone. There are no unpredictable torrential rains here as what they have experienced in England or the tropical countries so when you go out sailing in the Mediterranean coastlines such as Praia da Luz, you will know the weather forecast five days ahead. And the weather guys are darn precise about their stuff. So get to your agencia de viajes and come here in Portugal during this spring time and have a break.